The Nalanda Open University was established in March, 1987. The University is named after the famous Nalanda University of Ancient India. The University is recognized by the Distance Education Council (DEC), Ministry of HRD, Government of India, and University Grants Commission (UGC) for imparting education through distance mode.

Nalanda Open University has twenty-eight Study Centers across the state of Bihar. It is a famous postgraduate university at Patna in Bihar state in India. At present there are 10 schools operational under Nalanda Open University namely, School of Computer Education & Information Technology, School of Economics, Commerce, and Management, School of Health and Environment Science, School of Indian and Foreign Languages, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Library and Information Science, School of Pure and Agricultural Science, School of Social Sciences and School of Teacher's Education.

Any eligible person can apply for admission in one of the courses of his choice, offered by the University.  The admission form and prospectus can be obtained through the requisite amount of Demand Draft payable at the sales counters of the University or it has to be sent by registered post, drawn in favour of Nalanda Open University, Payable at Patna. Nalanda Open University Degree/Diploma /Certificates are eligible for higher studies, public & private sector employment and service promotions.