IGNOU: Indira Gandhi National Open University

Indira Gandhi National Open University is renowned in India for imparting high quality education through open and distance learning (ODL) mode. Initiating with diploma courses, it has spread its branches in almost every degree and stream of higher education. Millions of students have achieved their career goal by pursuing their higher education from this university.

IGNOU has attained international recognition due to its flexibility and use of innovative technologies to impart education and training. It offers diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate level courses in multiple disciplines reaching out to a large number of learners through its distance education infrastructure. IGNOU is a great initiative to create a knowledgeable society to meet the global standards.

About and Establishment

Indira Gandhi National Open University, IGNOU, established in the year 1985, started its venture with just two academic courses, namely, Diploma in Distance Education and Diploma in Management. It is a central university that acts as a natural resource centre. IGNOU also claims to be the largest university in the world with active enrollment of 4 million students in India and 40 more countries abroad.

IGNOU has initiated its decentralization process of distance education into five zones in India. It has a broad network of 67 regional centers and 21 schools which is not only limited to India but also overseas (29 centers in 15 countries). It offers distance learning for more than 226 academic programs in higher education degree levels. The digital library eGyankosh serves as the storage of all the study materials that are to be distributed among the students.

Why IGNOU: Indira Gandhi National Open University?

Indira Gandhi National Open University provides you the following benefits that answer your question about distance education.

1. Self-paced learning matched with flexibility of education mode
2. Distance education cost that caters to the education needs of all segments of the society
3. Best way to upgrade your skills while working
4. Increases employability
5. Face-to-face counseling and tele-counseling
6. Continuous valuation through assignment
7. Provides student support service to resolve any academic query

Academic Sessions

Indira Gandhi National Open University IGNOU has 2 admission sessions in the year.

1. January Session
   1. The admission process for this session starts in November
   2. The end term examinations are held in the month of December
2. July Session
   1. The admission process for July session starts in May
   2. The end term examinations for this session are held in the month of June of the next year
   3. Generally, the undergraduate, post graduate, PG diploma, Certificate, appreciation and awareness courses follow

Overview of courses and expenses

IGNOU offers diploma courses in the streams such as Aquaculture, BPO Finance & Accounting, Creative Writing in English, Critical Care Nursing, Dairy Technology, Meat Technology, Early Childhood Care and Education and many more unique disciples. Apart from the regular streams of academics, IGNOU also offers distance Master’s and Doctoral programs in Tourism & Travel Management, Anthropology, Adult Education, Gender and Development Studies, Distance Education etc. Students can avail to different undergraduate and PG diploma courses under IGNOU as well.

The expenses of the courses are estimated so that every segment of the society can avail to the courses. The expenses of the courses may be as low as Rs. 1200.

Check the details for the IGNOU Correspondence Courses on specific subjects.

Admission Process

The admission or enrollment process for IGNOU starts with the online application for the sessions (January/July) within the published allotted time.

1. The student needs to fill up an online application for the required course through official website of IGNOU
2. Username and password needs to be generated during the application process
3. During the application process, the student needs to upload the scanned copy of the required documents online
4. The payment for the application can be paid via credit card, debit card and netbanking
5. After the completion of the enrollment process, the aspirant receives a confirmation message
6. The status of the application can be easily tracked by using the user ID and password

IGNOU Examination

The examination can be either yearly or semester wise depending on the nature of the course.

1. In case of semesters, the examinations are held twice in the year
2. In case of annual programs under IGNOU, the examinations are held in the month of March

However, the assessment during the course may also depend on the assignments and projects included n the course. As per the latest update, the assignments and projects are to be scanned and submitted using the submission link given in the official website IGNOU.

Value of Certificate

IGNOU is a central university and therefore, are recognized worldwide. The certificates offered by IGNOU are recognized under University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Therefore, the value of their certificate is equivalent to the value of other recognized universities. Moreover, the certificate is eligible for Government job as well as in the private industry.

The certificate from IGNOU with requisite marks is eligible for appearing in NET, SET, and lecturer and AP exams. The certificate makes you eligible for civil service exam as well.

Correspondence Courses - IGNOU: Indira Gandhi National Open University