Since its inception in 1985, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has been on a mission to provide higher education to those who are passionate about learning but face obstacles such as financial constraints, family responsibilities, or time constraints. IGNOU’s aim is to make education accessible to everyone, and they’ve been tremendously successful in achieving this goal.
Recently, IGNOU was awarded an A++ grade by the NAAC, adding another accolade to their impressive list of achievements. As a result of their outstanding work, IGNOU has become the world’s largest university in terms of Open Distance Learning, with an astounding 4 million students enrolled to date. This is an achievement that no other university has ever accomplished.
IGNOU has established itself as a leading distance education provider not only in India but also across the world. With its rising popularity, students from all corners of the globe are showing interest in pursuing their education at IGNOU.
The university has an incredible success rate, which is a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality education. In fact, a 93-year-old student recently completed a Master’s degree from IGNOU, creating a buzz in the academic world. This student’s plan is to enroll in additional short-term courses in the future, proving that age is just a number when it comes to learning.
In summary, IGNOU has proven to be an exceptional institution that offers students a chance to achieve their academic goals, regardless of their circumstances. Its impact on education is unmatched, and it continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Overview of IGNOU
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a highly respected and sought-after distance learning institution that provides higher education to students around the world. It was established in 1985 by the Indian Parliament’s Human Resource and Development Ministry, with the goal of making education more accessible to those who face obstacles to traditional forms of learning.
IGNOU has achieved great success in fulfilling its mission, thanks to its large network of regional centers and highly experienced faculty. It has earned a reputation as one of the top distance learning platforms in India and has also made its mark on the global education stage.
One of the key measures of IGNOU’s success is its impressive Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), which has steadily increased over time. This is a testament to the popularity and effectiveness of the university’s programs, which cater to the diverse needs of students from all walks of life.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a highly respected and sought-after distance learning institution that provides higher education to students around the world. It was established in 1985 by the Indian Parliament’s Human Resource and Development Ministry, with the goal of making education more accessible to those who face obstacles to traditional forms of learning.
IGNOU has achieved great success in fulfilling its mission, thanks to its large network of regional centers and highly experienced faculty. It has earned a reputation as one of the top distance learning platforms in India and has also made its mark on the global education stage.
One of the key measures of IGNOU’s success is its impressive Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), which has steadily increased over time. This is a testament to the popularity and effectiveness of the university’s programs, which cater to the diverse needs of students from all walks of life.
What's Inside?
Operation of IGNOU
| Operating Areas For IGNOU | Numbers |
| School Of Studies | 21 |
| Learning Support Centers Across India | 2667 |
| Regional Centers in India | 67 |
| Faculty Members | 810 |
| Academic Staff | 574 |
| Overseas Partners | 29 |
Purpose of IGNOU
IGNOU is a distance education university that aims to provide high-quality education to everyone, including those who have been unable to complete their education for various reasons. It strives to offer an innovative and advanced education system, promoting open learning and providing training sessions at a reasonable fee.
Selection Procedure in IGNOU
If you are interested in taking admission to IGNOU, you have three admission processes to choose from: Direct Admission, Entrance Examination, and Merit List (Limited). Most of the courses have a direct method to get admitted, while only a few have an entrance exam requirement. Some of the entrance exams currently being conducted by IGNOU are the Openmat entrance for the MBA program, IGNOU Bed entrance for taking admission to the Bed course, and IGNOU PhD entrance to take admission in your preferred PhD program.
The university offers the option of submitting admission forms through both online and offline modes. It is always advised to opt for the online method as it is a quick and hassle-free process.
Process of Admission for Fresh Students
The process of admission for new students is simple and straightforward. You need to visit the IGNOU website and click on the Register Online tab, followed by the Admission link. Fill in the necessary details for registration, including your name, gender, email id, username, password, and secure code, and click on Submit. After registration, login to the website, and fill out the application form for the course you wish to apply for. Make the payment of the application fee, upload scanned copies of the necessary documents and wait for the control number. Save the control number, take a print out of the application form and keep it safe. Your enrollment number will be issued after the verification of the submitted documents.
Courses Offered in IGNOU
IGNOU offers a wide range of courses, including Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, advanced and Ph.D. courses, certificates, and other specialized courses. The eligibility criteria for the courses differ, and it is essential to validate them individually to avoid confusion.
Other Courses Offered by IGNOU
In addition to the courses mentioned above, IGNOU offers PG Certificate, PG and Advanced Diploma, Doctoral Degree, Certificate Courses, Non-Credit Programs, Appreciation Programs, and Awareness Programs. Recently, the university has also launched three new certificate courses, namely Certificate Course in the Arabic Language, Certificate Course in the Russian Language, and Certificate Course in Tourism Studies.
If you are planning to attend the 2023 admission phase, it is recommended that you check out these new courses. The eligibility criteria for these courses are a 10+2 certificate and no age bar for the majority of the courses. The intention behind launching these courses is to help students broaden their career prospects and acquire knowledge of different languages. The duration of these certificate courses ranges from 6 months to 1 year.
In addition to the courses mentioned above, IGNOU has also introduced courses such as MA in Journalism and Mass Communication and BBA Service Management, aimed at helping students pursue full-time careers in their respective fields.
IGNOU Fees Structure 2023
The fees for IGNOU courses is variable and depends on the program being pursued. However, as a general idea, the fees range from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 2500 per course. Students have the option to pay the fees per year or per semester. Failure to submit the entire course fee may result in restrictions from writing examinations.
Scholarship Programs of IGNOU
IGNOU offers scholarship programs for eligible students. The university aims to provide education to all, regardless of financial constraints. To qualify for the scholarship programs, students must fill out the respective form on time. SC/ST students who are already employed, certificate and diploma students, and those already receiving scholarships from other programs are exempted.
To apply for the scholarship, candidates must be Indian citizens, and their parents’ expected annual income should not exceed Rs. 3 lakhs. The application process is entirely online, and Annexure-1 provides more information. Re-registration is mandatory for consecutive years if registered earlier.
Celebrity Students from IGNOU
IGNOU has produced some exceptional students who have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Notable alumni include Deepika Padukone, who joined the university for BA Sociology, but left due to her career, Himanshu Kumar, an IAS officer who took admissions for MA in Public Administration, and Ashok Khemka, a known economist and IAS officer who studied MA Economist at IGNOU. Other notable alumni include Karthik Gurunathan Iyer and Sudipta Chakraborty.
Facilities Obtainable by the Students of IGNOU
IGNOU provides its students with a variety of facilities to support their education, including:
- Study Resources: IGNOU offers high-quality study materials that are helpful for scoring the best marks in exams. The books and other resources are also useful for civil and governmental examinations.
- Placement Drive: IGNOU’s active placement cell handles recruitment for students, with both offline and online opportunities. Students can check the website for updates on company recruitment.
- Library: Every regional center of IGNOU has a library available for use by students, regardless of their mode of admission. The library has an extensive collection of books and is considered one of the best in the country.
- Faculty: The teaching faculty at IGNOU is distinguished and works to continually upgrade the study materials, evaluation systems, and other aspects of the university.
- Students Grievances Redressal Forum: Students can seek assistance for their queries or complaints through the university’s dedicated forum.
Studying at IGNOU is an excellent decision, with the validity of its degrees, diplomas, and certificates equal to that of accredited institutes in India. Distance education is made easy through digitalization, and the university offers affordable fees with installment and scholarship options. The IGNOU website provides all necessary information, including application forms, downloading books, and latest updates. Stay connected to IGNOUAid for current news.