What is the Career Scope after Graduation from IGNOU?
Graduation from IGNOU
Career Scope after graduation from IGNOU: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the prestigious universities in India. IGNOU, which is also the world‘s largest University, offers a number of courses across various streams. It is a Central University that was established by an Act of Parliament in 1985. Its objective is to provide education in the remotest corners of the country, especially to those who are underprivileged, those who have a other responsibilities and essentially those who are unable to pursue a regular, classroom education for whatever reason. Students can easily pursue any course in the distance learning format from IGNOU from wherever they are located and pace their lessons however they wish. With the rise of different platforms of online learning, such as MOOCs, distance education is being widely recognised in both public and private sectors.
However, a major concern that students have after completing graduation from a distance learning university is how much value the degree holds when it comes to seeking employment opportunities. For most of the students, a good placement after graduation depends on the value of a degree. This is because if a student invests time, energy and money in a course, s/he expects good returns from it.
There are various universities in India offering distance education programmes to students. IGNOU remains the most popular choice for distance education due to it affordability and flexibility. In this article, we will learn what is the career scope for IGNOU graduates. Read further to learn more.
Also Read:
What is an Open University?
List of Open Universities in India
Top 5 Open Universities in India
IGNOU: Highlights
Some general information about IGNOU is provided in the table below.
| 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 |
Further in the article, let us discuss the scope after graduation from IGNOU.
Indira Gandhi National Open University offers BSc and BSc (Hons) course across different durations. The course duration range from three to four years. Check out all specialisations available under BSc in the following table:
BSc Specialisations | ||
|---|---|---|
Botany | Chemistry | Geography |
Geology | Mathematics | Physics |
Zoology | PB BSc Nursing | - |
In addition to BSc, IGNOU also offers a UG BSc (Hons) programme across two specialisations, namely Anthropology and Biochemistry.
IGNOU BSc course curriculum include subjects categories as core courses, discipline specific courses, ability enhancement courses, skill enhancement courses, and generic electives. Some of the core subjects included in the IGNOU BSc (H) Biochemistry course curriculum are:
- Molecules of Life
- Cell Biology
- Proteins
- Enzymes
- Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids
- Human Physiology
- Concepts in Genetics
- Immunology, etc.
ROI on IGNOU Degrees
As compared to the regular mode of education, distance learning is still less accepted in any industry in India. Job opportunities offered after a distance learning graduation course from IGNOU are not as lucrative as employment options through a regular course. However, if we consider the affordability and cost-effectiveness of IGNOU graduation programmes, then the placements that students get are actually good return on investment (ROI). Students are also free to apply to job openings other than that brought to them by the placement cell at IGNOU.
However, once a student secures a job in any industry, their salary hikes, appraisals and overall growth depends on their performance at work and the varying opportunities that their workplace has to offer. A significant increase in salaries is also seen with added years of experience.
Also Read: IGNOU Admission Procedure, Status & Registration
Distance Education from IGNOU
Pursuing a graduation course from IGNOU does not guarantee a job or regular income. But, it brings students at par with other regular graduates. Graduates from IGNOU are eligible to apply for jobs in both government and private sectors. Also, they are eligible to appear for various UPSC, SSC and banking exams.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University offers four generic electives to the BSc (H) Anthropology course aspirants. There is a certain credit attached with each of the subject. Apart from this, the course curriculum also includes ability enhancement compulsory course (AECC). The two AECC subjects included in the curriclum are Environmental Studies and English Communication Skills.
As per the official brochure released, a student is allowed to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL / Online mode, as per the illustration given below.
| Course | Details |
|---|---|
| One certificate programme with any other Programme | Admission in both programmes can be taken in the same admission cycle |
| One UG + One PG Programme | Admission has to be taken in two different admission cycles *Admission can be taken only in specified courses. Details are available on IGNOU website |
| Two UG Programmes | |
| Two PG Programmes |
Certain programmes are not allowed under the simultaneous registration. Students are advised to visit
the official prospectus for the same. Additionally, there will be no change in the counseling/ assignment submission/ examination schedule in case dates for the above clash for the courses in which a student has taken admission.
Yes, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a programme called "Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education" (DECE) which is specifically designed for individuals interested in pre-primary teacher training. The DECE programme focuses on providing knowledge and skills related to the care and education of young children in the age group of 0-6 years.
You can do PhD in Hindi or an M.Phil in Hindi after completing an MA Hindi course from IGNOU. These courses are useful for you to pursue your career in the teaching profession. You can get a Lecturer job after completing the PhD in Hindi. You can also do an MBA in Finance or Marketing course after an MA in Hindi. If you do it from a reputed institution then there are more job opportunities. The above given are some of the best courses to pursue after an MA in Hindi. You can apply online or offline for admission to the course. The candidates with MA Hindi with 55% marks are eligible for the PhD in Hindi course. Admission to the course will be done through an entrance test and personal interview (on the research subject).
IGNOU study material: The study material provided by IGNOU for various graduation courses is prepared by academics who are experts in their respective fields. The worthiness of the study material can also be determined by the fact that it is used by various aspirants to prepare for national-level government exams like UPSC Civil Services, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk.
Also Read: IGNOU vs SMU: Which is the Best University for Distance Education?
Validity of IGNOU degrees
IGNOU is a trusted and accredited government distance education university. It is a central university which was established by an act of parliament in 1985. Therefore, a distance education degree from IGNOU is equivalent to a degree granted by any accredited university in India.
IGNOU Placement Cell
IGNOU has an active campus placement cell that conducts on-campus and off-campus placements for students at its headquarters and some regional centres. To stay updated on the placement drives conducted by IGNOU, candidates need to check the website regularly. However, the varsity also informs registered students via SMS or email regarding the placement drives that it conducts from time to time.
Various companies visit the campus of the university to hire graduates for different job roles. Some such companies that usually participate in the placement drive of the university include Axis Bank, Barclays, Genpact, IBM, Convergys, Wipro, Infosys, Shoppers Stop, British Telecom (BT), Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, HDFC Argo, CYIENT, etc.
Also Read: IGNOU Notable Alumni - Successful People who have Inspired Generations of Students
In a nutshell, IGNOU is one of the largest government distance learning universities in India, which is known for its quality education. The degrees granted by IGNOU are valid and recognised not only in India but also abroad. However, the scope after graduation from IGNOU is limited as compared to graduation in regular mode. Having said that, securing admission at IGNOU to pursue graduation is a great option for students willing to complete a course without burning a hole in their pockets and without having to move. Many working professionals also turn to IGNOU to add on to their qualifications and upskill while pursuing their jobs.
Also Read: How to Enroll for Admission to PhD at IGNOU?
IGNOU Placements Statistics
Some trends that are relevant to placements at IGNOU are mentioned in the table below. Students must note that the figures provided in the table are based on data collected over several academic years. For current and exact figures, they can visit IGNOU's official website.
| Particulars |
Placement Statistics |
|---|---|
| Highest package |
INR 3 LPA – INR 4 LPA |
| Average package |
INR 15 LPA |
| Placement rate |
Between 70% and 80% |
IGNOU Top Recruiters
Some frequent companies that take part in IGNOU's placement process are mentioned in the table below.
| IGNOU Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| Tata Consultancy Services | Amazon |
| HCL | Cognizant Technology Solutions |
| Accenture | EY |
| Infosys | American Express |
| Bharat Electronics | Confidential |
| Wipro Technologies | Amity University |
| Antares Systems Ltd. | BT Group |
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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 4 weeks ago
Considering your passion for business, online businesses, and marketing - and your distaste for computers - getting a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at Lovely Professional University (LPU) would be a better decision than a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA).
The specific program at L
Y
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
6 June 2025
I
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 6 days ago
After admission confirmation, IGNOU usually generates enrollment numbers within 4–8 weeks.
Since you applied in January, you should have received it by now.
Delays can happen due to:
Document verification pending
Fee mismatch
Technical backlog in the admission system
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, IGNOU offer BA courses in various programs.
There are two sessions every year for admission in IGNOU one in the June session and the second in December.
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a month ago
Based on the program you are applying for, you may be eligible for admission into Lovely Professional University(LPU) with your 49.6% in your BA from IGNOU. LPU has many postgraduate programs, Most required at least 50% in graduation; however, the University provides a 5% cushion with regards to ent
Y
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
The minimum eligibility criteria for taking admission in the B.Ed degree of IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) is that the students must at least have a Bachelor degree from a recognised university and with at least 50% aggregate.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IGNOU BSc admission is granted to applicants who fulfil the eligibility criteria specified by the university. The eligibility criteria vary across the BSc specialisations offered at the university. For example, candidates seeking admission to a BSc in Applied Science - Energy are required to have pa
H
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The median package offered during IGNOU PG placements over the past three years is presented below:
Course | Median Package (2022) | Median Package (2023) | Median Package (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
PG 1-year | INR 2.88 LPA | INR 3.36 LPA | INR 3.5 LPA |
PG 2-year | INR 2.88 LPA | INR 3.36 LPA | INR 3.5 LPA |
N
Contributor-Level 9
One of the leading universities in India, IGNOU offers over 200 UG, PG, diploma, certificate and doctoral courses via open and distance learning (ODL) mode. Candidates interested in IGNOU admission can apply through the online admission portal for ODL programmes, i.e. ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. In addition, the university launched an Online Education portal under its umbrella and now, it offers more than 40 UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate courses via the same.
Out of all these courses, some of the popular ones are listed below:
Read more on top IGNOU courses.