Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has been at the forefront of open and distance learning in India, continually evolving to meet the educational needs of a diverse student population. As of March 11, 2025, several significant developments have taken place, reflecting the university's commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity.
1. IGNOU's 38th Convocation Ceremony
On March 5, 2025, IGNOU hosted its 38th Convocation at its headquarters in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, with simultaneous ceremonies at regional centers across the country and overseas. The event was graced by the Hon'ble Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, who delivered the convocation address. During the ceremony, approximately 2.8 lakh degrees, diplomas, and certificates were conferred upon successful students, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
2. Launch of New Academic Programs
In line with its mission to provide diverse educational opportunities, IGNOU has introduced several new programs:
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Post Graduate Diploma in Waste Management (PGDWAM): Launched in the January 2025 admission cycle, this program offers an overview of waste management, covering key elements such as social systems, financial and institutional aspects, along with entrepreneurship in waste management.
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Diploma in Paralegal Practice (DIPP): Introduced in the January 2025 session, this program is the first of its kind offered by a central university in India, available in both English and Hindi.
3. Extension of Admission Deadlines
To accommodate prospective students, IGNOU extended the last date for fresh admissions and re-registrations for the January 2025 session to February 28, 2025. This extension applied to all Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programs, ensuring that more students could enroll in their desired courses.
4. Inauguration of Automatic Weather Station
On December 5, 2024, IGNOU, in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), inaugurated an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) at its headquarters in New Delhi. This facility provides valuable meteorological data to researchers and the public, enhancing the university's research infrastructure.
5. Implementation of Choice Based Credit System (CBCS)
IGNOU has adopted the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) for various bachelor's degree courses, including BA, BAVTM, BCOM, BSC, and others. Under this system, examinations are now conducted on a semester basis, replacing the previous annual mode, offering students greater flexibility in their academic pursuits.
6. Recognition and Accreditations
IGNOU has achieved significant recognitions:
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National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF): The university proudly stands as the No. 1 Open University in the NRF rankings, reflecting its excellence in the open, distance, and online learning system.
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National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC): IGNOU is the first Open University to receive the prestigious A++ accreditation from NAAC, underscoring its commitment to quality education.
7. Digital Initiatives and MOOCs
Embracing digital education, IGNOU serves as the National Coordinator for six Direct-to-Home (DTH) educational channels, providing live classes in 14 regional languages. Under the SWAYAM PRABHA initiative, the university offers 268 Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) via the SWAYAM portal and 43 online programs through its Learning Management System (LMS) portal, expanding access to quality education.
8. Upcoming Events and Workshops
IGNOU's Staff Training and Research Institute of Distance Education (STRIDE) is organizing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on "Multimedia Tools for Teaching, Training, and Content Creation" from March 17 to 26, 2025. This online program aims to equip participants with essential skills in multimedia applications for educational purposes.
These developments highlight IGNOU's ongoing efforts to enhance educational accessibility, program diversity, and academic excellence, reinforcing its role as a leader in open and distance learning.