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How to Change Block in NIOS- Quick Steps, Policy, and More!

Written ByAnkita Singha
Last Updated on22 Jul, 2025
Min Reading10 min read

Are you someone enrolled with  the National Institute of Open Schooling and realized you need to change your exam block?

If yes, then NIOS comes with the responsibility of managing your enrollment accurately. This includes choosing the correct exam block

While learning students sometimes feel, circumstances change and they need to change their block in NIOS

This can be due to relocation, exam convenience or scheduling conflicts. NIOS allows learners to apply for block changes through a structured process. 

Also explore how to take admission in NIOS for 12th class

If you follow this guide, we will explore how to change your block in NIOS syllabus, step by step. No problem is you want to do it online through the student portal or reaching out for support. 

It’s not as complicated as it might seem, and we’ll make sure you know exactly what to do. Also what documents you might need and how long it could take.

Let’s begin! 

What is a Block in NIOS?

In the National Institute of Open Schooling, a Block means a specific enrollment period for students which is typically divided into two blocks per year for certain streams. 

To make the right decision, explore the different types of streams in NIOS

These blocks showcase the timelines for admissions and subsequent examinations within a given stream. Also explore what is stream 1 block 2 in NIOS? 

For example, in Stream 1, Block 1 means the first enrollment period for new learners. On the other hand, Block 2 means the second period. Understand what is stream 1 block 1 in NIOS?

  • Block 1: For learners who want to appear in the April/May examination cycle.
  • Block 2: For learners intending to appear in the October/November exam cycle.

How to Change Blocks in NIOS- Quick Steps

In NIOS, students can change blocks by applying for the next available block, possibly with a late fee. If you have made an error in your application, such as selecting the wrong stream, you may need to update your stream during reapplication.

Here’s a step by step guide of how to change blocks in NIOS:

1. Log in to the NIOS Student Portal

Visit the NIOS Official Portal and use the student enrollment number and password to log in.

If you have forgotten the credentials don’t worry, use the Forgot Password feature to reset and continue.

After logging in, you will have access to various options such as registration, including service requests.

2. Submit a Request via Learner Support/Service Request

Then go to the “Service Request” section and choose the request type called “Change of Exam Block”. 

Then fill in your Reference Number, Full Name, Enrollment Number and other required personal details asked. Remember, to mention the current block and the desired new block in the description or notes section.

Be accurate while entering your details to avoid any delays or rejection of your request.

3. Upload Required Documents (if applicable)

NIOS may ask for supporting documents for verification. It will justify your reason for block change. Prepare the following document mentioned:

  • Identity proof like Aadhaar card, PAN card. 
  • NIOS admission details. 
  • Any reason-specific supporting documents based on your reason for the change. For example, a medical certificate, job transfer letter, or relocation proof. 

Remember to share each document clear, legible, and uploaded in PDF or JPEG format to reduce rejection chances. Also file size must comply with the portal’s upload limits.

4. Pay the Applicable Fee

NIOS charges a nominal fee for changing the block. The typical fee for changing subjects or adding subjects, NIOS charges Rs. 720/- per subject for both Secondary and Senior Secondary courses. 

Pay online through the portal via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. 

Explore here how to pay the nios exam fee.

5. Track the Status

After submitting your request you will get a tracking number and use the service request tracking number to check the status

To do so, you need to go to the “Track Request” section. NIOS usually processes the request in 7 to 10 working days and sometimes longer. 

If you do not get any info after this timeframe connect with NIOS officials via email or helpline for updates.

Why Students Change Blocks in NIOS?

Learners in NIOS can change blocks to adjust their exam schedule or improve their performance in specific subjects. 

Explore more detailed information about how many subjects are compulsory in NIOS for 12th.

This feature of NIOS offers flexibility to learn at their own pace. Reasons why students change Blocks in NIOS includes: 

1. Examination Schedule

NIOS learners may change examination blocks for various reasons. Primarily related to flexibility in exam scheduling and subject selection

They can choose to appear for specific subjects or retake exams in subjects they’ve previously failed or want to improve their scores. 

2. Subject Improvement

For learners who want subject improvement and are unhappy with their previous grades can change subjects to improve their scores in specific subjects. 

Also, those who have failed exams in other boards can enroll in NIOS Stream 4 Block 1 to retake those exams and save their academic year. 

3. Stream Changes

Learners change blocks in NIOS to adjust their examination schedule or to address specific reasons related to their learning progress or marks. 

Stream 1 Block 1 and 2, for example, offer different exam schedules. While Stream 2 is tailored for learners who need to reappear for exams or have not appeared previously. 

Also read What is stream 2 block 2 in NIOS? to change stream or block efficiently. 

4. Transfer of Credit

One of the popular features of NIOS is Transfer of Credit. It allows students to transfer credits from other recognized boards. 

This will potentially reduce the number of subjects they need to study. 

NIOS Block Change Policy: Official Guidelines

The NIOS block change policy helps learners to change subjects or add subjects during their enrollment period. However, they need to follow specific guidelines. 

Learners can change subjects within four years of their initial registration. Also remember that the total number of subjects doesn’t exceed seven. 

Here you can read everything in detail about the policy given by NIOS:

1. Change/Addition of Subjects:

Change or addition of subjects helps learners to study in their own way. 

They can apply for a change of subject or addition of subjects within the first four years of their registration as long as the total number of subjects doesn’t exceed seven. 

2. Subject Validity:

The validity period to change subjects is within the five-year of their admission. However, it also comes with certain restrictions. 

A student can change one or more subjects, or even add up to two additional subjects. However, the total number of subjects needs to be seven each time.

3. Application Process:

Application process can be done physically or online mode based on learners preference. 

Online, go through the NIOS official website or offline subject changes should be submitted on plain paper to the concerned Regional Centre through the Accredited Institution (AI). 

Don’t forget to add the required documents and fee mentioned. 

4. Fees:

A fee of Rs. 720 per subject is applicable for both Secondary and Senior Secondary courses. 

5. Timeframe:

As per official website the NIOS applications for the April to May examination should be submitted between July 1st and October 15th. 

And for the October to November examination between January 1st and April 15th. 

6. Maximum Subjects:

Based on guidelines learners can take a maximum of 7 subjects which should include one or two languages. 

7. Re-admission:

The NIOS Block Change Policy, specifically related to re-examination, focuses on the ability to change subjects and reappear for exams within the five-year validity period of a student’s admission. 

8. Transfer of Credits (TOC):

Transfer of Credit or TOC is offered by NIOS for ex-students

Individuals who have passed a maximum of four subjects in their previous NIOS admission or from other recognized boards, provided those subjects were passed within the last ten years. 

The TOC facility is available in all the streams of NIOS without any challenges. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Changing Block in NIOS

While changing your block in NIOS, learners need to avoid common mistakes. 

Mistakes like submitting incomplete applications, not adhering to the specified timelines and failing to pay the required fees. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential pitfalls and effective ways to avoid them:

1. Missing Deadlines

Missing deadlines or ignoring timelines is a mistake that can’t be reversed. 

The only solution to this problem is to pay close attention to the application deadlines and submit your application or request for changes well in advance

If you are a new user, always check admission status in NIOS

2. Incomplete or Incorrect Fee Payment

Incomplete or incorrect fee payment means by mistake not paying the required fee on time or paying the wrong amount. 

However, remember to verify the correct fee amount earlier. You can recheck from the NIOS website and pay through the specified online methods. 

Also, get the receipt for future need or as a proof. 

3. Incorrect or Missing Documents

Incorrect or missing documents is a mistake most of the time which leads to rejection of the form

Learners not uploading all necessary documents or submitting poorly scanned or illegible copies. 

However, by double checking all required documents ensure that they are clearly scanned and in the correct format.

4. Errors in Personal Details

A lot of time it happens that learners fail to fill the form accurately. Due to errors in personal details the form got rejected by the NIOS officials. 

Check all the information before filling the form from other documents such as passport, aadhar card or pan card. 

5. Lack of Awareness of NIOS Rules

Some students lack the awareness of NIOS rules which leads to wrongly filling the form. 

Remember, before filling the form learners must read the steps on how to fill the form and documents required to change subjects. 

6. Not Keeping Copies of Submitted Documents

Students who do not keep copies of submitted documents can be a drawback in future. 

Always ensure that you have a copy of the documents and receipt of the fee submitted. 

Tips to Consider Before Changing Block in NIOS

Before changing your block in NIOS, learners should understand the implications on your exam schedule. 

Also, confirm whether your chosen subjects are available in the new block or not. And be aware of any deadlines for applying for a block change. 

Here’s some tips to consider before changing Block in NIOS: 

1. Understand Block Deadlines

A lot of individuals lack deadlines and later regret. The key is to be aware of the application periods given by NIOS officials for each block and the consequences of missing deadlines.

Most of the time: Block 1 applications are open from March 16th to July 31st for the April/May exams. Also read how many times the NIOS exam is held in a year

And Block 2 applications are open from September 16th to January 31st for the October/November exams. 

2. Impact on Examinations

It is crucial to understand the timing and potential impact on the examination schedule and overall progress. 

NIOS allows subject changes during the five-year admission period. You can also go through what if a learner fails in one subject in NIOS

3. Fees and Payment

Double check the right amount of the applicable fees for your specific stream and block. 

This will reduce the risk of any potential late fees or additional charges for subject changes.  

4. Consult with NIOS Team

Before changing your block in NIOS, one can consult with the NIOS team. By understanding the implications and procedures involved one can fill the form accurately. 

With this learners can easily choose the right path for future growth. NIOS board benefits ensure effective learning opportunities. 

Learners can also ask how much time NIOS takes to verify documents

5. Correction Deadlines

Learners can change subjects within four years of registration. But not for the first upcoming exam or for subjects already passed. 

Conclusion

Changing the block in NIOS is a manageable process that needs accuracy without any delay. As long as you are informed, punctual, and on time it becomes an easy task. 

Whether you want to switch from Block 1 to Block 2 or just the opposite, make sure that your decision is taken with all the sense

Also, it is backed by proper reasoning and supported by the correct documentation. 

After all everything is personally checked by the NIOS official team. Always remember to log in to the portal regularly to track important dates and keep the documents ready and updated.

Reach out to NIOS if anything seems unclear. With the right knowledge how to proceed and timely action, learners can navigate your block change smoothly. Understand the comparison between NIOS vs CBSE

Explore the reasons to choose NIOS in the 21st century for a better future. Must learn how to apply for NIOS admission online

NIOS is an ideal opportunity for those who are looking for flexibility and a system to support every learner. It is also good for NIOS for slow learners. If you are ready to proceed, have a memorable educational journey ahead.

If you are looking for how to take admission or NIOS admission last date read more. 

FAQs

In NIOS, learners can choose Stream 1 which consists of two blocks names, Block 1 and Block 2. These blocks denote different admission and exam cycles. Block 1 is for those whose enrollment time is between March 16th and September 15th. And the exams are held in April/May of the following year. 

 

While in Block 2 individuals can enroll between September 16th and March 15th. Also, the exams are usually held in October or November.

The fee for changing or adding a subject in the National Institute of Open Schooling is 720 rupees per subject. Remember, the amount is applied to both Secondary and Senior Secondary courses. 

 

To change a subject or block, learners need to submit an application on paper to the concerned Regional Centre of NIOS through your Accredited Institution. Also, add the prescribed fee mentioned by NIOS.

The learners can give NIOS exams more than one time. The exam allows for multiple attempts for both public examinations and on-demand exams. They can opt for the public exams twice a year. 

 

Also, the on-demand exams in NIOS are available anytime throughout the year. However, if anyone fails in a subject they are eligible to reappear for the same subject without any challenge.

Changing subjects after the first examination is challenging but not impossible for learners. It depends on the specific board such as CBSE, NIOS, etc. and the policies of the institution. 

 

To change the subjects one needs to submit a formal request. Also, provide all the supporting documentation and successful fee payment. Remember, early action is important. 

Yes, students can change more than one subject. However, it depends on the specific environment and the policies of the institution or board learner are enrolled with. 

 

NIOS limits the number of subjects that can be changed. And there may be specific deadlines or procedures to follow very accurately to change the subjects.

Ankita Singha

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I, Ankita Singha is a passionate content writer at 21kschool with 1.5 years of experience in crafting engaging digital content in different domains. With a talent for storytelling and visual expression, I blend creativity and strategy seamlessly. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting new things, calligraphy, and dancing.

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