Is IGNOU Degree Valid and Good for Job Opportunities? 2022

An IGNOU degree is valid for jobs in India if a student has completed the course under the guidelines of the central universities. The Indira Gandhi National Open University’s degrees are valid because the University Grant Commission has approved the Indira Gandhi National Open University’s courses. They also state that qualifications gained from IGNOU are valid and comparable to other Indian universities. Despite having a valid degree, a student will not necessarily get a job.

Is IGNOU Degree Valid and Good for Job Opportunities 2022

Is IGNU Degree Valid for Jobs?

An IGNOU degree obtained through open and distance learning is valid for employment and higher studies. As per the guidelines of the University Grants Commission, all the UG and PG courses offered through distance learning and online learning to the students should be treated equal to the regular courses.

This means that an employer cannot deny a job to an applicant just because he has completed the course through distance learning.

However, the candidate has to fulfill the following eligibility criteria specified by the employer in the job description:

  • Specialization in the field of study
  • Percentage or grade attained
  • Age criteria
  • Work experience
  • Eligibility for registration or certification
  • Competitive exams or interviews
  • Computer skills or language proficiency
  • Regulation or recognition by a specific board

Is IGNU Degree Valid for Government Jobs?

An IGNOU degree is valid for government jobs in India if the student has taken admission in the courses approved by the government and met the eligibility criteria. An IGNOU graduate can apply for the following recruitment exams and jobs:

  • Union Public Service Commission Exams
  • Staff Selection Commission Exams
  • State Public Service Commission Exams
  • Bank Recruitment Exams
  • Railway Recruitment Exams
  • Teaching Jobs
  • Police and Defense Jobs
  • PSU Jobs

It becomes the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that his field of study meets the requirements set by the recruiting agency. For instance, for the defense and teaching sector, the candidate may have to gain experience in the respective field or complete a specialized course. In some cases, the candidate may also have to meet the certification or practical training requirements.

Is IGNU Degree Valid for Private Jobs?

Yes, an applicant holding an IGNOU degree can apply for private jobs as organizations in the private sector place more value on skill sets and work experience rather than the university from which one has graduated. An IGNOU degree can give a competitive advantage to the candidate over other applicants for:

  • Executive jobs
  • Jobs in the banking sector
  • Jobs in the call centers and sales
  • Jobs in human resource management
  • Jobs in the field of education or social work
  • Jobs in the field of content writing and communication
  • Jobs in the information technology sector
  • Administration jobs in the health sector
  • Jobs in the travel and tourism sector
  • Database management jobs

Every organization sets different eligibility criteria for a particular post or professional specialty. Whereas some companies give more value to the work experience gained by the applicant on the job, others emphasize on the candidate’s specialization. Some companies only consider the candidates graduating from conventional universities for a specific field.

What is the Value of an IGNOU Degree?

The value of an IGNOU degree depends majorly on how wisely a student can use the opportunities provided by the university. For instance, if a student gains enough practical knowledge and experience through on-the-job training, the value of the degree would be much higher for the student than someone who only prepares for the exams.

The value of an IGNOU degree can be availed by a

  • Working professional
  • Student preparing for competitive exams
  • Student who cannot enroll in the regular program
  • A housewife with an interest in academics
  • Student staying abroad
  • Student with an interest to pursue another degree
  • Student wanting to pursue postgraduate studies

Career Opportunities After IGNOU Graduation

The jobs after IGNOU graduation differ depending on the course one has enrolled. The following are the career opportunities that are commonly available for the graduates of IGNOU:

After BA

Administration, Civil Services, Content writing, Social work, Customer service, Journalism, Teaching, and Postgraduate studies.

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After BCom

Auditing, Taxation, Banking or Insurance, Finance, Sales and Business administration, etc.

After BSc

Lab investigation, Technical support, Technical service, Scientific services, and Postgraduate studies.

After BCA

Software support, Web designing, Testing, Computer assistance, Database support, Technical operations, technical services, etc.

After BBA or Management Courses

Marketing, Sales, Operations, Human Resource Management, Customer relations, Business Development jobs.

An academic degree only opens the door to the profession, it is the practical knowledge and skills one gains on the job that determine their future in the field.

IGNOU Placement Opportunities

There is a Campus Placement Cell which acts as the main contact for all the placement-related queries and requirements of the students. The Campus Placement Cell conducts drives and fairs and also takes care of the employability enhancement activities of the students. The students must understand that the placements solely depend on the following:

  • Location of the drive
  • Companies visiting
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Salary package
  • Experience required
  • Performance in the interview
  • Vacancies available

Therefore, it is advisable to keep a track of the Campus Placement Cell and the Regional Center website for the latest updates on the job placements.

Is IGNOU Degree Accepted for Higher Studies?

Students who have graduated from IGNOU can pursue higher studies in conventional, distance, or online education mode. It is better to contact the respective universities for eligibility criteria as it varies depending on the following parameters:

  • Recognition of the previous qualification
  • Specialization areas
  • Percentage or grade attained
  • Credit system
  • Marks obtained in the entrance examination
  • Particulars stated for every course

Therefore, an IGNOU graduate can apply for any regular master’s course if he meets all the eligibility criteria set by the university. The students must understand that the distance education mode selected for their graduation should not hamper their scope for regular postgraduate studies.

Important Steps After IGNOU Admission

Check Admission Confirmation

Make sure that your program code, regional center, Learner Support Center, and session are correct. An incorrect program code may disqualify the student from appearing for government job exams or postgraduate studies.

Save your Enrolment Number

You must remember that your enrolment number or the application number should be saved for future purposes. You would require this number while submitting your assignment, application form, results, transcripts, and other related queries.

Download IGNOU ID Card

Ensure that you save a copy of your ID card either in softcopy or hardcopy. You are advised to carry it along whenever you appear for examinations, counseling, and study center visits.

Go Through the Programme Guide

The programme guide offers students all the vital information regarding their program; therefore, it is better to go through the guide to understand the course details. The guide consists of information relating to the credit system, course structure, assignments, lab investigation, and other related aspects.

Get the Study Material

It is recommended to study through the study material provided by the university to gain a clear understanding of the courses. You can also access the general information regarding student services and other related aspects through the IGNOU galaxy.

Submit Assignments Regularly

Certain courses require students to submit regular assignments; therefore, it is recommended to go through the guidelines provided in the solved assignment. However, it is important to ensure that the assignment is completed by the student on their own. Moreover, the assignments should be submitted before the due date.

Keep Track of Deadlines

It is essential that students keep a track of all the following:

  • Assignment submission
  • Re-registration of the program
  • Submitting the examination form
  • Hall ticket arrival
  • Lab investigation
  • Declaration of results

Fill Up the Exam Form

Filling up the assignment form does not register a student for the Term-End Examination; therefore, it is essential that students fill up the exam form.

Complete Projects and Practicals

The students should complete projects, internships, and practical training if their program requires doing so as it is an integral part of the course.

While working on projects, you can take reference from the IGNOU Projects. However, you are advised to remember that the project guide as well as the university guidelines need to be followed.

How to Improve Job Opportunities after IGNOU

The following are the most effective ways through which one can improve the job opportunities after IGNOU graduation:

  • Enroll for a profession-oriented course
  • Learn technical skills for the relevant field
  • Enhance oral communication and writing skills
  • Complete projects, internships, or get hired as a freelancer
  • Create an impressive resume
  • Gain proficiency in common office applications
  • Prepare a portfolio for media and design specializations
  • Prepare for interviews and competitive examinations
  • Apply for jobs through private and government job portals
  • Further studies if required

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The following are the common mistakes made by the IGNOU students:

  • Assuming that a valid degree fetches a job
  • Getting admitted to a course without researching the eligibility criteria
  • Having poor technical skills and communication skills
  • Getting admitted to an unrecognized or discontinuous course
  • Assuming that every organization sets the same criteria for a job
  • Relying only on campus placements
  • Leaving assignments, projects, and practical training unanswered
  • Submitting false information in the resume
  • Applying for specialized jobs without acquiring the relevant certification
  • Assuming that distance learning is a substitute for gaining work experience

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an IGNOU degree valid in India?

Recognized degrees earned from IGNOU are valid in India.

2. Is an IGNOU degree valid for government jobs?

A degree earned from IGNOU is valid for government jobs if the student has completed the course from a recognized program.

3. Is an IGNOU degree acceptable by private companies?

Yes, most private companies accept degrees earned from recognized universities like IGNOU.

4. Can I apply for UPSC and SSC exams after completing my course from IGNOU?

Yes, if the eligibility criteria are met, one can apply for government exams like UPSC and SSC.

5. Does an IGNOU degree guarantee you a job?

An IGNOU degree does not guarantee a job, but if one has the required technical skills, the degree can give one an edge over the other applicants.

6. Can I pursue a regular master’s degree after IGNOU?

Yes, one can pursue a regular master’s degree if they fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the university.

7. Does IGNOU help students with placements?

There is a Campus Placement Cell that helps students with the placement-related queries and requirements.

8. Are all the programs at IGNOU helpful for securing a job?

No, it depends on the interest and specialization of the student.

9. Can working professionals benefit from IGNOU?

Yes, working professionals can pursue an open and distance learning degree from IGNOU.

10. What things should a student check before enrolling?

Before enrolling, it is important to ensure that the course is recognized and the eligibility criteria are fulfilled.

Conclusion

An IGNOU degree is valid for government jobs, private jobs, and higher studies if one has enrolled in a recognized program. Additionally, the fact that the course was pursued through the distance mode does not devalue the degree. However, the worth of an IGNOU degree mainly depends on the student and how wisely they have used the opportunities offered by the university. This implies that a student should not only gain theoretical knowledge but should also equip themselves with practical skills to secure a good job.