The West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open Schooling

Formal education, while essential, often falls short of reaching every segment of society, encompassing individuals of diverse backgrounds and age groups. To address the need for a more inclusive approach, the Open Learning System was established. In 1997, the State Open School emerged as an initiative within the School Education Department. In 1998, it was rebranded as Rabindra Mukta Vidyalaya (RMV) and subsequently, on August 1, 2001, it gained statutory recognition through the Rabindra Mukta Vidyalaya Act of 2001, enacted by the West Bengal State Legislature.

This Act underwent amendments in 2002 and again in February 2006, with the revised legislation taking effect from January 1, 2007. The February 2006 amendment renamed Rabindra Mukta Vidyalaya as the West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open Schooling (WBCROS). The WBCROS primarily provides open learning opportunities through self-study materials and personal contact programs. Its approach is marked by flexibility and less rigid regulations, tailored to meet the unique needs and circumstances of its diverse learner base. The WBCROS offers study, examination, and certification services at both the Secondary (class X) and Higher Secondary (class XII) levels.

In terms of its structure and responsibilities, the West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open Schooling is akin to other state boards and councils, such as the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education, and the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education. It holds recognition from the Government of West Bengal, the Government of India, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), and other educational boards, in addition to being a member of the Council of Boards of School in India (COBSE). This underscores its role in expanding educational access and opportunities for a broad and diverse audience.