Nalanda Open University aims to provide education to those who have been deprived of formal education. It follows the norms of flexibility with respect to eligibility, admission and course structure. It has 28 study centres around Bihar in cities like Jamshedpur and Ranchi and in small towns like Katihar and Bettiah, catering to the education needs of every sections of the society.

It was established in March 1987. It is named after the famous Buddhist University of Nalanda, the ancient seat of learning. In 1995 the Nalanda Open University Act was passed.

Courses offered at Nalanda open University
Post graduate degree programs offered here: It offers a Master of Arts (M.A) in Magahi, Bhojpuri, Rural Development, Economics, Geography, Hindi, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, Journalism & Mass Communication, Education and Urdu.

Other courses offered include: Master of Science in Geography, Botany and Mathematics. It offers Master of Computer Application (MCA), Master of Library & Information Science (One Year Course), and Master in Commerce (M.Com). Diploma programmes are offered in Marketing Management, Financial Management, Journalism and Mass Communication, Yogic Studies and Disaster Management. Degree programmes include B.A. Honours in Economics, Hindi, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Geography, Tourism, and Home Science.

Bachelor degree courses include Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Botany, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology, and Home Science. It also offers Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Library and Information Science (one-year course), and Bachelor of Computer Applications.

Certificate programmes offered here are a nine-month certificate programme in Computing, Library Science, Clinical Dental Technique, Dental and Oral Hygiene, ECG Technique, Laboratory Technique, Medical Laboratory Technique, Physiotherapy and Yoga Therapy, and Operation Theatre Assistant.

Six-month programme in the languages of Magahi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Pali, Prakrit, Sanskrit, Urdu and the fields of Disaster Management, Indian Constitution and Panchayati Raj, Abolition of Child Labour, Bio-fertilizer Production, Buddhist Studies, Jain Studies, Child and Women Rights, Child Psychology and Guidance, Christian Studies, Environment Studies, Floriculture Technology, Health and Environment, Food and Nutrition, HIV and Family Education, Insurance Services, Hindu Studies, Islamic Studies, Sikh Studies, Legal Awareness among Women, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant, Nutrition and Child Care and Soil Health Management re offered.

Faculties of NOU are:
School of Management Studies & physical Sciences
School of Health & Environmental Sciences
School of Commerce & Social Sciences
School of Indian Languages & Religion
School of Computer & Information Sciences
School of Teachers Education