Netaji Subhas Open University

Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) is a premier state open university that is based in India. It is an open university offering distance learning in Eastern India. It s the 45th largest university in the world. The university has its headquarters in Woodburn Park Kolkata. It offers many courses in different disciplines and post graduate study and its ones of the largest growing distance learning universities in Eastern India The University was established by W.B. Act (XIX) in 1997. It has acquired recognition by University Grants Commission (U.G.C.) The University is a member of the Association Of Indian Universities.

Currently the university has approximately 191 study centers and more are likely to be open especially those dealing with rural community and minority with IT application. The university provides professional and online courses. At present, the university has 6 campuses. These are Netaji Subhas Open University in Woodburn Park Kolkata, Netaji Subhas Open University in Meghnad Saha Sarani also in Kolkata, Netaji Open University in Garcha, Netaji Subhas Open University in Bidhannargar Fire station, Netaji Subhas Open University Regional Institute and Netaji Subhas Open University in Ben Fish Barvan.

The university has been experiencing exponential expansion in various proportions. Recently the number of study centers has rised to a height of about 191, many study subjects have been added to the universities list of courses. Currently the university has more than 100,000 students in more than 80 courses being offered. This has made Netaji Subhas Open University attain the title of a mega university. The university offers the following courses, undergraduate honors courses like humanities and social sciences, science and commerce, it also offers post graduate courses in Humanities and social sciences, computer science, Business Administration, Interdisciplinary science, commerce and science. In addition, it offers PhD programmes in arts, science, mathematics and geography, commerce, management, computer science/application, distance education and interdisciplinary subjects. Besides the university also offers many certificate, diploma and post diploma courses.

Netaji Subhas Open University has library facilities at its study centers but the central library is located at the Golf Park Campus of the university 2nd floor. Netaji Subhas Open University uses various techniques in distance learning. These include distribution of self-instructional study materials throughout the study centers, use of audio and video CD pertaining to a particular Programme are run and screened at the study centers, use of personal contact programmes usually on Saturdays and Sundays, interactive radio counseling. The university broadcast several subjects on the fourth of Sunday on every month through All India Radio. Apart from classes various topics on awareness are discussed like support services, and programmes of national importance are also aired.

In 2006, the University received the award of Excellence in Distance Learning Award from commonwealth of learning for institutional excellence.