IGNOU Assignment & Exam Process Explained for First-Time Online Learners

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Complete Guide for IGNOU Online UG & PG Courses

If you have recently taken admission in an IGNOU Online UG or PG course, one of the first things you need to understand is how IGNOU assignments and exams work. IGNOU—the Indira Gandhi National Open University—follows a flexible and student-friendly academic system, but first-time online learners often feel confused about the assignment submission process, TEE exam pattern, passing criteria, evaluation, and IGNOU grade card updates.

This detailed guide explains the IGNOU Assignment Submission Process and the IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE) system step by step, with important tips to help you score better.

Why IGNOU Assignments and Exams Are Important

In IGNOU Online Programmes, both Assignments and Term-End Exams decide your final marks.

Evaluation Method	Weightage in Most Courses
Assignments (TMA / Tutor Marked Assignments)	30%
Term-End Examination (TEE)	70%

To pass a course, students must score minimum passing marks in both components separately.

IGNOU Online UG & PG Courses (Common Assignment + Exam Format)

IGNOU offers multiple UGC-approved Online Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programs:

Popular Online UG Courses:

• BCA – Bachelor of Computer Applications
  
  
• B.Com – Bachelor of Commerce
  
  
• BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration
  
  
• BA – Bachelor of Arts (English, Economics, Psychology, Sociology etc.)
  
  

Popular Online PG Courses:

• MBA – Master of Business Administration
  
  
• MCA – Master of Computer Applications
  
  
• M.Com – Master of Commerce
  
  
• MA – Master of Arts (Education, English, Psychology, Economics etc.)
  
  

The assignment and exam process is similar across all these programs.

Part 1: IGNOU Assignment Process Explained

What Are IGNOU Assignments?

Assignments are TMA (Tutor Marked Assignments) that students must complete for each course to become eligible for the Term-End Examination and final evaluation.

Step-by-Step IGNOU Assignment Submission Process (Online Mode)

1. Download Assignment Questions (PDF)

You can download assignment PDFs from the official IGNOU website:

Topics include theoretical and application-based questions.

2. Write Answers (Handwritten Required)

IGNOU requires handwritten assignments. You may use:

• A4 ruled/blank sheets
  
  
• Black/blue pen
  
  

Digital/typed assignments are usually not allowed.

3. Create Assignment Front Page

Include:

• Name, Programme, Enrollment Number
  
  
• Course Code & Course Title
  
  
• Session & Contact details
  
  

4. Convert to PDF (For Online Submission)

Scan pages using Adobe Scan / CamScanner / Phone Scanner. Compile into a single PDF.

5. Submit Assignment Online

Submission methods may include:

• Google Form links by study centre
  
  
• IGNOU Regional Center Portal
  
  
• LMS Upload (for IGNOU Online Campus learners)
  
  

6. Save Submission Receipt

Always download/keep a screenshot of the submission acknowledgment.

IGNOU Assignment Marks & Passing Criteria

Component	Minimum Passing Marks
Assignments (TMA)	30%–40% depending on program
Term-End Exam (TEE)	40% in most courses

Part 2: IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE) Process

IGNOU Conducts TEE Twice a Year:

Cycle	Exam Months
January Session	June
July Session	December

IGNOU Online Exam Process for First-Time Learners

IGNOU Online Learning exams may be:

1. Online Remote Proctored Exams, or
   
   
2. Offline Exam at IGNOU Centers
   
   

The mode will be mentioned in the university notification.

Online Remote Proctored Exam Requirements

You must have:

✔ Laptop/Desktop (Webcam Required)
✔ Stable Internet Connection
✔ Valid ID Proof
✔ Clean background (no disturbance)

Proctoring rules may include:

• No switching tabs
  
  
• Camera must remain ON
  
  
• No extra person in the room
  
  
• Auto-warning & auto-termination for violations
  
  

IGNOU Exam Pattern: Question Types

TEE may include:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  
  
• Short Descriptive Answers
  
  
• Long Theoretical Answers
  
  
• Case Studies (especially MBA)
  
  

IGNOU TEE Passing Criteria

You need:

• Minimum 40% in TEE (most programs)
  
  
• Assignments + TEE combined passing score
  
  

If you fail TEE, you can reappear in the next exam cycle.

IGNOU Assignment & Exam Result, Grade Card & Status

You can track:

• Assignment Submission Status
  
  
• Grade Card updates
  
  
• TEE Result
  
  

through the IGNOU Student Portal.

Tips to Score High in IGNOU Assignments & TEE

Strategy	Benefit
Write with headings, diagrams, examples	Higher assignment marks
Practice last 10 years’ question papers	Better exam confidence
Join Telegram/WhatsApp student groups	Faster updates on deadlines
Attempt self-assessment quizzes	Improve concepts
Don’t copy from the internet	Plagiarism may cause rejection

Validity of IGNOU Online Degree

IGNOU Online Degrees are:

✔ UGC-Entitled
✔ Valid for Government Jobs, UPSC, SSC, Banking
✔ Accepted for PhD and higher studies
✔ Recognized for jobs in India & abroad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the IGNOU Assignment submission last date?

IGNOU releases dates for each session on the official website. Submit assignments before TEE form submission.

2. Are IGNOU Online Assignments mandatory?

Yes. Without assignments, you cannot appear for TEE exams.

3. Can IGNOU Online TEE be taken from home?

Yes, if the university schedules remote proctored online exams for your program.

4. What if I fail assignments or TEE?

You can resubmit assignments or reappear in exams in the next cycle.

5. Are IGNOU degrees valid for Online UG and PG courses?

Yes, IGNOU is a Central Government University and degrees are fully valid.

Conclusion

For first-time online learners, understanding the IGNOU Assignment & Exam Process is essential. By submitting assignments on time, preparing for TEE, and following guidelines, students can easily complete their IGNOU Online UG & PG degree courses successfully.

IGNOU’s flexible learning model, recognized degree, and open-study structure make it one of the best choices for online higher education in India.