IGNOU Exam Passing Criteria
Introduction
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of India’s largest open universities that offers a wide range of programs through distance education. A common question among IGNOU students is: What is the minimum passing criteria? How many marks do you need in assignments, term-end exams (TEEs), and practical to successfully pass a course? In this guide, we’ll break down the latest IGNOU passing criteria (2025), including weightages, grade system, minimum marks, and tips to make sure you clear your courses.
Why Passing Criteria Matters
- For distance education students, assignments and exams are both important in reaching the required passing scores.
- Understanding the breakdown helps you manage your study time effectively.
- Missing minimum marks in either assignments or exams can result in failing the course, even if your overall performance seems good.
- Knowing the criteria also helps when you retake exams or aim to improve marks — you know exactly which areas to focus on.
IGNOU Evaluation System: Components of Assessment
IGNOU evaluates students based on two main components:
- Term-End Examinations (TEE) – These theory exams occur at the end of the term, usually twice a year.
- Continuous Assessment / Assignments – Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) that must be submitted during the course.
Some programs also include practicals, projects, or viva voce, depending on the subject.
Weightage Breakdown: Assignments vs. Exams
- For most courses, assignments contribute approximately 30% to the overall marks, while TEEs make up the remaining 70%. ([academicvox.com][1])
- This 30:70 ratio is common in IGNOU’s program guide for internal assessments and term-end exams. ([IGNOU][2])
- For programs with practical or training components, the weightage may vary. For some practical courses, continuous evaluation (guided work) can carry 70% weightage, while viva-voce could be 30%. ([IGNOU][2])
Minimum Passing Marks for Assignments
- To pass an IGNOU assignment, students generally need at least 40% marks.
- According to IGNOU Samarth, the minimum assignment passing mark for postgraduate courses is 40 out of 100. ([IGNOU Samarth][4])
- However, for some undergraduate courses, the minimum assignment pass mark is slightly lower — for instance, 35 out of 100 for certain UG programs per IGNOU Guru. ([ignouguru.in][5])
- Since assignments carry significant weight, failing can greatly affect your ability to pass the course.
Minimum Passing Marks for Term-End Exams (Theory)
- For theory exams (TEE), IGNOU typically requires a minimum of 40% marks to pass.
- Some sources mention a 35% passing mark for certain undergraduate courses.
- According to Leverage Edu, for courses evaluated out of 100, the passing mark is 35 for some programs, while for others (especially non-UG), it’s 40. ([Leverage Edu][8])
- This means that depending on your program, you might need 35 or 40 marks in TEE (for a paper of 100) to pass.
Practical / Project / Training Components
- For practical or training-based courses, IGNOU’s program guide provides a different passing percentage: guided (continuous) evaluation has a minimum pass percent of 50%, and viva-voce is also 50%. ([IGNOU][2])
- For these courses, you must meet the criteria in both guided work and viva (or other components) to pass the practical part.
Overall Course Passing Criteria
To pass a typical IGNOU course, you need to:
- Score the minimum required marks in assignments (usually 40%, but this may vary by course).
- Score the minimum required marks in term-end exams (TEE), which is typically 40% or sometimes 35, depending on the program.
- Meet the combined weighted aggregate, meaning your assignment and exam marks (with their respective weightages) must sum to a passing score. Many sources indicate that the overall pass percent is “40% or more” for many courses. ([IGNOU][2])
- For practical courses, also clear practical components according to their criteria.
IGNOU Grading System
IGNOU uses a letter grading system, where your final grade depends on your weighted performance (assignments + exams). Here’s a simplified version of how grades map to percentages:
| Grade | Approx. Percentage Range* |
|---|---|
| A+ | 80% and above |
| A | ~70% to 79.99% |
| B | ~60% to 69.99% |
| C | ~50% to 59.99% |
| D | ~40% to 49.99% |
| E | ~30% to 39.99% |
| F (Fail) | Below ~30% |
*These ranges are based on public sources for IGNOU’s grade point system. Actual cutoffs may vary slightly by program.
Special Cases, Grace Marks & Reappearances
- IGNOU has a grace mark policy, but it applies under specific conditions. According to IGNOUCourse.com, up to 5 grace marks may be given in theory papers if you are just below the passing boundary and meet certain eligibility criteria. ([IGNOU Course][9])
- Grace marks are not awarded for assignments, so you must achieve the minimum on your own. ([IGNOU Course][9])
- Students who fail in assignments must resubmit them in a future session. ([IGNOU Course][9])
- If you fail the term-end exam, you can reappear in the next exam cycle (June or December). ([IGNOU Courses][10])
- For improvement exams, grace marks are generally not applicable. ([IGNOU Course][9])
Common Student Concerns & FAQs
What if assignment marks are not updated?
Many students experience delays. According to posts on Reddit, assignment marks sometimes take a long time to show up on the grade card. ([Reddit][11]) If you have your submission receipt, you can follow up at your Regional Centre (RC). ([Reddit][12])
Can I appear for TEE without submitting assignments?
Technically, some students have taken exams even if their assignment marks weren’t submitted, but their grade card might show as “Incomplete (INC)” if assignments are not evaluated. ([Reddit][13]) IGNOU requires assignment submission to complete a course properly.
What if I fail only the assignment or only TEE?
- If you fail the assignment: resubmit it in the next available session. ([IGNOU Course][9])
- If you fail TEE: reappear in the next exam cycle. ([IGNOU Courses][10])
- For both components: you’ll need to clear them according to their criteria.
How to check assignment marks?
You can check on the IGNOU grade card portal. If marks are missing after evaluation, one suggestion is to contact your Regional Centre with proof of your submission. ([IGNOU Samarth][4])
Tips to Ensure You Clear the Passing Criteria
- Do Assignments Seriously
- Start early; don’t wait until the last moment.
- Write in your own words — copying materials may lower your score. ([academicvox.com][1])
- Follow IGNOU’s assignment format: front page, word limits, structure, etc. ([academicvox.com][1])
- Submit on time and keep proof of submission.
- Prepare for TEEs Strategically
- Focus on understanding key concepts to reliably score 40% (or 35%, depending on your program).
- Practice previous year question papers to get a sense of the exam structure.
- Track Your Grades
- Regularly check assignment mark updates on your IGNOU grade card. ([IGNOU Samarth][4])
- If marks are missing, follow up through RC with your submission receipt. ([Reddit][14])
- Plan for Practical / Project Courses
- For courses with practicals, understand the internal (guided) and external (viva) components.
- Prepare thoroughly for practical and viva-voce so you can pass both parts (typically 50% required). ([IGNOU][2])
- Use Grace Marks Carefully
- Familiarize yourself with IGNOU’s grace mark policy, but don’t depend on it. ([IGNOU Course][9])
- Focus on meeting the minimum without expecting grace to be granted.
Real Student Stories & Challenges
- Some students report that assignment marks take months to show in the grade card, even with acknowledgment slips. ([Reddit][14])
- Others say their grade remains “Incomplete” due to missing assignment evaluation, even after passing exams. ([Reddit][13])
- A few students have appealed or visited their Regional Centre to address missing marks or delays. ([Reddit][12])
- There are also reports of students who retake exams struggling to coordinate new assignment submissions during their attempts to improve.
Why IGNOU’s Passing System Is Designed This Way
- IGNOU focuses on continuous evaluation — assignments ensure students stay engaged throughout the course, not just during exam times.
- The 30% weightage for assignments balances the pressure: students can’t rely solely on final exams.
- The minimum passing threshold (40% or 35%) aims to maintain academic integrity while providing flexibility for distance learners.
- Grace marks are a limited but compassionate policy to assist borderline students, but they are not a substitute for actual performance.
Final Thoughts
Understanding IGNOU’s passing criteria is essential for any student looking to clear courses efficiently and graduate on time. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Know the minimum marks required in each component (assignments, TEE, practicals).
- Treat assignments as key elements of your final grade — don’t overlook them.
- Use your submission receipts wisely and follow up if marks don’t show up.
- Be strategic in your exam preparation, considering the weightage of each component.
- Plan to reappear if needed, but aim to clear components on the first attempt.
With clarity on how IGNOU’s system operates, you can set realistic goals, concentrate your preparation, and boost your chances of success. Stay organized, stay informed, and most importantly — don’t leave your assignments to chance.