Indian Sign Language (Subject Code 230), NIOS Secondary Course
by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
Secondary School Certificate
Indian Sign Language (Subject Code 230), NIOS Secondary Course is a course by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for children aged 14 to 17, open to students across India. Registration closes 15 Mar 2027.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹2,340
Duration
One year of study, with the admission valid for five years and up to nine examination chances
Format
Individual
Time needed
The scheme of studies allots 96 hours of theory and 144 hours of practical work, plus self paced tutor marked assignments
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 16 Mar 2026
- Registration closes
- 15 Mar 2027
Block 1 closes without late fee
Block 1 admissions from 1 August 2026 carry a late fee that rises from Rs 260 to Rs 910.
Block 2 admissions open
Block 2 learners first appear in the September-October 2027 examination.
Block 2 closes without late fee
Later Block 2 admissions carry a late fee until 15 March 2027.
Multiple Locations, Nationwide
About this opportunity
Indian Sign Language, subject code 230, is a Group A language subject inside the NIOS Secondary course. Learners do not enrol in it on its own. They take admission to the NIOS Secondary course and choose ISL as one of their subjects.
Indian Sign Language is the natural language of Deaf communities in India, with its own vocabulary and grammar that differ from every spoken language used in the country. NIOS states that learning it is useful for both deaf and hearing people. Deaf and hard of hearing learners may take ISL in place of another language subject. Other learners may take it as an additional subject.
The subject runs over one year and the medium of instruction is Indian Sign Language. Four theory modules cover the nature of ISL, sign language in society, ISL structure and grammar, and creative expression through stories, poems, humour, mime and newsreading. Five groups of practical work cover language description, language context, grammar and usage, creative production and interpersonal communication.
Assessment carries 40 marks for theory and 60 marks for practical work, with tutor marked assignments worth 20 percent of the theory marks and a pass mark of 33 percent. Study material is published in print, DAISY, ePUB and ISL video formats, and NIOS airs live programmes in Indian Sign Language on PM e-Vidya.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 14 to 17 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Passed Class VIII, or a self certificate stating the learner has studied and is able to pursue the Secondary course. No prior pass certificate is required for Secondary admission.
Prerequisites
- Communicative fluency in Indian Sign Language
- Able to follow ISL sentences at natural signing speed
- Fine motor skills to produce signs accurately
Indian Sign Language is taken as a subject within the NIOS Secondary course, not as a standalone class. The published minimum age for Secondary admission is 14 years as on the admission block cut off date. Learners need a Class VIII pass certificate or a self certificate of readiness, plus communicative fluency in ISL. Deaf and hard of hearing learners may take ISL in place of another language. Other learners may take it as an additional subject. Open to learners across India.
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Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Four theory modules covering the nature of Indian Sign Language, sign language in society, ISL structure and grammar, and creative expression, paired with five groups of practical work.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Secondary School Certificate
Passing the NIOS Secondary course leads to a Secondary School Certificate. AICTE has directed its approved institutions to treat NIOS qualifications at par with CBSE, CISCE and state boards, and the Association of Indian Universities granted equivalence for university admission.
Recognized by
Career pathways
The NIOS curriculum states that the field opens further training as certified Indian Sign Language teachers for deaf people, and as sign language interpreters for hearing people. It also names roles in organisations working with the Deaf community and in producing ISL material for education and mass media.
Recognition
National board certificate
Skills your child builds
What your child will do
- Tutor marked assignments in Indian Sign Language
- Practical work on ISL grammar and usage
- Personal diary kept in ISL
- Interview with a Child or Sibling of a Deaf Adult
- Mock interview conducted in ISL
How to apply
- 1Choose the NIOS Secondary course and pick Indian Sign Language (230) from the Group A subject list
- 2Register on the NIOS student portal and validate identity with Aadhaar or another government ID
- 3Upload photograph, signature, date of birth proof, residence proof and Class VIII marksheet or self certificate
- 4Select up to three study centre preferences by state and district
- 5Pay the admission fee online within the admission block window
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Stream 1 online admission to the NIOS Secondary course covers five subjects and costs Rs 2,340 for male learners, Rs 1,890 for female and third gender learners, and Rs 1,560 for SC, ST, ex servicemen and Persons with Disabilities. Each additional subject costs Rs 940, which is the rate that applies when a learner takes Indian Sign Language over and above five subjects. Rs 70 is charged per online transaction. The admission fee covers registration, study material, Personal Contact Programmes, identity card and evaluation of assignments. The examination fee is separate at Rs 300 per subject plus Rs 150 for the ISL practical.
Financial support
NIOS provides a fee concession to female learners, SC and ST learners, ex servicemen and Divyang learners as per its norms. Female learners of Ladakh are exempted from the registration fee and the cost of course material. Jail inmates receive free education.
Refund policy
The examination fee once paid is not refunded or adjusted under any circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Indian Sign Language (Subject Code 230), NIOS Secondary Course?
The registration deadline is 15 Mar 2027.
Is Indian Sign Language (Subject Code 230), NIOS Secondary Course free?
No. The registration fee is ₹2,340.
Who can participate in Indian Sign Language (Subject Code 230), NIOS Secondary Course?
Children aged 14 to 17.
What will my child gain from Indian Sign Language (Subject Code 230), NIOS Secondary Course?
Recognised Class 10 certificate from a national board. ISL studied as a full language, not a support aid. Course material in print, DAISY, ePUB and ISL video. Practical work in ISL grammar, storytelling and presentation. Fee concession for female, SC, ST and Divyang learners.
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Organization
National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
Categories
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