If you’re an IGNOU student or planning to enroll, you might be wondering: Are IGNOU exams conducted online or offline? With online education becoming so common, it’s natural to ask if IGNOU, India’s largest open university, has switched to online exams.
The answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple yes or no, because IGNOU conducts different types of exams, and each type follows a slightly different process. Let’s break it all down for you.
Also Read: Are IGNOU Exams Tough? Exposed by Students
Understanding IGNOU’s Exam System
IGNOU conducts several types of evaluations across its courses, including:
1. Term-End Exams (TEE)
- These are the main subject-wise exams held twice a year (June and December).
- All IGNOU students, regardless of course, must appear for these.
- Mode: Traditionally conducted offline at designated exam centers across India.
2. Assignments
- Every student must submit assignments for each subject.
- These are mandatory for exam eligibility.
- Mode: Assignments are generally submitted online via the IGNOU Student Portal.
3. Practical Exams
- For programs like BCA, MCA, B.Sc., M.Sc., and others, practical exams are required.
- Mode: These are held offline at study centers.
4. Projects & Viva
- Courses like MBA, MLIS, BSW, MSW, etc., require students to submit project reports.
- Some courses also have viva voce (oral exams).
- Mode: Projects are uploaded online, but vivas may happen either online or offline, depending on the program.
Are IGNOU Term-End Exams Online or Offline?
As of 2025, the official policy of IGNOU states that Term-End Exams (TEE) are conducted offline at pre-assigned exam centers.
Why IGNOU Prefers Offline Exams:
- With over 3 million active students, conducting secure online exams for all is a technical and logistical challenge.
- Offline exams ensure better monitoring, reducing the risk of cheating or unfair practices.
- IGNOU has a well-established network of study centers and exam halls across India, making offline exams more feasible.
What About During COVID-19?
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, some IGNOU exams were temporarily shifted online, especially for short-term certificate courses and viva sessions. However, for the majority of degree and diploma programs, IGNOU returned to the offline exam mode once the situation normalized.
Are IGNOU Assignments and Project Submissions Online?
Yes, IGNOU has modernized these processes:
| Exam Type | Online/Offline |
|---|---|
| Term-End Exams | Offline (in exam centers) |
| Assignments | Online (via student portal) |
| Practical Exams | Offline (in study centers) |
| Project Report Submission | Online |
| Viva (for some courses) | Mixed (Online/Offline) |
This hybrid approach ensures that IGNOU balances convenience for students while maintaining exam integrity.
Future Possibility – Will IGNOU Exams Become Fully Online?
While IGNOU is rapidly digitizing many aspects of its academic process, including online classes, e-content, and assignment submissions, the university currently has no confirmed plan to shift main exams (TEE) entirely online for major degree programs.
However, IGNOU might explore online exams for:
- Short-term certificate programs.
- Courses designed specifically for online learners (under SWAYAM or other digital platforms).
Final Answer: Are IGNOU Exams Conducted Online?
No, IGNOU Term-End Exams are mostly offline in 2025.
However, certain components like assignment submission, project report uploads, and some viva sessions are conducted online.
FAQs: About IGNOU Online Exams
No, TEE exams must be written at a designated exam center. Only a few certificate courses (under special circumstances) might offer remote exams.
Yes, all IGNOU assignments are submitted online through the student portal.
No, practical exams are held offline at the assigned study center.
Yes, a few certificate programs and viva sessions were held online, but main exams reverted to offline mode after the pandemic.
Conclusion
To sum it up, IGNOU is a hybrid university when it comes to exams. While assignments and projects are comfortably handled online, the main exams (TEE) are strictly offline to maintain the credibility of degrees and fair evaluation standards.
In 2025, the answer to “Are IGNOU exams conducted online?” is still a no for most students. IGNOU maintains offline exams for its core degree programs to ensure fairness, accessibility, and exam integrity. However, the university is embracing online processes in many areas, meaning the future could hold more hybrid or online exam options for specific programs.
For now, stay updated through the official IGNOU portal, prepare well for offline exams, and take advantage of online resources like eGyankosh to make your exam preparation smoother.