NIOS Secondary Subjects: The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It provides flexible education to students who are unable to pursue formal schooling. The NIOS Secondary Course is equivalent to the Class 10 level in traditional boards such as CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards. However, what sets NIOS apart is its flexibility in subject selection, learning pace, examination attempts, and openness to learners of all ages.
One of the most important features of the NIOS Secondary program is the choice of subjects. This allows students to tailor their education according to their interests, career goals, and personal circumstances. In this article, we will explore the list of NIOS Secondary subjects, how to choose them, subject combinations, their relevance, and other related details for the academic year 2025.
Understanding the NIOS Secondary (Class 10) Course
The NIOS Secondary Course is designed to cater to students from different backgrounds—working individuals, school dropouts, athletes, differently-abled students, and those seeking flexible education. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, practical, and aligned with national education standards.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age: 14 years as on 31st July 2025
- No requirement of prior schooling
- Learners must submit age and identity proof during admission
Minimum Subject Requirement
To pass the Secondary Course, students must study and clear at least five subjects, including at least one language. Students can choose up to two additional subjects, making it a total of seven subjects maximum.
NIOS Secondary Subjects – Complete List (2025)
NIOS divides its subjects into two broad categories:
A. Group A: Language Subjects
Students are required to choose at least one language subject. They can choose a second language as an optional subject.
| Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 101 | Hindi |
| 102 | English |
| 103 | Urdu |
| 104 | Sanskrit |
| 105 | Bengali |
| 106 | Marathi |
| 107 | Assamese |
| 108 | Kannada |
| 109 | Gujarati |
| 110 | Punjabi |
| 111 | Oriya |
| 112 | Tamil |
| 113 | Telugu |
| 114 | Malayalam |
| 115 | Nepali |
| 116 | Persian |
| 117 | Arabic |
| 118 | French |
Note: Not all language subjects are available at all study centre. Availability may depend on region.
Group B: Non-Language Academic Subjects
These include core academic and vocational subjects. Students can choose these based on interest, career plans, and future academic goals.
| Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 201 | Mathematics |
| 202 | Science and Technology |
| 203 | Social Science |
| 204 | Economics |
| 205 | Business Studies |
| 206 | Home Science |
| 207 | Psychology |
| 208 | Indian Culture & Heritage |
| 209 | Painting |
| 210 | Data Entry Operations |
| 211 | Accountancy |
| 212 | Introduction to Law |
| 213 | Social Work |
| 214 | Employability Skills |
Subject Selection Guidelines
While choosing subjects, learners must consider the following:
- Minimum 5 subjects are mandatory to appear in the board exam.
- At least one language is compulsory from Group A.
- A maximum of two languages can be selected.
- Up to two additional subjects (optional) can be taken.
- Total subjects allowed: maximum 7.
Popular Subject Combinations in NIOS Secondary
Depending on a learner’s interest, future aspirations, or field of study, here are some commonly chosen combinations:
1. Science Stream Combination
- English
- Hindi
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Social Science
- Optional: Psychology
2. Commerce Stream Combination
- English
- Business Studies
- Accountancy
- Economics
- Hindi
- Optional: Data Entry Operations
3. Arts/Humanities Combination
- Hindi
- English
- Social Science
- Psychology
- Indian Culture & Heritage
- Optional: Painting
4. Vocational Combination
- English
- Hindi
- Data Entry Operations
- Employability Skills
- Home Science
- Optional: Painting or Business Studies
Special Features of NIOS Secondary Subjects
- Flexibility: Students can choose a mix of academic and vocational subjects.
- Multiple Attempts: A student can appear in public exams twice a year and take up to 9 attempts over 5 years.
- Transfer of Credit (TOC): Learners from other boards can transfer credits of up to two passed subjects.
- Practical Components: Some subjects like Science, Painting, Home Science, etc., have practical exams.
- Medium of Instruction: Most subjects are available in Hindi, English, and other regional languages.
Assessment and Examination
NIOS evaluates students through:
- Theory Exams: Usually 80 or 100 marks.
- Practical Exams: In subjects where applicable, like Science, Painting, etc.
- Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA): Internal assignments submitted at the study centre.
Passing Criteria:
- Minimum 33% in each subject (theory + practical combined, where applicable).
Benefits of Choosing the Right Subjects
- Helps students prepare for future careers: Commerce for business, Science for engineering/medical, etc.
- Builds academic confidence by choosing subjects of interest.
- Enables holistic education: Art + Academics + Vocational options.
- Supports working learners or sportspersons who need flexibility.
Challenges Students Might Face
- Difficulty in choosing the right combination without proper guidance
- Practical subject logistics if study centres are far
- Limited availability of some regional language subjects at centres
To overcome these challenges, students are advised to:
- Connect with Accredited Study Centres (AI Centres)
- Take help from NIOS counselors
- Join online study platforms or tutorials
FAQ About NIOS Secondary Subjects
How many subjects are compulsory in NIOS Secondary Course?
Minimum five subjects are compulsory, including at least one language. Students can choose up to two additional subjects.
Can I take two language subjects?
Yes, you can take a maximum of two languages from Group A.
Are practical exams required for all subjects?
No, only selected subjects like Science, Home Science, and Painting have practical components
Can I change my subjects after registration?
Yes, subject change is allowed within a specific period and before appearing in the first exam. Charges may apply.
Is Mathematics compulsory in NIOS Secondary?
No, Mathematics is not compulsory. You can choose alternatives like Business Studies or Home Science.
How do I know which subjects to choose for future career goals?
Seek guidance from career counselors or your study centre. Match your interest and aptitude with future courses.
What if my selected language is not available in my region?
You can choose a language available at your nearby Accredited Institute (AI). Check with NIOS regional centres for options.
Can I study NIOS Secondary subjects online?
Yes. NIOS provides study material in digital format, audio-video lectures, and virtual classes on their platform.
How do vocational subjects help?
Vocational subjects like Data Entry, Employability Skills offer skill-based education, useful for job-readiness or entrepreneurship.
Can I take Painting as a subject without prior experience?
Yes. The syllabus starts from basic concepts. Enthusiasm and regular practice are sufficient to perform well.
Conclusion
The NIOS Secondary subjects provide a comprehensive, flexible, and learner-centric framework for students to build their academic foundation. With a wide range of academic, language, and vocational subjects, learners have the liberty to customize their education as per their strengths and career aspirations.
Whether a student is aiming to pursue higher studies, prepare for competitive exams, or acquire vocational skills for employment, NIOS Secondary Course equips them with the necessary tools. The structure promotes inclusivity, accessibility, and lifelong learning. Choosing the right subjects is a critical step in this journey, and with informed decisions, students can pave a path toward success in both academic and personal life.