IGNOU Notable Alumni - Successful People who have Inspired Generations of Students
IGNOU Notable Alumni - Distance and open learning have become synonymous with IGNOU in our country. This open university gives admission to a humungous number of students from across India each year. IGNOU was established in 1985 and quickly gained popularity in and out of India for its distance learning programmes. Over the years, it has also taught some names that have failed to stay hidden from the world. In this article, we will take a look at some notable IGNOU alumni from across fields like entertainment, public administration, media, etc. Read on for more on IGNOU and its alumni.
IGNOU: Highlights
Before getting into the list of its alumni, let us take a look at some highlights about the people's university here.
| Particulars |
Highlights |
|---|---|
| Establishment year | Ownership |
1985 | Government |
| Also known as |
IGNOU, IGNOU University |
| Number of schools |
21 |
| Number of regional centres |
67 |
| Number of learner support centres |
2,667 |
| Number of courses offered |
200+ |
| Type of scholarships offered |
Category-based, Need-based |
| Faculty members |
800+ |
| Mode of study | Application mode |
Distance | Online |
| Official website |
ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU Courses
Some of the popular streams in which various IGNOU courses are offered include:
| Streams at IGNOU |
|
|---|---|
| Engineering |
Management |
| Medicine |
Law |
| Hospitality |
IT & Software |
| Mass Communication |
Science |
| Teaching |
Fine Arts |
Notable Alumni of IGNOU
While IGNOU has been catering to the educational aspirations of students for over 30 years, it is a general belief among students that the university is apt only for those who are academically weak or non-serious about their careers. The self-guided approach to higher education may be the reason behind this misconception. However, it is far from the truth. IGNOU has provided quality distance education and its alumni are proof of the same. Here is a list of some notable IGNOU alumni.
Keshvendra Kumar:
Keshvendra Kumar is an IAS Officer who belongs to the state of Bihar. After completing his schooling from Sitamarhi, Keshvendra enrolled in a Hindi (Hons) course at IGNOU. Along with Hindi (Hons), Keshvendra also pursued a railways vocational course to support his family financially. After completing the course from IGNOU, Keshvendra took the UPSC Civil Services Exam and cracked it in first attempt.
Q: Is MBA available at IGNOU?
Yes, IGNOU also offers a two-year MBA programme in General, Banking & Finance, Financial Management, HRM, Marketing Management and Operations Management specialisations. Up until past years, i.e., 2021, IGNOU MBA admission was subject to valid scores obtained by the students in the IGNOU OPENMAT exam. However, for 2023 admission, OPENMAT was not conducted for the January and July sessions. Admission is now being granted on a merit-basis. The programme is offered with English as a medium of instruction and applications for the same can be submitted online on the official website.
Q: Is MSc available in IGNOU?
Yes, the Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a two-year MSc course at the postgraduate level. The PG-level course is offered across different specialisations, including Environmental Science, Food Nutrition, etc. IGNOU MSc admission is granted on a merit-basis. Hence, the aspirants performance in the bachelor's degree course is considered for selection. The minimum eligibility criteria for admission is a valid UG degree with required aggregate as per the chosen specialisation. Eligible candidates can apply through the IGNOU official website.
Q: Is IGNOU good for BCA?
IGNOU - Is It Good for BCA?
Based on the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Helpful teachers with knowledge of industry trends
* Flexible schedule allows students to balance work and studies
* Affordable fees and recognised degree
* Opportunities to learn new skills and technologies
* Good reputation among employers
Cons:
* Limited placement assistance and no direct placements
* Students must actively seek internships and job opportunities
* Curriculum may not be tailored to specific industries
* Limited infrastructure and resources in some study centers
Overall, IGNOU is a good option for BCA students looking for flexibility and affordability. While it may not offer direct placements, students who are proactive in seeking out internships and job opportunities can still benefit from the program. With helpful teachers and a recognised degree, IGNOU can provide students with a solid foundation for their careers.
Note: These points summarize the general consensus from various students and alumni, but individual experiences may vary.
Kumar Ravikant Singh:
Having a similar story as Keshvendra, Kumar Ravikant Singh is also an IAS Officer from Bihar. The lad secured admission at IGNOU after clearing Class 12th and also took up a job simultaneously. Thereafter, Kumar took as well as cracked the Civil Services Exam.
Himanshu Kumar:
Himanshu Kumar, an IAS Officer again, is the third student ever of IGNOU to crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Himanshu had enrolled in an MA Public Administration course at the university. Hailing from Champaran district in Bihar, Himanshu has completed his graduation in Journalism from Delhi University.
Karthik Gurunathan Iyer:
Karthik Gurunathan Iyer completed his graduation in Science stream from Fergusson College, Pune University. Thereafter, Karthik secured admission in the Masters in Political Science programme at IGNOU and started preparing for the Civil Services Exam simultaneously. He cracked the Civil Services Exam in a single attempt and wished to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Q: Is M.A. at IGNOU a good choice?
Placement and Salary Package
* Around 20-50% of students get placements from campus, with salaries ranging from INR3.5 LPA to INR10 LPA
* the highest salary package offered is INR25 LPA, and the average salary package offered is INR6 LPA
* Top recruiting companies include Tech Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Amazon, Flipkart, and Wipro
* Internships are also available, with around 20% of students getting internships
Teaching Quality and Curriculum
* Faculty members are knowledgeable, qualified, and helpful
* Teaching quality is average, with some faculty members being more experienced and effective than others
* Course curriculum is relevant, but may require updating to make students industry-ready
* Assignments and projects are an essential part of the course, helping students prepare for exams
Infrastructure and Facilities
* IGNOU has a good infrastructure, with well-equipped buildings and facilities
* Regional centers have varying levels of infrastructure, with some being better equipped than others
* No hostel facilities are available on campus, but students can seek accommodation elsewhere
Other Insights
* IGNOU is a good option for those who cannot attend regular college due to work or other commitments
* Students who pursue M.A. in IGNOU typically already work in some organisation and choose distance learning to complete their education
* While placements are not guaranteed, IGNOU provides guidance and resources to help students find employment
Overall, M.A. at IGNOU can be a good choice for those who prioritize flexibility and convenience over traditional college experiences. While placement rates and salary packages may vary, IGNOU provides a solid foundation in the subject area and helps students develop valuable skills and knowledge.
Q: Is IGNOU good for B.A.?
Hello!
IGNOU is one of the most well known and trusted open colleges. Here is a list of the benefits and disadvantages of pursuing a BA degree from IGNOU:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Affordable: Many students mention that IGNOU is an affordable option for pursuing a Bachelor's degree. | Limited infrastructure: Some students feel that the infrastructure at IGNOU is limited, especially in comparison to traditional universities. |
| Flexibility: With online courses and weekend classes, IGNOU offers flexibility to balance studies with work or personal responsibilities. | Limited interaction: Since it's an open university, students miss out on interacting with peers and experiencing campus life. |
| Good Faculty: Several students praise the teaching quality of IGNOU's professors, citing their knowledge and willingness to help. | Teaching styles: A few students express dissatisfaction with certain teachers' teaching styles, finding them unhelpful or unclear. |
| Relevant curriculum: The course curriculum is considered relevant to the industry, making students industry-ready. | Exam difficulties: Seminars and exams can be challenging, and some students struggle to pass. |
IGNOU can be a good choice for those seeking a flexible and affordable way to complete their Bachelor's degree. A student has to carefully decide if they want to pursue their degree from a reguar college or from IGNOU.
Q: Is IGNOU good for PG Diploma?
Based on the feedback from students and alumni, here's what can be said about IGNOU for PG Diploma:
* Teaching Quality: Some students felt that the teachers were helpful, knowledgeable, and cooperative, while others mentioned that they weren't perfect in their subject area and focused mainly on completing the syllabus within a short timeframe.
* Infrastructure: The infrastructure varies depending on the study center allocated to students. Some students praised the cleanliness and maintenance of the classrooms, while others reported that the facilities were average or lacking.
* Placement: IGNOU is an open university, and students shouldn't expect direct campus placements. Instead, the university facilitates job opportunities through messaging and emailing potential employers. While some students received job offers, the numbers seem to vary.
* Study Material and Assignments: The curriculum is reportedly challenging, with difficult assignments, but this prepares students for industry demands. Online resources and support are available, but students need to be proactive in seeking help.
* Career Prospects: With a PG Diploma from IGNOU, graduates can pursue careers in accounting, finance, business, and more. Salaries typically range from INR2 Lacs to INR5 Lacs per annum, depending on the role and organization.
* Advantages: IGNOU caters to working professionals and those with busy schedules, providing flexibility through online and offline modes of instruction. The university's vast network of study centers and collaborations with organizations facilitate job prospects.
In conclusion, while IGNOU has its strengths and weaknesses, it seems to offer a viable option for students seeking a PG Diploma in Commerce-related fields. By being aware of the university's limitations and focusing on developing industry-ready skills, students can maximize their chances of success after graduating.
Here's a summary of key takeaways:
* Focus on developing industry-ready skills through challenging coursework and assignments
* Leverage online resources and support for academic and professional growth
* Network with peers and professors to expand career opportunities
* Utilize the university's vast network of study centers and partnerships with organizations
* Prioritize flexibility and adaptability, given the online and offline nature of the program
Q: Is it worth doing an MBA from IGNOU?
Q: How is IGNOU to pursue MBA?
Deepika Padukone:
Deepika Padukone is one of the highest-paid actresses in the Indian film industry. Born in Denmark and brought up in Bangalore, Deepika enrolled in the BA Sociology programme at IGNOU after completing her schooling. However, the actress later quit the course due to her emerging career in modelling. Another actress who has studied at IGNOU is Celina Jaitley.
Sudipta Chakraborty:
Sudipta Chakraborty is an Indian actress who usually works for Bengali cinema. Hailing from the city of Kolkata, Bengal, Sudipta has completed her graduation in English from IGNOU post which she went ahead to build a career in films.
General Deepak Kapoor:
General Deepak Kapoor was the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army from 2007 – 2010. The General has completed his master’s degree in Business Administration from IGNOU.
Ashok Khemka:
Ashok Khemka is another popular IGNOU alumni who is a notable economist, computer scientist and IAS Officer in the state of Haryana. The officer possesses an MA in Economics degree from IGNOU.
Reema Debnath:
Reema Debnath is an Indian actress who is known for her supporting roles in films like Bodyguard and PK. Born and brought up in Agartala, Tripura, Reema has completed her graduation from Calcutta University. Apart from this, the actress has also pursued courses in Modern Office Management and Computing from IGNOU.
Biswatosh Sengupta:
Biswatosh Sengupta is one of the most highly qualified alumni of IGNOU and is an Indian academic. Among the various degrees that he possesses, Biswatosh has completed his PG Diploma in Creative Writing in English, Diploma in Computer in Office Management, and MCA from IGNOU.
Lipin Raj:
Fighting all the odds of an eye injury, financial crisis and other family issues, Lipin Raj cracked the prestigious Civil Services Exam to become an IAS Officer. The lad completed his graduation from Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvavanthapuram and post-graduation in MA History from IGNOU.
This was our list of top IGNOU alumni. As evident above, pursuing a course from Indira Gandhi National Open University only adds more shine to one’s career.
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Aayushi is a BAJMC graduate and an ardent consumer of content with a keen passion for film, TV and books. She specialises in Mass Communication and Humanities related exams, entrances and courses.
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