Indira Gandhi National Open University: Admission 2025, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Delhi Campus Life

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is widely recognized as a pioneering and transformative institution in India's higher education landscape. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1985, this premier Central University has grown to become the world's largest open university, dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive quality education to millions across the nation. Its sprawling main campus in New Delhi spans 150 acres. IGNOU offers an unparalleled array of academic opportunities through its 21 specialized Schools of Studies. With a comprehensive portfolio of 228 diverse academic programs, encompassing undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses, students can pursue their educational aspirations in disciplines ranging from humanities, sciences, and social sciences to management and education. The university's innovative curriculum is delivered through meticulously designed self-learning materials, enriched by multimedia resources, and supported by a vast network of Regional Centres and Study Centres that ensure localized academic and administrative support. The student experience at IGNOU is shaped by its commitment to lifelong learning and skill development. It caters to a truly diverse demographic, with an active enrolment exceeding 3 million learners as of March 2023, reflecting a gender distribution of approximately 56% male and 44% female. Admissions to many programs are direct, based on eligibility criteria, while specific professional courses like B.Ed, MBA, and Ph.D. require candidates to qualify through IGNOU's own rigorous entrance examinations. IGNOU's model emphasizes empowering individuals through education, enabling them to enhance their qualifications, acquire new skills, and advance their careers, thereby contributing significantly to national development and fostering an educated society.