Indira Gandhi National Open University - IGNOU, Delhi: About Us, Courses, Eligibility, Fees, Admission, Ranking, Syllabus, Placement 2024

Indira Gandhi National Open University: About Us

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), established in 1985, is a premier open university located in New Delhi. Recognized by UGC, IGNOU is renowned for its distance education programs, offering over 300 courses to more than 4 million students globally. With NAAC ‘A++’ accreditation, it operates through 21 schools, 67 regional centers, and numerous study centers, including 29 overseas. IGNOU degrees are valid worldwide, reflecting its commitment to providing accessible, quality higher education.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision:

To be a global leader in open and distance learning.

Recognized for inclusive and sustainable education, skill upgradation, and training.

Mission:

Provide seamless access to learner-centric quality education.

Utilize innovative technologies and methodologies for education delivery.

Objectives:

Ensure access to higher education for all segments of society.

Offer high-quality, innovative, and need-based programs at different levels.

Reach out to the disadvantaged at affordable costs.

Promote, coordinate, and regulate standards of education through open and distance learning.

Use media and technology for education to foster national development and global understanding.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria, and Fee Structure

Course Type	Admission Process	Eligibility Criteria	Fee Structure	Duration
Bachelor’s Degree	Online Application	Completion of Higher Secondary Examination	Varies by program	3-4 years
Master’s Degree	Online Application	Bachelor’s Degree	Varies by program	2 years, extendable up to 4
Diploma	Online Application	Class X or XII, depending on the course	Varies by program	1 year, extendable up to 2
PG Diploma	Online Application	Bachelor’s Degree	Varies by program	1 year, extendable up to 2
Certificate	Online Application	No formal education required for some courses	Varies by program	6 months - 1 year

How do I apply for admission to Indira Gandhi National Open University?

To apply for admission to the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), you can follow these steps:

1. Registration:

Visit the IGNOU admission portal.

Click on “New Registration” and fill in the required details.

Submit to receive your username and password via email and SMS.

2. Filling the Application:

Log in with your username and password.

Fill in the online application form with personal and educational details.

Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and relevant documents.

3. Payment of Fees:

Pay the application fee using credit/debit card or net banking.

4. Submission:

Review your application form and submit it.

Save or print the form for future reference.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Facilities

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a range of facilities to support its students and staff, which include:

Library: A vast collection of books across various genres, including course-specific materials, fiction, non-fiction, and more. The library also features a dedicated digital section with CDs, DVDs, e-books, and e-journals.

Auditorium: A space for conducting various activities, events, and functions.

Medical Facilities: A health center that provides first aid and medical care to students.

IT Infrastructure: Modern IT infrastructure with computer labs and internet connectivity.

Cafeteria: A cafeteria that serves healthy and delicious meals to students and staff.

Guest Rooms: Facilities for accommodating guests and visitors.

These facilities are designed to ensure a conducive learning environment and cater to the needs of the university’s distance learning community.

Career Opportunities after Indira Gandhi National Open University

After completing a program from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), graduates have a wide array of career opportunities across various fields. Here are some of the career paths that IGNOU alumni can pursue:

Teaching: Graduates can become educators in their specialized subjects at various educational institutions.

Government Jobs: Many IGNOU graduates secure positions in government sectors like banks, railways, airports, and public service undertakings (PSUs).

Research Work: Opportunities in research organizations for roles like research assistants or project coordinators.

Public Administration: Roles in the administration and management of public sector organizations.

Social Work: Positions in NGOs, community development projects, and welfare organizations.

Journalism and Media: Careers in content creation, reporting, and media communication.

Library and Information Science: Librarianship and information management roles in academic and public libraries.

Human Resources: Positions in talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture.

Finance and Accounting: Roles in financial planning, accounting, and risk management.

Marketing: Opportunities in sales, marketing strategies, and customer relationship management.

Specifically, for graduates from the MA Psychology program, career options include clinical psychologist, counseling psychologist, organizational psychologist, human resource specialist, rehabilitation counselor, and forensic psychologist.

The scope of careers will depend on the specific degree or certification obtained from IGNOU, as well as the individual’s interests and additional qualifications.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Placements

IGNOU Placement 2024 Drive: Conducted on February 23, 2024, with companies like APTARA, ARCIS–E, and GLOBIVA participating.

Job Profiles Offered: Roles such as Retention Executives, Backend Executives, and Customer Support were available.

Salary Packages: The monthly salary packages ranged between INR 15,000 and INR 45,000.

Placement Rate: The placement rate of IGNOU is reported to be between 70% and 80% annually.

Top Companies: Previous drives included companies like Insurance Dekho, Car Dekho, Air India SATS, offering positions in Health and Life Insurance Advisory, Tele Sales, Data Entry, Customer Service, Copy Editing, and Technical Writing.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Activities

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) engages in a variety of activities that go beyond its core mission of providing education. These activities include:

Extension and Training: IGNOU conducts various training programs and workshops for skill development and professional enhancement.

Research: The university encourages research activities among its faculty and students, contributing to academic knowledge and practical applications.

Seminars and Conferences: Regularly organized events that provide platforms for scholarly discussions and networking.

Community Services: Initiatives that address social issues and contribute to community welfare.

Cultural Events: Cultural programs and festivals are celebrated, promoting the arts and cultural exchange.

National Resource Center: IGNOU acts as a resource center for distance education, promoting and maintaining standards across India.

These activities are designed to support the university’s educational objectives and to foster a sense of community among students and faculty.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Scholarships Program

Reserved Categories: Scholarships for SC, ST, Weaver Communities, Transgender, Jail Inmates, and Physically Handicapped.

Government Scholarships: Available for eligible students through the Directorate of Social Welfare or Social Welfare Officer’s office.

Fee Reimbursement: For eligible students as per university rules.

UGC/MHRD/State Government Schemes: Fee waiver/exemption/scholarship schemes for SC/ST/OBC/Minority/PWD categories.

Internal Scholarships: Need-based, merit scholarships, and sports scholarships offered by IGNOU.

Certification Process: Students must submit the scholarship form to the Regional Director at the Regional Centre for certification.

Re-submission: After certification, the form is resubmitted to the Social Welfare Officer or Directorate of Social Welfare.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Affiliation and Accreditation

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is recognized for its high standards in open and distance learning. Here are the key points of IGNOU’s affiliation and accreditation:

Accreditation: IGNOU is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with the highest grade of A++.

Authority to Confer Degrees: It has been granted the authority to confer degrees by Clause 5(1)(iii) of the IGNOU Act 1985.

Recognition as a Central University: IGNOU is recognized as a Central University by the University Grants Commission of India (UGC).

Member of AIU: IGNOU Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates are recognized by all member universities of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

AICTE Approval: It is also approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

These affiliations and accreditations ensure that IGNOU’s educational programs are of high quality and are recognized nationally and internationally.

Indira Gandhi National Open University's FAQs

1. What is Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)?

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a renowned open university based in New Delhi, India. Established in 1985, it is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and offers distance education programs to millions of students worldwide.

2. How can I apply for admission to IGNOU?

To apply for admission to IGNOU, follow these steps:

Visit the IGNOU admission portal.

Click on "New Registration" and fill in the required details to receive your username and password.

Log in with your credentials, fill out the online application form, and upload necessary documents.

Pay the application fee online using credit/debit card or net banking.

Review and submit your application form. Save or print it for future reference.

3. What courses does IGNOU offer?

IGNOU offers over 300 courses at various levels, including Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma, PG Diploma, and Certificate programs across diverse disciplines such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Education, and more.

4. Are IGNOU degrees recognized and valid worldwide?

Yes, IGNOU degrees are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India and are valid worldwide. IGNOU is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), further enhancing the recognition of its academic programs.

5. What are the eligibility criteria for IGNOU courses?

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the course. Generally, for Bachelor's programs, completion of Higher Secondary Examination is required. For Master's programs, a Bachelor's degree is necessary. Certificate programs may have no formal education requirements.

6. How long does it take to complete IGNOU programs?

The duration varies by program:

Bachelor's Degree: 3-4 years

Master's Degree: 2 years (extendable up to 4 years)

Diploma: 1 year (extendable up to 2 years)

PG Diploma: 1 year (extendable up to 2 years)

Certificate: 6 months to 1 year

7. Does IGNOU provide any financial assistance or scholarships?

Yes, IGNOU offers scholarships for students belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/PWD), as well as government scholarships and internal scholarships based on merit and need. Fee waivers and reimbursements are also available under certain schemes.

8. What facilities does IGNOU provide to its students?

IGNOU offers various facilities including a vast library with digital resources, IT infrastructure with computer labs, medical facilities, auditoriums for events, a cafeteria, guest rooms, and more to support its distance learning community.

9. How is the placement scenario at IGNOU?

IGNOU conducts placement drives annually with a placement rate ranging between 70% to 80%. Companies from various sectors participate, offering roles in customer support, administration, content creation, finance, and more.

10. Is IGNOU accredited and recognized by regulatory bodies?

Yes, IGNOU is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an 'A++' grade. It is recognized as a Central University by the UGC and approved by bodies like AICTE, ensuring the quality and validity of its programs.