IGNOU Assignment vs TEE Answers
IGNOU students often struggle to see how assignment answers differ from TEE (Term-End Examination) answers. Many write both in the same style, leading to lower marks in assignments and extra stress during exams. While both types of answers rely on the same study material, the writing style, depth, presentation, and expectations are completely different.
This guide explains the exact differences between IGNOU assignment answers and TEE answers, along with writing strategies, examples, and scoring techniques.
What Are IGNOU Assignments?
IGNOU assignments are continuous evaluation tools that contribute 30% of your total marks. They must be submitted before the TEE.
Assignments are:
- Handwritten
- Descriptive
- Research-friendly
- Based on study material
- Open-book in nature
Assignments test understanding, analysis, and presentation skills.
What Are IGNOU TEE Answers?
TEE answers are written in the final exam hall, contributing 70% of the total marks.
TEE answers must be:
- Precise
- Time-bound
- Concept-focused
- Structured
- Easy for the examiner to check quickly
TEE tests concept clarity, accuracy, and speed.
Major Differences Between IGNOU Assignment & TEE Answers
Purpose and Objective
Assignment Answer Purpose
Assignments check:
- Understanding
- Application
- Analysis
- Presentation
- Ability to write long descriptive answers
They allow students to use books, notes, research, internet, and IGNOU material.
TEE Answer Purpose
TEE tests:
- Memory
- Concept clarity
- Writing accuracy
- Time management
No external sources are allowed. Answers must be written from understanding.
Writing Style Difference
Assignment Writing Style
- Detailed
- Long paragraphs
- Flowing explanations
- Examples, diagrams, charts
- Referenced data
- 400-500 words per long question
TEE Writing Style
- Short and crisp
- Straight to the point
- Bullet points
- Definitions + explanation
- 180-220 words for long answers
Depth of Answers
Assignment Depth
High depth required:
- Background
- Theory
- Explanation
- Real-life examples
- Case studies
- References
Assignments reflect research-based knowledge.
TEE Depth
Moderate depth required:
- Definition
- Concept
- Key points
- Short explanation
TEE reflects concept clarity, not research.
Use of References
Assignment References
Mandatory. IGNOU expects:
- Books
- IGNOU study material
- Research papers
- Websites
Assignments include a References section.
TEE References
Not required. No bibliography needed. Time is limited, so direct structured answers get full marks.
Length of Answers
Assignment Length
Longer answers are expected because they are descriptive. Ideal length:
- 400-500 words for 10-mark questions
- 250-300 words for 5-mark questions
TEE Length
Short and direct answers. Ideal length:
- 180-220 words for 10-mark questions
- 120-150 words for 5-mark questions
Presentation & Structure
Assignment Presentation
Highly important:
- Clean handwriting
- Headings
- Subheadings
- Underlined keywords
- Diagrams
- Page numbers
- Margin
Presentation affects evaluation quality.
TEE Presentation
Presentation matters but is less strict:
- Legible handwriting
- Clear points
- Correct structure
- Time-efficient writing
Examiners check hundreds of copies, so clarity is more important than beauty.
Flexibility of Answers
Assignment Flexibility
High flexibility:
- You can add real-life examples
- Use internet data
- Include analysis
- Add diagrams
TEE Flexibility
Low flexibility:
- Answers must come from memory
- No external data
- Accuracy is more important
- Time-bound content only
Evaluation Criteria Difference
Assignment Evaluation Criteria
Examiners check:
- Understanding
- Research
- Originality
- Presentation
- References
- Depth
Assignments are checked more thoroughly.
TEE Evaluation Criteria
Examiners check:
- Clarity
- Correctness
- Direct points
- Definitions
TEE answers are checked quickly; clear, structured answers score well.
Use of Examples
Assignment Examples
Assignments must include:
- Real-life examples
- Case studies
- Diagrams
- Extra explanations
This shows deeper understanding.
TEE Examples
Limited examples:
- Simple, one-line examples
- Only when necessary
- No long illustrations
Handwriting Requirements
Assignments
Neat handwriting is required because you have time.
TEE
Neat but fast handwriting is acceptable.
Time Allowed
Assignment Writing Time
No limit — you can take days or weeks.
TEE Writing Time
3 hours only.
Submission vs Examination
Assignments
Submitted before the exam to the Regional Centre.
TEE
Written in the exam centre under supervision.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
Assignment vs TEE – Quick Comparison
| Criteria | IGNOU Assignment | IGNOU TEE |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Understanding & research | Concept clarity |
| Length | Long & descriptive | Short & precise |
| Style | Detailed paragraphs | Bullet-style clarity |
| References | Required | Not needed |
| Examples | Many | Minimal |
| Depth | High | Medium |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Handwriting | Neat | Legible |
| Time | Unlimited | 3 hours |
| Evaluation | Detailed | Quick |
How to Write IGNOU Assignments Correctly
Use long descriptive answers
Show understanding, not memorization.
Present your work neatly
Margins, diagrams, headings.
Use references
Mandatory for authenticity.
Don’t copy IGNOU material directly
Rewrite in your own words.
How to Write IGNOU TEE Answers Correctly
Start with a definition
Examiners love clarity.
Use bullet points
Makes checking easy.
Avoid long paragraphs
Time-consuming and unnecessary.
Use 180-220 words
Ideal scoring range.
Which Is More Important: Assignment or TEE?
Both are equally important because:
- Assignment = 30%
- TEE = 70%
If you fail either one, your grade card shows Not Completed.
A strong assignment score helps balance a tough exam.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are IGNOU assignments and TEE answers written in the same style?
No. Assignments are descriptive; TEE answers are brief.
Can I copy assignment answers in the TEE exam?
No. TEE must be written from memory.
Do assignment answers need references?
Yes, they are mandatory.
Do TEE answers need references?
No.
Which one gives more marks?
TEE carries more weight (70%), but assignments can boost your grade.
Conclusion
IGNOU assignments and TEE answers serve different purposes. Assignments are descriptive, research-based, and presentation-focused, while TEE answers are short, direct, and time-efficient. Students who understand this difference tend to score higher.
Assignments test your ability to explore concepts deeply, while TEE checks how well you understood and remembered those concepts. Writing both in the right format leads to better results and a clearer grade card.