International Students- Guidelines & Tips
Indira Gandhi National Open University, or IGNOU, is not just India’s biggest distance learning institution but also an international centre for higher education. With offices in more than 40 nations, IGNOU has extended access to quality education to international students who are unable to attend full-time on-campus studies in India.
Assignments are instrumental in the learning cycle at IGNOU. Assignments are even more significant for international students as they close the distance between students and the university. Submitting assignments in the right manner ensures term-end exam eligibility and adds 30% of maximum marks in most programs.
This handout is designed exclusively for international students at IGNOU, discussing guidelines, submission process, rules of formatting, deadlines, and scoring points.
Why Assignments Are Important to IGNOU International Students
1.Compulsory for Exams – Without submitting assignments, you cannot take term-end examinations (TEE).
2.Weightage in Final Marks– Assignments typically have 30% weightage and term-end exams have 70%.
3.Preserved Proof of Continuation Learning – Serves as a continuous assessment system for distance and open learners.
4.Academic Discipline – Ensures international students stay consistent despite the distance.
5.official Requirement – Foreign regional centres send assignment marks to IGNOU headquarters in New Delhi
General IGNOU Assignment Guidelines for International Students
International students are required to comply with the same rules applied to Indian students, but with some special considerations:
1.Assignment Question Papers
Accessible on the official IGNOU website: https://webservices.ignou.ac.in/assignments/
Select the right program code and year/semester.
Download PDF files for every subject.
2.Assignment Format
Handwritten only (typed assignments will not be accepted unless otherwise instructed).
Use A4-sized ruled paper.
Write your Name, Enrolment Number, Program Code, Course Code, and Study Centre details on the first page.
With neat handwriting and clear headings and subheadings.
- Channels for Submission of Assignments for Foreign Students
Overseas Study Centres: Submit at your nearby IGNOU partner institute.
By Post/Courier: In case no study centre is available in your country, assignments may be sent to the IGNOU International Division, New Delhi.
Online (Special Cases): At the time of COVID-19 and in certain centres, scanned PDF assignments through email are accepted. Refer to latest instructions.
4.Deadlines
For June TEE: On or before March 31.
For December TEE: On or before September 30.
Deadlines could be different based on study centre abroad.
5.Evaluation & Marks
Assignments are locally graded at the overseas study centre or sent to India.
Marks are uploaded to the IGNOU Grade Card online.
Submit a receipt as proof.
Step-by-Step Process for International Students
Step 1: Download the Assignment
Go to IGNOU’s official assignment portal.
Choose your program (BA, MBA, PG Diploma, etc.).
Download question papers of the ongoing session.
Step 2: Prepare Your Assignment
Read instructions carefully.
Utilize references from IGNOU study materials, Gyankosh (https://egyankosh.ac.in/), and other resources.
Answer in your own words to avoid plagiarism.
Step 3: Organize Your Work
Cover page with details (Name, Enrolment Number, Program, Course Code, Study Centre).
Utilize headings, subheadings, and bullet points.
Use academic writing tone.
Step 4: Submit Before Deadline
Submit at your foreign study centre.
If not available, courier to IGNOU HQ, Maidan Gargi, New Delhi.
Some study centres accept electronic copies—check first.
Step 5: Check Submission Status
Use IGNOU Grade Card Portal: https://gradecard.ignou.ac.in
Use Assignment Status Portal: http://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/StatusAssignment.asp
Call your study centre for information.
Challenges Faced by Foreign Students
- Courier Delays – Submissions posted by mail may get delayed.
2.Time Zone Differences – Deadlines misunderstood due to Indian Standard Time. - Restricted Study Centres – Not all nations have an IGNOU partner centre.
- Gaps in Communication – Difficulty in monitoring evaluation updates.
- Errors in Format – Deviation from IGNOU’s strict format may result in rejection.
How to Score High on IGNOU Assignments
1.Understand the Question – Don’t copy-paste; interpret what is being requested.
- Utilize IGNOU Study Material– Main source of all answers.
- Express Yourself in Your Own Words – Examiners appreciate originality over textbook words.
4.Neet Presentation– Employ headings, bullet points, and diagrams.
5.Follow Word Limits – Do not write very brief or overly long answers. - Reference Sources – Cite if you utilise books, journals, or web material.
7.Timely Submission – Early submission prevents last-minute courier problems.
8.Seek Help – Refer regional centre coordinators in case of confusion.
Key Contact for International Students
IGNOU International Division
Indira Gandhi National Open University,
Maidan Gargi, New Delhi – 110068, India.
Email: internationaldivision@ignou.ac.in
Phone: +91-11-29533987, 29571695
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are international students allowed to submit IGNOU assignments online?
Only if permitted by the study centre. Most need physical submission.
Q2. My country has no IGNOU study centre. What should I do?
You have to courier assignments to IGNOU’s International Division at New Delhi.
Q3. How do I confirm that my assignment is received?
Keep courier receipts and follow up through email. You can also check IGNOU’s online portals.
Q4. Are international students given the same deadlines?
Yes, deadlines (March 31 & September 30) remain the same, unless intimated otherwise.
Q5. What weightage is assigned to assignments?
30% of total marks for most programs.
Conclusion
Assignments are an important part of the IGNOU study system, particularly for international students who use distance education. Following official instructions, keeping the presentation neat, and submitting in time will help you score high in assignments.
Foreign students need to remain proactive, interact with their regional/overseas study centres, and monitor updates from time to time through IGNOU’s official websites. With careful planning, assignments can prove to be a chance to enhance overall grades and make your IGNOU program overseas smooth.