Yes, IGNOUs study material is really helpful.
Writing is easy and descriptive
Every unit is converted into a book
Extensive writing style
Essay type questions available
Course structure is perfect
Covers every topic in depth
The books are very useful in UPSC preparation. They will help you in Mains as well as optional and even while writing essays.
The procedure for IGNOU exams depends on the program you have opted for. My answer is related to Arts/ Science/ Commerce except for BCA. The procedure is as follows:
Register yourself into a program at Study center near you.
You will receive your study material within a month along with the schedule of classes. These classes are held at the study centre on weekends.
Internal Assessment Projects are issued by December and should be submitted by March. Prepare well for project assignments as 30% weightage is taken into consideration
Appear for June Term End Examinations
Result will be announced within 45 days
The following information will clear all your doubts regarding IGNOU being AICTE approved:
IGNOU is not only a central university but also a nodal body to regulate distance education in India.
IGNOU can commence any course, even technical courses without or with approval of AICTE since it has the right to do so as per its constitution.
IGNOU has its own SOET (school of engineering and technology) duly approved by HRD and UGC. Their degrees and diplomas are equivalent to any other technical system in India.
AICTE never recognizes any degree/diploma in distance courses and hence it should be clearly understood for any institution. Nonetheless, IGNOU courses are themselves valid.
However, through a joint resolution of DEC(IGNOU) and AICTE, IGNOU is no longer offering any technical degree/diploma and neither recognizes other universities in DEC mode.
One of my cousins completed an MCA from IGNOU while doing a job. She shared her experience with me. I have summarised it in points for better understanding:
The Degree Certificate of IGNOU MCA will enable you to appear for an interview
There are regular classes on weekends. But these classes are only on paper so you can skip them.
Students will have to approach self-study only
Projects are only formalities and have no real value
Institutes that run the MCA IGNOU program offer no help when it comes to getting a job.
There is no value of IGNOU MCA in Infosys, TCS, Wipro, etc
Apart from this various advertisements in newspapers specifically mention that IGNOU candidates will not be able to apply. So I will not recommend that you complete an MCA from IGNOU.
No, IGNOU is not accredited by NAAC. However, it’s accredited by UGC, which is the culminating body of all universities in India.
NAAC is an autonomous body established by the UGC of India to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country. NAAC is only for regular institutions, not for distance institutions.
Note that IGNOU is the best open university and its degree is valid everywhere.
The courses of MA in Economics at IGNOU for both years have been tabulated below:
First Year:
Course Code |
Course Name |
Credits |
MEC-001 |
Micro Economics Analysis |
6 |
MEC-002 |
Macro Economics Analysis |
6 |
MEC-003 |
Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis |
6 |
MEC-004 |
Economics for Growth and Development |
6 |
MEC-005 |
Indian Economic Policy |
6 |
Second year:
Course Code |
Course Name |
Credits |
MEC—006 |
Public Economics |
6 |
MEC-007 |
International Trade and Fiance |
6 |
MEC-008 |
Economics of Social Sector and Environment |
6 |
MEC-009 |
Research Methods in Economics |
6 |
MECP-001 |
Project Work |
6 |
MECE-001 |
Economic Methods |
6 |
MECE-003 |
Actuarial Economics: Theory and Practice |
6 |
MECE-004 |
Financial Institutions and Markets |
6 |
MECE-002 |
Computer Applications in Economic Analysis |
6 |
For more details visit IGNOUs official website.
In order to get admission to the MSc program of IITs, you have to appear in the IIT JAM examination. This requires BSc Hons or a major in Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics.
IGNOUs BSc major program has an option of a Physics major(48 credits of physics course out of total 96 credit for major in physics), Chemistry major(40 credits for major), Mathematics major or a BSc (General). So you can apply for IIT-JAM only if you have a
BSc major degree in Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics
BSc General degree with combinations of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
You are required to necessarily have a minimum 55% aggregate in the BSc program.
You can apply for the Bachelor's Degree Programme (BDP) at IGNOU which includes the BSc programme. One such course is LSE or Life Science. You need to select elective courses in Life Science first.
IGNOU has a credit-based grading system. This requires you to complete 32 credits in a single academic year. This totals 96 credits in 3 years.
For the first year 16 credits will be from foundation courses. Other credits will be from your elective courses.
For a major degree you need to have 48 credits from the subject you wish to major in.
In the 3rd year it’s decided whether you have a BSc (zoo) or BSc (bot). This depends on the choice of your subjects.
BSc in Biology also required lab courses. These constitute about 25% of your marks and attendance is compulsory.
Take a second elective from the rest (maths, physics, chemistry) such that it carries at least 8 credits.
If you are still having difficulty understanding the credits visit the university’s official website.
IGNOU follows the credit system. Credit has nothing to do with grade marks or rank. It is somewhat related to the subjects you opt for. Credit is like books. 1 book = 1 credit (mostly)
If you opt for a subject that has for example 4 credits, then you are required to study 4 books of that subject. After passing your exams you will get 4 credits. You can understand better through the below-mentioned example:- If you are willing to get a degree in BA from IGNOU, you need to score 32 credits each year. This equals 96 credits for the entire course.
There are three categories from which you have to choose the courses to complete 96 credits. Following are the categories:
Foundation courses - 24 credits
Elective courses - 56 or 64
Application Oriented courses - 8 or 16
The table below has specified the credits of some fundamental courses.
The table below mentions some major foundation courses and their credits:
Foundation Course |
Credits |
Science and Technology |
8 |
Humanities and Social Sciences |
8 |
English and Hindi |
4 |
Foundation Courses are compulsory at IGNOU.
IGNOU is an excellent choice if you are willing to pursue a Masters in any subject. Master's program in Economics and Maths, Psychology, Politics, Public Administration, etc are highly rated. It's MCA (Masters in computer application) even has an AICTE recognition.
What makes it the best university are the following points:
Study material is extremely easy, informative designed by PhD level scholars to facilitate self-study
University is very well organised
Fees are highly affordable
Online admission system
This university is best for self-motivated students who are willing to work hard to achieve their goals.