Overview of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
As a student who has enrolled with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), I would like to provide a comprehensive review of my experience. Enrolling in IGNOU requires a significant amount of patience and dedication due to its unique learning structure and administrative challenges. This article aims to help potential and current students navigate the process and set realistic expectations.
Patience and Community Support
Enrollment in IGNOU is not without its challenges. Students need to participate in study groups with batch mates to stay informed about updates, assignments, and practical tasks. The Regional Centres (RCs) where students are enrolled play a critical role in managing these tasks. However, staying in touch with course coordinators can be daunting and often requires persistence.
Accreditation and Weightage of IGNOU Degrees
IGNOU holds an A accreditation, which ensures that its degrees are recognized with a certain level of weightage, particularly in comparison to other open universities. The university's degree is acknowledged in the job market, although the quality of education and evaluation can vary significantly between different centres.
Evaluation and Assignment Quality
According to the norms set by IGNOU, students are supposed to receive theory classes, but this is often not the case. The submission of assignments, practical reports, and dissertations varies greatly between different centres. When it comes to assignment marking, it is unclear whether the evaluators thoroughly review the content. Some assignments are graded based on the evaluators' mood, which can lead to inconsistent scores.
Similarly, the theory paper scores are also subject to chance. The quality of the evaluation process is often poor, and re-evaluation is more of a business than a genuine effort to improve scores.
Practical Classes and Viva Examinations
Practical classes are conducted online and attendance is compulsory. However, this can be a stressful experience for some learners. The online jitters and histrionic characteristics of some students can escalate the chaos. Kothari Publications textbooks and the question bank provided are generally seen as better learning supports compared to the materials offered by IGNOU.
Viva examinations, in particular, are described as having a poor quality evaluation process. Viva examiners tend to be overly critical and aim to confuse candidates. Passing the viva can be challenging, even for bright students, as the evaluation criteria are often inconsistent.
Management and Coordination Challenges
The administrative process in IGNOU is chaotic and unorganized. Updates on marks and grades are often delayed, causing significant inconvenience to students. For instance, assignment marks were only updated after 1.5 years of multiple requests. Projects were processed late, requiring students to redo them.
The communication between study centers and regional centers is poor. When issues arise, the buck often gets passed from one entity to another, with both sides blaming the other. This lack of coordination can lead to misunderstandings and missed deadlines.
Future Prospects
For future students, the decision to choose IGNOU or another university is crucial. While IGNOU provides flexibility, it is not without its flaws. Many students express frustration and disappointment, saying that they are ready to move on from IGNOU after a single cycle. Regular universities or other open universities that offer clearer study materials and better support might be more suitable choices.
Conclusion
IGNOU has significant elements that contribute to a quality education, including its A accreditation and the value of its degrees in the market. However, the evaluation process and administrative challenges can make the student experience challenging. Potential students should thoroughly research and consider their options before enrolling.