History of IGNOU Open University in India

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established in 1985, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of higher education in India. The inception of IGNOU can be traced back to the recommendations made by an eight-member working group appointed by the Government of India in 1974. 

This group, led by G. Parthasarathy, Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, proposed the establishment of an open university that would provide access to education for students across the country, including those in remote areas.

Following these recommendations, a policy statement was made by the Union Government in 1985 to establish a national open university. A committee was formed to outline a plan of action, and based on their report, a bill was introduced and subsequently passed by both Houses of Parliament. As a result, IGNOU officially came into existence on September 20, 1985.

Initially, IGNOU began its academic journey with two programs: Diploma in Management and Diploma in Distance Education. Over time, it expanded its offerings significantly and became known for providing quality distance education to millions of students across India and abroad.

In 1989, IGNOU held its first convocation ceremony where over 1,000 students graduated. By 1992, its degrees received full recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC), affirming their equivalence to degrees conferred by other universities in India. The university continued to innovate; for instance, it launched India’s first virtual campus in 1999.

Throughout its history, IGNOU has focused on inclusivity and accessibility in education. It has developed various programs catering to diverse fields such as arts, sciences, commerce, management studies, and more. The university also plays a crucial role as a national resource center for distance education and has been involved with international organizations like UNESCO.

As part of its ongoing development efforts, IGNOU has implemented various educational reforms such as the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) for undergraduate courses. Today, it serves over four million students globally and is recognized as one of the largest universities in the world.