Skill-Based Learning in NIOS: Combining Vocational and Academic Subjects in Secondary & Senior Secondary Courses

Introduction

In a progressive move to equip learners with employable skills and academic knowledge, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) now enables students to combine vocational and academic subjects at both Secondary and Senior Secondary levels. This flexible system empowers students to personalize their learning path based on future aspirations in jobs, entrepreneurship, or higher studies.

What Is the Integration of Vocational and Academic Subjects?

NIOS allows students under Stream-1 to opt for one vocational subject from the designated list along with regular academic subjects. These vocational subjects are treated as academic ones for:

• Admission Fee Calculation

• Certification

• Subject Count (among the 5/6/7 subjects)

Vocational subjects can be chosen in two ways:

1. From the Integrated List offered in the same Accredited Institution (AI) as the academic subjects.

2. From the Standalone List (Table-2C), requiring separate admission through an Accredited Vocational Institution (AVI).

Integrated Vocational Subjects Offered at the Same AI

🔹 At Secondary Level

Subject Name	Code	Theory (Hrs)	Practical (Hrs)	Total Marks
Basic Computing	608	80	160	100
Desk Top Publishing	613	40	100	100
Yoga	614	50	150	100

🔹 At Senior Secondary Level

Subject Name	Code	Theory (Hrs)	Practical (Hrs)	Total Marks
Preservation of Fruits & Vegetables	363	40	260	100
Computer & Office Applications	631	40	100	100
Web Development	660	80	160	100
Yoga Assistant	667	80	160	200

Note: Certain academic/vocational subject combinations are not allowed. For example:

• Secondary: No vocational choice allowed with Data Entry Ops (229) or Entrepreneurship (249).

• Senior Secondary: Restricted if you choose Data Entry Ops (336), Tourism (337), ECCE (376), etc.

Standalone Vocational Subjects (Table-2C)

Learners may also opt for standalone vocational subjects not listed in Group ‘B’ but shown in Table-2C, such as:

🔹 At Secondary Level

Code	Subject Name
217	Typewriting (Hindi)
218	Typewriting (English)
221	Typewriting (Urdu)
252	Carpentry
253	Solar Energy Technician
255	Laundry Services
256	Bakery & Confectionery
257	Welding Technology

🔹 At Senior Secondary Level

Code	Subject Name
322	Typewriting (Hindi)
323	Typewriting (English)
324	Stenography (Hindi)
325	Stenography (English)
326	Secretarial Practice
351	Plant Protection
354	Furniture & Cabinet Making
356	House Keeping
357	Catering Management
358	Food Processing
360	Hotel Front Office Operations
362	Soil & Fertilizer Management
364	Typewriting (Urdu)

⚠️ Learners need separate admission in an AVI for standalone vocational courses. Visit www.nios.ac.in to find AVIs.

🎓 Certification & Transfer of Credit

Learners who pass the vocational subject in a standalone mode may transfer the credit to their academic certificate (Secondary or Senior Secondary) by submitting:

• Request on plain paper

• Original NIOS Marksheet

• Photocopy of Vocational Subject Marksheet

• Submit to: Director (Evaluation), NIOS

🧪 Assessment & Passing Criteria

📍 Secondary Level:

• 33% marks required in total (theory + practical + internal)

• No need to pass theory/practical separately

📍 Senior Secondary Level:

• Must score 33% separately in:

  • Theory

  • Practical

  • Internal Assessment

Assessments include:

• Periodic Tests

• Viva Voce

• Assignments

• Projects
  Results are uploaded by AIs/AVIs after practical exams.

💡 Important Notes

• No On-Demand Exams (ODE) are available for integrated vocational subjects.

• Vocational courses are available in Hindi & English, some in regional languages.

• Course material is available free at NIOS Portal.

• Certificates issued by NIOS are valid for:

  • Government jobs

  • Further education (National/State Boards & Universities)
    (Do verify specific eligibility of target universities/institutions before applying.)

Conclusion

NIOS empowers learners by offering flexibility to combine vocational training with academic education, promoting skill-based learning aligned with today’s job market. Whether you want to become a web developer, yoga instructor, or hospitality professional, NIOS gives you a head start — without compromising academic growth.

Enroll smartly. Learn practically. Grow professionally — with NIOS.

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