IGNOU Assignment Handwritten vs. Typed Which is Better?

Typed Which is Better?

Assignments are among the key parts of IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) studies. They not only have high weightage in your final marks but also show your command and presentation abilities. With the increased application of technology, most IGNOU students wonder: Should assignments be typed or written by hand? Which one is better and acceptable to IGNOU?

In this ultimate guide, we will discuss all that you should know about handwritten assignments vs. typed assignments for IGNOU in 2025. We’ll cover the regulation, advantages, disadvantages, suggestions, and expert tips so you can make the correct decision.

1. IGNOU Assignment Essentials

Let’s first see how important assignments are in IGNOU before comparing handwritten and typed assignments.

Compulsory Component: All IGNOU students are required to submit assignments for every course. Unless you submit assignments, you are not entitled to sit for the Term-End Exams (TEE).
Weightage: Assignments typically account for 30% weightage, and the term-end exam accounts for 70%.
Deadline: IGNOU has firm deadlines to submit. Assignments are typically submitted to the regional centre or uploaded on the online platform (depending on the course).
Evaluation: Assignments are graded not only for accuracy of content but also for neatness, organization, and compliance with guidelines.

This leads us to the question on everyone’s mind — do you write by hand or type out your assignments?

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process.

2. IGNOU Guidelines: What Does IGNOU Permit?

As per the official IGNOU guidelines (as of 2025):

Most programs require handwritten assignments.
Typed assignments (printout) are not accepted as a rule unless stated otherwise for some courses (online/digital courses).
Handwriting needs to be legible, neat, and clean.
Use A4-size paper with or without lines and mark only on one side.
Typed or photocopy assignments are often rejected at study centres.

Conclusion: IGNOU officially suggests handwritten assignments for submission. Let’s go through both methods with their pros and cons to know why though.

3. Handwritten Assignments: Pros and Cons

Pros of Handwritten Assignments

1. Accepted Everywhere: Handwritten assignments are accepted everywhere in IGNOU study centres.
2. Personal Touch: Your handwriting expresses effort and honesty, appreciated by the examiners.
3. No Rejection Risk: Because it abides by IGNOU’s core regulation, handwritten submissions are secure.
4. Improves Memory: Handwriting strengthens learning and makes you grasp subjects more effectively.
5. Neat Presentation Impresses: When you write neatly and format correctly, your assignment appears professional and appealing.

Downsides of Handwritten Assignments

1. Time-Wasting: Writing 30–50 pages by hand is time-consuming.
2. Physical Discomfort: Hand cramps or fatigue are usual when writing extensive answers.
3. Errors Are Difficult to Correct: If you make an error, you need to rewrite, which wastes time.
4. Handwriting Problems: Pupils with bad handwriting can fall behind, since markers might have trouble reading it.

Typed Assignments: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Typed Assignments

1. Professional Appearance: Typed material is neat, consistent, and easy to read.
2. Quick Editing: Errors can be fixed easily without having to retype pages.
3. Time-Saving for Efficient Typists: If you are a fast typist, you will complete assignments quickly.
4. Digital Storage: You can keep a copy safely on your computer for future reference. Disadvantages of Typed Assignments
5. Not Accepted in Most Cases: The biggest drawback is that IGNOU generally does not accept typed assignments.
6. Risk of Rejection: If you submit a typed copy, your study canter may refuse it, forcing you to rewrite everything.
7. Lack of Personal Touch: Evaluators might feel typed assignments lack personal effort.
8. Printer/Formatting Problems: Technical problems such as printing glitches or formatting errors can lead to delays.
9. Student Experiences: What Do IGNOU Students Say?

According to discussions within IGNOU student forums:

90% of students prefer assignments written by hand, since they are secure and received.
Some students tried submitting typed assignments and were rejected.
A few students with illnesses (such as hand injuries) were permitted typed submission after special permission.

Tip: If you have a legitimate reason why you cannot take handwritten assignments, call your Regional Center Coordinator and ask for permission beforehand.

7. Expert Opinion: Which One Is Best?

Given IGNOU’s official guidelines, the safe and advisable option is handwritten assignments. Although typed assignments are neat, they are not allowed in most programs, which is a waste of your effort.

Last Word:

If you wish to ensure safety, acceptance, and good grades, always opt for handwritten assignments.
Use typed assignments only if IGNOU has explicitly stated it in your program guides or you have obtained formal permission.

8. Tips for Writing Ideal Handwritten Assignments

If you opt for handwritten assignments (as most students do), following are some professional tips:

1. Use Good Quality Paper: A4 ruled sheets are ideal.
2. Write Neatly: Keep uniform spacing, headings, and underlined keywords.
3. Use Blue/Black Pen: Don’t use more than one colour, except for headings.
4. IGNOU Format: Add cover page with particulars (name, enrolment number, program code, etc.).
5. Number the Pages: This organizes your assignment better.
6. Don’t Overwrite: In case of an error, cross it neatly or re-write the page.
7. Include Diagrams and Charts: Pictures enhance presentation and readability.
8. Can You Mix Handwriting and Typing?

Some ask if it is possible to type responses, print them, and then paste handwritten parts. No. IGNOU needs entirely handwritten assignments. Combing typed and handwriting portions can lead to rejection.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are typed assignments allowed in IGNOU 2025?
No, typed assignments are not allowed unless directed for your course or cleared by your Regional Centre.

Q2. What if my handwriting is bad?
Write carefully and slowly. You can also use headings in block letters. Assessors care about legibility, not calligraphy.

Q3. Can I post scanned handwritten assignments online?
Yes, if your program accepts online submission, you can scan your handwritten assignment and post it.

Q4. Can I take printouts of solved assignments and post them?
No. Assignments must be handwritten in your own words. Directly printed copies are rejected.

Q5. Do neatness and presentation affect marks? Yes, neat handwriting, proper structure, and good formatting can positively influence your assignment marks.

11. Conclusion

When it comes to IGNOU assignments, the battle between handwritten and typed has a clear winner — handwritten assignments. They are mandatory, accepted everywhere, and reflect your sincerity. While typing might save time, the risk of rejection outweighs the benefits.

So, if you’re aiming for high marks and smooth submission in 2025, stick to handwritten assignments and follow IGNOU’s official format.