Premium

IGNOU Admissions (2023-24): Over 7.53 lakh students register; know why MA (Political Science) is the most popular programme

Here is the list of top 10 UG and PG courses in IGNOU. Overall, the university has 35 lakh registered students for all courses.

IGNOU offers India's first diploma in Paralegal Practice

IGNOU to offer courses completely in Odia (Photo credit: IGNOU)

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).

*Admission in PhD is done in July cycle only. Data for July 2024 is awaited. (Graphic by Abhishek Mitra)

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.

Story continues below this ad

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.

Top 10 most-registered UG courses in IGNOU

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.

Top 10 most-popular PG courses in IGNOU

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.

Neeti Nigam

Neeti Nigam leads the education department at indianexpress.com. She joined the Indian Express in 2015 and has set up the education and job sections in the online department. She covers schools and higher education, entrance and board exams, study abroad, civil services and other career-related news. Prior to that, she worked as a lifestyle and entertainment journalist in The Pioneer newspaper's magazine division. Besides working in the in-flight Air India (Namaskaar) magazine, she was part of the launch team of Indian Railways on-board magazine Rail Bandhu. She has also worked as a city reporter covering north Delhi in Hindustan Times. In 2012, she covered the MCD elections. You can write to her at neeti.nigam@indianexpress.com ... Read More

Railway authorities promptly took action, shifting passengers to other coaches and quickly extinguishing the fire.

Fire noticed in coach of Amritsar–Saharsa Garib Rath Express, no casualties reported

India28 min ago

A fire broke out in a coach of Amritsar–Saharsa Garib Rath Express at Sirhind Station in Punjab, but no casualties were reported. Railway officials quickly took action, shifting passengers to other coaches and extinguishing the fire. The train will depart to its destination shortly. The incident occurred at 07:30 hrs and is currently being investigated.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS