27-04-2025
NIOS-passed candidate eligible for admission to law degree courses: HC
The Kerala High Court has observed that a candidate who has passed the Secondary and Senior Secondary Examinations from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is eligible for admission to integrated law degree courses.
Justice N. Nagaresh made the observation recently while quashing an order of the Principal of S.N. Law College, Poothotta, Thripunithura, who had refused admission to a candidate who secured primary allotment in the merit list on the grounds that he had obtained his basic qualification from the NIOS.
The court observed that Bar Council of India Rule 5(b) indicates that for admission to integrated degree programmes, an applicant must have completed the Senior Secondary School Course (Plus Two) or its equivalent from a recognised university in India or abroad, or from a Senior Secondary Board or equivalent recognised by the Union or State governments, or from any equivalent institution in a foreign country recognised by the government of that country.
The court pointed out that the petitioner had passed the 9th and 10th standard examinations under the NIOS scheme. 'The certificate issued by the NIOS is recognised by all universities as per the directions of the Association of Indian Universities. Therefore, it must be treated as evidence that he holds the basic qualification from an autonomous institution under the Union Ministry of Education,' the court added.
The court also observed that the Association of Indian Universities has recognised NIOS courses as equivalent to those from other recognised boards, allowing students to use these qualifications for admission to higher studies at Indian universities. The statement from the NIOS also revealed that its academic study centres are primarily schools recognised by national and State boards.
The NIOS submitted that it is one of the three national-level boards and is on par with other national-level boards like CBSE and ICSE. The secondary/senior secondary certification of the NIOS is recognised by the State government and all State boards across the country.
