Chennai: The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) to introduce vocational courses in livestock, poultry and allied sectors.

NIOS Chairman Prof. Akilesh Mishra told reporters that the agreement aims to provide skill-based certificate and diploma programmes to create a trained workforce. The five-year MoU will initially cover certificate courses in poultry farming and vermicomposting and two diploma courses in food and beverage operations and baking and confectionery. Course materials will be prepared in Tamil. Candidates who have passed or failed Class 8 will be eligible for certificate courses to include rural learners.

Mishra said NIOS also offers flexibility for academic education. Individuals aged 14 and above can appear for Class 10 exams and those 15 and above for Class 12. Exams can be taken in any of the Constitution's 8th Schedule languages and at the candidate's preferred time, apart from the usual April-May and October-November sessions. Students need to pass two language subjects and three main subjects to qualify on par with Tamil Nadu State Board standards.

Currently, Tamil Nadu has 277 educational institutions, 151 accredited vocational institutes, and 93 open basic education centres affiliated with NIOS, which offers 86 vocational courses across 31 sectors. NIOS has earlier partnered with Tamil Nadu Sports University and the Logistics Skill Sector Council to offer specialized courses.