NIOS Introduces Supplementary Exam for In-Service Teachers in Bridge Course

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has launched a supplementary examination for in-service teachers enrolled in its bridge course. This initiative allows teachers who miss or fail the main exam a second chance to qualify. The course, mandated by the Supreme Court, aims to enhance teachers' professional skills and includes a comprehensive evaluation system based on internal assessments and final exams. With over 67,000 teachers registered, this program is set to significantly impact the teaching community across the country.

By Ambika Singh Sep 28, 2026, 10:26 IST

New Examination Option for Teachers

In a significant development for in-service teachers enrolled in the NIOS bridge course, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has announced the introduction of a supplementary examination. This new option allows teachers who miss the main exam or do not pass it to have another chance to succeed. Furthermore, the course includes 250 marks dedicated to internal assessments, focusing on the practical experiences teachers gain in their schools. This initiative is set to benefit numerous in-service educators across the nation.

Supreme Court Mandate for Bridge Course

**Bridge Course Mandated Following Supreme Court Order**

The Supreme Court has mandated a six-month bridge course for assistant teachers who were appointed in primary schools with B.Ed. qualifications between June 28, 2018, and August 11, 2023. NIOS has initiated this course in response to the court's directive, aiming to equip teachers with essential professional training for primary education.

Evaluation Criteria for the Course

**Evaluation Based on 500 Marks**

The bridge course evaluation is structured around a total of 500 marks. Of this, 250 marks are designated for internal assessments, while the remaining 250 marks are for the final examination at the end of the course. The internal assessment will take into account the teachers' practical work and experiences in their school settings.

Focus on School Experience

**100 Marks for School Experience**

Within the internal assessment, 100 marks are specifically allocated for school experience. This evaluation will consider lesson planning, teaching activities, portfolios, and other relevant tasks that in-service teachers are already engaged in. School experience contributes four credits, which is 20 percent of the total 20 credits required.

Opportunity for Retake

**Second Chance Upon Failure**

Alongside the main examination, a supplementary exam will be available. This ensures that teachers who either miss the exam or do not pass have another opportunity to qualify. To pass, a minimum of 50 percent is required in the practical exam and 40 percent in the theory exam, with an overall aggregate of at least 50 percent across all assessments.

Registration Statistics

Number of teachers registered

Dr. Alok Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director of the Capacity Building Cell at NIOS, stated that the course aims to enhance teachers' professional skills. The course has already begun with an official orientation, and a total of 67,530 teachers have registered nationwide, including 34,044 from Uttar Pradesh.