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Nalanda Open University crest

Nalanda Open University

Patna, India • Founded 1987

Updated May 2026 · Source: nalandaopenuniversity.com

Overview

English Name: Nalanda Open University
Acronyms: NOU
Founded: 1987
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Nalanda Open University crest

Based in Patna, India, Nalanda Open University is a public university that traces its founding to 1987. It functions as a higher-education provider.

At Nalanda Open University, the institution teaches across bachelor's through doctoral programmes, is organised into numerous faculties and schools and runs a focused programme catalogue.

Location & Contact

Address, contact details, and online presence for Nalanda Open University are summarised below.

Address: 2nd/3rd Floor Biscomaun Bhawan Gandhi Maidan
Postal Code: 800 001

Academic Details

Nalanda Open University's key academic numbers — student body size, staffing, and accreditation context.

Academic Year: July to June
Accrediting Agency: Distance Education Council (DEC), University Grants Commission (UGC), and Ministry of HRD, Government of India.
Admission Requirements: School or College Certificate according to courses

Degrees

Also undergraduate certificates, 6-9 months; Short certificate courses, 4 weeks; Bachelor's degrees Honours, 3 yrs; Intermediate degree, 2 yrs.

Faculties & Divisions

The faculties at Nalanda Open University, and what each one teaches, are listed below.

Computer and Information Sciences (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Information Sciences
Economics, Commerce and Management (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business and Commerce
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Insurance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Safety Engineering
Health and Environmental Sciences (School) 20 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Child Care and Development
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Dental Technology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Epidemiology
  • Family Studies
  • Food Science
  • Health Sciences
  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Medical Technology
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Ophthalmology
  • Optometry
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Radiology
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Traditional and Complementary Medicine and Therapy
  • Yoga
Indian and Foreign Languages (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Hindi
  • Modern Languages
  • Sanskrit
  • South and Southeast Asian Languages
  • Urdu
Indology (School) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Archaeology
  • Asian Religious Studies
  • Christian Religious Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • History
  • Islamic Studies
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
  • Tourism
Journalism and Mass Communication (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Journalism
  • Mass Communication
Library and Information Science (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Information Sciences
  • Library Science
Pure and Agricultural Sciences (School) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agriculture
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Floriculture
  • Geography
  • Home Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Soil Conservation
  • Zoology
Social Sciences (School) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Constitutional Law
  • Geography
  • Home Economics
  • Human Rights
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Rural Planning
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Women's Studies
Teacher's Education (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Higher Education
  • Primary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Teacher Training

Programs Offered

Search and filter Nalanda Open University's available programmes by degree level.

16 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in India

Bachelor's Degree 7 programmes

Bachelor of Arts
Liberal Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Commerce
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Computer Applications
Computer Science & IT

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Library Science
Natural Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Science
Natural Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 4 programmes

Master of Arts
Liberal Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Commerce
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Computer Applications
Computer Science & IT

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Science
Natural Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate 1 programme

Doctor of Philosophy
Philosophy & Ethics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma 3 programmes

Diploma in Intermediate in Arts
Media Studies & Mass Media

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Intermediate in Commerce
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Intermediate in Science
Media Studies & Mass Media

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Nalanda Open University

What applying to Nalanda Open University involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Nalanda Open University runs 16 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Before applying to Nalanda Open University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for India.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Nalanda Open University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.nalandaopenuniversity.com). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nalanda Open University

Quick answers to common questions about Nalanda Open University.

When was Nalanda Open University founded?

Nalanda Open University was established in 1987 (approximately 39 years ago).

Where is Nalanda Open University located?

Nalanda Open University is located in Patna, India.

Is Nalanda Open University a public or private institution?

Nalanda Open University operates as a public institution.

What programmes are available at Nalanda Open University?

Nalanda Open University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Is Nalanda Open University officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Distance Education Council (DEC), University Grants Commission (UGC), and Ministry of HRD, Government of India..

How do I find Nalanda Open University online?

Nalanda Open University's official website is www.nalandaopenuniversity.com.

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