![Netaji Subhas Open University - [NSOU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/148491893826010l.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) was established in 1997 by the Government of West Bengal and is a state-level open university based in Kolkata. The university is recognised by UGC and has been accredited with an A grade by NAAC. NSOU offers open and distance learning programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in arts, science, commerce, education, and other disciplines. It functions through 120+ study centres across West Bengal and serves an enrolment of around 2.5 lakh students.
- Official Website: www.wbnsou.ac.in
- Basis of Admission: Merit-based
- Mode of Registration: Online
- Popular Courses and Fees: BA: INR 9,900 (total) , MA: INR 7,600 (total)
- Application Timeline: July - September
NSOU Important Dates 2026
Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) accepts national-level eligibility examinations for admission to its PhD and MPhil programmes. For the 2025 cycle, candidates are required to qualify the UGC NET December 2025 examination, as notified by the respective conducting authority.
| Important Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| UGC NET December 2025 Exam | December 31, 2025 – January 07, 2026 |
NSOU Important Dates FAQs
Ques. When are admissions usually conducted at Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU)?
Ans. Netaji Subhas Open University generally conducts admissions twice a year. The July session admissions start around June–July, while the January session begins in December–January, depending on the program and UGC guidelines.
Ques. What is the expected last date to apply for NSOU admissions?
Ans. The application deadline is usually one to one-and-a-half months after the admission window opens. However, NSOU may extend the last date, so candidates are advised to track official notifications.
Ques. Does NSOU follow the same admission dates for all courses?
Ans. No, admission dates can vary across UG, PG, diploma, and certificate programs. Some professional or semester-based courses may follow a slightly different timeline.
NSOU Courses and Fees 2026
Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, diploma, and research programmes through open and distance learning. The university follows a merit-based admission system, and most courses are offered on a self-paced, distance learning model. The programme fees are generally one-time payments for the entire duration. Details of NSOU Courses and Fees 2025 are tabulated below.
| Course | Course Details | Programme Fee (Total, One-Time) |
|---|---|---|
| BA | Duration: 3 years Specializations: Bengali, English, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Sociology, Education Mode: Distance Eligibility: 10+2 |
INR 9,900 |
| B.Sc | Duration: 3 years Specializations: Mathematics, Geography, Zoology, Botany, etc. Mode: Distance Eligibility: 10+2 Science |
INR 8,300 – 15,600 |
| B.Com | Duration: 3 years Mode: Distance Eligibility: 10+2 |
INR 7,300 |
| BLIS | Duration: 1 year Mode: Distance Eligibility: Graduation |
INR 5,000 |
| B.Ed | Duration: 2 years Mode: Distance Eligibility: Graduation |
INR 40,000 |
| MA | Duration: 2 years Specializations: Bengali, English, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Education, Journalism & Mass Communication, etc. Mode: Distance Eligibility: Graduation |
INR 9,100 – 27,500 |
| M.Sc | Duration: 2 years Specializations: Mathematics, Geography, Zoology, Environmental Science, etc. Mode: Distance Eligibility: Graduation |
INR 11,900 – 36,000 |
| M.Com | Duration: 2 years Mode: Distance Eligibility: Graduation in Commerce |
INR 9,100 |
| MSW | Duration: 2 years Mode: Distance Eligibility: Graduation |
INR 10,400 |
| M.Lib.I.Sc. | Duration: 1-2 years Mode: Distance Eligibility: Graduation |
INR 10,000 |
| PhD | Duration: 3+ years Mode: Distance/Hybrid Eligibility: Postgraduate degree + RET/UGC NET/GATE Application fee: INR 2,000 |
INR 30,000 (tuition) |
| PG Diploma | Duration: 1 years Specialization: Psychological Counseling, Front Office, Advertising and Public Relation, Disaster Management, Hospital Management, Import and Export Management, Journalism and Mass Communication, Office Management and Secretarial Practice, Physician Assistant, Taxation Mode: Distance Eligibility: Graduation |
INR 30,000 - INR 40,000 |
NSOU Courses FAQs
Ques. Does NSOU offer professional and skill-based courses?
Ans. NSOU offers several job-oriented and skill-focused programs, including computer applications, library science, education, and vocational courses to enhance employability.
Ques. Can working professionals apply for NSOU courses?
Ans. Yes, most NSOU courses are flexible and self-paced, making them suitable for working professionals, homemakers, and students seeking education alongside other commitments.
NSOU Admission Process 2026
Admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes at Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) is merit-based or entrance-based (where applicable). Applicants must complete the online application form and submit required documents for verification.
UG Admission
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 from a recognized board
- Specific subject requirements may apply for certain science programmes
Mode of Selection:
- Merit-based
Selection Process:
- Apply online via NSOU UG admission portal
- Verify DEB ID
- Upload required documents
- Pay the programme fees
- Admission confirmed after verification
PG Admission
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline
Mode of Selection:
- Merit-based
Selection Process:
- Apply online via NSOU PG admission portal
- Verify DEB ID and upload documents
- Pay the programme fees
- Admission confirmed after eligibility verification
PhD Admission
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree in the relevant discipline
- May require NET / JRF or equivalent
Mode of Selection:
- Based on NSOU-RET / NET scores and departmental interview
Selection Process:
- Apply online via NSOU PhD portal
- Appear for NSOU-RET if required
- Attend interview / viva voce
- Admission confirmed after evaluation and document verification
- Pay the required fees
Application fee: INR 2,000
NSOU Admission FAQs
Ques. Can students apply for more than one course at NSOU?
Ans. Yes, candidates may apply for multiple eligible programs, provided they meet the course-specific criteria and follow the admission rules prescribed by the university.
Ques. Can students apply offline for NSOU admission?
Ans. No, NSOU admissions are primarily conducted through the online admission portal. Offline applications are usually not accepted, except in special cases notified by the university.
NSOU Rankings 2026
Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) rankings for 2026, 2025, and 2024 have been published by NIRF and Outlook across open university and overall categories. NSOU rankings are tabulated below.
| Ranking Agency | Stream / Category | 2026 Ranking | 2025 Ranking | 2024 Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Open University | – | – | 2 |
| Outlook | Overall | 4 | 4 | – |
NSOU vs IGNOU vs BAOU
NSOU, IGNOU, and BAOU are distance education universities in India offering UG, PG, diploma, and certificate programs through open and distance learning mode. This comparison outlines key differences in structure, reach, and overall distance education framework.
| Particular | NSOU (West Bengal) | IGNOU (Delhi / Nationwide) | BAOU (Gujarat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Type | State Open University | National Open University | State Open University |
| 2. Established | 1997 | 1985 | 1994 |
| 3. Mode of Education | Distance learning only | Distance learning only | Distance learning only |
| 4. Programs Offered | UG, PG, vocational & certificate courses | UG, PG, PhD, diplomas, certificates | UG, PG, diplomas, certificates |
| 5. Campus / Centres | HQ in Kolkata + regional centres | HQ in Delhi + study centres across India & abroad | HQ in Ahmedabad + study centres in Gujarat |
| 6. Recognition | UGC & DEB approved | UGC & DEB approved nationally | UGC & DEB approved |
| 7. Student Reach | Moderate, mainly eastern India | Very large, nationwide & international | Large in Gujarat region |
| 8. 2025 NIRF Ranking (Open Univ) | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 9. Strengths | Regional support, flexible schedules | Largest course variety, strong recognition | Strong regional programs, flexible learning |
| 10. Limitations | Smaller network, less national visibility | Administrative delays occasionally | Limited national presence outside Gujarat |
Who Should Choose NSOU:
Netaji Subhas Open University is suitable for:
- Students seeking flexible, distance-based education
- Working professionals managing studies with jobs
- Learners based in West Bengal needing local study centres
- Students unable to attend regular full-time classes
- Individuals preparing for competitive exams alongside studies
NSOU Campus
Head Office / Headquarters
- Location: Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Houses central administration, academic planning, examinations, and student support sections.
Other Offices in Kolkata
- Additional administrative and academic offices in Salt Lake (Sector I & Sector V) used for departments, coordination, and learner services.
Regional Centres
- Located across West Bengal to manage admissions, contact programs, exams, and study support.
- Key regional centres include Kalyani, Durgapur, Jalpaiguri, among others.
Study / Learner Support Centres
- Spread across districts of West Bengal.
- Used for contact classes, practical sessions, counseling, and examinations.
Campus Nature
- No single large residential campus.
- Infrastructure is mainly administrative and academic support–oriented for distance learning students.
![nsou campus]()
NSOU Campus FAQs
Ques. Can students visit the NSOU campus for academic queries?
Ans. Yes, students may visit the campus for admission support, document verification, examination issues, and academic guidance, as per university working hours.
Ques. Is campus life similar to regular universities at NSOU?
Ans. Campus life at NSOU is academically focused rather than residential, with emphasis on flexibility, self-learning, and periodic academic interaction rather than daily on-campus activities.
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Comments
Found 74 Comments
For B.Ed. Special Education (including ASD focus) at Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), the admission cycle for the 2025-27 session opened online on 7 May 2025 and had deadlines in June/July 2025, with provisional merit lists and counselling held later. There is no current active admission window right now listed for a new session
NSOU Courses are offered at UG, PG, Doctorate level. There are 70 courses offered at NSOU. The courses are offered disciplines like Commerce, Arts, Management, Science. NSOU courses includes BA, B.Sc, B.Com, PG Diploma, Diploma, PGDM, B.Ed, M.Ed, Ph.D, MA. Popular courses at NSOU are BA, B.Sc, B.Com.
The duration of the graduation course is 3 to 4 years, and the PG course is 2 years.
Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honors programs through its distance education mode. These programs are designed for students seeking flexible learning opportunities. The BA Honors programs are offered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL), allowing students to study at their own pace. Admissions are based on merit, considering the marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) initiates its undergraduate (BA) admissions in July each year. For the academic year 2024-2025, the admission process commenced in June 2024.
The candidates must have passed graduation degree from a recognized university. . The candidates can download the application form online on the official website of NSOU.
The application process starts in the month of July every year. The candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria before applying for the courses in the university. The candidates can download the application form online on the official website of NSOU.
Yes, NSOU offers the BSc Hons in Zoology. The candidates must have Passed 10+2 Examination or equivalent with 50% marks in Biology.
The candidates must have passed a Graduation degree from a recognized university. Netaji Subhash Open University (NSOU) offers the part-time MBA.
how can iget admission?
NSOU Kolkata offers admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate courses on merit basis (marks secured in the previous qualifying examination).
How to admission in nsou
The admission process differs from course to course offered in the NSOU Kolkata. Click here to get the UG and PG course wise admission process of the institute.
Click here to get the course wise fee details of NSOU Kolkata under graduate and post graduate courses.
To be eligible for NSOU Kolkata, you need to have passed 12th with 40% or more to be eligible for admission.
The duration of nsou Kolkata bachelor of arts is 3 years. Per year fees of the course is 3775.
The admission application for the session of 2024-25 has already been live and the deadline for the same was January 25th 2024.
Yes, Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) offers distance education at undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels in various disciplines. The candidates can download the application form online on the official website of NSOU.
If interested, you can contact the college NSOU Kolkata at: 033 2463 0292.
NSOU has not yet released the admission dates of 2024 session for BA and other courses.
Admission to BA course at NSOU Kolkata is done based on merit and the application for the same will begin by September 2024.
Yes, the college NSOU Kolkata does offer exams and classes in online/part-time mode to the students.