Established in March, 1987, The Nalanda Open University, is the only university in the state of Bihar, meant for imparting, learninng exclusively through the system of Distance Education.
The University was established by an Ordinance Pronulgated by the Government of Bihar.
Later, Nalanda Open University Act, 1995, was passed by Bihar Legislature, replacing the Ordinance and the University came under the authority and jurisdiction of the new Act automatically.