IGNOU Exam Pattern Explained for Beginners
If you are new to IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University), the exam pattern can be confusing. IGNOU uses a distinct open and distance learning system, so its exams, evaluations, and assignment structure are quite different from those at traditional universities. This guide explains the entire IGNOU exam pattern in simple terms to help beginners understand how TEE works, how assignments are evaluated, what the marking scheme looks like, and how to prepare effectively.
This is the most complete IGNOU exam pattern guide aimed specifically at new students, first-timers, and those who find assignments, theory exams, practicals, and passing criteria confusing.
What Is IGNOU TEE? A Beginner-Friendly Explanation
IGNOU conducts its Term-End Examinations (TEE) twice a year, in June and December. These exams assess your grasp of the study materials, including blocks, units, booklets, video lectures, and IGNOU PDF materials.
TEE is different from school or coaching exams. IGNOU prioritizes conceptual writing, analytical thinking, and real-world application of ideas. Even if you study from home, IGNOU wants you to express your answers in your own words.
TEE is generally conducted in offline mode for most programs and online (CBT) mode for a few certificate and skill courses.
To clearly understand the exam pattern, you first need to grasp IGNOU’s complete evaluation structure, which includes:
- Assignments
- Theory exams
- Practical exams (if applicable)
- Project work (for some programs)
- Viva (for selected courses)
All these components affect your final grade card.
Let us break down each part in detail.
IGNOU Evaluation System: How Your Final Score Is Calculated
IGNOU combines:
- Continuous Evaluation (Assignments, practicals, project work)
- Term-End Evaluation (TEE written exam)
Distribution of Marks
Most IGNOU programs use the following ratio:
- 30% Assignments
- 70% Term-End Exam (TEE)
Some programs may vary:
| Program Type | Assignments | TEE | Practical/Viva |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (BAG, BCOMG, BSCG) | 30% | 70% | Only for science subjects |
| Master’s (MA, MCOM, MSc) | 30% | 70% | Few courses only |
| Diploma/Certificate | 30% / 40% | 70% / 60% | Some skill courses |
| BCA/MCA | 25% | 75% | Yes, practicals & lab work |
| MBA | 30% | 70% | Some viva + project |
| BLIS/MLIS | 30% | 70% | Some practical components |
IGNOU Assignment Exam Pattern Explained
Assignments play a major role in IGNOU evaluation.
Why Assignments Are Important
- They carry 30% weight
- You must score a minimum of 50% to pass
- You cannot appear for TEE unless you submit assignments
- Your grade card will not update until assignment marks are recorded
- Many students succeed at IGNOU thanks to assignments boosting their percentage
Types of Questions in Assignments
IGNOU assignments generally include:
Long Answer Questions
- 500–600 words
- Analytical and descriptive
- Based on understanding units
- Expected to write in your own words
Short Notes / Short Answers
- 250–300 words
- Concept-based
Application/Case-Based Questions
Found in professional programs like MBA, BCA, MSW, etc.
How to Write High-Scoring Assignments
- Use only IGNOU official materials
- Write in clear, legible handwriting
- Add headings, subheadings, and bullet points
- Include examples
- Do not copy from the internet
- Write in your own words
Where to Check Assignment Status
Use the official IGNOU portal:
🔗 https://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/StatusAssignment.asp
IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE) Pattern Explained in Detail
TEE is the main exam held in:
- June Session
- December Session
You can take it only after submitting your assignments.
IGNOU TEE typically lasts for 3 hours, although some courses have 2-hour papers.
Let’s explore the TEE question paper pattern.
Types of Questions in IGNOU TEE
Different programs have different question formats, but most TEE papers include:
Long Descriptive Questions
- 10–15 marks
- Require detailed explanations
- 400–500 words
- Must include definitions, examples, and diagrams (if necessary)
Short Answer Questions
- 5 marks each
- Straightforward explanations
- 150–300 words
Very Short Questions (Rare)
- 2–3 marks
- Definition-based
Case Studies (MBA/Management)
- One or two long cases
- Application of theory
Numericals (B.Com, BSc, MCA, BCA)
- Accounting problems
- Mathematics/statistics problems
- Computer programming output questions
Practical Exams (Science, BCA, MCA)
- Lab-based tasks
- Viva questions
IGNOU TEE Marking Scheme Explained
To pass TEE, you must score:
Passing Marks
- 40% in TEE
- 50% in Assignments
- You need to pass both to succeed in each course.
Example
If TEE is worth 70 marks and Assignments are worth 30 marks:
- Minimum marks needed in TEE: 28 out of 70
- Minimum marks needed in Assignments: 15 out of 30
Total Calculation Example
If a student gets:
- Assignment marks: 20 / 30
- TEE marks: 40 / 70
Final score = 20 + 40 = 60 / 100
IGNOU Question Paper Structure (Program-wise)
Below is a detailed analysis of IGNOU’s question paper patterns across major programs.
Bachelor’s Degree (BAG/BCOMG/BSCG) Exam Pattern
TEE usually contains:
- Total marks: 100
- Written exam: 70 marks
- Assignment: 30 marks
The question paper often includes:
- 5 long questions of 20 marks (attempt 2 or 3)
- Short notes
- Short answers
Master’s Degree (MA, MCOM, MSC)
This pattern is similar to the bachelor’s but with more analytical questions.
Typically includes:
- 6–8 questions
- Attempt 3–5
- Each 20 marks
MBA (IGNOU Distance MBA)
Contains:
- Case studies
- Long analytical questions
- Practical or application-based questions
MBA students should study the previous year’s papers.
BCA/MCA Pattern
Includes:
- Theory exam (75 marks)
- Assignments (25 marks)
- Practical exams
- Programming-based questions
- Output-based questions
Diploma & Certificate Courses
These have shorter exam durations, mostly 2 hours.
IGNOU Practical Exam Pattern
Practical exams apply to:
- BCA
- MCA
- BSc
- BLIS/MLIS
- Some Diploma programs
Practical evaluation may include:
- Hands-on tasks
- File submission
- Viva
- Observation
Example BCA practical structure:
- Lab test: 50 marks
- File/record: 25 marks
- Viva: 25 marks
IGNOU Project Work Pattern
Many programs require project submission, such as:
- BCA Project (BCSP-064)
- MCA Project (MCSP-060)
- MBA Project
- MSW Project
- MTM Project
Project evaluation includes:
- Report writing
- Viva voce
- Practical implementation
Official project guidelines can be found here:
🔗 https://www.ignou.ac.in
IGNOU Multiple-Choice Exam Pattern (CBT Mode)
Some certificate courses, skill courses, and smaller programs are conducted via Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Features of the CBT exam pattern:
- MCQ-based
- 2-hour duration
- Instant attendance marking
- Same 40% passing rule
IGNOU Grade Card Pattern Explained
Your Grade Card includes:
- Assignment Marks
- Theory Marks
- Practical Marks
- Project Marks
To check your grade card:
🔗 https://gradecard.ignou.ac.in
IGNOU uses the 10-point grading system:
| Grade | Points | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| A | 80–100 | Excellent |
| B | 60–79 | Very Good |
| C | 50–59 | Good |
| D | 40–49 | Satisfactory |
| E | Below 40 | Fail |
IGNOU Negative Marking: Does It Exist?
No. IGNOU does not have negative marking in any TEE or practical exam, including MCQ-based tests.
IGNOU Exam Duration and Instructions
Most TEE papers have:
- 3-hour duration
- One session in the morning (10 AM – 1 PM)
- One session in the afternoon (2 PM – 5 PM)
Some certificate courses have a duration of 2 hours.
Official timetable link:
🔗 https://exam.ignou.ac.in
IGNOU Answer Writing Pattern (How to Write Answers in TEE)
IGNOU emphasizes the quality of answer writing. High marks depend on how well you write.
Format for Writing Answers
Introduction
Define the concept or topic.
Body
Explain your points using:
- Headings
- Subheadings
- Examples
- Case studies (if relevant)
Diagram/Table (Optional)
This can improve presentation.
Conclusion
Summarize your main idea.
What IGNOU Expects
- Original explanations
- Conceptual clarity
- Neat handwriting
- Structured content
- Use IGNOU study material
IGNOU Re-Evaluation and Copies
If you are unhappy with your marks, you can apply for re-evaluation.
Re-evaluation link:
🔗 https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in
Photocopy of Answer Script:
🔗 https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in/Photocopy.aspx
IGNOU Exam Fees
Latest fee details:
🔗 https://exam.ignou.ac.in
General exam fee: ₹200 per course (India)
IGNOU Improvement Exam Pattern
If you’ve passed but want to improve your marks, you can sit for an improvement exam.
Eligibility:
- Only after completing the degree
- Only for theory papers
- Only if you score below 55% (UG) or 50% (PG)
Details:
🔗 https://www.ignou.ac.in
IGNOU Backlog Exam Pattern
If you fail a course, you can retake it in any next TEE session until your program duration ends.
No restrictions on attempts (within the maximum duration).
IGNOU Exam Pattern for Special Categories
For International Students
The exam pattern remains the same, with centers located in foreign countries.
For Jail Inmates
The same exam pattern applies; exams are conducted in prisons.
For PwD Students
Extra time is allowed based on the disability category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is IGNOU exam difficult?
No, if you study the material properly and write good answers.
Can I pass IGNOU without coaching?
Yes, IGNOU’s self-study materials are sufficient.
Do I need to write very long answers?
Quality is more important than quantity.
Which IGNOU exams are MCQ-based?
Some certificate courses in online mode.
Conclusion
For beginners, IGNOU’s exam pattern might seem complicated, but once you grasp the structure of assignments, TEE, practicals, projects, and passing criteria, it becomes manageable. The key is to write good assignments and prepare concept-based answers.
IGNOU exams reward clarity over memorization.
If you follow the guidelines and study the material diligently, IGNOU is one of the most flexible and student-friendly universities in India.