Indira Gandhi National Open University, commonly known as IGNOU, was established in 1985 by the Government of India. It holds the distinction of being the largest open university worldwide, dedicated to distance education and administered by the Central Government.
Accreditation and Ranking:
IGNOU is officially recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has achieved the prestigious ‘A++’ grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, IGNOU secured the 1st rank among open universities.
Academic Network and Reach:
The university began with just two academic programs and 4,528 students in 1987. Currently, IGNOU offers education to over 4 million learners across India and abroad. This vast outreach is supported by 21 Schools of Studies, 67 regional centres, 2,667 learner support centres, and 29 international partner institutions.
Programs Offered:
IGNOU provides a broad range of courses including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees such as BA, MA, BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA, B.Ed, B.Com, M.Sc, and PhD, catering to diverse educational needs through open and distance modes.
Admission Process:
Students gain admission based on merit and entrance examinations conducted by the university, ensuring accessible yet rigorous academic standards.
Degree Validity and Recognition:
Degrees from IGNOU are recognized globally and are equivalent to degrees, diplomas, and certificates issued by any traditional Indian universities, deemed universities, or institutes. This recognition extends to eligibility for competitive exams like UPSC, making IGNOU graduates qualified for various government services and academic pursuits.
Examination System:
IGNOU provides comprehensive study materials aligned with the syllabus. The university’s examination questions are designed to reflect these materials, making the exams manageable for dedicated students.
For detailed admission information, explore program options and updates at Merishiksha IGNOU Guide.