IGNOU Notable Alumni - Successful People who have Inspired Generations of Students
IGNOU Notable Alumni - Distance and open learning have become synonymous with IGNOU in our country. It is undoubtedly the most popular distance learning institute. This open university gives admission to a humungous number of students from across India each year. IGNOU was established in 1985 and quickly gained popularity in and out of India for its distance learning programmes. Over the years, it has also taught some names that have failed to stay hidden from the world. In this article, we will take a look at some notable IGNOU alumni from across fields like entertainment, public administration, media, etc. Read on for more on IGNOU and its alumni.
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- IGNOU: Highlights
- IGNOU Courses
- Notable Alumni of IGNOU
IGNOU: Highlights
Before getting into the list of its alumni, let us take a look at some highlights about the people's university here.
| Particulars |
Highlights |
|---|---|
| Establishment year | Ownership |
1985 | Government |
| Also known as |
IGNOU, IGNOU University |
| Number of schools |
21 |
| Number of regional centres |
67 |
| Number of learner support centres |
2,667 |
| Number of courses offered |
200+ |
| Type of scholarships offered |
Category-based, Need-based |
| Faculty members |
800+ |
| Mode of study | Application mode |
Distance | Online |
| Official website |
ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU Courses
Some of the popular streams in which various IGNOU courses are offered include:
| Streams at IGNOU |
|
|---|---|
| Engineering |
Management |
| Medicine |
Law |
| Hospitality |
IT & Software |
| Mass Communication |
Science |
| Teaching |
Fine Arts |
Notable Alumni of IGNOU
While IGNOU has been catering to the educational aspirations of students for over 30 years, it is a general belief among students that the university is apt only for those who are academically weak or non-serious about their careers. The self-guided approach to higher education may be the reason behind this misconception. However, it is far from the truth. IGNOU has provided quality distance education and its alumni are proof of the same. Here is a list of some notable IGNOU alumni.
Keshvendra Kumar:
The online courses offered by IGNOU are a great way to upskill. IGNOU offers Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses in the fields of Language studies, Humanities, Computer Science, Social Work, Tourism, Journalism, etc. Students pursing these career-oriented courses can land jobs in the corporate as well government sector. For more information on IGNOU online courses, students can visit the official website.
According to students’ reviews and unofficial sources, BSc students have found it easy to get jobs through off-campus placement drives. BSc course offered by IGNOU is popular among students and the allied industry. IGNOU offers BSc course across seven specialisations including Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology and Nursing. Students after completing their BSc course from IGNOU can find job in Corporate, Government, Non-Profit and Academic sectors.
Keshvendra Kumar is an IAS Officer who belongs to the state of Bihar. After completing his schooling from Sitamarhi, Keshvendra enrolled in a Hindi (Hons) course at IGNOU. Along with Hindi (Hons), Keshvendra also pursued a railways vocational course to support his family financially. After completing the course from IGNOU, Keshvendra took the UPSC Civil Services Exam and cracked it on the first attempt.
Kumar Ravikant Singh:
Having a similar story as Keshvendra, Kumar Ravikant Singh is also an IAS Officer from Bihar. The lad secured admission at IGNOU after clearing Class 12th and also took up a job simultaneously. Thereafter, Kumar took as well as cracked the Civil Services Exam.
Himanshu Kumar:
Himanshu Kumar, an IAS Officer again, is the third student ever of IGNOU to crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Himanshu had enrolled in an MA Public Administration course at the university. Hailing from Champaran district in Bihar, Himanshu has completed his graduation in Journalism from Delhi University.
Karthik Gurunathan Iyer:
Yes, you can get a job abroad. There are certain organisations that do prefer full-time graduation but getting rejected everywhere should not be the scenario. IGNOU is recognised globally as a university. There may be other reasons for the rejection like in the current scenario, hiring is very specific, so hence, maybe your qualification does not match. The post may require someone with experience. Your skillset may be lacking for the position that you have applied for. Relook at the job posts that you have applied for and then see if there are any other reasons.
Currently, in COVID 19 situation, the job market is very bleak and since you have just done your graduation and if money is not adequate necessary then try doing some additional courses like digital marketing, graphic design, website development. These would be an added advantage and would increase your job prospects too. Well, IGNOU provides distance learning degrees. If you are a graduate from IGNOU you might be able to take admission into some medium level foreign university but it will be a struggle to cope up with the regular programme that too in foreign.
If you wish you go abroad for MBA, it is advisable to take your graduation in regular mode in reputed universities like LPU and then take your chances in many credit transfer programs which can get you into reputed foreign universities and that too with much less expense.
Yes, as per the details collated from various sources on the internet, the degree from IGNOU University is valid and acceptable in overseas and foreign countries with ease. Also, an MBA degree holder can get a job of as a Team Lead or go for a profile with managerial responsibility for any company or department. A manager’s job profile broadly includes planning, strategising, execution, leading the team, liaison with clients, coordinating with other departments, delegation of work and responsibilities, and reporting to higher authorities regarding projects undertaken. Some of the leading companies that hire MBA pass-outs, include Deloitte, ITC, Samsung and Reliance, among others.
IGNOU and DU SOL, both are government-approved reputed distance learning universities in India. In addition, both have their dedicated career placement cell that connects potential recruiters with students. However, in terms of regional reach, IGNOU has more centres spread across the country as compared with DU SOL. Further, IGNOU has a larger set of courses as compared to DU SOL that has courses primarily related to Humanities and Commerce. According to unofficial sources, the starting salary of IGNOU students generally start from INR 3.5 LPA. Further, the top recruiters of IGNOU in recent past included leading companies such as HCL, Wipro and Parle. To conclude, it will solely depend upon students’ priority in terms of location, study centre and course-selection to choose between IGNOU and DU SOL.
Karthik Gurunathan Iyer completed his graduation in Science stream from Fergusson College, Pune University. Thereafter, Karthik secured admission in the Masters in Political Science programme at IGNOU and started preparing for the Civil Services Exam simultaneously. He cracked the Civil Services Exam in a single attempt and wished to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Deepika Padukone:
Deepika Padukone is one of the highest-paid actresses in the Indian film industry. Born in Denmark and brought up in Bangalore, Deepika enrolled in the BA Sociology programme at IGNOU after completing her schooling. However, the actress later quit the course due to her emerging career in modelling. Another actress who has studied at IGNOU is Celina Jaitley.
Sudipta Chakraborty:
Sudipta Chakraborty is an Indian actress who usually works in Bengali cinema. Hailing from the city of Kolkata, Bengal, Sudipta has completed her graduation in English from IGNOU post where she went ahead to build a career in films.
General Deepak Kapoor:
General Deepak Kapoor was the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army from 2007 – 2010. The General has completed his master’s degree in Business Administration from IGNOU.
Ashok Khemka:
Ashok Khemka is another popular IGNOU alumni who is a notable economist, computer scientist and IAS Officer in the state of Haryana. The officer possesses an MA in Economics degree from IGNOU.
Reema Debnath:
Reema Debnath is an Indian actress who is known for her supporting roles in films like Bodyguard and PK. Born and brought up in Agartala, Tripura, Reema has completed her graduation from Calcutta University. Apart from this, the actress has also pursued courses in Modern Office Management and Computing from IGNOU.
Biswatosh Sengupta:
Biswatosh Sengupta is one of the most highly qualified alumni of IGNOU and is an Indian academic. Among the various degrees that he possesses, Biswatosh has completed his PG Diploma in Creative Writing in English, Diploma in Computer in Office Management, and MCA from IGNOU.
Lipin Raj:
Fighting all the odds of an eye injury, financial crisis and other family issues, Lipin Raj cracked the prestigious Civil Services Exam to become an IAS Officer. The lad completed his graduation from Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram and post-graduation in MA History from IGNOU.
This was our list of top IGNOU alumni. As evident above, pursuing a course from Indira Gandhi National Open University only adds more shine to one’s career.
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- B.Ed
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- MBA (Masters of Business Administration)
- B.Com
- B.Lib.I.Sc. (Bachelor of Library and Information Science)
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- Ph.D.
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Contact Details
Address
Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi
Saket, Delhi
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
After graduation, you can apply for M.A. in Music at AAFT, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. They have an entrance process and you may need to appear for an audition and interview.
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 weeks ago
To recieve their IGNOU ID card and books, students must complete the admission process and payment of fee. Students can download their digital ID card from the IGNOU Samarth Portal after recieving admission confirmation.
The timeline for receiving the study material depends on the mode selected by t
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
For the IGNOU BEd Application Form 2026, the scanned passport-size photo should be in JPEG format, usually between 20KB–100KB. The scanned signature must be clear, in JPEG format, between 10KB–50KB. Uploading the correct size ensures smooth submission of the online BEd registration form.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam 2026 will be conducted at multiple centres across India. The exact list of exam cities is released in the official notification. Candidates can select their preferred exam centre during the application process, subject to availability of seats at that centre.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, once allotted, the IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam Centre 2026 cannot usually be changed. Candidates are advised to carefully select their preferred city while filling the application form. In rare cases, IGNOU may allow changes, but only under specific conditions mentioned in the guidelines.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Candidates can pay the IGNOU BEd Application Fee 2026 online through debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. Offline payment modes are not accepted. Payment must be made immediately after form submission, and a confirmation receipt should be downloaded for future reference.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, the graduation mark sheet is mandatory for IGNOU BEd admission 2026. Candidates must provide proof of their qualifying degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Without valid academic certificates, the IGNOU BEd application will not be accepted by the university.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, the IGNOU BEd Admit Card 2026 clearly mentions the allotted test center along with the complete address. Candidates must report to this exam center on the scheduled date and time. Carrying the admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall.
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Contributor-Level 10
Yes, IGNOU has a dedicated Campus Placement Cell, which is popularly known as CPC. The Campus Placement Cell organises campus placement drives from time-to-time. The notification regarding campus placement drives is uploaded online in the placement section of the official website. The job notifications include detailed information regarding no. of vacancies, eligibility, application date, salary package, etc. Apart from this, IGNOU CPC has a strong base of alumni network that helps fellow students to stay updated with relevant job vacancies.