IGNOU was established in 1985 as a response to the growing demand for accessible education in India. It recognized that many individuals were unable to pursue higher education due to financial limitations. By offering affordable courses and programs, IGNOU ensures that money does not become a barrier for those who aspire to learn. The university provides numerous scholarships, grants, and flexible payment options to support students from diverse economic backgrounds.
IGNOU has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the world’s largest university in terms of Open Distance Learning (ODL) and the number of students enrolled. With a total of 4 million students enrolled to date, IGNOU has set a new benchmark in the field of higher education.
IGNOU has just received a top A++ grade from NAAC, and this is another great achievement for IGNOU, adding to its long list of successes.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) needs no introduction, as it has established itself as a renowned institution for distance education in India and globally. With its reputation for providing high-quality education, IGNOU has gained popularity among students within and outside the country.
Overview of IGNOU
In conclusion, IGNOU has emerged as a leading institution in the field of distance education, providing higher education opportunities to individuals across the nation and beyond. Its establishment under the Parliament Act of 1985 and affiliation with the Human Resource and Development Ministry showcases its credibility and commitment to delivering quality education. With its extensive network of regional centers, experienced faculty, and increasing GER, IGNOU continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of distance education in India.
Purpose of IGNOU
Every institution is established with a purpose behind it and works hard to accomplish it. Likewise, this distance education university has brought a revolution in the life of the people who fail to finish their education for any reason.
The aim of the institution is to offer education of a high level to everyone from the society, including the underprivileged sections, at an affordable fee cost. The education system delivered in this institution is carried out with new and innovative technologies at all the given levels, including training sessions, high-end methodology, and advanced training, while promoting open learning.
The Selection Procedure in IGNOU
IGNOU offers a wide range of degrees to students worldwide. When you think about joining, the first thing that comes to mind is how to apply and what comes next. Let’s start by explaining the admission process, so you can complete it quickly.
To begin, it’s important to mention that this university conducts admissions through three different processes:
- Direct Admission
- Entrance Examination
- Merit List (Limited)
“We’d like to clarify that most courses offer a straightforward admission process, but a few courses require you to pass an entrance exam to be eligible for IGNOU admission. Currently, the university conducts the Openmat entrance for the MBA program, IGNOU Bed entrance for the Bed course, and IGNOU PhD entrance for those interested in PhD programs.”
IGNOU Admission Form Submission: Online vs Offline Mode
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the flexibility of submitting admission forms both through online and offline modes. Candidates can choose the mode that suits them best, depending on their convenience for IGNOU Examination Form .
Online Mode
The online admission form for IGNOU can be filled and submitted on the official website of the university. This method is preferred over the offline mode for several reasons. Firstly, the online process is rapid and hassle-free, saving time and energy. Secondly, the online method eliminates the risk of loss or damage of the physical form, and ensures a secure and smooth submission process.
Offline Mode
Candidates can also obtain the offline admission form from the regional department of IGNOU. This mode is suitable for those who do not have access to the internet or prefer a physical form. However, it is important to note that the offline form must be submitted within the specified time frame, and late submissions will not be accepted.
The Admission Process for New Students in IGNOU
- Go to the IGNOU website.
- Look for ‘Register Online’ and click on the ‘Admission’ link.
- Start by registering: Fill in your name, gender, email, username, password, and the security code displayed, then click ‘Submit.’
- Once you’re registered, log in and begin filling out the application form for your chosen course.
- Upload the required documents in scanned format, keeping each file under 10KB in size.
- Pay the application fee, which is usually between 200-400 rupees, and so on.
- After payment, you’ll receive a control number.
- Save this control number and print a copy of your submitted application form.
- Your enrollment number will be provided after your submitted documents are verified.”
Courses at IGNOU
IGNOU has a wide range of courses to choose from, and they’re always adding new ones to keep up with students’ needs. It’s a trusted distance education platform where you can pursue everything from a Bachelor’s degree to a Ph.D. But there are eligibility requirements:
- For a Bachelor’s degree, you typically need a 10+2 certificate with at least 50% marks.
- For a Master’s program, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks.
Please check the specific eligibility criteria for your chosen course to avoid any confusion.
Other Types of Courses
In addition to the degrees mentioned above, IGNOU offers:
- PG Certificate
- PG and Advance Diploma
- Doctoral Degree
- Certificate Course
- Non-Credit Programs
- Appreciation Programs
- Awareness Programs
New Certificate Courses
For the 2023 admission phase, IGNOU is introducing three new certificate courses:
- Certificate Course in Arabic Language
- Certificate Course in Russian Language
- Certificate Course in Tourism Studies
Most of these courses have no age restrictions, but some require you to be at least 18 years old. The goal is to expand students’ career opportunities, and these courses typically last from 6 months to 1 year.
Other New Courses
IGNOU has also launched courses like:
- MA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- BBA Service Management
These courses are designed to help students pursue fulltime careers in their chosen fields, but eligibility, duration, and fees vary.
Note: These courses are available in the current January 2023 session, so if you’re interested, be sure to apply now.
IGNOU Fees
Fees at IGNOU vary depending on the course, ranging from 1200 to 2500 Rs. You don’t have to pay all at once; you can pay yearly or semester wise. Failing to pay the full course fee may restrict you from taking exams.
Scholarship Programs of IGNOU
IGNOU’s scholarship programs are open to all eligible students, regardless of their financial background or disability. To encourage all eligible students to apply for scholarships, IGNOU has made its fees reasonably affordable. This is in line with IGNOU’s core mission of providing educational opportunities to all.
IGNOU Scholarship Exemptions
- SC/ST students who are already employed
- Certificate and diploma students
- Students receiving scholarships from other programs
Eligibility Criteria for Differently-abled Students
- Indian citizenship
- Annual family income of Rs. 3 lakh or less
- Online application process
Application Process
- Students are responsible for completing the online scholarship application form.
- For more information, please refer to Annexure 1.
- Students who have registered for a previous year must re-register for the current year to be eligible for the scholarship.
Celebrity Students from IGNOU
IGNOU has had some exceptional students who have achieved great success, including:
- Deepika Padukone, a Bollywood actress who started a BA in Sociology at IGNOU before pursuing her career.
- Himanshu Kumar, an IAS officer who studied MA in Public Administration.
- Ashok Khemka, a renowned economist and IAS officer who earned an MA in Economics from IGNOU.
There are many more notable alumni, including Karthik Gurunathan Iyer and Sudipta Chakraborty.”
Facilities Obtainable by the Students of IGNOU
IGNOU offers a variety of facilities to its students, including:
- Study resources: IGNOU provides high-quality study materials, such as books and other resources, to its students. These materials are designed to help students succeed in their courses and are also considered to be useful for many civil and government examinations.
- Placement drives: IGNOU’s active placement cell organizes placement drives for students, both offline and online. Students can check the university website regularly to stay updated on upcoming placement opportunities.
- Library: All IGNOU regional centers have libraries that are open to all students, regardless of whether they enrolled online or offline. Students can access the library’s collection of books and other resources by presenting their identity cards.
- Faculty: IGNOU has a distinguished team of teaching faculty who are experts in their fields. The faculty work on developing and updating study materials, evaluation systems, and other aspects of the university.
- Students Grievance Redressal Forum: IGNOU has a dedicated forum where students can raise their queries and complaints. The forum is staffed by experts who are available to help students resolve their problems.
Studying at IGNOU is a wise choice. Degrees and certificates hold the same value as those from accredited institutions in India. IGNOU excels in digitalization, offering numerous benefits. The fee structure is affordable with installments and scholarships. Their website provides all necessary information, including applications, book downloads, and updates. Stay connected with IGNOUAssignments for the latest news.
