Nalanda Open University

Nalanda Open University is a university at Patna in Bihar state, India. It is the only university in Bihar providing education through distance and open education. With a vision of providing education to those who have been deprived of formal education, it follows the norms of flexibility with respect to eligibility, admission and course structure. Nalanda Open University has 28 study centers around Bihar and Jharkhand in cities like Jamshedpur and Ranchi and in important towns like Katihar and small towns like Bettiah, catering to the education needs of every section of the society.HistoryThe university was established in March 1987. It is named after the famous Buddhist University of Nalanda, the ancient seat of learning. In 1995 the Nalanda Open University Act was passed, and the university came under its jurisdiction.CoursesDegree courses at undergraduate level and degree as well as diploma courses at post graduate level are offered. Certificate courses for 6 or 9 months are provided. Nalanda Open University is the only university where courses on Bihari languages (Magahi, Bhojpuri, Maithili) are offered.Post graduate degree programsNOU offers a Master of Arts (M.A) in Magahi, Bhojpuri, Rural Development, Economics, Geography, Hindi, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, Journalism & Mass Communication, Education and Urdu.