Overview

• Official Name: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
• Common Names: IGNOU
• Type: Central University (Open and Distance Learning)
• Established: 1985
• Campus Locations: Headquarters in New Delhi, with over 50 regional centres across India
• Approvals & Affiliations: Recognized by UGC, member of AIU (Association of Indian Universities), NAAC accredited with A++ Grade (2021) (source)
• Official Website: http://ignou.ac.in/

Quick Facts

• Founder: Government of India via Parliament Act 1985
• Chancellor: President of India (Ex-officio)
• Vice Chancellor: Prof. Nageshwar Rao (as of 2024) (source)
• Student Population: Over 3 million active learners (largest open university in India)
• Departments/Faculties: 21 Schools of Studies representing diverse disciplines
• Contact: Phone: +91-11-29572513, Email: info@ignou.ac.in, Address: Maidan Garhi, New Delhi - 110068
• NAAC Grade: A++ (Cycle-3, 2021)
• Rankings: Ranked 53rd overall in NIRF 2023 University Rankings NIRF 2023

Courses & Programs

• Major Faculties/Schools:
  • Arts and Humanities: BA, MA (English, History, Political Science), Diploma courses; duration 1-3 years; distance/online
  • Science: BSc, MSc, Diploma in Environmental Science; 3-2 years; distance/online
  • Commerce & Management: BCom, MBA, Diploma in Business Management; 1-2 years; distance/online
  • Education: BEd, MEd, Diploma in Early Childhood Care; 2-3 years; distance/online
  • Engineering & Technology: PG Diploma in Computer Applications, BSc IT; 1-3 years; distance
  • Health Sciences: Diploma in Nutrition, Certificate in Health Care; 1 year; distance
  • Social Sciences & Rural Studies: BA Social Work, Diploma courses; 1-3 years; distance
• Mode of Study: Predominantly Distance & Online Learning with some blended programmes
• Intake: Open admissions policy, accepting thousands of learners every session

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Merit-based, open admissions for most UG, admission through entrance exams for some PG/diploma programmes
• Accepted Entrance Exams: For select courses - IGNOU entrance tests (e.g., OPENMAT for MBA), CUET (where applicable), university-specific tests
• Admission Timeline:
  • January cycle: Applications open Nov-Dec and close January; sessions begin February
  • July cycle: Applications open April-June; sessions begin July-August
  • Detailed dates: IGNOU Admissions Portal
• Application Process:
  1. Visit IGNOU Online Admission Portal
  2. Register with valid email and mobile number
  3. Select desired course and submit required details/documents
  4. Pay application fee online via net banking/debit/credit card
  5. Upload necessary documents and submit application
  6. Download confirmation and keep track of admission status

  Offline admission also available through regional centres – check Regional Centres.

Eligibility Criteria

• UG Courses: 10+2 or equivalent from recognized board
• PG Courses: Graduation in relevant discipline (minimum passing marks as per course)
• Diploma/Certificate: Varies from 10+2 to graduate level depending on course
• Age Limit: No upper age limit except for some specific courses (check course prospectus)
• Documents Required:
  • Mark sheets and certificates of qualifying exams
  • Photograph and signature
  • Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Address proof
  • Medical certificate (for physically challenged candidates where needed)

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fee Ranges:
  • UG Programmes: ₹3,000 - ₹15,000 (varies by programme and duration)
  • PG Programmes: ₹5,000 - ₹25,000
  • Fee Components: Tuition fee, examination fee, study material cost (included in tuition), hostel fees (where applicable)
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS students as per central/state plans
  • IGNOU provides concession/waivers for differently-abled students and economically weaker sections
  • Details available at IGNOU Fee & Scholarships

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights:
  • IGNOU primarily offers distance education; formal placement percentages not applicable
  • Some courses (e.g., MBA) have tie-ups with corporates for internships and career counselling
  • Alumni engaged in public service, education, management, IT sectors
• Placement Cell Contact & Support: IGNOU’s Career Counselling Cell provides career guidance and internship information

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: Limited hostel facilities available at few regional centres (subject to availability)
• Mess, Cafeteria: Available on main campus and select centres
• Sports Facilities: Sports and recreation at main campus and regional centres
• Laboratories & Research Centres: Specialized labs in disciplines like IT, Management, Social Sciences
• Library: Robust digital library with e-resources, large collection of printed material at headquarters and regional libraries
• Healthcare: Basic healthcare facilities at main campus and regional centres
• Transport: Public transport access to main campus in New Delhi; no dedicated transport for distant centres
• Wi-Fi & Online Platforms: High-speed internet with LMS (Learning Management System) for distance education and online classes
• Clubs & Festivals: Student clubs, webinars, and annual cultural meets held virtually and offline at centres

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Diverse faculty comprising eminent professors and scholars from India and abroad
• Research Centres: Centre for Agricultural Research, Centre for Disability Studies, and others
• Major Grants & MoUs: Collaborations with international bodies like UNESCO, MOUs with national institutions for research and exchange programs
• Patents: Not publicly reported on official sources as of 2024-06-01

Rankings & Reputation

• NIRF 2023: Ranked 53rd among Indian universities NIRF Official
• NAAC Accreditation: A++ Grade (2021) NAAC official
• India Today 2023: Ranked among top open universities Exact rank not available on official sources as of 2024-06
• Outlook & QS India: No official published rankings found as of 2024-06

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results Publication: Exam results, assignment marks, and final grades available at IGNOU Results Portal
• Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix: IGNOU offers open admissions for most courses; no fixed category-based cut-offs or limited seats except select programmes
• For entrance-based programmes, cutoffs published on course admission notifications

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (~22 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (~11 km); New Delhi Railway Station (~15 km)
• City Connectivity: Well connected via Delhi Metro (nearest metro: Tughlakabad, Green Line), buses, and taxis
• Local Transit: Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs, and local bus services available

FAQs

Q1: Does IGNOU conduct its own entrance exams?

A1: Yes, IGNOU conducts OPENMAT for MBA and a few other courses; most UG/PG courses admit on merit.

Q2: Can I study online only or is there a physical contact program?

A2: IGNOU primarily offers distance and online modes; some practicals and counselling sessions may be conducted at regional centres.

Q3: What is the fee structure for UG programmes?

A3: Fees range roughly between ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 depending on the course duration and level.

Q4: Are there scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students?

A4: Yes, IGNOU provides scholarships and fee concessions aligned with government schemes for reserved categories.

Q5: How can I apply for admission?

A5: Applications are submitted online via the official portal or offline through regional centres.

Q6: Does IGNOU provide hostel facilities?

A6: Hostel facilities are limited and available only at select regional centres subject to availability.

Q7: How can I check my exam results?

A7: Results can be checked online on the IGNOU Results Portal.

Q8: What is the typical duration of the MBA programme?

A8: The IGNOU MBA (OPENMAT) duration is 2 years, extendable up to 5 years with part-time study.

Q9: Is there any management quota for admissions?

A9: No, IGNOU follows open admissions policy without management quota.

Q10: Whom to contact for career guidance?

A10: The Career Counselling Cell offers assistance for career support and internships.