Nios Syllabus 2025:The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) stands as one of the largest open schooling systems in the world. It provides flexible learning opportunities to students across India and abroad who wish to complete their education outside the traditional classroom format. As we move into the academic year 2024–25, students and parents are looking ahead to the new NIOS Syllabus 2025, which is crucial for both Secondary (Class 10) and Senior Secondary (Class 12) courses.
The NIOS syllabus is designed to be inclusive, learner-centric, and relevant to today’s educational demands. It enables students to learn at their own pace while meeting national education standards. Whether you are a first-time learner or someone continuing your education through open schooling, understanding the 2025 syllabus will help you plan your studies effectively.

About NIOS
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It was established to provide education to those who could not access conventional schooling due to various reasons like financial constraints, personal circumstances, or lack of nearby schools.
NIOS offers education from foundational levels up to Senior Secondary (Class 12), along with a range of vocational and life enrichment courses. Learners can study through self-learning materials (SLM), online resources, and personal contact programs (PCPs).
Official Website of NIOS: https://www.nios.ac.in
Structure of NIOS Syllabus 2025
The syllabus of NIOS is divided into two key academic levels:
- Secondary Level (Class 10)
- Senior Secondary Level (Class 12)
Each level includes compulsory (core) subjects, optional subjects, and practical subjects where applicable.
NIOS Syllabus for Secondary (Class 10) – 2025
Core Subjects (Group A)
A student needs to take a minimum of five subjects, including at least one language.
Subject Code | Subject Name |
---|---|
201 | Hindi |
202 | English |
206 | Urdu |
209 | Sanskrit |
210 | Punjabi |
211 | Mathematics |
212 | Science and Technology |
213 | Social Science |
214 | Economics |
215 | Business Studies |
216 | Home Science |
222 | Psychology |
223 | Indian Culture and Heritage |
Vocational & Optional Subjects (Group B)
Subject Code | Subject Name |
---|---|
229 | Painting (Theory + Practical) |
249 | Data Entry Operations |
253 | Tailoring |
Note: Many subjects such as Science, Home Science, and Painting come with practicals.
NIOS Syllabus for Senior Secondary (Class 12) – 2025
Core Subjects (Group A)
Learners must choose at least five subjects including at least one language.
Subject Code | Subject Name |
---|---|
301 | Hindi |
302 | English |
306 | Urdu |
309 | Sanskrit |
311 | Mathematics |
312 | Physics (With Practical) |
313 | Chemistry (With Practical) |
314 | Biology (With Practical) |
315 | History |
316 | Geography (With Practical) |
317 | Political Science |
318 | Economics |
319 | Business Studies |
320 | Accountancy |
321 | Home Science (With Practical) |
328 | Psychology (With Practical) |
330 | Computer Science (With Practical) |
331 | Sociology |
335 | Mass Communication |
336 | Painting (With Practical) |
Vocational & Optional Subjects (Group B)
Subject Code | Subject Name |
---|---|
339 | Library and Information Science |
350 | Data Entry Operations |
370 | Food and Nutrition |
376 | Early Childhood Care & Education |
Medium of Instruction
NIOS offers many subjects in multiple languages including:
- Hindi
- English
- Urdu
- Regional languages (e.g., Marathi, Bengali, Telugu – for selected subjects)
This multilingual approach enhances accessibility for learners from different states.
Syllabus Format and Learning Materials
Each subject syllabus typically includes:
- Overview of the Subject
- Units and Chapters
- Learning Objectives
- Exercises and Self-check questions
- Practical Components (if applicable)
NIOS provides the syllabus and Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) online. These include printed materials, audio-visual content, and online modules via SWAYAM and NIOS YouTube channels.
Practical Subjects in NIOS
Subjects like Science, Home Science, Psychology, Geography, Computer Science, Painting, etc., have practical components. These are mandatory and are conducted at Accredited Institutions (AI)/study centers under supervision.
Students must pass both theory and practical components to clear these subjects.
How to Download NIOS Syllabus 2025
You can access and download the NIOS syllabus through the official website:
👉 Official Syllabus Download Page:
https://www.nios.ac.in
(Go to: Student Information → Curriculum/Syllabus)
Once there, select the level (Secondary/Senior Secondary), and choose the subject to download the detailed syllabus PDF.
Preparation Tips for NIOS Exams 2025
Here are some preparation strategies for students following the NIOS syllabus:
- Understand the Syllabus: Start by downloading and thoroughly reading the syllabus for each subject.
- Use NIOS Self Learning Materials (SLMs): These are designed for independent study.
- Watch NIOS Online Classes: Available on NIOS YouTube and SWAYAM Prabha DTH channels.
- Make a Timetable: Allocate sufficient time for each subject including theory and practical components.
- Attend PCPs (Personal Contact Programs): These sessions are held at study centers and offer doubt-clearing opportunities.
- Solve Previous Year Question Papers: Practice using old exam papers available on the NIOS site.
- Focus on Practicals: For subjects with practicals, ensure timely completion and submission as it carries marks.
Important Points About NIOS Syllabus 2025
- NIOS allows students to choose subjects based on their interest and career goals.
- Minimum five subjects must be selected, maximum seven.
- Students can change subjects (with conditions) during admission or before exams.
- Updated syllabus aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) goals.
- The syllabus is learner-friendly, inclusive, and up-to-date with real-life applications.
Benefits of NIOS Syllabus
- Flexibility: Choose subjects and pace of learning.
- Affordability: Low-cost education with government certification.
- Recognition: NIOS certificates are recognized by all universities, boards, and employers.
- Self-paced Learning: Designed for independent learners, including working professionals and homemakers.
- Multiple Attempts: Students can reappear in failed subjects without re-registering the full year.
FAQs about NIOS Syllabus 2025
Where can I download the official NIOS syllabus for 2025?
You can download it from the NIOS official website: www.nios.ac.in. Go to the “Student Information” section and click on Curriculum/Syllabus.
How many subjects do I need to select in NIOS?
You need to choose a minimum of five subjects, including at least one language subject. You can opt for up to seven subjects.
Are practical exams compulsory in NIOS?
Yes, for subjects like Science, Computer Science, Geography, Psychology, and others that include a practical component, appearing and passing the practical exam is mandatory.
Is the NIOS syllabus recognized for government jobs and university admission?
Yes. The NIOS syllabus and certificates are recognized by all major universities, boards (including CBSE/ICSE), and for government recruitment exams.
Can I choose vocational subjects in place of academic subjects?
Yes. NIOS allows students to take vocational subjects alongside academic subjects. These subjects also carry credits towards your certification.
Are NIOS learning materials provided for free?
Yes. NIOS provides digital copies of study materials for free. Printed materials may be charged if opted during admission.
Can I change subjects after registration?
Yes. NIOS allows a subject change within a prescribed period after admission. Additional fees may apply.
Are NIOS books and syllabus the same as CBSE?
No. Although the NIOS syllabus follows NCERT guidelines in many areas, it is specifically tailored for open schooling and may differ from CBSE in structure and content.
Is it possible to do both academic and vocational subjects together?
Yes, students can mix academic and vocational subjects as long as they meet the minimum and maximum subject selection criteria.
Does NIOS provide online classes?
Yes. NIOS provides recorded and live online classes via its YouTube channel, DTH TV, and SWAYAM platforms.
Conclusion
The NIOS syllabus 2025 reflects the institution’s commitment to flexible, inclusive, and quality education. It is designed to empower learners from all backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to succeed academically and professionally. Whether you’re preparing for the Secondary or Senior Secondary level, following the syllabus methodically and making use of NIOS-provided materials can ensure success in your academic journey.
For all updates, syllabus downloads, study material, exam notifications, and results, always refer to the official NIOS website:
NIOS Official Website: https://www.nios.ac.in