IGNOU, also known as Indira Gandhi National Open University, provides higher education through distance and open learning. It was established by an act of Parliament in 1985 under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. This university is one of the best distance education platforms in the country. It has many regional centers and skilled faculty, allowing it to reach students worldwide. Over time, its Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) has significantly increased, showing its growing popularity and how it benefits students.
As of 2024, 7 million students are enrolled in IGNOU, making it the first university to reach such a high number of enrollments. Additionally, IGNOU has received an A++ grade from the NAAC, which is another significant achievement in its long list of accomplishments.
IGNOU 2024: Highlights
| Short Name | IGNOU |
| Full Name | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| Type | Public |
| Mode of Education | Open Distance Learning |
| Courses | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, PhD |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU Courses 2024
IGNOU has always focused on improving education for students, regularly introducing new courses to meet evolving needs. As one of the most trusted and top-rated distance education platforms, IGNOU offers a wide range of courses for students to choose from based on their career goals. Whether you’re looking to earn a degree or a certificate, IGNOU provides high-quality education in various fields. You can pursue a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Diploma, Certificate, PhD, and other courses at IGNOU. However, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria for each course.
IGNOU Admission 2024
IGNOU offers a wide range of degrees for students worldwide. When considering admission, it’s important to understand the process to make it as smooth as possible.
Admissions at IGNOU are conducted through three main methods:
- Direct Admission
- Entrance Examination
- Merit List (Limited)
Most courses at IGNOU allow for direct admission, while a few require an entrance exam. For example, the university currently holds entrance exams for the Post Basic BSc Nursing program, BEd program, and PhD programs.
You can submit the IGNOU admission form either online or offline. The offline forms are available at IGNOU’s regional centers, while the online forms can be accessed through the university’s website. It is recommended to use the online method for a faster and more efficient process.
How to Apply for IGNOU Admission 2024
- Visit the IGNOU website.
- On the main page, look for the “Register Online” tab and select the “Admission” link.
- Begin the registration process by filling in details like name, gender, email ID, username, password, and the displayed secure code, then click “Submit.”
- After registration, log in and start filling out the application form for your chosen course.
- Upload the required documents in scanned format (within 10KB size).
- Pay the application fee, which typically ranges between ₹200-400.
- After completing the payment, you will receive a control number.
Save this control number and print out your submitted application form. You will receive an enrollment number after your documents are verified.
For more information, you can check the IGNOU Prospectus 2024 and the IGNOU Syllabus 2024.
IGNOU Fees Structure 2024
IGNOU offers a variety of courses, so the fees differ depending on the course. Typically, the fees range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500. Students have the option to pay the fees either annually or by semester, instead of paying it all at once. However, if a student doesn’t pay the full course fee, they might not be allowed to take the exams.
IGNOU Fee Exemption Scheme 2024
For SC/ST students, IGNOU provides a fee exemption scheme where eligible students can complete their courses for free, only needing to pay the registration fee. To qualify for this exemption, students must meet these criteria:
- SC/ST students who are employed are not eligible.
- Certificate and diploma students are not eligible.
- Students who already receive a scholarship from another program are not eligible.
Students with disabilities can also apply for scholarships if they meet these conditions:
- The student must be an Indian citizen.
- The parent’s annual income should be ₹3 lakhs or less.
Students are responsible for filling out the scholarship form online. Detailed information can be found in Annexure – 1. If you were registered in a previous year, you will need to re-register for the next year.
IGNOU Re-Registration 2024
IGNOU students must complete the re-registration process at the end of each semester or session to continue their studies. This can be done through the Samarth portal on the IGNOU official website. Re-registration is crucial because students pay their course fees on a semester-wise or session-wise basis. Once you finish one semester or session, you can re-register for the next when the process opens.
IGNOU Study Material
IGNOU provides top-quality study material that supports students in their courses. The books and other content are designed to help students achieve high marks and are also useful for civil and government exams. No matter which course you enroll in, the university will provide the necessary books and study materials.
IGNOU Regional Centre List
IGNOU has more than 55 regional centers across India to ensure that students receive quality education. Each major city typically has a dedicated regional center that manages various study centers to meet student needs. Additionally, there are over 10 special regional centers for the armed forces. You can view the IGNOU Regional Centre List on the university’s official website. Each regional center also has a specific website for assignments, exams, and other important information.
IGNOU Study Centre List
IGNOU study centers play a vital role for students, offering offline classes and support services such as assistance with assignments, doubt-clearing sessions, and exam form submissions. The staff at these centers are committed to providing students with the help they need throughout their studies. Currently, there are over 10,000 IGNOU study centers across India, ensuring that students have access to quality education.
IGNOU Overseas Study Centre List
IGNOU also serves international students by setting up study centers in various countries. As of now, there are about 25 overseas study centers in countries like the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, Singapore, Kenya, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Guyana, Mauritius, and Ivory Coast. These centers offer similar facilities to those available to domestic students.
IGNOU Helpline Number 2024
For any queries or difficulties, IGNOU students can contact their study centers. Additionally, students can reach out to their regional center or the IGNOU headquarters for administrative or other concerns. Here are the main IGNOU Helpline Numbers:
- 011-29572513
- 011-29572514
There are also specific contact numbers for different services like admissions, assignments, study materials, exams, and regional services. Check the websites of individual IGNOU Regional Centres to find contact details for your specific region or study center. You can call these numbers from 9:30 AM to 6 PM on weekdays.
In conclusion, choosing to study at IGNOU is a solid decision for anyone. The degrees, diplomas, and certificates from IGNOU are recognized and hold the same value as those from any accredited college or university in India. If you’re considering distance education, IGNOU is a top choice, especially with its strong emphasis on digitalization, ensuring that you benefit from modern online resources. Additionally, IGNOU offers an affordable fee structure, with options for installment payments and scholarships. The IGNOU website provides all the necessary information, from submitting applications to downloading study materials and staying updated with the latest news. Stay connected with IGNOUGuide for the most current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is IGNOU recognized by UGC?
Answer: Yes, IGNOU is recognized by the UGC and adheres to its guidelines.
Q2. Is IGNOU a Government University?
Answer: Yes, IGNOU is a public university run by the central government.
Q3. Are there any regular classes in IGNOU?
Answer: Theory classes at IGNOU are not mandatory, but practicals must be attended.
Q4. Are IGNOU Exams Tough?
Answer: The difficulty of IGNOU exams depends on your preparation. With good preparation, the exams are manageable.
Q5. Is an IGNOU Degree Valid?
Answer: Yes, an IGNOU degree is valid in India and internationally for jobs and further studies.