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IGNOU Exam Language Change Process: Complete Student Guide
Choosing the right exam language at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is important for students to express their knowledge confidently and accurately during exams. Many learners pick a language without fully grasping its long-term effects and later realize they need to change it.
This guide explains the IGNOU exam language change process in detail. It covers eligibility, rules, timelines, required steps, and common mistakes, designed for both new and continuing students at IGNOU.
Official IGNOU website for reference:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/
What Is Exam Language in IGNOU?
Exam language is the language a student uses to write answers in the IGNOU Term End Examinations (TEE). Most programs at IGNOU offer English and Hindi as options, but this can vary based on the course structure and availability of study material.
The chosen language usually matches the medium of instruction, which also decides the language of study materials sent to the student.
Difference Between Medium of Instruction and Exam Language
Many students mix up these two terms:
- Medium of Instruction: The language in which IGNOU provides study materials and academic support.
- Exam Language: The language used for writing answers in TEE.
In most cases, both are the same. However, IGNOU allows some flexibility depending on the program.
Official IGNOU Policy on Language Options
IGNOU specifies the medium of instruction for each program in its official program guides. These guides should always be consulted before applying for any change.
Program guides are available here:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/programme
Each guide specifies:
- Available language(s)
- Whether Hindi and English options are available
- Course-wise language availability
Is It Possible to Change Exam Language After Admission?
Yes, IGNOU allows students to request a change in medium of instruction, which indirectly affects exam language. However, this is only allowed under certain conditions.
Language change is generally permitted:
- Within a limited time after admission
- Only if the program supports multiple languages
- Through the Regional Centre
There is no separate online portal for changing exam language alone.
Time Limit for Language Change
IGNOU typically allows a medium change request within 30 days from the date of receiving the first set of study materials.
Requests made after this timeframe are usually not accepted, especially once academic activities start.
Students are advised to act quickly if they struggle with the current language.
Who Is Eligible for Language Change?
You can apply for a language change if:
- You selected the wrong medium during admission
- You cannot understand the study material
- Your program officially supports both Hindi and English
Students enrolled in programs offered in only one language are not eligible.
Always check eligibility using the official program guide before applying.
Step-by-Step Process to Change IGNOU Exam Language
Step 1: Check Programme Language Availability
Confirm that your program offers study material in your desired language.
Official program list:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/programme
If the language is not listed, the change will not be approved.
Step 2: Collect the Medium Change Form
Medium change forms are usually available:
- At your Regional Centre
- On official notification circulars (if issued)
If they’re unavailable online, visit or contact your Regional Centre directly.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form Carefully
You will need to provide:
- Name
- Enrollment Number
- Programme Code
- Current Medium
- Requested Medium
- Session details
- Signature
Incorrect or incomplete forms can lead to rejection.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fee
IGNOU charges a processing fee for medium change. The amount can vary based on the program level.
Fee details are announced through official IGNOU notifications available at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/news
Always check the latest fee structure with your Regional Centre.
Step 5: Submit the Application to Regional Centre
Submit the completed form along with the fee receipt:
- In person, or
- By post (according to RC instructions)
Keep photocopies of:
- Application form
- Payment receipt
- Acknowledgement
Step 6: Track Status Online
You can check updates through the IGNOU admission portal:
https://admission.ignou.ac.in/
Use your enrollment number to see if the request has been processed.
Can You Write Exams in Hindi If Medium Is English?
In some programs, IGNOU allows students to answer exams in Hindi even if they are enrolled in English medium, as long as the course supports bilingual evaluation.
This flexibility depends on:
- Program rules
- Course availability
- Evaluation guidelines
Students should check this with their Regional Centre before the exam.
Impact on Assignments and Projects
Changing the medium does not affect:
- Assignment evaluation pattern
- Project assessment criteria
- Practical examination structure
However, assignments must follow the language rules outlined in the course guide.
What If Study Material Has Already Been Delivered?
If the study material has already been sent:
- IGNOU may still approve the language change
- New material may not be reissued
- Students might need to use digital resources
Digital study material is available at:
https://egyankosh.ac.in/
Common Reasons for Language Change Rejection
Requests may be rejected if:
- The program does not support the requested language
- Application is submitted after the deadline
- Fee not paid or incorrect
- Incomplete form details
Always double-check before submission.
Tips to Avoid Problems
- Apply as early as possible
- Read the program guide thoroughly
- Communicate clearly with the Regional Centre
- Keep all documents safely
- Follow only official notifications
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved:
- Your academic records are updated
- Future study material will follow the new medium
- Exam language preference will reflect the change
- Hall ticket details will update accordingly
Hall tickets can be downloaded from:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/results
When Language Change Is Not Allowed
Language change may not be permitted if:
- The program is offered in a single language
- The academic cycle is already ongoing
- Course material does not exist in the requested language
In such cases, students must stick with the original medium.
Final Advice for IGNOU Students
The exam language change process at IGNOU is friendly to students but time-sensitive. Understanding the rules early can help reduce academic stress later. Always rely on official IGNOU sources and your Regional Centre for confirmation.
Main IGNOU portal for updates:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/