How to Score 80 %+ in IGNOU Exams
Scoring 80% or more in IGNOU exams is entirely achievable, even if you are a working professional or studying from a distance. IGNOU assesses students based on clarity, presentation, structure, and understanding of concepts, not on memorization.
This guide outlines a proven strategy that many IGNOU toppers use to consistently achieve 80%+ in TEE (Term-End Exams).
Understand IGNOU’s Marking Style
To score 80% or more, you need to understand how IGNOU examiners allocate marks. They prioritize:
- Concept clarity
- Headings and subheadings
- Logical flow of the answer
- Proper introduction and conclusion
- Real-life examples
- Clean handwriting
- Neat presentation
IGNOU rewards well-structured answers over long, disorganized paragraphs.
Complete Study Strategy to Score 80%+
1. Read Official IGNOU Study Material (Not Guidebooks)
IGNOU’s study materials are aligned with the syllabus and exam format. Most direct questions come from these materials.
Tips for studying:
- Highlight definitions
- Mark important examples
- Make short bullet notes
- Create chapter summaries
Guidebooks can help with quick revision, but they aren’t enough to score 80% or more.
2. Study According to Weightage (60% Chapters Matter Most)
Every subject has key units that cover most exam questions.
How to identify them:
- Check the previous 5-year question papers
- Notice which chapters appear frequently
- Mark those units as “high priority”
Focus on important chapters first. This approach boosts your score without extra effort.
3. Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
IGNOU repeats roughly 40 to 50% of questions every year.
PYQs help you:
- Understand question patterns
- Know which units matter most
- Learn answer structure
- Practice writing speed
Aim to solve at least 5 past papers before the exam.
4. Create Toppers-Style Notes
Your notes should include:
Definitions
Short, textbook definitions.
Headings and Subheadings
Examiners prefer structured answers.
Key Points
Written in bullet form.
Diagrams and Flowcharts
Useful for subjects like:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- Management
Real-Life Examples
Incorporate examples related to daily life or your field of work.
Well-prepared notes increase your chances of scoring 40% higher.
5. Follow the IGNOU Answer Writing Format
This is the most important part of achieving a high score.
How to write a perfect answer:
Introduction
Explain the concept in 2 to 3 lines.
Definition
Include a textbook definition.
Body with headings
Use:
- Points
- Numbering
- Subheadings
- Diagrams (if needed)
Examples
Provide real or hypothetical examples.
Conclusion
1 to 2 lines summarizing your understanding.
This format maximizes your marks.
6. Practice Long Answers Daily
IGNOU answers are lengthy (250 to 300 words).
Set a timer and practice writing:
- 2 long answers
- 4 short answers
every day.
Your writing speed must fit within the exam time.
7. Revise at Least 3 Times
Revision improves your marks more than new reading does.
Revision cycle:
- 1st revision: Notes plus highlighted points
- 2nd revision: PYQs plus mock answers
- 3rd revision: Diagrams, examples, and summaries
Toppers always revise at least three times.
8. Maintain a Clean, Neat Answer Sheet
Presentation is important in IGNOU.
Follow these tips:
- Leave margins on both sides
- Write in blue pen only
- Ensure clear handwriting
- Underline headings
- Keep spacing between points
Clean answers can lead to 5 to 10 extra marks.
9. Attempt the Highest-Mark Questions First
Start with:
- 10-mark questions
- Then 5-mark questions
This approach ensures:
- Better handwriting early on
- Higher quality answers
- More time for major questions
Avoid starting with smaller questions.
10. Use IGNOU’s Official Resources
Utilize these resources:
eGyankosh
For free books and audio-video lessons.
IGNOU YouTube Channel
For subject-specific lectures.
IGNOU Question Bank
For practicing repeated questions.
These resources are official and geared towards the exam.
11. Complete Assignments Properly (30% Weightage)
Assignments carry 30% weightage, so scoring well on them is crucial for an overall score of 80% or more.
Write:
- Neat answers
- Follow a structured format
- Include definitions and examples
High marks on assignments make it easier to reach 80%+.
12. Do a Full Mock Test Before the Exam
Set a timer for 3 hours and complete a full paper.
This practice helps:
- Increase speed
- Reduce exam anxiety
- Improve time management
Mock tests are a key strategy for IGNOU toppers.
Topper-Proven 30-Day Plan to Score 80%+
Week 1
Study important units and make notes.
Week 2
Complete remaining units and solve PYQs.
Week 3
Revise and practice writing long answers.
Week 4
Take mock tests and do final revisions.
Follow this plan, and you can score 80% to 85% easily.
Final Tips for Scoring 80%+
- Begin writing answers confidently
- Avoid lengthy stories; keep it concise
- Include diagrams whenever possible
- Maintain clean, structured answers
- Refer to definitions from IGNOU books
- Attend all exams, even if one subject feels challenging
Consistency plus presentation equals 80%+ guaranteed.