Nalanda Open University Course Admission 2026: Dates, Fees, Eligibility, Application Process, Selection Criteria

Nalanda, BiharOpen UniversityEstd 1987
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Swamini Kushwaha

Content Writer | Updated on - May 6, 2026

Nalanda Open University Latest Updates and News

18 May, 2026 Bihar B.Ed CET 2026 registration is open till May 21, 2026 (with a late fee). Exam on June 7, 2026.

NOU admission is conducted once a year for the July session. It offers more than 50 courses across UG, PG, diploma, certificate, and PhD degrees through distance and online learning. Admission to the July session at Nalanda Open University is expected to begin in May 2026.

  • Mode of Admission: Merit-based & Entrance-based (depending on course).
  • Entrance Exam Accepted: Bihar B.Ed CET
    • NOU MCA CET
  • Application Fee: Application Fee for UG and PG courses is INR 500
  • Popular Program: B.Ed. is the most popular course.
    • Admission is taken through the Bihar B.Ed CET exam.

Nalanda Open University admission for the 2026 session is expected to be released in May 2026. Candidates must submit their application forms online before the last date @ nou.ac.in./

NOU Important Dates

Nalanda Open University offers admission once a year. Admission is conducted directly through the NOU admission portal. However, for B.Ed and MCA courses, entrance exams are conducted. Below are the dates for admission to NOU:

Events Tentative Dates
Application Starts May 2026
Last Date to Apply August 2026
NOU MCA CET Exam August 2026
Publication of Merit List September 2026
Counselling Begins September 2026

Source: NOU Admission 

Bihar B.Ed CET Important Dates

For admission to the B.Ed program at Nalanda Open University, students have to qualify for the Bihar B.Ed CET exam. Here is the important information for registration and exam for Bihar B.Ed CET:

Events Tentative Dates
Application Starts April 27, 2026
Last Date to Apply May 18, 2026
Last Date to Apply with a penalty May 21, 2026
Correction window May 22, 2026 – May 23, 2026
Release of Admit Card June 1, 2026
Date of Examination June 7, 2026
Date of Result June 19, 2026

Here’s what Aazad Kumar Singh has to say about the college.

Aazad Kumar Singh has given a positive assessment of Nalanda Open University, highlighting its neat campus, decent facilities, and more than helpful faculty. As for the history course, he deemed it helpful for a government vocation, referencing the sufficient detail on events that would prepare students for duties. Overall, his experience was a positive one, citing as well that the only downside was the fact that failed subjects must be taken the next year. Read More.

NOU Admission 2026

Nalanda Open University provides UG, PG, diploma, certificate and PhD degrees in various fields through open and distance learning. It provides admission every year for the July session and enables students from all over Bihar and other places to enrol in their desired courses of study with flexibility.

Admission Procedure

  • Mode of Admission: The admission is based on merit or merit-based admission for 2026. Some limited programs like B.Ed. are based on the basis of entrance.
  • Session: July (annual entry)
  • Application mode: Online only (only applicable for the admission session) on the official course website - www.nou.ac.in
  • Application Portal: ums.nou.ac.in
  • Registration Fee: Ranges from INR 300 (estimate) and varies (in terms of amount and fee) for each course.

Selection Criteria

  • Admission to UG, PG, diploma, and certificate programs is offered on a merit basis.
  • Marks from the qualifying exam are used as a selection criterion.
  • Admission for students selected after form submission and verification of documents will be done upon payment of the course fee.

How to Apply?

The application process for NOU can be followed below:

  • Visit the official website of NOU @ nou.ac.in.
  • Click on the "Admissions" tab on the homepage.
  • Select the program you want to apply for.
  • Fill the online application form with the required personal and educational details.
  • Upload required documents (e.g., marksheet, passport-size photo, signature, etc.).
  • Pay the application fee through online payment methods.
  • Submit the completed application form.
  • Keep a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.

Know More About NOU Admission

Ques. Can I apply offline for NOU admission?

Ans. No, you cannot apply offline for NOU. The entire admission process, from filling out the admission form to counselling, is conducted through an online process. To apply, students have to visit the admission portal of the university.

Ques. What are the documents required for admission at NOU?

Ans. Here is the list of documents required for admission to NOU:

  • Recent passport-sized photo
  • Scanned signature
  • Class 10 & 12 marksheets
  • Graduation/ degree marksheet
  • Transfer/Migration Certificate
  • Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID)
  • Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Disability or domicile certificate (if applicable)
  • Entrance Test Hall Ticket/Rank Card (for B.Ed and MCA programs)

NOU Admission Process To Entrance-Based Courses

Admission to NOU courses, such as B.Ed and MCA, is conducted through an entrance exam. Here are the details of the courses:

Course Name Eligibility Criteria Selection Criteria
MCA Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 50% marks NOU MCA CET Exam + Counselling
B.Ed Bachelor's degree with 50% marks in aggregate Bihar B.Ed CET + Counselling

NOU Admission Status 2026

Once the admission process has been completed, students visit the Nalanda Open University Website to check their admission status and further details about the counselling process. 

  • The application window for UG, PG, Diploma & Certificate programs will open soon.
  • The last date reported is August 2026 for many courses.
  • The application has to be completely online through the official portal.

How to Check NOU Admission Status?

Here are the steps to verify your admission status for Nalanda Open University:

  • Navigate to the Application Status page
  • Fill in your Mobile Number and the Course from the dropdown options.
  • Click Search/Submit to find your application status
  • Or you can log in to the student portal
  • If you still have issues, kindly contact the NOU Admission Helpdesk

Nalanda Open University Re-Registration Process 2026

Nalanda Open University permits learners to re-register as students for the next year or semester, which would allow them to transition smoothly into the program's next phase. This allows current students to preserve their student status while obtaining updated course material and permission to sit the next round of examinations.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

  • Only current students (UG, PG, Diploma, or Certificate) who passed the previous year or semester.

Mode of Application

  • Online through the official university website @ nou.ac.in. or directly through the Student Portal

Steps to Apply

  • Visit the official NOU website, find the Student Login / Re-Registration area
  • Enter your Enrollment Number and password
  • Select the course and semester for re-registration
  • Confirm your details and make the payment for re-registration.
  • Submit the application and download the form as proof.

Fee payment methods

  • Fees can be paid via debit card, credit card, UPI or net banking. The re-registration fee is dependent on the course.

Session

  • Sessions will be completed every year for the July session (Keep an eye on the website).

Confirmation

  • Students will be able to check the status of their re-registration on the NOU portal - “Check Application / Admission Status.”

Nalanda Open University Admission FAQs

Ques. Is the admission process at Nalanda Open University based on academic merit, or will I have to take an entrance exam?

Ans. Most admission processes at Nalanda Open University are merit-based, and you will be admitted based on your prior academic qualifications (marks from your 10+2 or graduation). The only exception is for admission to the B.Ed program, which requires qualifying for the Bihar B.Ed CET (Common Entrance Test). The merit for B.Ed is prepared by the state authorities with the university. Most programs like MA, M.Sc, or MCA do not require an entrance exam, and direct admission occurs based on eligibility and seats available.

Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for different levels of Nalanda Open University courses?

Ans. For UG Courses: Students must have passed the 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent from a recognised board. For PG Courses: Candidates are required to have completed at least a bachelor’s degree relevant to the course. For Diploma/Certificate Courses: The eligibility will depend on the type of course and whether they qualify with the 10th or 12th class.

Ques. How to check admission status after submitting admission form to Nalanda Open University?

Ans. After you submit your form and documents to Nalanda Open University, the admitted student can go to the official Nalanda Open University website and click on the " Check Admission Status " tab. With the student's registration number and date of birth written down, the admitted student can begin to check their admission status as to whether or not their admission has been accepted, their admission status is trying to be determined (pending), or that the admission status may require further documents to be submitted. Once the admission status has been stated, the student whose admission was confirmed for the program can download the Admission Confirmation Slip, which is all that is required to verify the student's admission status for future activities such as assignment submission or exams.

Important Updates

Nalanda Open University Upcoming Important Dates 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Online Application Form - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Ongoing
Apr 27, 2026 - May 18, 2026
Online Application Form with Late Fine - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Upcoming
May 19, 2026 - May 21, 2026
Editing in Forms & Payment - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Upcoming
May 22, 2026 - May 23, 2026
Issue of Admit Card - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Upcoming
Jun 01, 2026
Entrance Test - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Jun 07, 2026
Display of Answer Key - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Jun 08, 2026
Invitation for Objection with Proof - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Jun 09, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026
Declaration of Result - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Jun 19, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Online Application Form - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Ongoing
Apr 27, 2026 - May 18, 2026
Online Application Form with Late Fine - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Upcoming
May 19, 2026 - May 21, 2026
Editing in Forms & Payment - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Upcoming
May 22, 2026 - May 23, 2026
Issue of Admit Card - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Upcoming
Jun 01, 2026
Entrance Test - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Jun 07, 2026
Display of Answer Key - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Jun 08, 2026
Invitation for Objection with Proof - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Jun 09, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026
Declaration of Result - Bihar CET B.Ed 2026 [B.Ed]
Jun 19, 2026

Expired Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [B.Com]
Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
Admission Timeline [B.Sc]
Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
Admission Timeline [BA]
Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026

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Why To Join Nalanda Open University - Reviews & Rating

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3(20%)
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1(10%)

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Faculty
4.3
Infrastructure
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Hridesh kumar
Hridesh kumar
5.0Helpful
Reviewed on Nov 26, 2025(Enrolled 2020)

Admission:

I choose this college because it offered a better combination of affordable fees. Good faculty. And balanced course STRACUTURE compared to the other colleges i applied to m while some colleges had higher reputations their fees were too expensive and the student teacher ratio was poor. In mt chosen colleges. The campus environment placement support. And practical learnings
...Read More
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0
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SABA JABEEN
SABA JABEEN
4.0
Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024(Enrolled 2021)

Admission:

I chose this college because they provide direct admission no need of appearing for entrance exam here.The fees is also very minimum that's why everyone can afford this and I applied for other colleges but I didn't make it because there is merit based admission but this college take direct admission.
...Read More
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Aazad kumar SINGH
Aazad kumar SINGH
4.0Helpful
Reviewed on Aug 31, 2024(Enrolled 2021)

Student Snaps:

Admission:

I also applied in Patna University i got on the merit list but due the reservations my seat was given to soome sc/st category student not only mine but others also . So i didn't have a choice and i got to know about nalanda open University and i was like it is the best I don't have to attend the classes and worry about my attendance and i can prepare for the government exams ao i applied in it and it is going well. There is not much of eligibility criteria in my college anyone can take admission grades won't affect your admission so be relieved there is nothing like criteria for admission you can take admission in any course you want no matter what your grade is, i think the most preferred course here is BA and the subjects are history and political science because these have the most students in their department
...Read More
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0
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Zeenat parveen
Zeenat parveen
5.0
MA, Education
Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024(Enrolled 2023)

Admission:

Addmission form will be on online and after filling the admission form and complete your payment process then it's very easy to print and go for verification in University after that University give admit card and Books Assignment also
...Read More
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0
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Anshu Raj
3.9Helpful
B.Sc {Hons.}, Mathematics
Reviewed on Jun 8, 2024(Enrolled 2020)

Student Snaps:

Admission:

Admission process is too easy. Only in 12th marks basis I think above 50%. We can find application form, fee and other details on its website or at office. Exam are taken regularly but after pandemic it little bit late and difficulty is moderate.
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Suraj kumar
5.0Helpful
Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024(Enrolled 2021)

Student Snaps:

Admission:

Eligiblity of bca is class 12 pass with math. Application fess 8000 rs per year. Timing of exam is every year march Dificulty level is normal. All are good process and and all department are good and also teacher behaviour is good
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0
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Anonymous
2.2
Reviewed on Aug 13, 2023(Enrolled 2019)

Admission:

The admission process was pretty easy as compared to other universities, as there is no such process of entrance test, you just need to have a 50% or above mark in your previous exams. They will provide all the studying material after the completion of the admission procedure. But the only hassle I felt was making bank drafts for admission fees. That takes a lot of time, and it may lead to delaying other procedures which might sometimes take one or two days delays because of bank holidays, etc. The good thing is that although it was a distance learning college it also gives counseling classes to students before the examination to clear all the doubts and queries students have either in any subject or anything regarding the examination.
...Read More
1
0
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Anonymous
2.2
MA, Geography
Reviewed on May 5, 2023(Enrolled 2019)

Admission:

Eligibility was B.A(Hons) with 55 percent marks. The application form is available offline and online both. Reservation benefit is available to all girls and reserved category boys. The offline Admission process is very lengthy and complicated so always opt for online admission. The online process is very smooth and efficient. There is scope for correction in the offline process with proper management.
...Read More
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1
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RITIK RAJ
3.7
B.Sc {Hons.}, Physics
Reviewed on Mar 9, 2023(Enrolled 2020)

Admission:

I took admitted in 2020. Due to covid-19 pandemic, admission was started in the first week of September. The University provides both online as well as offline admissions. I took admission through an online process and it is very easy to take admission here. The application form is easily available on its official site and offline forms can be collected from its office
...Read More
2
0
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Komal Kumari
3.8
MCA
Reviewed on Aug 9, 2021(Enrolled 2013)

Admission:

Any eligible person can apply for the course of one of his choice offered by the university. The admission form and prospectus may be obtained through demand draft by paying 4500. Step 1 Form filling Step 2 Making DD for payment Step 3 Submitting all documents Step 4 collecting Admit Card Step 5 collecting books
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