General Rules, Administrative Issues and Recognition: Q1.1 What Is An Open University?
General Rules, Administrative Issues and Recognition: Q1.1 What Is An Open University?
Q1.1
Ans.
It is a university which follows the system of open learning, which is the manifestation
of the philosophy of openness in teaching-learning transaction through several features
as detailed under:
Learner Centredness
It is a system where all approach towards the teaching-learning transactions is
oriented towards the need of the learner. For example, it offers socially and
academically relevant programmes based on student need analysis. The conventional
system is more teacher-centric, that is oriented towards the norms, procedures
adopted by the teachers.
Flexible Entry Norms
The entry norms are flexible. For example, there is no upper age limit. A candidate
has to be 10+2 pass for getting entry into BA/B.Com but it is not essential for him
to secure particular threshold marks. One can join an academic programme at
IGNOU while being a student of another university.
Individualized Study
Conventional system follows a synchronous mode of study. Here, a learner has the
scope of studying according to his convenience. He can read the self-instructional
printed material as per his desired schedule. Similarly he can switch on the tape or
the DVD player according to his convenience. He can freely use e-resources like
open educational resources and other technology based teaching learning tool.
Trascendation of the Barrier of Space and Time
The learner can pursue her study from anywhere and also at anytime. At IGNOU,
examinations are held twice a year, in June and December. It is like two buses, say
between Delhi and Jaipur. One may be in the morning and the other in the evening.
If one misses the morning bus one can take the evening bus. If the morning bus
develops some trouble in the midway, one has the option for waiting and travelling
by the evening bus. Similarly if one misses the June examination, one can appear at
the December examination. If one misses out on some courses during the June
examination, one can get them cleared at the December examination. Thus the
examination system has been made user-friendly to the extent that a learner appears
at the examination only when she feels satisfied about her preparation. IGNOU has
started the scheme of On-demand examination for some of the programmes and
this facility is likely to be extended for all programmes.
Quite a few programmes are offered, at all levels, i.e. certificate, diploma and
bachelors. For example, in case of tourism studies, IGNOU offers Certificate
in Tourism Studies (CTS), Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTS) and Bachelor
of Arts in Tourism Studies (BTS). Now CTS is a subset of DTS and DTS is a
subset of BTS. Thus one can complete CTS and opt to quit or do so after
completing DTS. While doing DTS he will not have to re-do CTS. It is not
necessary that everyone has to study till BTS. However, while studying BTS,
one does not have to re-do CTS and DTS.
limits of ones affordability. In other words, one has to keep track of the money in
ones pocket. Likewise, here one has to select courses up to the total number of
credits earmarked for a programme and one has the option of free choice. One can
select courses as per ones aptitude and capability.
Scientific Scheme of Evaluation
It follows a very scientific scheme of evaluation which is an aggregate of selfassessment (Nil weightage), continuous evaluation (25 to 30% weightage) and termend examination (70 to 75% weightage).
Cost Effectiveness
This aspect has already been dealt with under the head Resource Sharing.
Nationwide Support Service Network
It has a network of learner support centres throughout the country in the form of
regional centres, study centres, work centres, skill development centres, partner
institutions and institution collaborators.
International Jurisdiction
It also has an international jurisdiction having presence in 37 countries abroad.
Collaboration and networking with the conventional universities, state open
universities, other institutions and organisations.
A unique feature is the provision of collaboration of IGNOU with the conventional
universities, other open universities, the distance education directorates, the
correspondence course institutions and several other institutions/organisations of
repute. By other institutions/organisations we generally mean such establishments
which may not be involved in academia but have expertise in some relevant areas
such as vocational studies. Under such circumstances IGNOU collaborates with
that institution/organisation for launching the relevant programme.
Facilities of Credit Transfer and Credit Exemption
The university follows the credit system for its programmes of study. It has the
provision of transferring the credits earned by a learner at IGNOU or say at other
institution, thereby providing much relief to the learners. Credit Exemption is
allowed for several programmes where the learner concerned does not have to
undertake exercises meant for continuous evaluation. She has to appear only for
the relevant term-end examination.
Associate Studentship
The system provides the facility of Associate Studentship, that is, one can register
for a particular course without registering for the whole programme. Suppose a
student wants to study only Thermodynamics. He does not have to register for
the BSc Programme. He can register as an Associate Student only for the course on
Thermodynamics. On successful completion he will get a certificate of completion
of the Thermodynamics course. For entry, however, he will need to have the
eligibility required for admission to BSc.
Convergence with the Conventional System
Last but not the least it is to be appreciated that for the sake of capacity building
and strengthening of the conventional university and the Collegiate Education
System a scheme of convergence has been conceived jointly by UGC, IGNOU,
Distance Education Council and AICTE under the guidance of the MHRD. Under
this scheme there is likely to be a provision for colleges affiliated with the
conventional universities and university departments offering academic programmes
of IGNOU.
Q1.2
Ans.
It is a concept wherein the learner is at a distance from the teacher. The teacher is
inbuilt in the learning material as a judicious combination of the following components:
Print
Audio
Video
Interactive Audio via radio
Interactive Video via satellite
Virtual classroom via internet
This means that the teacher is omnipresent. After interacting with this teacher through
the above components the learners get the benefit of face-to-face counselling and
guidance at the learner support centres.
Q1.3
What is ODL System? How does it differ from the Correspondence System?
Ans.
ODL means Open and Distance Learning. It is an aggregate of the Open Learning
System and the Distance Education Methodology. In the Correspondence System
the teacher is absent. So is he in the ODL System. But in the ODL System he is
omnipresent, as the style of all learning material, be it print or audio/video, is selfinstructional. The learners are supposed to get taught by these omnipresent teachers.
They are supposed to get clarifications pertaining to the doubts and difficulties faced
by them from the academic counsellors at the learner support centres. The back-up of
support services through the network of the learners support centres is of cardinal
importance in respect of the ODL System.
Q1.4
Ans.
We are concerned about the acceptability of our students in the society, hence we have
to ensure equivalence of the degrees/diplomas of IGNOU with that of the conventional
universities. So we have to keep restrictions, e.g. one has to be a 10+2 for joining BA/
B.Com/BSc, but that 10+2 need not be with a threshold marks. In other words,
restrictions are there but they are minimal.
Q1.5
We have heard that one can do graduation at IGNOU even without being a 10+2.
Is it really possible?
Ans.
Yes, if you are 18 or above, you may join our Bachelors Preparatory Programme. It is
a six months programme where you have to select any two among three preparatory
courses in social sciences, commerce and mathematics. If you qualify you may join
BA, BCom (not BSc) and for that matter any academic programme of IGNOU for
which (10+2) is an entry qualification.
Q1.6
Ans.
Not, at all. It is only an enabling mechanism for joining graduation and some other
programmes of IGNOU by those who for some reason or the other had missed the
opportunity of passing 10+2.
Q1.7
You have mentioned about the flexibility regarding the choice of time for appearing
at the term-end examination. If I avail myself of that facility how can I complete
the academic programme in time?
Ans.
For every programme there is a minimum period and a maximum permissible period.
You have to complete all the requirements for assessment, that is assignments, termend examinations, practicals, field work and projects (if there are any) within the
maximum permissible period.
Q1.8
What happens if I fail to complete even within the maximum permissible period?
Ans.
There is scope for re-admission for most of the programmes of IGNOU. If you have
not been to able to complete your programme successfully within the maximum
permissible period, then you may take re-admission. You have to complete only the
part you had failed to accomplish and you also have the provision of seeking credit
transfer for the courses you had already completed during your earlier period of
registration. The period of validity of registration after re-admission is not unlimited
and it varies from programme to programme.
Q1.9
Ans.
As of now we have the facility for about 135 courses covering 50 programmes. Under
this scheme a learner can be permitted to appear at the examination only after completion
of the minimum required study period. For example, the said period for a diploma
programme is one year. Therefore one cannot be allowed to appear for the examination
before one year has elapsed after ones taking admission into the programme.
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Q1.10
You claim to increase your access, but on the other hand you restrict admission to
B.Ed only to in-service teachers. Does it not go against the facets of openness?
Ans.
As far as B.Ed is concerned if you assess the situation little analytically you would
realise that our stand helps in increasing the access. This is due to the fact that it is not
very convenient for an in-service teacher to do B.Ed through the conventional system.
Now, if our B.Ed is made open even for the freshers there is a likelihood of the freshers
fairing better at the entrance test and thus reducing the scope for the in-service teachers.
So our stand in a way provides increasing access to those who are otherwise deprived
of it.
Q1.11
Ans.
Q1.12
Ans.
Yes. As a matter of fact fees can be paid through demand draft, bank challan and credit
card,
Q1.13
Ans.
Yes, for those programmes where admission is regulated by way of drawing a merit
list. For other programmes admission is open to all eligible candidates.
Q1.14
Ans.
Q1.15
Can a student who has completed his graduation from IGNOU apply for the IAS
Examination conducted by the UPSC?
Ans.
IGNOU learners are eligible to appear at any Examination conducted by UPSC (like
IAS etc.), SSC (School Service Commission, Government of West Bengal) or by any
other Commission in any State or Union Territory of India.
Q1.16
Are IGNOU learners eligible to take admission in any university after successful
completion of their programme in IGNOU?
Ans.
After completion of a particular degree at IGNOU learners are eligible to take admission
in any Indian university subject to fulfilling other criteria laid down by the university
concerned.
Q1.17
Is the B.Ed degree awarded by IGNOU considered valid by all other universities?
Ans.
B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) offered by IGNOU has the recognition of NCTE (National
Council of Teacher Education) and should be considered valid by all universities.
Q1.18
Ans.
Q1.19
Ans.
Q1.20
Where should one seek information about the recognition of IGNOUs Programme?
Ans.
You can get the information from the IGNOU website (www.ignou.ac.in)or from the
DEC website (www.dec.ac.in).
Q1.21
Ans.
Q1.22
I have completed B.A. from IGNOU. Can I get admission in MBA at Tripura
University?
Ans.
Q1.23
I have completed BPP from IGNOU. Is it possible to take admission in B.A. from
Tripura University?
Ans.
Q1.24
Ans.
No.
Q1.25
Ans.
For this you should follow the eligibility criteria of that university.
Q1.26
Ans.
Q1.27
Ans.
If you have scored minimum 50% at the graduation level (45% for SC/ST) you are
eligible for appearing at the Entrance Test for MBA.
Q1.28
Are the programmes which are unique to IGNOU considered valid by other
universities?
Ans.
Every programme of IGNOU has due recognition of UGC and AIU. The programmes
that are unique to IGNOU are generally professionally and vocationally oriented and
they serve the said purpose for the learners who successfully complete them.
Q1.29
Is there any exemption scheme in a particular course of IGNOU for the students
coming from accredited institutions?
Ans.
Q1.30
Ans.
Yes.
Q1.31
Ans.
Yes, it is recognised by the Indian Nursing Council. As a matter of fact, your BSCN(PB)
from IGNOU would facilitate your working as a nurse in a hospital. However, you will
have to fulfill other conditions laid down by the hospital concerned.
Q1.32
In IGNOU Prospectus we have seen the text of the recognition document issued
by UGC in Feb. 1992. Is there any further document of recognition by UGC which
is valid for all Open Universities in general?
Ans.
Q1.33
Is there any specific guideline of UGC as regards regulating the standards through
non-formal/distance education in the faculties of Fine Arts and Music?
Ans.
It is not only in Fine Arts and Music. It covers other disciplines also. Please refer to
Notification No.F.1-1117/83 (CPP-II) dated 18th October, 1995 issued by University
Grants Commission for publishing in the Gazette of India (Part III Section 4) regarding
amendment in UGC Regulations pertaining to the minimum standards of instructions
for the grant of first degree through non-formal/distance education in the faculties of
Arts, Humanities, Fine Arts, Music, Social Sciences, Commerce and Sciences.
Q1.34
Ans.
Q1.35
Is there any specific document which clearly states that there is no difference
between B.Ed. (face-to-face) and B.Ed. (distance mode)?
Ans.
Q1.36
Ans.
Q1.37
Ans.
Q1.38
OR
I want to do the PG Diploma in Maternal and Child Health (PGDMCH) from
your University. I understand it is a one year Diploma programme. Is it recognised
by the Medical Council of India (MCI)?
OR
The PG Diploma Programme in Geriatic Medicine (PGDGM) is offered by
IGNOU. I am a doctor serving in Government hospital and I have specialised in
Medicine. Will it help in any way in my job?
Ans.
As a preamble to the answers to this question one must know that according to MCI,
the definition of a student is one who attends face-to-face classes. For each of the
above cases the student is a distance learner. So he is not a student as per the MCI
definition. PGDCC is an exception. For that programme, though the students are
provided with self-instructional study materials as in every other programme of IGNOU,
by and large most of the teaching-learning transactions take places in the face-to-face
mode. However, another requirement of MCI is that the duration of a PG Diploma
Programme should be two years whereas for each of the PG Diploma programmes
stated above, the duration is one year. Thus IGNOU has not made any issue regarding
the recognition of these programmes from MCI. However, in no way does it affect the
importance of these programmes. Each of these programmes provides enrichment to a
learner (who is an MBBS doctor in the area specified) and it raises his employability
quotient.
Q1.39
Tell us in general about the job prospects of the programmes on offer by the
School of Vocational Education and Training (SOVET)
Ans.
SOVET has planned its academic programmes on the basis of the feedback received
by the University from all possible stakeholders over the years. Moreover, many
organisations have approached the above School with the proposal of launching need
based training programmes in tune with their activities. With such a background, it is
expected that there would be reasonably good job prospects.
Q1.40
IGNOU has launched programmes which require hands-on skill, like Pottery
Design, Jewellery Design, Shoe making, etc. How do you handle the training of
these programmes through the distance mode?
Ans.
Most of these programmes are for those who can read and write. The study materials
provided to the learners have been written in a language which is easily readable and
understandable. The study centres are not housed in academic institutions, but these
are with institutional collaborators. The practicals are conducted by resource persons
drawn from such collaborators. The attendance in practical is compulsory and the
learners acquire the desired skills at such practical sessions.
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Q1.41
IGNOU is known for offering programmes which are generally not offered by
the conventional system. I am a retired teacher and I have ideas about several
such programmes for which there is a very strong need base. Who should I contact
with my proposal?
OR
Our institution wants to offer a need based programme in collaboration with
IGNOU. How should I go about it?
Ans.
In IGNOU the academic home of each programme is a School of Studies. Please visit
IGNOU website www.ignou.ac.in and get to know about the Schools of Studies. Identify
the School which according to you is the most suitable for launching your proposed
programme. You have to send your proposal to the Director of the School or to the
Director, Academic Co-ordination Division. Please mention clearly about the following
in your proposal :
Rationale/Need base (If you have made a survey or a need analysis then send a
copy of the relevant report).
Level of the programme (i.e Masters/ Bachelors/ Diploma or PG Diploma/
Certificate/ Awareness).
Eligibility of Admission
Proposed Fees
Delivery mode and mechanisms (clearly mention about support services).
Evaluation Methodolgy
Q1.42
Ans.
No
Q1.43
I have completed my B.Com with IGNOU. I would like to pursue M.Com with
another University. What is the procedure for getting the Migration Certificate
(MC)?
Ans.
Apply through the format prescribed for MC with the requisite fees to your Regional
Centre. The application may be sent by post or presented in person.
Q1.44
12
Your records are available at your Regional Centre. So you are requested to contact
your Regional Centre. For Character Certificate you can contact your RC but you
should also mention your Study Centre (SC) because RC may ask your SC about your
conduct as a student.
Q1.45
Ans.
Please identify the School of Study which is relevant in respect of the course for which
you intend to be a writer. Thereafter contact the Director of the said School with your
credentials.
Q1.46
Ans.
Q1.47
Ans.
Yes. Express your interest with your CV, in confidence to the Co-ordinator of
the Study Centre (activated for BA/MA in History) you intend getting attached with.
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Q1.48
I am a retired teacher of History. Can I be considered as an evaluator of IGNOUTerm end answer scripts?
OR
I would like to be a question paper setter for IGNOU examination. How should I
go about it?
Ans.
Yes. Express your interest with your CV, in confidence, to the Registrar, Student
Evaluation Division, IGNOU, New Delhi-110068 or to the Regional Director of the
region you belong to.
Q1.49
Ans.
No.
Q1.50
Ans.
In general, no. But if there is a study centre (activated for courses in Mathematics)
located close to your place of stay, they may consider you, provided they have not been
able to identify academic counsellors of mathematics as per the given eligibility criteria.
They will have to clearly state the reason and situation pertaining to their inability to
identify an academic counsellor with the prescribed eligibility norms.
Q1.51
Ans.
Yes.
Q1.52
Ans.
Generally yes, but it is to be noted that every university has its own autonomy and
eligibility norms.
Q1.53
Is a non 10+2, BPP qualified graduate from IGNOU eligible to appear for civil
services examinations or any such other examination for which the eligibility is
graduation?
Ans.
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Q1.54
Ans.
Q1.55
Ans.
It is indeed an anomaly. However, a look into the issue of autonomy may provide some
clarification. Offering courses through DE Directorates is an effort towards increasing
the outreach. In such cases the students of the directorates have to appear at the same
examination of the university concerned in the subjects as that of the conventional
students of the university.
As a matter of fact for admission to the said academic programmes of higher learning,
a conventional university effectively keeps some seats reserved for their own students.
There is only a very small quota for the students of the outside universities, which
covers all outside applicants. An IGNOU pass out is treated as an outside applicant. He
has to compete with all the outside applicants for a few seats only.
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