One student wanted to dedicate more time to playing the violin towards the fag end of class XII. Another did not find the regular subjects in the higher secondary syllabus interesting.
Yet another discontinued studies after class X to teach Carnatic music, and decided to get back to class XII almost nine years later so that she could pursue a Ph. D.
Another, quit school because it did not offer room to juggle between cricket matches and the impending class XII exams.
These students were looking to complete their crucial class X and XII exams without compromising on their interests. Their search ended at the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), a national board of education that allows students to learn at their own pace through the open and distance learning system.
They were also among the 12 class X and XII regional-level toppers in the NIOS examinations held in October-November 2013 and April-May 2013 and 2014 who were recognised on Friday.
P. Ravi, Regional Director, NIOS- Regional Centre (Tamil Nadu and Puducherry), said that NIOS is an alternative to formal schooling. “The syllabus is at par with other boards but the system is extremely flexible,” he said. NIOS will benefit students with learning difficulties too, he said.
24-year-old C. Madhumitha, who stood first in the April-May 2014 class XII exams, noted that the content was by no means easy. “It is quite competitive. However, I was able to study and dedicate time to music, which is my passion,” she said. Violinist Ashika Caroline, topper in the October- November 2013 class XII exam, said that her schedule involved practicing for close to six hours every day.
“Students can choose any combination of subjects and need not write all the papers at the same time. We even offer on-demand examination where a learner can choose a date and subject,” Mr. Ravi said.
NIOS also provides contact programmes through their authorised study centres, Mr. Ravi said. Learners can take up secondary and senior secondary examinations under NIOS and close to 2,500 students are currently enrolled in NIOS in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
C. Nithy Anandan and Prasanth K topped the class X exams held in October-November 2013 and April-May 2014 respectively. Students can log on to www.nios.ac.in for details.
