3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jun 8, 2026 10:39 AM IST
The Government School Teachers’ Association has urged Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood to eliminate restrictions preventing students who pass class 10 through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) from being admitted to class 11 in government schools. They claim that the current admission policy discriminates against these students.
In a proposal submitted to the minister, the association emphasised that NIOS students are currently barred from enrolling in the science and commerce streams in Delhi government schools, regardless of their academic performance.
The teachers’ body argues that NIOS, which operates as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, is recognised by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and other national regulatory bodies, making these restrictions difficult to justify.
According to the association, even students who achieve high marks in subjects such as mathematics and science through NIOS are denied admission to the science and commerce streams solely based on their board of education.
Additionally, the association raised concerns about the criteria imposed on NIOS students applying for the humanities stream. Many students, especially those from economically weaker sections, are denied admission if they do not meet certain percentage requirements, thus limiting their opportunities to continue formal education.
The association stated that these restrictions contradict the principle of equal educational opportunity. They pointed out that NIOS qualifications are accepted for admission to universities and professional courses, including engineering and medical programs, provided the eligibility criteria are met.
In their appeal, the teachers’ body requested that the minister instruct the Directorate of Education to allow NIOS students to apply for the science and commerce streams based on merit and subject-specific eligibility criteria, just like students from other recognized boards.
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They also called for the removal of what they described as a blanket restriction on NIOS students, a relaxation of admission conditions for the humanities stream, and a circular clarifying that NIOS certificates are fully recognised for admission purposes.
Furthermore, the association urged the government to form a committee to review the existing admission policy and address provisions that negatively impact students from non-traditional educational backgrounds. They emphasised that education should serve as a tool for empowerment and social mobility, and students who complete their secondary education through a recognised national board should not face barriers that limit their academic choices and future prospects.
(with inputs from PTI)
