NIOS Home Science Class 10 : The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) provides students with the flexibility to choose from a variety of subjects that cater to both academic and life-oriented skills. One of the most valuable and practical subjects offered at the secondary level (Class 10) is Home Science (Subject Code: 216).
NIOS Home Science is not just about household work — it’s a subject that covers nutrition, child development, clothing, hygiene, and home management. It prepares students with life skills that are essential for personal, family, and community well-being.
About NIOS
NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It provides open and distance learning for Secondary (Class 10), Senior Secondary (Class 12), and vocational courses. NIOS is recognized across India and abroad and is one of the largest open schooling systems in the world.
Its flexible curriculum, examination system, and multiple exam chances make it ideal for working students, athletes, differently-abled learners, homemakers, and those unable to attend formal schools.
What is Home Science?
Home Science is a multi-disciplinary subject focused on health, nutrition, family welfare, hygiene, resource management, and child care. It equips students with skills to manage home and community life efficiently.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Understanding of personal and family health
- Knowledge of food, nutrition, and hygiene
- Basic child development and parenting skills
- Managing clothing, textiles, and personal grooming
- Practical skills for home management
NIOS Class 10 Home Science Syllabus – 2025
Home Science is divided into theory and practical components.
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Theory | 85 |
| Practical | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Students need to pass both theory and practicals separately to pass the subject.
Detailed Theory Syllabus
The Home Science theory syllabus is divided into five major modules, each dealing with a crucial aspect of day-to-day living and family life.
Module 1: Understanding Myself
This section focuses on self-development, emotions, and hygiene.
Key Topics:
- Importance of personal hygiene
- Emotional and social changes during adolescence
- Self-concept and self-esteem
- Gender sensitivity and respect for diversity
Module 2: Food and Health
This is one of the most important parts of the syllabus and covers nutrition, meal planning, and food safety.
Key Topics:
- Functions and sources of nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals)
- Balanced diet
- Planning meals for different age groups
- Malnutrition and its effects
- Food preservation and safety
- Clean drinking water and cooking methods
Module 3: My Home and Family
Focuses on roles within the family, responsibilities, and home management.
Key Topics:
- Functions of a family
- Types of families
- Duties of family members
- Decision making in families
- Role of values and customs in home life
- Safety and sanitation at home
Module 4: Child Care and Development
This part emphasizes basic knowledge about children and parenting.
Key Topics:
- Stages of child development
- Needs of infants and toddlers
- Role of play in growth
- Nutritional needs of children
- Immunization
- Good parenting practices
Module 5: My Clothing
This module introduces concepts of clothing, personal grooming, and textile care.
Key Topics:
- Importance of clothing
- Selection of clothes based on age, occasion, climate
- Care of clothes (washing, drying, ironing)
- Use of soap and detergent
- Sewing basics and repair of clothes
- Personal grooming and hygiene
Practical Work (15 Marks)
Practical work is essential in Home Science to apply theoretical concepts. It also helps develop real-life skills.
List of Suggested Practicals:
- Preparing a simple balanced meal
- Identification of nutrients from given food items
- Preparing an oral rehydration solution (ORS)
- Washing and ironing clothes
- Sewing or repairing a torn fabric
- Developing a growth chart of a child
- Identifying unsafe food handling practices
- Grooming and personal hygiene demonstration
- Planning a family budget
- Preparing a health card for a family member
Why Choose Home Science in NIOS Class 10?
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Scoring Subject | High-scoring with basic preparation |
| Practical Life Skills | Nutrition, hygiene, childcare, home care |
| Balanced Curriculum | Theory and hands-on learning |
| Helpful for All Careers | Nursing, teaching, hospitality, home-based businesses |
| Supports Personality Development | Boosts confidence, discipline, organization |
Exam Pattern and Marks Distribution
| Component | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Theory | Written paper | 85 |
| Practical | School/AI-based activity | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Passing Criteria: Minimum 33% in both theory and practicals.
How to Prepare for NIOS Home Science Class 10
Here are some proven strategies to help students prepare effectively:
Read the NIOS Textbook Thoroughly
NIOS provides free textbooks (printed and digital). These are designed for self-learning and cover all modules with illustrations and activities.
Prepare Notes
Summarize each topic in your own words. Write down key points, definitions, and examples.
Practice Practical Activities
Try all the suggested experiments and practicals at home. Take pictures and maintain your practical file regularly.
Solve Sample Papers
Practice with previous years’ questions or sample assignments to improve writing and time management skills.
Revise Regularly
Don’t wait for the last week. Revise after each module and test yourself with quizzes or oral recaps.
FAQ about NIOS Home Science Class 10
Is Home Science a good subject in NIOS Class 10?
Yes, it is ideal for students interested in practical, real-life knowledge. It’s also easy to understand and score well.
Is there any math or science in Home Science?
Only basic scientific principles related to food, hygiene, and health are included. It doesn’t require math.
Is practical work compulsory?
Yes, you must submit your practical file and appear for the internal exam to pass.
Can I study Home Science without attending coaching?
Yes. The NIOS textbook is self-explanatory. You can prepare on your own.
What are the career options after studying Home Science?
Careers include teaching, dietetics, nursing, early childhood care, hospitality, textiles, and home-based entrepreneurship.
How many hours should I study per week?
Around 4–5 hours per week for theory and an additional hour for practical work is sufficient.
Can boys choose Home Science?
Absolutely. Home Science is a gender-neutral subject. In fact, modern society encourages life skills for all.
What is the subject code for Home Science in Class 10?
The subject code is 216.
Can I get full marks in Home Science?
Yes. With good preparation and neat answers, many students score above 90 in both theory and practical.
Do I need to pass both theory and practical?
Yes. You must pass both individually to pass the subject as a whole.
Conclusion
NIOS Home Science Class 10 is much more than just a subject — it is an introduction to life skills that everyone needs, regardless of gender or background. Whether you want to pursue further studies in science, arts, or vocational streams, Home Science equips you with a foundation in healthy living, personal care, and family management.
From planning balanced meals to understanding how children grow, or how to manage home finances and care for clothes — it all starts here. This subject does not just help you pass your board exams; it helps you live a better, more organized, and more meaningful life.