IGNOU Written Assignments: 10 Practical Ways to Score 90+ Marks
For many IGNOU students, assignments feel simple in the beginning, but the real pressure starts when the submission date comes closer. The good news is that scoring well in IGNOU written assignments is not only about writing long answers. It is about writing the right answer, in the right format, with neat presentation and a complete understanding of the question.
Why IGNOU Written Assignments Are More Important Than Students Think
IGNOU assignments are not just a submission formality. They carry internal marks, and these marks are added to the final result. A student may perform well in the term-end examination, but if the assignment marks are low, the final percentage can still be affected.
The biggest problem is that many students start writing assignments without understanding what the evaluator actually expects. They think that filling pages is enough. In reality, a good IGNOU assignment should be clear, complete, well-arranged, and easy to check. The evaluator should be able to understand your answer without struggling through messy handwriting, missing points, or confusing paragraphs.
A high-scoring assignment usually has three qualities: it answers the exact question asked, it is written in a neat and readable manner, and it presents the answer in a structured way. When these three things come together, the assignment naturally looks more serious and more scoring.
Why Many IGNOU Assignments Get Average Marks
Before learning how to score better, it is important to understand why many assignments fail to impress the evaluator. The difference between an average assignment and a high-scoring assignment is usually visible from the first few pages itself.
1. Answers Are Written Without Structure
Many students write one long paragraph for the whole answer. This makes the answer look heavy and difficult to read. A structured answer with headings and short paragraphs always looks better.
2. The Question Demand Is Ignored
If the question says “discuss”, “analyse”, “compare”, or “explain with examples”, the answer should follow that demand. Writing only a definition is not enough.
3. Presentation Looks Rushed
Untidy handwriting, no margin, excessive cutting, wrong numbering, and poor spacing can reduce the overall impression of the assignment.
4. Examples Are Missing
Examples show that the student has understood the topic. Without examples, even a correct answer may look plain and bookish.
10 Practical Ways to Score 90+ Marks in IGNOU Written Assignments
1. Follow the Official IGNOU Assignment Format Carefully
The first step is very basic, but many students still ignore it. Your assignment should be written on A4 size paper, preferably ruled sheets, with proper margins on the left side. The pages should be arranged properly, and the answers should be written according to the question sequence.
When the assignment follows the expected format, it immediately looks serious and organised. A badly arranged assignment gives the impression that it was prepared in a hurry. Even before reading the content, the evaluator forms an opinion from the presentation.
2. Make the Front Page Clean and Complete
The front page is the first thing the study centre and evaluator will see. It should clearly mention your name, enrollment number, programme code, course code, assignment code, study centre code, regional centre, mobile number, and session.
A missing or incomplete front page can create unnecessary confusion. Many students write good answers but make mistakes in basic details like course code or enrollment number. These small errors should be avoided because they can affect processing and evaluation.
3. Keep Handwriting Neat and Consistent
In written assignments, handwriting matters because it directly affects readability. Your handwriting does not have to be artistic, but it should be clean and easy to read. Use the same pen throughout the assignment and avoid changing ink colour again and again.
Do not overwrite too much. If a mistake happens, cut it neatly with a single line and continue. Too much cutting or correction fluid makes the page look untidy. Good spacing between lines and paragraphs also makes the assignment easier to check.
4. Write Every Long Answer in Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Format
A high-scoring answer should not look like random information copied from somewhere. It should have a proper beginning, middle, and ending. Start with a short introduction that explains the topic. Then write the main points in the body using headings or subheadings. Finally, end with a short conclusion.
For example, if the question is about the importance of communication in management, first define communication, then explain its importance through different points, then add an example, and finally conclude why communication is essential for organisational success.
5. Do Not Copy Directly from IGNOU Study Material
IGNOU study material is useful and should be used as a base, but direct copy-paste is not the best method. When many students copy the same lines, the answer becomes common and mechanical. A better method is to understand the topic and then write it in simple language.
This does not mean you should avoid the study material. You should use it wisely. Take the main concepts from the Self Learning Material, but explain them in your own words. Add examples wherever possible. This makes the answer look more natural and original.
6. Write According to the Marks of the Question
Every answer should match the marks allotted to the question. A 5-mark answer should be short and direct. A 10-mark answer should have moderate explanation. A 20-mark answer should be detailed, structured, and supported with examples.
Many students make the mistake of writing too little for long questions and too much for short questions. This creates imbalance. The evaluator expects depth according to the marks, so your answer length should reflect the importance of the question.
| Marks | How the Answer Should Look | Best Writing Method |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Marks | Short, clear, and direct | Definition + key points + small example |
| 10 Marks | Moderately explained answer | Introduction + explanation + example + conclusion |
| 20 Marks | Detailed and properly structured answer | Headings + explanation + examples + critical points + conclusion |
7. Add Diagrams, Tables, and Flowcharts Wherever Suitable
Diagrams and flowcharts are not only useful for science or technical subjects. They can also improve answers in subjects like management, education, economics, public administration, sociology, environmental studies, and social work.
A simple flowchart can explain a process more clearly than a long paragraph. A small table can make comparisons easier to understand. When used properly, these visual elements show that the student has understood the concept and can present it clearly.
8. Use Relevant Examples to Make the Answer Stronger
Examples make an answer feel more complete. If the question is about rural development, you can mention a government scheme or a local village-level example. If the question is about marketing, you can use a brand example. If the question is about environment, you can refer to pollution, climate change, waste management, or conservation.
The example does not have to be very complex. It should simply connect the theory with real life. This helps the evaluator see that the student has not just memorised the content but has understood its practical meaning.
9. Complete and Submit the Assignment Before the Last Date
Last-minute writing is one of the biggest reasons for poor assignment quality. When students write in a hurry, handwriting becomes poor, answers become incomplete, and mistakes increase. It is always better to complete the assignment at least 10 to 15 days before the deadline.
After submission, keep a photocopy or scanned PDF of the assignment. Also, collect the submission receipt from the study centre. This receipt is important because it acts as proof that you submitted the assignment on time.
10. Review the Assignment Before Final Submission
Before binding or submitting the assignment, check everything once. See whether all questions are answered, question numbers are correct, pages are in order, and the front page is properly filled. Also check whether any answer is too short or incomplete.
This final checking may take only a few minutes, but it can save you from silly mistakes. A clean, complete, and properly checked assignment always creates a better impression than a rushed one.
What Makes a 90+ Marks Assignment Different from an Average Assignment?
The difference is not always in the number of pages. A student can write many pages and still score average marks if the answer is not relevant. On the other hand, a properly written answer with correct points, examples, and clean presentation can score much better.
| Average Assignment | High-Scoring Assignment |
|---|---|
| Answers are written in long blocks without headings | Answers are divided into introduction, headings, examples, and conclusion |
| Content is copied directly from study material | Content is written in simple language with original explanation |
| No diagrams, tables, or flowcharts are used | Diagrams and tables are used wherever they improve clarity |
| Some parts of the question are ignored | Every part of the question is answered properly |
| Presentation looks rushed and untidy | Pages look clean, readable, and well-arranged |
Need Properly Written IGNOU Assignments?
If you are short on time or confused about format, make sure your assignments are complete, well-structured, neatly written, and ready for submission before the deadline.
IGNOU Written Assignment Checklist Before Submission
Before submitting your assignment, go through this simple checklist. It will help you avoid common mistakes and make your assignment look more professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I score 90+ marks in IGNOU written assignments?
To score high marks, your assignment should be complete, neat, well-structured, and relevant to the question. Use headings, examples, diagrams, proper margins, and clear handwriting. Also, submit it before the last date.
Is handwriting important in IGNOU assignments?
Yes, handwriting is important because the assignment is manually checked. Neat handwriting makes the answer easier to read and improves the overall presentation.
Can I copy answers directly from IGNOU study material?
You can use IGNOU study material as a reference, but direct copying is not the best approach. It is better to understand the concept and write the answer in your own words with examples.
What should I write on the IGNOU assignment front page?
The front page should include your name, enrollment number, programme code, course code, assignment code, study centre code, regional centre, mobile number, and session.
When should I submit my IGNOU assignment?
It is safer to submit the assignment at least 10 to 15 days before the last date. This helps avoid last-minute rush, study centre issues, and courier delays.
Editor’s Note
At IGNOU Galaxy, we understand that many students struggle not because they are careless, but because they do not get clear guidance on how IGNOU assignments should actually be written. Our focus is on helping students prepare assignments that are clean, properly formatted, easy to read, and suitable for academic submission.
Disclaimer: IGNOU Galaxy is an independent academic support platform and is not officially affiliated with Indira Gandhi National Open University. Students should always verify official dates, rules, and submission guidelines from IGNOU or their respective study centre.