Nalanda Open University, Nalanda, Bihar India

The Nalanda Open University is the only University in the State of Bihar meant for imparting learning exclusively through the system of distance education. The University was established in March, 1987 by an ordinance, promulgated by the Government of Bihar. Later, Nalanda Open University Act, 1995 was passed by the Bihar Legislature, replacing the Ordinance, and the University came under the authority and jurisdiction of the new Act automatically. The University is named after the famous Nalanda University of Ancient India.

Nalanda University was one of the first universities in the world, founded in the 5th Century BC, and reported to have been visited by the Buddha during his lifetime. At its peak, in the 7th century AD, Nalanda held some 10,000 students when it was visited by the Chinese scholar Xuanzang.

Nalanda International University (also known as University of Nalanda or Nalanda University) is the name of a proposed university in Rajgir, near Nalanda, Bihar, India. The first academic session is set to start from 2014. The university is a plan for reviving and re-establishing Nalanda University which was one of the oldest ancient center of higher learning. Originally the university was established in 5th century AD by Gupta Kings.