Jamshedpur, June 26: Class IX dropouts need not despair. The state human resource development department (HRD) is offering them a chance to complete matriculation.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the state HRD department has collaborated with National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to impart flexible learning for dropouts interested in completing their matriculation. Though the HRD inked an agreement with NIOS about two weeks ago, when some of its representatives were in Ranchi, details of the implementation are yet to be chalked out.

So far, only private schools in the state have been affiliated to NIOS, but with this collaboration, government school students will also enjoy the privilege of flexible education.

“The NIOS is a flexible system of learning, which will help dropouts who for some reason or the other were compelled to leave school. We have collaborated with NIOS, which will submit a detailed plan of how to implement the system across government schools,” said Mridula Sinha, secretary, state HRD department.

The national open school format caters to the needs of a heterogeneous group of learners up to pre-degree-level, giving students a chance to continue school education at secondary and senior secondary levels.

The board gives students the choice of subjects or courses, pace of learning and transfer of credits from different boards such as CBSE and state boards.

According to plans, the state will have 124 NIOS centres or government high schools across districts, the number of centres proportionate to area and population. Larger districts will get more centres compared to smaller ones.

Students who wish to have a matriculate certificate will enrol at the centre with the NIOS board and complete their course within stipulated time.

“There are many dropouts unable to complete their studies despite wanting to. The state board — Jharkhand Academic Council — does not have a flexible learning system, and is basically meant for regular students. The new alternative is for those who have problems and can’t pursue the regular course for any reason. We will try to start the system this academic year,” said Sinha.