IGNOU December Exam Guidelines You Must Follow

Understanding the Importance of Following IGNOU December Exam Guidelines

The IGNOU Term-End Examinations (TEE), especially the December session, are very important for every student enrolled in the university. Since IGNOU has a structured and centralized examination system for millions of students across India and abroad, the university expects strict adherence to exam rules and protocols. These guidelines are not just suggestions; they are mandatory. Following them ensures fairness, discipline, and smooth functioning during the exam period.

IGNOU conducts exams at hundreds of centers, and maintaining discipline is essential with such a large student population. Knowing the rules in advance helps prevent confusion, reduces anxiety, and allows you to perform better. You will enter the exam hall prepared, not just academically but also procedurally. Many students lose marks or face unnecessary issues simply because they ignore basic guidelines like reporting time, permitted items, dress code, or ID verification.

This guide aims to help you understand and follow all major and minor IGNOU December exam guidelines so you can attend your exams confidently and avoid unnecessary trouble. All instructions and references come from the official information available on IGNOU’s website, hall ticket notifications, and exam circulars.

Official IGNOU Notification Page (for reference):
https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/bulletinboard/announcements/latest

Downloading the IGNOU Hall Ticket Before the Exam

One of the first and most important guidelines students must follow is downloading the hall ticket (admit card) as soon as IGNOU releases it. Without the hall ticket, no student is allowed to sit for the December TEE, no matter if they submitted assignments or paid exam fees.

Students can download their hall ticket from the official link:
https://hall_ticket.ignou.ac.in/halltickets/

After downloading the hall ticket, you must carefully check the following details:

Exam center code
Exam dates and timings
Course codes
Enrollment number
Your photograph
Personal details like name, program, and identity information

If you find mistakes or missing details, you must contact your regional center immediately.

Regional Center Contact Directory:
https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/aboutignou/rc/1

Many students wait until the last moment to download their hall ticket. This can lead to server congestion or difficulty reaching the regional center in time to fix any issues. Therefore, always download the hall ticket early.

Print at least two copies and keep one extra in your bag.

Carrying a Valid ID Proof Along with the Hall Ticket

IGNOU is strict about identity verification. Even if your hall ticket has your photograph, you must carry a valid government-issued ID. You will not be allowed to enter the exam hall without it.

Accepted ID proofs include:

Aadhaar Card
Voter ID
Driving License
Passport
PAN Card
College/University ID for students of regular programs

If there is a discrepancy between your ID and hall ticket details, the invigilator may deny entry.

IGNOU Student Identity Card Download (if needed):
https://ignou.ac.in/userfiles/ID_card.pdf

Lost ID? You must apply for a duplicate ID card at your regional center before the exam begins.

Reporting Time: Why Reaching 30 Minutes Early Is Compulsory

IGNOU clearly states that students should reach the exam center at least 30 minutes before the reporting time. This helps in:

Verifying identity
Correct seating arrangement
Following entry protocols
Avoiding delays due to long queues
Reducing stress and panic before the exam
Completing biometric attendance (if applicable)

If you arrive late by even 10 to 15 minutes after the exam has begun, most centers will not allow you to enter. The supervisors must follow this rule strictly.

IGNOU Exam Instructions Notification:
https://exam.ignou.ac.in/

Some students underestimate traffic, weather, or public transport delays. Plan your route at least a day in advance. If your center is far, try to visit it before the exam day.

Understanding the Exam Centre Seating Plan

IGNOU exam centers use coded seating arrangements. Your hall ticket mentions your “exam center code,” but the room number and seating row will be displayed on the notice board of the center. Students should:

Read the seating chart displayed at the entrance
Confirm their enrollment number matches the seating plan
Ask volunteers or staff if unclear
Avoid sitting in the wrong seat, as this may cause issues

Taking a wrong seat is a violation because it can disrupt the exam monitoring system.

Items Allowed Inside the Exam Hall

IGNOU allows only essential items inside the hall. These include:

Black or blue ballpoint pens
Admit card (hall ticket)
Valid ID proof
Transparent water bottle
Basic stationery like geometry instruments
Ordinary wristwatch (no smartwatches)

Note: Gel pens are allowed, but answer scripts may smudge if not handled carefully.

You should carry extra pens and ensure they work properly before the exam.

Items NOT Allowed Inside the Exam Hall

IGNOU strictly prohibits several items to prevent cheating and disturbances. Banned items include:

Mobile phones
Smartwatches
Digital calculators (except for allowed programs)
Bluetooth devices
Notes, books, loose papers
Wallets (in some centers)
Earphones or headphones
Scientific calculators (only some courses allow them)
Bags (some centers may require students to leave them outside)

If you carry a phone, it must be switched off and kept outside or in the designated box. If a student is caught with a mobile phone during the exam, it may be considered as using unfair means (UFM).

IGNOU UFM Guidelines:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/download/8

Reading the Question Paper Carefully Before Attempting

IGNOU encourages students to spend the first 10 minutes reading the question paper. During this time, you should:

Check the compulsory questions
Analyze section-wise marks
Decide which long answers to attempt
Prioritize known questions
Avoid choosing questions that look tough

Many students jump into writing immediately, but strategic planning saves time and improves the quality of your responses.

Following the Question Attempting Pattern

IGNOU question papers have a clear structure. Usually, they consist of:

Section A: Long answers
Section B: Medium or short answers
Section C: Short notes or very short answers

You must read the instructions carefully:

Attempt all questions in a section
Or attempt any two out of three
Or attempt any four out of six

Failing to follow the pattern may result in the examiner not evaluating extra answers.

Always label your answers clearly with the question number.

Writing Neatly and Structuring Answers Properly

IGNOU examiners value clarity. They check hundreds of answer sheets daily, so structured writing makes a big difference. Good practices include:

Writing headings underlined lightly
Presenting points in bullet format
Keeping paragraphs short
Using examples where relevant
Neat spacing between answers
Highlighting key terms
Leaving one line between answers

UNTIDY writing reduces marks because the examiner may not understand your responses fully.

Managing Time Within the 3-Hour Duration

Time management is essential in IGNOU exams. A simple formula works well:

First 10 minutes → Read question paper
Next 120 minutes → Write long and medium answers
Next 20 minutes → Write short notes
Final 10 minutes → Revise your paper

Do not spend too much time on long answers. Many students write extensively in one section and leave other questions partially answered.

A well-balanced paper scores higher.

Avoiding Rewriting or Crossing Out Too Much

If you make mistakes while writing:

Strike out the sentence once (do not blacken it fully)
Rewrite clearly in another line
Avoid overwriting
Do not tear any part of the answer sheet

Excessive cutting may make the answer sheet look messy and can annoy the examiner.

Using Additional Sheets the Right Way

You must request extra sheets only when needed. The extra sheet must be:

Properly tied with a thread
Signed by the invigilator
Numbered correctly
Page-numbered by you

Do not detach or fold sheets unnecessarily.

Submitting the Answer Sheet Properly

Students often rush during submission and make mistakes. Ensure:

All extra sheets are tied
Question numbers are written clearly
You have not left any compulsory question unanswered
The attendance sheet is signed
You submit the answer booklet only to the authorized invigilator

Leaving the hall without submitting your answer sheet can result in failing the exam.

Following COVID-19 or Special Safety Guidelines (If Applicable)

Certain centers may still follow safety protocols based on regional instructions. Common guidelines include:

Carrying your own water bottle
Using personal stationery
Maintaining distance
Avoiding crowding at gates

Always check notifications before the exam:
https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/bulletinboard/announcements/latest

Checking the Official Date Sheet Before Exam Day

IGNOU sometimes changes or updates exam schedules. The official date sheet is published here:
https://exam.ignou.ac.in/Date_Sheet.aspx

Students must:

Verify their course code
Check morning/evening session
Confirm there are no clashes
Recheck the schedule on the night before the exam

Don’t rely on information from social media or groups.

Following the Dress Code (If Specified by Centers)

Most IGNOU centers do not enforce a strict dress code. However, some institutions hosting the exam may require:

Simple, comfortable clothing
No metallic accessories
No large jackets or hoodies
No caps or sunglasses

Always choose comfortable attire since you’ll sit for three hours.

Avoiding Talking or Interacting Inside the Hall

Talking inside the hall, even to ask the time or borrow a pen, is strictly prohibited. Invigilators can issue warnings or even file a UFM report.

If you need help:

Raise your hand silently
Wait for the invigilator

Do not talk to any student.

Handling a Tough Question Paper

If you find the paper difficult:

Don’t panic
Attempt known questions first
Break long answers into structured points
Use examples and illustrations
Maintain neatness to maximize marks

IGNOU examiners are generally lenient if your structure is clear.

Checking Revised Guidelines on IGNOU’s Official Site

Before every exam session, IGNOU updates its official guidelines. You must review them at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in

All authentic exam notifications come ONLY from the university website.

After the Exam: Keep the Hall Ticket Safe

Once the exam is over, keep your hall ticket safe until results are declared. You may need it for future reference.

IGNOU Results Page:
https://termendresult.ignou.ac.in/

IGNOU December Exam Guidelines You Must Follow