IGNOU - Research Programmes

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Depends on the specific program. Generally, for undergraduate courses, candidates should have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board. For postgraduate programs, a relevant bachelors degree is required.
• Age Limit: Most courses do not have a strict age limit. However, some specialized or professional courses may specify age criteria.
• Nationality: Open to all Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). Some programs may admit foreign nationals subject to university norms.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Typically offline (pen and paper based) but some courses may have online components or assignments.
• Number of Questions: Varies by program and specific entrance test; questions are often multiple-choice or subjective, tailored to course requirements.
• Marking Scheme: Usually no negative marking for multiple-choice questions; detailed marking depends on course-specific entrance exams.
• Subjects Covered: Varies by program; may include general knowledge, language proficiency, and subject-specific questions related to the selected course.
• Exam Schedule: Entrance exams are typically conducted once a year, often around June-July. Notification for admission and entrance exams are usually released in April-May on the official website.

Syllabus

Syllabus varies widely depending on the course applied for. Below is a general breakdown for some common entrance examinations under IGNOU:

• General Awareness: Current events, Indian polity, economy, history, geography, science and technology.
• English Language: Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure.
• Subject-Specific Topics:
  • For Management Programs: Principles of Management, Business Environment, Accounting, Marketing.
  • For Computer Science Programs: Basic Computer Fundamentals, Programming Concepts, Data Structures, Algorithms.
  • For Education Programs: Educational Psychology, Teaching Methodologies, Educational Technology.

Application Process

1. Visit the official IGNOU website: http://ignou.ac.in
2. Navigate to the Admissions section.
3. Check the notification for entrance exams and courses offered.
4. Fill out the online application form with the required personal and educational details.
5. Upload scanned copies of documents and passport-sized photographs.
6. Pay the application fee through available online methods (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking).
7. Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Undergraduate Courses: BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BCA, etc.
• Postgraduate Courses: MA, M.Com, M.Sc, MCA, MBA, etc.
• Diploma and Certificate Courses in diverse fields like Education, Management, Computer Applications, and more.

Facts about IGNOU Entrance Exams

• IGNOU conducts entrance exams for select programs only; many courses offer admission based on merit or open admission.
• The university is the largest open university in India, catering to a diverse student base.
• Flexible learning approach with study material and assignments distributed through various regional centers.

Admit Card

• Admit cards are typically released online 10-15 days before the exam date.
• Download the admit card from the official IGNOU website by logging into the candidate portal.
• Print the admit card and carry it to the exam center along with a valid ID proof.
• Check details on the admit card such as exam date, venue, and reporting time carefully.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are announced on the IGNOU official website under the Results section.
• Result declaration usually occurs within 1-2 months after the exam.
• Cut-off marks vary each year based on the number of applicants, difficulty level, and program demand.
• Merit lists and counseling schedules are published after results.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly before starting preparation.
• Use IGNOU study material and previous years question papers for practice.
• Refer to standard books recommended for respective subjects.
• Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Join online forums or study groups for discussion and doubt clearing.

FAQs

• Q: Is there an age limit for IGNOU entrance exams?
  A: Generally, no age limit, but some courses may have specific criteria.
• Q: Can I apply offline for IGNOU entrance exams?
  A: Online application is preferred; offline application is rarely applicable.
• Q: Are IGNOU entrance exams difficult?
  A: Difficulty varies by course; with proper preparation, candidates can perform well.
• Q: Can international students apply?
  A: Yes, foreign nationals can apply subject to university rules.
• Q: When are the entrance exams conducted?
  A: Usually annually around June-July.