In collaboration with the Telangana Prisons Department, the National Institute of Open Schooling enrolled 108 inmates for Class X education. This initiative aims to empower marginalized populations by providing them with the opportunity to further their education, thereby aiding in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

The Education Ministry removed Saroj Sharma as chairperson of the National Institute of Open Schooling effective October 23, 2024 after allegations emerged that she harassed her driver and used casteist slurs, contributing to his suicide. The action follows accusations of mental harassment and caste discrimination, highlighting concerns over worker treatment and discrimination within the institution.

NIOS's collaboration with Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on establishing the Jamiat Open School has drawn objections from the apex child rights body, NCPCR, which expressed concerns over potential impacts on child welfare and political implications.

Following a state government order that deems the academic programme offered by NIOS as non-equivalent to state boards—resulting in exclusion of its graduates from public sector job eligibility—NIOS has witnessed a decline in admissions and responded by initiating outreach programmes and introducing new courses. The institute is actively lobbying for withdrawal of the order, arguing that the policy unfairly targets its students and undermines accessible education.

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) signed three Memorandums of Understanding during the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam 2023. The agreements include a partnership with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre to promote and standardize Indian Sign Language, an MoU with the Common Service Centres under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to facilitate the admission of out-of-school children, and a collaboration with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for academic advancements. These initiatives seek to enhance access to education and support marginalized communities.

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) organized a national conference for state open schools under the guidance of Chairperson Prof. Saroj Sharma ji on December 22-23, 2022, at Vivekanand Kendra in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, to promote the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and expand educational opportunities for marginalized groups.

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) announced a special programme, in consultation with defence authorities, to enable Agniveers—youth recruited under the Agnipath scheme and holding a 10th grade certificate—to obtain a 12th pass certificate through customized courses, thereby enhancing their future educational and employment prospects.