The Indira Gandhi Open National University (IGNOU), established by a law of Parliament in 1985, has continually strived to build an inclusive knowledge society through inclusive education. It has tried to increase the gross enrollment ratio (GER) by offering high-quality teaching through open and distance learning (ODL).The University began offering two academic programs in 1987, ie Diploma in Management and Diploma in Distance Education, with a strength of 4,528 students.
Today, it serves the educational aspirations of more than 3 million students in India and other countries through 21 Schools of Studies and a network of 67 regional centers, around 2,667 student support centers and 29 institutions. Overseas The University offers about 228 certificates, diplomas, degrees and doctoral programs, with a strength of about 810 professors and 574 professors at headquarters and regional centers and about 33,212 academic advisors from conventional institutions of higher education, professional organizations and industry among others.
Indira Gandhi's Open National University, the National Center for Open and Distance Learning, with international recognition and presence, will provide seamless access to sustainable, student-centered quality education. Convergence of existing systems for the development of large-scale human resources, necessary to promote integrated national development and global understanding.
The University has made a significant mark in the areas of higher education, community education and continuing professional development. The University has established contacts with prestigious public institutions and private companies to improve the educational opportunities it offers. As the world leader in distance education, it has been awarded with awards of excellence by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada, on several occasions.
The University is committed to quality in teaching, research, training and extension activities, and acts as a national resource center for experience and infrastructure in the EAD system. The University has established the Extension Education Center, the National Center for Disability Studies and the National Center for Innovation in Distance Education, to focus on specific groups of students and enrich the distance education system.
With the launch of EduSat (satellite dedicated exclusively to education) on September 20, 2004 and the creation of the Interuniversity Consortium, the University has inaugurated a new era of technological education in the country. All regional centers and high school enrollment centers have received active 2-way videoconferencing network connectivity, enabling interactive digital content transactions.
Emphasis is placed on the development of interactive multimedia and online learning, and adding value to the traditional delivery mode of distance education with modern technology-enabled education within the framework of the combination of learning.
Over the years, IGNOU has responded to the country's expectations of providing education to marginalised sectors of society. Free education is provided to all prison inmates throughout the country. A large number of SC / ST students have been admitted to various University programs.