NIOS programmes at a glance
NIOS offers school qualifications at two levels, plus a flexible way to sit exams. Use this page to see which one fits, then open the full guide.
- Class 10 — SecondaryFor learners completing school up to Class 10.
- Passed Class 8
- At least 14 years old
- Five subjects incl. 1–2 languages
- Class 12 — Senior SecondaryFor learners who have finished Class 10 at any recognised board.
- Passed Secondary
- At least 15 on 31 July
- Two-year gap rule for subjects
- On-Demand ExamsFor NIOS learners, and for students finishing after not passing elsewhere.
- Both levels
- No exams Apr, May, Oct, Nov
- Papers in English or Hindi
Class 10 and Class 12 side by side
| Detail | Class 10 (Secondary) | Class 12 (Senior Secondary) |
|---|---|---|
| Before you apply | Passed Class 8 | Passed Secondary from a recognised board |
| Minimum age | 14 years, with valid proof | 15 years as on 31 July of the admission year |
| Mediums | English, Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Odia | English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali |
| To be certified | Pass five subjects, including one or two languages | Pass five subjects, including one or two languages |
| Passing marks | 33% in the aggregate of theory and practicals | 33% separately in theory and practicals, and 33% in aggregate |
| Public exams | April–May and October–November | April–May and October–November |
| Admission valid for | Five years | Five years |
What NIOS means by streams
In NIOS, a stream is a route of admission, not a subject group like science or commerce. On the pages we checked, NIOS describes Stream-1 as regular admission (in Blocks I and II), and Streams 3 and 4 as online admission into On-Demand exams at Secondary and Senior Secondary level.
Knowing your stream matters because it decides when you can sit exams and whether Tutor Marked Assignments apply to you. The On-Demand guide explains Streams 3 and 4.
Where we fit in
We are an independent guidance and coaching service. We explain these programmes and help you plan, and NIOS handles admission, exams and results.
Check official NIOS information
Still deciding between Class 10 and 12?
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