Affiliation No: IA702, 94883
Call us at: +919663213636

What is Reference Number in NIOS – Significance, Process, and More!

Written ByAnshu Kumari
Last Updated on26 Jul, 2025
Min Reading7 min read
What is Reference Number in NIOS

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) offers an open learning platform to students within India. NIOS offers varied educational needs due to open and distance learning. Whether you are in the Secondary or Senior Secondary, or the Vocational Courses

Moving forward, get ahead with NIOS: Meaning, benefits, and more.

During your educational course with NIOS, you might be frequently encountered with a reference number. This is of key importance to follow up regarding your numerous registrations, application procedures, and other administrative processes.

This paper shall explore what a reference number in NIOS is, its importance, and how to get and manage it. We will also see what happens to lose it, the typical problems, and what is the difference between it and enrollment number.

What is Reference Number in NIOS?

In NIOS, a reference number is a unique way of identification given to a student or an applicant for various administrative reasons. It is normally provided when a student makes a request or application in any service viz. enrollment, exam registration, and alternation of study centre

This figure plays an important role in monitoring the situation and progress of the student applications and requests. It also acts as a tracking number, so that the concerned department can easily retrieve and administer students’ records

Your reference number holds the key whether you are seeking a duplicate mark sheet, a change of study centre in nios or exam results.

Significance of Reference Number in NIOS

A reference number in NIOS is like a token number that refers to the procedure and updates of students’ requests. Through this applicants can get details directly on their portal of their concerned services upheld. 

1. Tracking and Monitoring your Application

The reference number is a special identifier that enables students to monitor application and request status using the NIOS portal. Students who know how to take admission in NIOS for 12th class can also get details for their application status.

As an example, in case you have applied to get a duplicate mark sheet or change the study centre. Here, the reference number will assist the NIOS staff to track down and work on your request promptly

The reference number enables students to simply find out the status of nios application and whether or not it is ready. It avoids the frustration of applying several times to request the same thing.

2. Access to Results of the Examination

Checking exam results is also one of the most useful applications of the reference number. Once you apply to NIOS admission online, and give exams, the reference number lets you know the status of your result, download the mark sheet and confirm overall performance

It is also used to locate the exam center and also to make sure your details are properly registered in the result system.

3. Contact with NIOS

NIOS reference number is a vital means of communicating with the board. Even make sure to contact before NIOS admission last date. You can reach NIOS regarding a particular inquiry, concern, or dispute at any time

However, you are likely to be requested to give your reference number to get your issue resolved at ease. Thus, it facilitates the process of communication as students and NIOS staff find it easy to find records and settle the concerns.

4. Verification of Registration

When you enroll in a given course or exam at NIOS, you would be assigned a reference number that will act as a receipt of registration. This is the number that will confirm that your register details are filled in the NIOS database

It serves as evidence that you managed to register and may be used in the future when you need to check it. However, you should be aware of how much time NIOS takes to verify documents, so that you don’t worry unnecessarily.

5. Solving Problems and Conflicts

In some cases, difficulties might occur either due to the wrong information, late results or lack of documents. This reference number assists NIOS in tracking your request, and in settling any possible disputes promptly. 

This number enables NIOS to easily find your record and also make sure that your request is attended to without delays.

What is the Procedure to get Your Reference Number in NIOS?

The reference number is issued on various levels in the NIOS process. The following are your ways of getting it:

1. At the time of Enrollment or Registration

When you enroll to study in NIOS the first time, you are usually assigned a reference number during the registration procedure. Before moving ahead, compare NIOS vs CBSE and decide which suits your needs while taking admissions.

NIOS will give a reference number after submitting the online form of secondary or senior secondary course. This number will be communicated to you through email or SMS whereby you will be able to know your status regarding enrollment

It lets your registration be recorded and assists NIOS to verify your identity throughout the scholarly process.

2. At the time of Exam Registration

The same happens when you apply to write examinations through NIOS as you shall be assigned a reference number. This is a number that will be attached to your examination details with your exam center, subject registration number and roll number

The exam registration reference is also important to check your exam hall ticket and the results following the exams.

Explore how many times the nios exam is held in a year.

3. By calling NIOS Helpline or Regional Center

In case you could not take your reference number online, you may contact the NIOS helpline (1800 180 9393- Toll free) or your local center. Give them your enrollment number or personal information and they shall help you to give you your reference number.

4. Online Portal/Student Dashboard

You will find your reference number on your student dashboard on NIOS official site as well. Once you have logged in to the NIOS Student Portal, you are able to see your enrollment status, exam results and other activities. 

In the case of having a reference number on a certain service or request, you will see it under the respective section.

What to Do When You Lose Your Reference Number?

It is not an unusual case to lose a reference number, but there are few methods to retrieve it in case that occurs:

1. Check your Email/SMS

When a reference number is made, NIOS usually emails the student via the registered email address or messages on phone number. Check your inbox and SMS to receive maintenance messages sent to you by NIOS containing your reference number.

2. Access the NIOS Website

You may also log on to NIOS official site with an enrollment name and password. Your student dashboard must show information on your enrollment, your exam registration and other activities. 

In case of any reference number assigned to a given service, it will post in the appropriate field.

3. Reach to NIOS Helpline

Unable to login to email to get the reference number or on the NIOS, you can call the helpline of NIOS i.e. 1800 180 9393 (Toll Free). Send them your enrollment number, course information and any other details necessary. 

And then they will help you in the recovery of your reference number.

4. Check-in Your Study Center

Resort to visiting your study center in which you enrolled otherwise. The student records are available in study centres and they can assist you to access your reference number

Do remember to take identification proof with you to make checks on your identity.

Common Problems with NIOS Reference Numbers

While there are several NIOS board benefits, in some cases, the students can experience certain problems with their reference numbers. The following are some of the most faced issues:

1. Wrong Reference Number

You can sometimes find your reference number being passed on by NIOS seems wrong or fragmented. It is because of a system error or incorrect information taking place. 

At these times, call the NIOS helpline (1800 180 9393-Toll Free) or go to your correction center.

2. No Reference Number Generated

There are cases where students do not get a reference number upon applying to take an exam or to use a facility. This may be a technical problem or a problem with incomplete application or a mistake with submission

Then re-check your application and make sure that all the information is properly completed. In case the problem remains, refer to NIOS support.

3. Lost Reference Number

Suppose you forgot your reference number. Then, you can do the following steps as above, check your mail, log in to NIOS Student Portal or contact NIOS official site

By carrying your enrollment number or other identification information will help to ease the process.

What is the Difference between Reference Number and Enrollment Number?

Even though both reference and enrollment numbers are unique identifiers that are utilized by NIOS, they are applied to different goals:

  • Enrollment number

Enrollment number is issued when a student initially registers to NIOS. It is mainly used in finding students in the NIOS system

It is the same all the way through the course. And it is mandatory to all the activities related to the students such as exams, certificates and results.

  • Reference number 

Reference number on the other hand is assigned when a certain request or service is made. An example can be considered, upon registration of exams, changing of study center and duplication of certificates

They will be given a reference number that they can use to track the request.

Conclusion

The registration number used at NIOS is vital in making sure that requests by students are tracked well and processed. This reference number aids your registration to exams, finding administrative service, or communicating with NIOS

One should preserve this number and use it whenever it is required. In case it gets lost, it can be restored in various ways. So students can always maintain control of their needs that are both academic and administrative.

Knowing how to use a reference number and how to find it, students will easily cope with their NIOS experience.

FAQs

The reference number in NIOS is a code given to allow tracking of the student request e.g. to take an exam, apply to get a certificate or even changing the study centre.

You may obtain the reference number during enrolment, on the exam registration form, by the NIOS student portal and by calling the NIOS helpline.

In case you forget your reference number, you can check your email, log into NIOS portal or call NIOS helpline or visit your study center to retrieve it.

Yes, you may use your reference number to inquire how your exam registration has passed and view your exam results.

In case your reference number is wrong, call the NIOS helpline or come to your regional center to rectify the same.

Anshu Kumari

Author Image

Anshu Kumari holds a graduate degree in psychology while pursuing writing as her freelance profession. She has more han one year of experience in content writing. She dedicates her time to reading philosophy together with managing her new poetry collection.

Admission closing Soon Enquire Now