Is IGNOU Distance Education Degree Valid? Know All About Courses, Fee, Student Support & Many More Services

“Anyone who stop learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.” Henry Ford

Hello Readers,

Did you know? Almost half of all students worldwide have done some online learning. Online learning is growing rapidly in the education sector – it has increased by 900% since 2000. Almost 70% of students say it is even better than traditional classroom learning. Interesting right? Today, we are going to check out one of the most famous distance education providers, IGNOU.

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established in 1985 and is India’s most reputed institution for distance education. The institution allows you to pursue a degree from the comfort of your home and balance studies with work and family. The university provides a variety of programmes, such as UG and PG degrees, Diplomas, and Certificate programmes.

Let’s explore IGNOU Distance Education University more.

Is the IGNOU Degree Valid?

One of the common questions you will find is whether a distance education degree is valid or whether the institution is credible or not. Well, IGNOU has received all the mandatory recognitions which make it valid in the market, such as UGC-DEB, NAAC and AICTE.

• AIU
• UGC-DEB
• AICTE
• 1st NIRF Rank 2025 (open university category)
• NAAC A++

Related: IGNOU Assignment Submission Process Explained 

Distance Education Courses Offered by IGNOU

When it comes to distance education, most of you jump automatically to IGNOU. Being of the most renowned and recognised open universities in India, IGNOU offers a vast range of distance education courses. There are courses at UG, PG, diploma and certificate levels across multiple streams. Many IGNOU courses have the exit option at certificate, diploma and degree levels as per the new NEP guidelines. In this blog, we have compiled the list of courses offered by IGNOU.

PG Courses at IGNOU:

Starting with PG courses, you get MA, MSc, MBA, MCA, and MCom in different specialisations. Most of the programmes can be completed in a minimum of 2 years' duration, except for the Master of Library and Information Science, which is of 1-year duration.

UG Courses at IGNOU:

Moving on to the undergraduate basket, IGNOU offers BA, BSc, BCA, BBA, and many other courses. The total fees for these courses range between INR 7,000 and 50,000.

Diploma Courses at IGNOU:

From IGNOU, you can enrol in diploma courses with fees ranging from INR 2,000 to 10,000. The duration of these courses may vary from 1 to 3 years, providing flexibility for working professionals. These diploma programmes at IGNOU cover a wide range of subjects and offer practical skills for career advancement.

PG Diploma Courses:

For UG students, the university offers PG diploma courses as well. These diploma courses are the best way to switch careers or diversify your existing skillset. Their fee structure ranges between INR 3,500 and 20,000, depending on the specialisation you choose.

Certificate courses at IGNOU:

From IGNOU University Distance Education, you can enrol in certificate courses with fees ranging from 1400 to 9,000. These courses last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, giving flexibility to working professionals.

Are IGNOU Faculty Members Experienced?

The institution has industry-experienced teachers behind the scenes who write the course materials and mark your work. These are not just ordinary faculty members, they have years of experience in their dedicated field. Some will have years of experience teaching, while others might be coming straight from working in the industry they are teaching about. This means you should get a good mix of knowledge and real-world understanding from your IGNOU faculty.

Study Materials Available at IGNOU

The IGNOU University Distance Education provides you a wide range of courses, but you might be wondering where to find all the study materials you will need. Well, worry not! IGNOU provides a bunch of free resources to help you on your educational journey. Let’s explore some of the best ones:

• IGNOU’s eGyanKosh:

  This is your one-stop solution for study materials. You can register for free and download self-learning modules (SLMs) specifically designed for your course. These cover all the important topics that will help you out with your academic journey.

• SWAYAM:

  This stands for “Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds.” This is a government initiative which provides free online courses. You will find courses covering almost every subject, which is perfect for complementing your IGNOU studies.

• SWAYAM PRABHA:

  If you like to watch online videos or want to study from a different method other than your traditional method, then you can reach out to SWAYAM PRABHA. It is basically a collection of 32 TV channels dedicated to educational programming. There’s even a special channel, Ch-08, dedicated to science students.

• Sakshat:

  This is another government initiative that can offer you a variety of educational resources, such as video lectures, e-books, and even interactive activities. It is a great platform to explore alongside your IGNOU studies.

Looking for even more options? Here are some additional resources to check out:

• Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC): A treasure trove of educational resources, including publications, e-resources, and more.
• Open Educational Resources (OER) Commons: You can find free, openly licensed textbooks to support your studies.
• National Digital Library (NDL): This is another vast collection of digital learning resources, including books, articles, and more.
• e-PG Pathshala: If you are enrolled in a postgraduate programme, this platform will provide you with free e-learning resources specifically designed for postgraduate courses.
• Eacharya: You can find educational videos, lecture notes, and other resources curated by INFLIBNET.
• Virtual Labs Project: Virtual labs are a great resource for science students because they allow you to get hands-on experience with science experiments.

Placement Opportunities at IGNOU

At IGNOU’s distance education, you will find a dedicated section for placement. There, you can register for these placement drives through an online form provided by the university. This initiative aims to connect students with potential employers and facilitate their transition into the workforce. This will help you to get opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.

Also Read: Does IGNOU Provide Placement?

Student Support Services at IGNOU

If you are pursuing your education from a distance, and sometimes you feel that you are struggling with any query or have any complaint, then you might be worried about student support. But you should not worry about it, as providing support to students is a top priority for the institution. IGNOU has developed iGRAM, a platform designed for quick problem resolution. Through iGRAM, you can receive assistance promptly, which will allow you to focus on your studies without unnecessary distractions.

Takeaway

Now you know the head and tail of IGNOU’s distance education programmes. These flexible and affordable programmes can open doors to quality education for everyone. They will help you achieve your academic goals without compromising your personal or professional life. So, if you are looking for a way to expand your knowledge and career opportunities, then you can consider IGNOU distance education – it might be the perfect fit for you.

FAQs:

Q1. Is the IGNOU distance degree valid?

IGNOU is a government university approved by NAAC, AICTE, and UGC. Degrees from IGNOU, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhDs, are accepted for higher studies, jobs, and government positions.

Q2. Which is the easiest degree course in IGNOU?

The B.A program at IGNOU is one of the easiest courses available. It is considered a simple bachelor’s degree program, and anyone can pass it with ease.

Q3. Is IGNOU a good option for distance learning?

Yes, IGNOU provides one of the best platforms for top-notch education through distance learning.

Q4. Is it difficult to pass IGNOU exams?

IGNOU exams can be of varying difficulty levels based on the course and subject. Yet, with adequate preparation and regular study, it’s achievable to pass them with good grades.

Q5. Can I do two courses simultaneously in IGNOU?

Yes, as per UGC guidelines, students can now enrol in two-degree courses simultaneously at IGNOU, whether regular or distance, removing previous restrictions.

Q6. Is a distance degree from IGNOU recognised by employers?

IGNOU is a government university approved and recognised by various regulatory bodies and accepted for higher studies, jobs, and government positions.