In a bid to tackle high dropout rates among students who have failed Class 9 twice, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed government schools to enrol them in the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for the upcoming academic session 2024-25. As per data from DoE’s Computer Cell, a total of 17,308 students faced their second failure in Class 9 during the 2023-24 session. However, only 6,200 students have initiated the enrollment process through the NIOS portal.
The initiative aims to provide a flexible educational alternative that accommodates students’ individual learning needs and interests. NIOS offers students the opportunity to study at their own pace and choose subjects that align with their aspirations, potentially rejoining their original schools upon completing Class 10.
Emphasising the importance of continuing education, the directive mandates government school heads to counsel both students and their parents on the benefits of NIOS enrollment. This counselling is important in encouraging students to remain engaged with their studies and pursue academic success through alternative means.
As the enrollment process progresses, stakeholders anticipate positive impacts in empowering students to achieve their academic potential and succeed in their educational journeys.