PATNA: The venerable Nalanda Open University (NOU), a stalwart in the realm of distance education for 36 years, is poised for a significant move. On October 9, the institution, which has been the sole beacon of distance education in the state, will bid adieu to its current domicile at Biscomaun Bhawan, nestled near Gandhi Maidan in Patna, in favor of its newly-constructed campus in the serene environs of Bargaon, near Nalanda.
The shift is not merely symbolic; it signifies a new chapter in NOU’s illustrious history. The dynamic Vice-Chancellor of NOU, K C Sinha, shared insights into this pivotal transition. He revealed that the process of relocation is already underway, with the majority of the university’s assets earmarked for transfer to the new premises in the imminent future.
Crucially, Vice-Chancellor Sinha divulged that the ongoing examinations will continue to be conducted at the Patna campus. However, a noteworthy alteration awaits students and faculty. Examinations scheduled from October 28 onwards will now convene at the Nalanda campus, between the hours of 12 PM to 3 PM. The revised examination schedules have been thoughtfully uploaded on the university’s official website.
This transformation has been a vision that garnered the support of none other than the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, who inaugurated NOU’s expansive Bargaon campus on August 29. During the inauguration, he boldly declared NOU’s impending shift to Nalanda, suggesting that the campus might further expand to meet future needs. He also urged authorities to enhance the examination hall’s capacity from 1,500 to 2,500, envisioning its multifunctional role as an auditorium.
Built on a sprawling 10-acre expanse by the Bihar Educational Infrastructure Development Corporation, at an estimated cost of Rs 121 crore, this impressive G+4 complex boasts a state-of-the-art library, an expansive conference hall, smart classrooms, well-equipped computer and science labs, a modern studio, dedicated staff rooms, and a spacious common area. Moreover, NOU has meticulously planned separate hostels for both male and female students, in addition to a guest house featuring 24 well-appointed rooms. Notably, residential quarters have been allocated for university officials, teachers, and non-teaching staff. A separate hostel facility, complete with a mess, has also been thoughtfully constructed to accommodate students during contact classes and examinations.
Vice-Chancellor Sinha emphasized that NOU is on the cusp of an important milestone, as a peer team from the esteemed National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is poised to visit the university shortly to assess its accreditation status. He underscored that the delay in accreditation had led to the UGC withholding student admissions in various NOU courses. The commencement of admissions in the current session hinges on NOU’s successful accreditation by NAAC.
NOU is renowned for its diverse academic offerings, encompassing 105 study programs, which include 28 postgraduate courses, seven PG diploma courses, 27 degree courses, and over 25 certificate programs. The university maintains an inclusive admission policy, without seat limitations, welcoming all eligible students with the requisite qualifications. Furthermore, female students benefit from a 25% concession in admission fees.
As NOU embarks on this momentous journey to its new campus, it leaves behind a legacy of educational excellence while embracing the promise of an even brighter future, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and higher learning.
