Overview

Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), also known as NSOU, is a State Open University established in 1997. It is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with its main campus situated in DD-26, Sector 1, Salt Lake City, Kolkata. NSOU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 12(B) and 2(f) of the UGC Act. It is accredited with a NAAC 'B' grade (Cycle 2, 2019). The university operates through multiple regional centers across West Bengal to facilitate distance learning.

Official website: http://www.wbnsou.ac.in

Quick Facts

• Founder: Government of West Bengal
• Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Banasri Basu
• Students enrolled: Over 1,00,000 (approx.)
• Faculty & Departments: Over 20 academic departments
• Contact: +91-033-4062-3226 / info@wbnsou.ac.in
• NAAC Accreditation: B Grade (2019)
• NIRF Ranking: Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-01

Courses & Programs

• Faculties: Arts, Science, Commerce, Education, Management
• Popular Programs:
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) – 3 years, distance
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – 3 years, distance
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – 3 years, distance
  • Master of Arts (MA) in various disciplines – 2 years, distance
  • Post Graduate Diploma Programs (PGDCA, etc.)
  • PhD programs in selected departments
• Mode: Primarily distance education with online support
• Duration: UG – 3 years; PG – 2 years; Diploma – 1 year

Admissions

• Mode: Merit-based through academic qualifications
• Accepted Exams: No entrance exams; direct admission based on qualifying marks
• Timeline: Admissions open twice a year - January and July sessions
• Application: Apply online via the official portal https://onlineadmission.wbnsou.ac.in
• Steps:
  1. Register on the official admission portal
  2. Fill the application form online
  3. Upload required documents (marksheets, ID proof)
  4. Pay application fee online
  5. Download admit card and wait for admission confirmation
• Offline applications are generally not accepted; refer to official site for updates

Admission details: http://www.wbnsou.ac.in/admissions

Eligibility

• Undergraduate courses: 10+2 passed from recognized board
• Postgraduate courses: Bachelor’s degree from recognized university
• PhD: Master’s degree with minimum required percentage as per department norms
• Documents required: Marksheets, ID proof, passport-sized photos, domicile certificate (if applicable)
• Age criteria: No upper age limit; minimum 17 years for UG courses

Fee & Scholarships

• Tuition fee range: ₹3,000 – ₹12,000 per year depending on course
• Hostel and exam fees: Not applicable as a distance university
• Scholarships: Available for SC/ST/OBC/EWS under various West Bengal government schemes; merit scholarships also offered
• Scholarship info: Scholarships at NSOU

Placements

• No formal campus placement cell; however, supports internships and career counseling
• Students encouraged to access online job portals and government employment schemes
• Internship opportunities vary by program and are facilitated locally
• Placement statistics not officially published

Campus & Facilities

• No residential campus or hostels due to open university nature
• Regional study centers equipped with classrooms, counselling facilities, and computer labs
• Library available at main campus and major study centers with e-learning resources
• Wi-Fi and internet-enabled classrooms for online learning
• Annual cultural and academic fests, student clubs operational in centers

Faculty & Research

• Experienced faculty members with PhDs in respective fields
• Research centers include Departments of Bengali, History, and Education undertaking minor projects
• Collaborations with local universities and educational bodies for academic exchange
• Official research grants and patents: Not published as of 2024-06-01

Rankings

• NAAC: B Grade (Cycle 2, 2019)
• NIRF and other major rankings: Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-01

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Admissions are merit-based; detailed cut-offs per course published online
• Seat matrix available at official admission portal
• Results of courses published periodically on NSOU Results Page

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (approx. 15 km)
• Nearest Railway: Bidhannagar Road Railway Station (approx. 3 km)
• Local Transit: Kolkata Metro, buses, and taxis connect Salt Lake City campus

FAQs

Q1: What is the mode of education at NSOU?

A: NSOU primarily offers distance learning programs supported by online and offline study materials with regional centers.

Q2: Can I apply for admissions online?

A: Yes, admissions can be applied online through the official admission portal.

Q3: Does NSOU conduct entrance exams?

A: No entrance exams are conducted; admissions are merit-based on qualifying results.

Q4: What scholarships are available?

A: Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and merit-based scholarships are available through state government schemes.

Q5: Are hostel facilities available?

A: No hostels are provided due to the open university's distance education mode.

Q6: How long are the UG and PG courses?

A: Undergraduate courses are typically 3 years; postgraduate courses are 2 years.

Q7: Is there a placement cell?

A: The university does not have a formal placement cell but facilitates career counseling and internships.

Q8: How can I contact the university?

A: Contact at +91-033-4062-3226 or email info@wbnsou.ac.in.

Q9: Are there PhD programs offered?

A: Yes, PhD programs are offered in selected disciplines subject to eligibility.

Q10: When are the admission cycles?

A: NSOU admits students twice a year, generally in January and July.