Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) is a well-known state open university in West Bengal. It was founded in 1997 and named after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It aims to provide good higher education through distance learning.
NSOU has programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate levels in areas like arts, science, commerce, social sciences, education, and professional studies. Students from all backgrounds can receive an education due to its more than 150 study centres in West Bengal and UGC-DEB approval.
The NSOU address is DD-26, Sector-I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata – 700064, West Bengal, India. Due to the university's convenient location, students can visit the main campus for both work and school-related purposes.
The NSOU ranking shows it's a top open university. It has a global presence in Webometrics, but its international performance isn't as strong as its national performance.
Ranking Body / Survey |
Year |
Rank / Position |
NIRF (Open Universities category) |
2024 |
2nd among Open Universities in India |
Webometrics Global July 2025 |
2025 |
World Rank ~ 9621; Country Rank ~ 622 |
Netaji Subhas Open University has graduates working in education, research, business, and public service. As a state open university, NSOU gives chances to working professionals and lifelong learners. Here are some of the notable NSOU alumni:
Suman Bhattacharjee is a well-known academic and researcher.
Hussain Md Arif has made real progress in government and social work. He's dedicated to helping communities grow.
Amiya Chaudhuri is known for his work in research and teaching. He's actively involved in different education projects and is a familiar face in the academic world.
(NSOU has many degree, diploma, and certificate programs you can complete through distance and online learning. These courses are great if you’re a working person, a student, or anyone who needs to study when and where it works best for them.
If you want a bachelor’s degree, NSOU has options like a BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, and BCA. These give you a head start in fields like management, science, business, and the arts.
If you’re looking at master’s programs, you can choose from MA, MCom, MSc, MBA, and MCA. These programs assist you in expanding your knowledge and advancing your career.
NSOU also has diplomas and certificates in fields such as computer applications, business, environmental studies, and languages. These NSOU Course give you skills that can help you get a job or do better in your current one.
The criteria for admission depend on the program you choose. But we have mentioned the general criteria to help you in your admission journey.
To apply for bachelor's degrees you need to have completed your 10+2 or have an equivalent qualification from a board that's officially recognized.
If you’re thinking of applying for a master’s degree (MA, MCom, MSc, MBA, MCA), you should already have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. There are some programs of master for that you need a work experience or require you to take an entrance exam.
And the qualifications for diploma and certificate programs vary depending on the course.
Netaji Subhas Open University offers a wide range of programs including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses. The fees are not high so more students can get an education.
The yearly cost for BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, and BCA degrees is between INR 4,000 and INR 8,000. For MA, MCom, MSc, MBA, and MCA degrees, you’ll pay between INR 6,000 and INR 15,000 each year.
Diploma courses in computer work, business, and nature cost approximately INR 3,000 to INR 7,000 per year. Certificate programs in language, computers, and management cost between INR 2,000 and INR 5,000 per year.
Those studying distance or online can apply to NSOU for 2025 with ease. You can apply for NSOU UG Admission, master's, diploma, and certificate programs on the NSOU website.
First, make sure you meet the requirements for the program you want. Then, complete the online form and upload the necessary documents, such as transcripts and proof of identity.
For some master's programs, like the MBA or MCA, you might also need to submit entrance exam scores or details about your work history.
After you send in your application, the university will review your documents and eligibility. You can complete your enrolment by paying your fees online after receiving an NSOU admission confirmation if everything is correct.
NSOU will conduct its 2025 exams for all degree, diploma, and certification programs. The college has a semester-based system, and tests are planned based on the official college calendar.
For undergrad programs you can expect the first semester exams in May 2025, and the second semester exams in November 2025. And graduate programs like MA, MBA, and MCA will follow a close timeline.
For the full exam schedule please visit the NSOU website.
The NSOU result will be posted on its website for all degree, diploma, and certificate courses. Students can see their grades by entering their enrolment number and birthdate.
The first part of the degree course grades should be available in June 2025 that is followed by the second part around December 2025.
At around the same time, grades for master's courses such as MA, MBA, and MCA will be made public. The grades for diplomas and certificates are usually released 4–6 weeks after the exams.
The university is working to help its students, as well as those learning remotely. To find jobs after they finish their UG, PG, diploma, and certificate programs. NSOU has teamed up with different companies and groups to give job support and help build skills.
Some of the top companies that recruit from NSOU are Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCL, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and other companies in both the private and public sectors.
Students in MBA, BBA, and professional diploma programs are wanted in fields like management, finance, IT, and business operations.
NSOU gives career advice, workshops, and online help with placements so students can make better resumes, get ready for interviews, and find jobs.
![]() |
Acharya Nagarjuna University |
![]() |
Chitkara University |
![]() |
Kurukshetra University |
![]() |
Mizoram University |
Bangalore University | |