IGNOU Soft Copy vs Hard Copy Assignment Rules

IGNOU Soft Copy vs Hard Copy Assignment Rules

Assignments are a key part of the academic experience at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Each year, many students lose marks or experience delays in their results due to confusion over whether to submit assignments in soft copy (online) or hard copy (offline).

IGNOU allows both ways to submit assignments, but the rules vary by programme, session, and study centre. This article explains the IGNOU soft copy vs hard copy assignment rules, when each method is appropriate, how to submit correctly, and common mistakes to avoid.

For official updates and notifications, always refer to the IGNOU website:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/

Why Assignment Submission Rules Matter in IGNOU

IGNOU uses a continuous evaluation system where assignments usually make up 30% of the grade, while theory exams account for 70%.

If assignments are:

• Not submitted
• Submitted incorrectly
• Submitted using the wrong method

then:

• No marks will be given for the assignment
• The grade card will remain incomplete
• Completion of the degree will be delayed

Assignment guidelines can be found at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/assignments

What Is Hard Copy Assignment Submission?

Hard copy submission involves physically delivering handwritten assignments to the assigned Study Centre.

Traditionally, IGNOU has used the hard copy submission method, where students submit assignments either in person or through allowed offline methods.

What Is Soft Copy Assignment Submission?

Soft copy submission means sending assignments online, typically as:

• Scanned handwritten PDFs
• Typed PDFs (if permitted)

Soft copy submission began mainly:

• During COVID-19
• For selected programmes
• For specific sessions

Soft copy rules are unique to each session and programme.

Does IGNOU Allow Soft Copy Assignment Submission for All Students?

No.

IGNOU does not allow soft copy submissions for every programme and study centre.

Soft copy submission is permitted only:

• When officially notified by IGNOU
• For selected programmes or sessions
• Through approved portals or email instructions

Students must always check official notifications before submitting online.

Official IGNOU Stand on Assignment Submission Mode

IGNOU specifies that the submission method depends on:

• Programme
• Study Centre
• Academic session

Official updates are available at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/

If no notice for online submission is released, hard copy submission is required.

Hard Copy Assignment Rules Explained

When hard copy submission is necessary, students must follow these rules:

• Assignments must be handwritten
• Written on A4-size plain paper
• Have proper margins and readable handwriting
• Follow the correct front page format
• Submit only at the assigned Study Centre

Submitting at the wrong Study Centre may lead to rejection.

Soft Copy Assignment Rules Explained

When soft copy submissions are officially permitted:

• Assignments are usually handwritten first
• Scanned clearly into PDF format
• Uploaded or emailed as per official instructions
• File name format must be adhered to
• Submission must be on time

Typed assignments are generally not allowed unless specifically stated.

How to Know Whether to Submit Soft Copy or Hard Copy

Students should check:

1. Official IGNOU notifications
   https://www.ignou.ac.in/
2. Assignment section updates
   https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/assignments
3. Notices from the Regional Centre or Study Centre

Do not rely on WhatsApp groups or unofficial websites.

Programme-Wise Difference in Submission Rules

Different programmes have different rules:

• UG and PG programmes: mostly hard copy
• Online programmes: soft copy
• Professional programmes: mixed rules
• Practical-based programmes: hard copy preferred

Programme details can be found at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/programme

Study Centre Authority in Assignment Submission

Study Centres play an important role in assignment submission:

• They collect hard copy assignments
• They verify soft copy submissions (if allowed)
• They upload marks to the IGNOU system

Even if IGNOU allows for soft copy submission, instructions from the Study Centre must be followed closely.

Can You Submit Both Soft Copy and Hard Copy?

Generally, no.

Submitting both:

• Does not increase marks
• May cause confusion
• Could delay evaluation

Students should submit assignments only in the officially instructed way.

What Happens If You Submit in the Wrong Mode?

If you submit:

• A soft copy when a hard copy was required, or
• A hard copy when only online submission was allowed

Then:

• The assignment may be rejected
• Marks may not be recorded
• The course will remain incomplete

Correcting this later can be challenging.

Assignment Front Page Rules (Applicable to Both Modes)

Every assignment must include a proper front page with:

• Student name
• Enrollment number
• Programme code
• Course code
• Assignment number
• Study Centre code
• Regional Centre code
• Session

Front page guidelines are available at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/assignments

Handwritten vs Typed Assignment Rules

In most IGNOU programmes:

• Handwritten assignments are required
• Typed assignments are generally rejected

Typed assignments are allowed only:

• If specifically mentioned in programme guidelines
• In certain online programmes

Always verify before typing assignments.

File Format Rules for Soft Copy Submission

When submitting soft copy:

• Use PDF format
• Ensure clear scanning
• Avoid blurry images
• Keep file size within limits
• Follow provided naming conventions

Improper files may not be assessed.

Deadline Rules for Both Submission Modes

Deadlines apply equally to:

• Soft copy submission
• Hard copy submission

Late submission:

• May not be accepted
• Could require submission next session
• Delays results

Deadlines are announced at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/

Can You Submit Assignments After Exam?

Yes, in some situations.

If assignments are not submitted:

• Exam marks may still show
• Course stays incomplete
• Fresh assignments must be submitted later

However, late submission will delay degree completion.

How Assignment Marks Are Updated

Assignment marks are:

• Evaluated by Study Centres
• Uploaded to the IGNOU system
• Reflected in the grade card

Grade card portal:
https://gradecard.ignou.ac.in/

Both soft copy and hard copy marks appear on the same grade card.

What If Assignment Marks Are Not Updated?

If marks are missing:

• Contact the Study Centre
• Provide proof of submission
• Reach out to the Regional Centre if needed

Regional Centre directory:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/ignou/aboutignou/regional/centre

Common Myths About Soft Copy Submission

• “Soft copy is always accepted” – False
• “Email submission is permanent” – False
• “WhatsApp submission is valid” – False

Only officially approved methods are accepted.

Soft Copy Submission for Online Programmes

IGNOU online programmes generally require:

• Online assignment submission
• Upload via portals
• Digital evaluation

Rules for online programmes are published at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/

Best Practices for Assignment Submission

• Read official instructions carefully
• Follow the correct submission method
• Submit before the deadline
• Keep proof of submission
• Regularly track your grade card

These practices help prevent academic delays.

Role of Regional Centre in Assignment Issues

Regional Centres assist with:

• Clarifying submission methods
• Resolving mark update issues
• Confirming submission methods

RC details are available at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/ignou/aboutignou/regional/centre

Impact of Wrong Assignment Submission on Degree

Submitting assignments incorrectly can:

• Delay results
• Block degree issuance
• Affect eligibility for convocation

Convocation details:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/convocation

Final Advice for IGNOU Students

Soft copy and hard copy assignment rules at IGNOU are not the same for everyone. Students should always follow the specific instructions given for each session and programme.

Before submitting assignments:

• Check official notifications
• Confirm with your Study Centre
• Avoid making assumptions

For accurate and updated information, always rely on:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/