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What if I Fail in One Subject in NIOS: 5 Top Solutions

Written ByRahul Pal
Last Updated on15 Jul, 2025
Min Reading8 min read
What if I Fail in One Subject in NIOS

Many students wonder what if they failed in one subject in NIOS

If any students fail in one subject in NIOS they can reappear for the examination with the failed subject. If a senior secondary student passes the practicals but fails the theory they are still eligible to take the theory exams and their practical awards are retained. 

The better of the two results however will be taken into account if the individual shows up for practicals again. Students who are not satisfied with their grades in any one subject can also reappear for the same subjects, however, can reappear only once. 

If any candidates want to improve their performance in subjects that contain both theory and practicals, they need to appear for both. However, only the best of the two results will be considered and on that basis, the final mark sheets will be prepared. 

The main purpose of this procedure is to reduce exam stress and provide students with flexible learning opportunities, through which they can improve their performance and identify their weaknesses. 

What if I Fail in One Subject in NIOS? 

If candidates fail in one subject in the NIOS, they can reappear for the examination or they can opt for an on-demand examination system. Students who took and failed the NIOS exams can retake the subjects for which they did not receive passing grades. 

Three subjects must be chosen by candidates as main subjects, and a maximum of 5 subjects. Students can reappear for the exam only once in a total of 9 attempts. 

NIOS offers flexible learning that allows students to appear for the exams throughout the year through on-demand examinations. To pass the examination, students need to score a minimum of 33% in every subject and are allowed to retake the test as many times without any penalty.  

This helps students to become more determined, which enhances their lifelong learning and reduces their exam pressure. Here is what can be done if you have failed your NIOS examination.

1. Reappear for the Failed Subject

If students have failed in a subject, they can retake it at a later exam session. NIOS offers a variety of options all year long, such as the On-Demand Examination System (ODES), which allows students to reappear for the examination throughout the year. 

Candidates are allowed to retake a minimum of 5 exams with a total of 9 attempts in a 5-year gap period.

2. On-Demand Examination System (ODES)

On-demand examination provides students with flexible learning opportunities, allowing them to appear for the examination throughout the year. 

Unlike the traditional examination system, students don’t have to wait for one academic year to apply for the examination. Students can register for ODES in any month except April, May, October, and November, as the public examinations are held. 

3. Credit Accumulation

NIOS offers a credit accumulation system through which students can retain their credits for a subject after passing it. This learning method helps students to focus on the subjects they have not passed, and this makes their education easier. 

Students can improve their performance in other subjects while working on their weak areas, encouraging lifelong learning. Even students can transfer their credits to current passing subjects.

4. Passing Criteria

The passing criteria for NIOS are very simple; students need to score a minimum of 33% in every subject in order to pass the examination. If there are any practical subjects, they need to score the same 33% as theoretical subjects.  

Students’ overall performance is assessed separately for theory and practical exams, which helps in assessing their strengths and weaknesses. If any candidates failed to acquire the minimum marks, they can reappear for the examination.

5. No Penalties for Multiple Attempts

NIOS offers flexible learning opportunities that allow students to appear for the examination multiple times without any penalties. 

A student may take the failed subject as many as nine times during the five years following the date of registration. This adaptability allows students to prepare for the examination without any hindrances. 

Steps to Follow if You Have Failed in the NIOS Exam

Students who have failed in their examination can reappear for the examination through on-demand examination or in other public examinations. 

NIOS provides multiple attempts through which students can reappear for the examination within a five year period. There are following steps which students should follow if they have failed their examination.

1. Re-register and Reappear

If candidates have failed the NIOS exam one of the simplest ways to find out is to re-register for it. Candidates can apply through the official website at nios.ac.in

The application for the next exam cycle must be completed in order to accomplish this. Students can appear for the examination in which they have failed. Prepare for the examination with study guides, previous test papers, and any additional resources to qualify the examination. 

2. Go for an On-demand Examination

The On-Demand Examination (ODE) system offered by NIOS allows students to take exams whenever it is most convenient for them rather than waiting for the scheduled exam session. 

This option will be especially helpful for students who might need more time to prepare or who want to focus on specific subjects. 

Students who have failed in their examination are also eligible to appear for the on-demand examination. This helps in making a proper study routine for students and reduces their exam stress.

3. Take Readmission

If students are failing their exams after multiple attempts they may consider applying for readmission to the NIOS program. 

Students can start over with this option which can be particularly beneficial for students who are failing multiple times. Upon readmission, students have the option to change the subjects or focus on other areas. 

4. Pay Fees

Now candidates need to pay the Fees, which include fees for the re-registration, on-demand examination, admission fees, etc. It is essential for candidates to pay the fees within the stipulated time to avoid any late fees. 

Study Materials to Prepare for NIOS

Students who are going to appear for the NIOS examination must prepare for the exam effectively to successfully pass the examination. 

Students should study the NCERT books along with other guidebooks, which help in enhancing their learning outcomes. Through proper preparation, students can easily qualify for the NIOS examination. 

1. Official Study Materials

Official Study materials are an effective way to study for the examination. Students can download the study materials from the official website in PDF format. 

The materials provided by NIOS cover the entire syllabus to ensure that students have access to all necessary content. Since they can be downloaded for free these resources are accessible to all students. 

2. Guide Books and NCERT

Guidebooks and NCERT books are another way to prepare for the secondary and senior secondary examinations. 

Guidebooks such as Golden, Fullmarks and Arihant are an incredible way to prepare for the examination as it includes sample papers,  previous years’ question papers, and detailed explanations. 

They effectively aid students in understanding foundational concepts and are closely aligned with the NIOS syllabus. 

3. Online Video Lectures

Online video lectures are an effective way to prepare students for the examination. Students can attend online classes from 21K School or any other online platform to prepare for the examination. 

As they also follow the NIOS board. The online lectures help in simplifying complex subjects through examples and visual aids. 

4. Coaching Centres

Students can also prepare for exams by enrolling in a coaching centre, which provides structured instruction and expert guidance to students who may struggle to learn independently. 

Coaching centres usually offer practice sessions with individualised attention as well as regular assessments to track progress. 

Can You Reappear for the Failed Subject?

Yes, candidates can reappear for any failed subjects. Students have the option to reappear for the next scheduled exam session or the on-demand exam for the specific subjects. 

NIOS conducts exams twice a year, in April-May and October-November, allowing students to reappear for the examination as per the streams. 

Students can also appear for the on-demand examination, which is held throughout the year, enabling them to appear for the examination as per their convenience. 

Students can attempt their exams multiple times within a five year period. This flexibility allows students to improve their marks and understand their weak areas and areas for improvement. 

When Can You Give the Re-Exam in NIOS?

Candidates can reappear for the examination twice in an academic year. Students want their answers to be re-evaluated; they must apply within 15 days of the examination. 

Candidates who have failed their examination in any one subject can reappear for the examination in the same academic session or can go for an on-demand examination. 

The on-demand examination allows students to appear for the examination throughout the year except April/May and October/November. 

This flexibility ensures that every student can attend their exams and can improve their performance without any hindrances. In order to improve their scores NIOS allows students who have already passed a subject to retake it. 

Improvement exams may be taken in the same year or the following academic year depending on the NIOS schedule. 

Tips to Prepare If You Failed One Subject

Students who have failed in their examination must prepare an effective strategy to clear their examination. An effective strategy will help students to overcome the problem and find solutions for the problem. 

Analyzing and understanding the cause of failure will help in finding alternative ways to solve the problem and create the best strategy to achieve good marks. Here are some effective tips students should follow to overcome their failures.

1. Identify the Weak Topic

It’s important to recognise your mistakes and identify the weak areas. To begin, examine the course material and pinpoint the particular ideas or subjects that you found difficult

This could entail going over your notes again, asking instructors or tutors for feedback and taking practice tests to enhance your understanding level.

2. Review Question Paper

Examining the previous exam’s question paper is another effective way to understand the mistakes. Reviewing question papers helps in analysing the important topics and students’ performance. 

Think back on how they have managed their time during the test, analyze your responses to identify errors and recognize patterns in the questions. 

3. Improve Learning Technique 

By using effective learning strategies students can significantly increase their understanding level and knowledge retention of the content. Another effective way to engage in active learning, utilize a variety of resources and consider joining study groups to learn alongside others. 

4. Practice and Practice

Students who have failed in their exams need to practice multiple times in their weak subjects to improve their performance. 

Daily revision sessions are essential to boost confidence as well as take practice exams to understand difficult topics. Daily practice helps in enhancing students’ ability to learn and adapt.

5. Reappear for the Examination 

Once candidates are ready for the examination they should appear for the examination. Positive confidence helps students concentrate and makes learning more efficient. 

This method helps students to qualify for their examination without getting tense about their exam preparation. 

Final Thought

Although failing a subject on the NIOS exam can be difficult, it also offers a chance for development and progress. Retaking the test using the On-Demand Examination System and even thinking about readmission if required are among the options available to students. 

Students can improve their comprehension and performance by taking a methodical approach that includes discovering their weak areas, going over previous test questions, honing their study strategies, and practising consistently. 
Because of the flexible learning environment offered by NIOS, students can retake exams without incurring penalties which motivates them to concentrate on their studies and gain confidence.

FAQs

Students who have failed the examination can reappear for the examination without any hindrances. NIOS provides on-demand examinations as well as options to appear multiple times. Consider seeking advice from NIOS experts or coaching facilities to improve your chances of success. 

If a student fails more than two subjects in NIOS, they will not be deemed passed for that particular exam session. However, NIOS provides opportunities to retake the subjects that were unsuccessful in the next public exam or through On-Demand Exams. They can also use the Transfer of Credit (TOC) facility for subjects they have already passed in NIOS or other recognised boards. 

Yes, students can retake their NIOS exam if they have failed or want to improve their score even after they have passed it. NIOS permits subjects to reappear in order to improve their performance, but only once during the five-year validity period after admission. Students who choose to retake the exam for a subject which includes a practical have to appear for both the theory and practical exams. 

No, NIOS is not so difficult; the syllabus and curriculum of NIOS are aligned with the NCF. Students who prepare for the examination can easily pass the exam without any backlogs; however, NIOS offers flexible education, enabling students to appear for the examination as per their comfortability.

Students are allowed to retake their public exams up to nine times in a five-year period for both secondary and senior secondary classes. Students are also applying for on-demand examinations throughout the year, which enables them to study as per their own convenience.

Rahul Pal

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Rahul is an SEO content writer intern at 21K school, with over 1 year of experience in the field of content writing. At 21K school, he is involved in writing articles and blogs, editing, and research. Rahul has completed his graduation from Swami Vivekananda University in Journalism and Mass Communication.

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