Nalanda Open University

NOU Patna is the only the University in the State of Bihar established for imparting learning exclusively through the system of distance education. Nalanda Open University Patna founded in March 1987 by an ordinance, promulgated by the Bihar Government. Later on, Nalanda Open University Act, 1995 was passes by the Bihar Legislature, replacing the Ordinance, and the University came under the authority and jurisdiction of the new Act automatically.

NOU Patna, named after the famous Nalanda University of Ancient India. Today, the Nalanda Open University Patna is working from its camp office at Biscomaun Bhawan, 2nd,3rd,4th and 12th Floors, Patna 800 001.Nalanda Open University Patna is recognized by the DEC (Distance Education Council), UGC (University Grants Commission), and Ministry of HRD, Government of India for imparting education through distance mode.

Any aspiring eligible candidate can apply for admission in one of the courses of their choice, offered by NOU Patna. The admission form and prospectus can be obtained through Demand Draft of Rs.200.00 from the sales counters of the University or by sending the demand draft of Rs.250 by registered post, drawn in the name of Nalanda Open University-NOU Patna, Payable at Patna. No money order or postal order is accepted.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Nalanda Open University has started at its campus office at Patna with well-equipped and fully automated modern equipments. Office area is spread over an approximately 60,000 sq. feet, which comprises an examination centre with a capacity of about 1000 students, a Library with a collection around 50,000 titles and a computer lab of around 300 IBM Pentium-4 computers, apart from administrative offices and other infra-structures.

The libraries of NOU Patna were large and widely renowned, although there is a legend of a malicious fire in which many of the texts were destroyed and irrevocably lost.