IGNOU Courses 2023: A Comprehensive Guide for Students
If you’re looking for flexible and affordable higher education, you might have heard of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Established in 1985, IGNOU is the largest open university in the world, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and vocational courses. IGNOU’s distance education programs are popular among working professionals, housewives, and anyone who wishes to pursue higher education while balancing personal and professional commitments. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to IGNOU courses, eligibility criteria, admission process, fee structure, and career prospects.
Introduction
IGNOU, also known as the People’s University, is a public university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Council (DEC). IGNOU’s main objective is to provide quality higher education to everyone, regardless of their location, age, or background. IGNOU has a network of 67 regional centers, 2667 study centers, and 29 overseas centers, making it accessible to learners from all over the world.
Why choose IGNOU?
IGNOU offers several advantages over traditional universities, such as:
- Flexibility: IGNOU’s courses are designed to be self-paced, allowing learners to study at their own convenience.
- Affordability: IGNOU’s fee structure is relatively low compared to other universities, making higher education accessible to everyone.
- Recognition: IGNOU’s courses are recognized by the UGC and other statutory bodies, ensuring that learners can pursue further studies or job opportunities without any hindrance.
- Diversity: IGNOU offers a wide range of courses, including vocational courses, that cater to the needs of diverse learners.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for IGNOU courses vary depending on the course and level of study. Generally, the minimum eligibility criteria for undergraduate courses is a 10+2 qualification, and for postgraduate courses, a bachelor’s degree is required. However, some courses have additional eligibility criteria, such as work experience or specific subject requirements. It is important to check the eligibility criteria for the specific course you wish to pursue.
IGNOU Courses: Overview
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers 226 academic programs comprising courses at Doctoral Degree, M. Phil, Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Diplomas, PG Diplomas, PG and Advance Diplomas, PG and Advance Certificate, Certificates, and various other levels.
Courses offered by IGNOU
IGNOU offers courses in various disciplines, such as arts, science, commerce, management, education, law, and health sciences. The courses are divided into five categories:
Undergraduate Courses
IGNOU offers various undergraduate courses, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Education (BEd), Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLibISc), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS). The duration of the undergraduate courses varies from 3 to 4 years.
Postgraduate Courses
IGNOU offers various postgraduate courses, such as Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Commerce (MCom), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc), and Master of Tourism Management (MTM). The duration of the postgraduate courses varies from 2 to 5 years.
Diploma Courses
IGNOU offers various diploma courses, such as Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE), Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE), Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTS), Diploma in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (DCIM), Diploma in Civil Engineering (DCE), and Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME). The duration of the diploma courses varies from 1 to 3 years.
Certificate Courses
IGNOU offers various certificate courses, such as Certificate in Food and Nutrition (CFN), Certificate in Environmental Studies (CES), Certificate in Computing (CIC), Certificate in Rural Development (CRD), and Certificate in Human Rights (CHR). The duration of the certificate courses varies from 6 months to 1 year.
Vocational Courses
IGNOU offers various vocational courses, such as Advanced Certificate in Power Distribution Management (ACPDM), Post-Graduate Certificate in Extension and Development Studies (PGCEDS), and Certificate in Water Harvesting and Management (CWHM). The duration of the vocational courses varies from 6 months to 1 year.
IGNOU Programmes & Courses
The following table mentions all the programs offered by IGNOU along with their total number of courses. Scroll down or click on View Details for more details:
PROGRAMMES | ||
|
Program |
Number of Courses |
Details |
|---|---|---|
Doctorol Degree | 43 | |
M. Phil | 11 | |
Master’s Degree | 41 | |
Bachelor’s Degree | 38 | |
Diploma | 22 | |
PG Diploma | 9 | |
PG and Advance Diploma | 31 | |
PG and Advance Certificate | 13 | |
Certificate | 71 | |
PG Certificate | 2 | |
Non-Credit Programmes | 4 | |
| Online Programmes | 2 | View Details |
Admission Process
The admission process for IGNOU courses is simple and online. Interested candidates can visit the official website of IGNOU and apply online by filling up the application form and paying the requisite fee. The admission process is open twice a year, in January and July.
The admission process for IGNOU courses is simple and can be done online. To enroll in an IGNOU course, follow these steps:
- Visit the IGNOU website (www.ignou.ac.in)
- Click on the “Admissions” tab
- Select the desired course and click on the “Apply Online” button
- Fill in the application form with the required details
- Upload the necessary documents, such as a photograph and signature
- Pay the application fee through online mode (credit card/debit card/net banking)
- Submit the application form
Once the application form is submitted, IGNOU will verify the details and send an admission confirmation to the registered email ID.
Fee Structure
The fee structure for IGNOU courses is affordable and varies depending on the course and level of study. The fee for undergraduate courses ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10000 per year, and for postgraduate courses, it ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 30000 per year. The fee for diploma and certificate courses ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 6000, and for vocational courses, it ranges from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 15000.
IGNOU Study Material
IGNOU provides study material for all the courses, which includes textbooks, audio and video CDs, and online material. The study material is designed to be self-instructional, and the learners are expected to study the material on their own.
IGNOU Term End Examination
IGNOU conducts term-end examinations twice a year, in June and December. The examinations are conducted in offline mode, and the learners are required to appear for the examinations at the designated examination centers. The learners are required to score a minimum of 40% marks in each course to pass the examination.
Evaluation and Certification
The evaluation process for IGNOU courses involves continuous assessment through assignments, practicals, and term-end examinations. The university follows a credit-based system, where each course is assigned a certain number of credits.
Upon successful completion of the course, the students are awarded a certificate, diploma, or degree, depending on the course they have pursued. The certificates and degrees awarded by IGNOU are recognized by various government and private organizations.
Conclusion
IGNOU offers a wide range of courses in various disciplines, making it one of the most sought-after distance learning universities in India. The university’s emphasis on providing high-quality education, along with its flexible admission and examination process, makes it a popular choice among working professionals and students.
FAQs
- What is IGNOU?
- Is IGNOU a recognized university?
- What are the courses offered by IGNOU?
- How can I apply for an IGNOU course?
- What is the evaluation process for IGNOU courses?
- What is IGNOU?
- IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) is a distance learning university in India, established in 1985. It is the largest university in the world with over 4 million students enrolled in various courses.
- Is IGNOU a recognized university?
- Yes, IGNOU is a recognized university by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB).
- What are the courses offered by IGNOU?
- IGNOU offers a wide range of courses in various disciplines, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and vocational courses.
- How can I apply for an IGNOU course?
- Interested candidates can visit the official IGNOU website and apply online by filling out the application form. The application fee can be paid online through various payment modes.
- What is the evaluation process for IGNOU courses?
- The evaluation process for IGNOU courses involves continuous assessment through assignments, practicals, and term-end examinations. The university follows a credit-based system, where each course is assigned a certain number of credits. Upon successful completion of the course, the students are awarded a certificate, diploma, or degree, depending on the course they have pursued.
References:
- https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/
- https://www.ugc.ac.in/deb/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indira_Gandhi_National_Open_University
About the Author
Rahies Ajmil is a freelance writer and a graduate of IGNOU. He has written extensively on education and career-related topics and has been published in various online and offline publications.