Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is the world’s largest open university, having provided high-quality education to over 4.6 million learners through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. IGNOU has a wide reach across the nation, with 57 Regional Centres, 2,257 Learner Support Centres, and 25 overseas centres in 15 countries. Recently, IGNOU secured the top position in the NIRF 2024 ranking under the Open University category and was also accredited with NAAC A++ grade, reaffirming the university’s excellence in distance education.
For the first time in IGNOU’s history, a woman has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor. Professor Uma Kanjilal has taken over as the Vice Chancellor, marking a historic milestone not only for IGNOU but for the entire higher education sector. Prof. Kanjilal is known as an educationist and an innovative academic leader. It is expected that under her leadership, IGNOU will continue to advance in providing quality, inclusive, and digital education.
IGNOU has invited applications for Ph.D. programs for the academic year 2025–26. Interested candidates may visit the university’s official website (www.ignou.ac.in) for detailed information and submit their applications online. Ph.D. programs are available in various disciplines. The eligibility criteria, entrance test details, fee structure, and important dates are all available on the website. The entire process will be conducted as per UGC guidelines.
IGNOU Regional Centre, Nagpur continues to provide effective academic support and student services to learners from 11 districts of Vidarbha and 3 districts of Marathwada — Nanded, Hingoli, and Parbhani. With a mission to deliver accessible and employment-oriented education to all sections of society, IGNOU has launched two new academic programs from the July 2025 session under the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes:
- Bachelor of Arts in Home Science (BAFHSC) through ODL mode
- Master of Social Work (Online) – MSWOL through online mode
The eligibility for the BA in Home Science program is 10+2 or equivalent. This program is designed to provide students with a strong academic and practical foundation in areas such as nutrition, child development, textile construction, and family resource management.
The MSWOL program requires a graduate degree or higher from a recognized university. It provides advanced education in the field of social work, covering key national and international topics along with contemporary issues like globalization, migration, and the history of social work in India.
Promoting inclusive education, IGNOU has extended the last date for fresh admissions and re-registration for the July 2025 session to 15th August 2025. This extension offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring learners to enroll in undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs. Interested students are encouraged to seize this opportunity and become a part of one of the world’s most prestigious and inclusive open universities. For detailed information on available programs, eligibility criteria, and student services, please visit IGNOU’s official website — informed Dr. Laxman Kumarwad, Regional Director of IGNOU Regional Centre, Nagpur, during the press conference.
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