IGNOU Exam Passing Marks: Minimum Requirements, Rules & Latest Updates
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) has a unique evaluation and credit system that often confuses students. This is especially true regarding passing marks, grading, assignment weight, and re-evaluation rules. Knowing the specific passing criteria can help you prepare better and avoid failure or the need to reappear for exams.
This detailed guide covers everything about IGNOU exam passing marks, including minimum marks required, grading, assignments, TEE rules, practicals, backlog, and the latest updates from IGNOU’s official notifications.
All official references link back to the IGNOU website for student verification.
Understanding IGNOU’s Evaluation Structure
IGNOU follows a dual evaluation system that includes:
- Assignment marks (Continuous Evaluation)
- Term-End Examination (TEE) marks
Both components are mandatory. You cannot pass a course without qualifying both in assignments and TEE separately.
Official IGNOU Evaluation Link:
https://ignou.ac.in/userfiles/Section%20-%204%20Evaluation.pdf
Assignments usually carry 30% weight, while TEE carries 70% weight, depending on the program.
Minimum Passing Marks for IGNOU Theory Exams
For most UG and PG programs, IGNOU sets the following passing marks:
- Passing Marks (General Programs): 35%
- Passing Marks (Master’s Degree Programs): 40%
This means:
- In a 100-mark theory paper, you must score at least 35 or 40, depending on the program.
- In an 80-mark TEE, the minimum passing mark is 28 or 32.
These marks must be obtained only in TEE, without considering assignments.
Minimum Passing Marks for IGNOU Assignments
IGNOU assignments carry 30% weight, but you must pass them separately. The passing criteria are:
- Passing marks: 40% for assignments in all programs
For example, if your assignment carries 100 marks, you need at least 40 marks to pass.
Assignment submission guidelines:
https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/assignment
Assignments are mandatory. Without them, IGNOU will not let you take the TEE or declare your results.
Passing Marks for IGNOU Practical Exams
Some programs include practicals (BCA, MCA, B.Sc., MLIS, etc.).
Practical Passing Criteria:
- Minimum 40% required to pass
- Practicals are evaluated separately
- You must pass theory, practical, and assignment individually
IGNOU Practical Guidelines:
https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/download
Failing any component means you must reappear.
Combined Passing Rule: How IGNOU Calculates Final Marks
Final score = Assignment (30%) + TEE (70%)
Example:
- Assignment marks: 70/100 → weighted = 21
- TEE marks: 50/100 → weighted = 35
- Final score = 21 + 35 = 56 marks
This final score determines your grade, but you must clear assignment and TEE separately.
IGNOU Grading System: How Your Score Converts to Grades
IGNOU uses a 7-point grading scale:
| Grade | Marks Range | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| A | 80% and above | 5 |
| B | 60%–79% | 4 |
| C | 50%–59% | 3 |
| D | 40%–49% | 2 |
| E | Below 40% (Fail) | 1 |
Passing grade = D or higher.
Failing grade = E.
Official Grading Policy:
https://ignou.ac.in/userfiles/Grade%20Card%20System.pdf
IGNOU Passing Marks for Specific Courses (Program-Wise Table)
| Program | TEE Passing Marks | Assignment Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|
| BA/BCOM/BTS/BSW/General UG | 35% | 40% |
| MA/MCOM/MSW/General PG | 40% | 40% |
| BCA/MCA | TEE 40% | 40% |
| MBA | TEE 50% | 50% |
| Nursing Programs | 50% | 50% |
| Diploma/Certificate | 40% | 40% |
IGNOU MBA (New ODL) Passing Marks
IGNOU MBA (ODL) has slightly different evaluation:
- TEE Passing Marks: 50%
- Assignment Passing Marks: 50%
You must pass both separately.
What Happens if You Fail in IGNOU TEE?
If you fail in the TEE:
- Your assignment marks stay valid (usually for the next 2 years)
- You can reappear in the next exam session (June or December)
- You must pay the exam fee again
TEE Reappear Link:
https://exam.ignou.ac.in/
What Happens if You Fail in IGNOU Assignments?
If you fail your assignments:
- You must resubmit the assignment in the next cycle
- TEE result will not be declared until the assignments are cleared
- You cannot pass the course without passing assignments
Re-Evaluation and Photocopy Rules
IGNOU allows rechecking of answer scripts.
You can apply for:
- Re-Evaluation
- Photocopy of Answer Script
- Recalculation of Marks
Apply from here:
https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in/reevaluation/
Re-evaluation timeframe:
- Within 30 days of result declaration
Fees apply per subject.
IGNOU Improvement Exam Rules
If you pass but want to improve your grade, IGNOU allows improvement exams only for:
- UG students with 2nd/3rd division
- PG students with 2nd division
Improvement Exam Rules:
https://ignou.ac.in/userfiles/Improvement.pdf
You cannot improve assignment marks—only TEEs.
IGNOU Grace Marks Policy
IGNOU sometimes provides grace marks for TEE:
- Usually 2% of total marks
- Only applied if it helps you barely pass
Grace marks are not guaranteed, only applied under specific academic rules.
IGNOU Backlog (Reappear) Rules
You can reappear for failed subjects in any future cycle:
- June TEE
- December TEE
There is no maximum limit for attempts as long as the program’s validity remains.
Example: If your program lasts 3 years and is valid for 6 years, you can attempt without restrictions until the 6-year period ends.
How Much Should You Score to Stay Safe?
Although passing marks are 35% or 40%, IGNOU papers can be unpredictable.
Safest minimum targets:
- Assignments: 70+
- Theory Exams: 50–60
This ensures a good final grade and reduces the chance of reappearing.
Tips to Score High in IGNOU Exams
Here are smart strategies to improve your results:
1. Start with IGNOU study material
Use official eGyankosh resources:
https://egyankosh.ac.in/
2. Write assignments in your own words
Copying from the internet may lead to rejection.
3. Focus on 4–6 main chapters
Most questions repeat from previous patterns.
4. Use IGNOU Previous Year Papers
Patterns repeat heavily.
https://webservices.ignou.ac.in/Pre-Question/
5. Write long, structured answers in TEE
6. Use headings and points
Examiners prefer organized answers.
Latest Updates on IGNOU Passing Rules
Recent IGNOU announcements show:
- No major change in passing marks
- Assignments remain mandatory
- Practical passing rules unchanged
- Grace marks still applicable under academic rules
- Online submission & TEE form mandatory through the official portal
Latest Notifications:
https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/bulletinboard/announcements/latest
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I pass IGNOU without submitting assignments?
No. Assignments are compulsory.
Q2: What if I fail only the assignment but pass TEE?
You must resubmit the assignment.
Q3: Are IGNOU assignment marks added to TEE marks?
Yes, after passing both separately.
Q4: How many marks are required to pass IGNOU exams?
35% for UG, 40% for PG (general programs).
Q5: Are IGNOU exams difficult?
Not difficult but require good writing and preparation.
Final Thoughts
IGNOU’s passing criteria are straightforward, but many students fail due to misunderstandings about the evaluation rules. If you aim for safe scores of 60+ in theory and 70+ in assignments, you will easily secure a good grade.
Understanding the marking system, reappear rules, and assignment guidelines will ensure smooth academic progress and avoid unnecessary delays.