IGNOU Rolls Out Modified Credit Transfer Policy to Enhance Flexibility for Students

The policy comes in the wake of criticism IGNOU faced earlier this year for delays in credit transfer processing.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has introduced a revised Credit Transfer Policy, aimed at providing greater flexibility for students.

The updated policy eliminates fees for credit transfers, introduces affordable processing charges, and sets clear guidelines for seamless transitions, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision for accessible and adaptable education.

The new policy, detailed in a notification issued by IGNOU’s Student Registration Division, outlines several key changes. Notably, there will be no fee for credit transfers or changes of courses associated with such transfers, a move that mirrors initiatives by other Indian open universities like the Open University of Maharashtra, which implemented a similar fee waiver in 2024 to boost enrollment. However, a nominal processing fee has been introduced: Rs. 500 for up to 16 credits transferred and Rs. 1,000 for more than 16 credits. This marks a significant reduction from IGNOU’s previous rates of Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000, respectively, set in 2023, reflecting the university’s response to rising inflation and the need to make education more affordable.

The policy also addresses long-standing concerns about credit transfer mismatches. It mandates a minimum 50% credit match for external transfers, a measure that tackles issues highlighted in a 2024 University Grants Commission (UGC) report, which found that 30% of transfer applicants across Indian universities faced credit rejection due to mismatched curricula. Additionally, the policy allows incomplete programs to be credited only for complete courses, ensuring that students meet specific academic requirements before transferring credits.

IGNOU’s updated framework also emphasizes timely program completion. Students must complete their programs within a set duration—either semester-based or yearly, depending on the course—after opting for a credit transfer. This approach mirrors global trends in open education, such as the UK’s Open University, which introduced stricter timelines in 2024 to improve graduation rates, a model IGNOU appears to be adapting to enhance its own academic outcomes.

The policy comes in the wake of criticism IGNOU faced earlier this year for delays in credit transfer processing. Student protests in Delhi in January 2025 highlighted cases where transfers took over six months, prompting the university to streamline its system. The new guidelines also allow students seeking credit transfers to change courses without additional fees, provided they complete the remaining courses to be eligible for their degree or diploma.

This development aligns with the broader goals of the NEP 2020, which emphasizes seamless student mobility across institutions to balance the socio-economic fabric of the country. IGNOU’s efforts to facilitate credit transfers are expected to benefit thousands of students, particularly those transitioning from other universities or seeking to switch programs within IGNOU.

The policy will be implemented with the approval of the Competent Authority and supersedes all earlier notifications on credit transfers. As IGNOU moves forward with this student-centric reform, it aims to set a precedent for flexible education in India, potentially influencing other universities to adopt similar measures in the near future.

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