India's number one open university (as per NIRF Rankings 2024) has seen an increase in overall registration from 6.73 lakh in 2018-19 to 7.53 lakh this year. In these six years, the varsity has added many programmes at all levels - certificate, diploma, Bachelor, Master and PhD. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is particularly popular for its UG programmes, however, the numbers suggest a drop in popularity. About 3.64 lakh students enrolled for admission in 2018-19, this year it saw a minor decline (3.52 lakh). Especially, during the pandemic (2020-2022), registration had dipped in the UG courses. "Owing to its very limited dependence on classroom teaching, IGNOU managed to sail through the pandemic with little disruption. All the academic counselling was held online, so the students were not deprived. They submitted their assignments online," said VP Rupam, deputy director, IGNOU.Moreover, the pandemic also disrupted the board exams. Either the results were delayed or everyone was given a passing certificate. Meanwhile, the registration for the PG programmes has seen a major uptick — from 2.16 lakh to 3.02 lakh in these six years. Unlike regular universities with only one admission cycle (usually July -June), IGNOU has two admission cycles — July and January. For example, the enrolment of 2021-22 covers the enrolment of July 2021 and January 2022. Accordingly, the university conducted its examination twice a year - in June and December every year. "In every examination, approximately 8 lakh students appear at more than 800 examination centres across the country as well as at our overseas centres," said Rupam. When it comes to the most-popular courses at the UG level, Bachelor of Arts (BAG) is at the top with 1.09 lakh registration last year followed by BCom and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) History (BAHIH). In Delhi University too, BA Programme, BCom (Hons) and BA (Political Science) are the most-sought after courses. At PG level, 25,878 registered for the MA in Political Science followed by Master's Degree in English with 20,424 and Master of Arts (History) with 16,986. "MA in Political Science is specially hit among the civil services aspirants. Those appearing for the competitive examinations study this course to get an extra edge," said VC Prof Uma Kanjilal.
