IGNOU Passing Marks: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the largest distance-learning universities in the world, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs. One of the most commonly asked questions among students is regarding the passing marks for IGNOU exams. Understanding the passing criteria helps students prepare better, evaluate their performance, and plan for assignments, term-end examinations, and practicals.
This article provides a detailed and comprehensive explanation of IGNOU passing marks for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, grading system, evaluation pattern, assignment weightage, term-end examinations, and important academic guidelines. The aim is to give students a complete reference on IGNOU passing marks so they can confidently approach their exams.
What Are IGNOU Passing Marks?
IGNOU follows a clear and structured evaluation system that includes term-end examinations, assignments, and practical examinations (for selected programs). Every student must secure minimum passing marks in both theory and assignment components to successfully complete the subject.
Here are the official IGNOU passing marks:
For Bachelor’s Degree (UG Programmes)
- Passing Marks out of 100: 35 marks
- Passing Marks out of 50: 18 marks
For Master’s Degree (PG Programmes)
- Passing Marks out of 100: 40 marks
- Passing Marks out of 50: 20 marks
If a student scores below the minimum passing marks in any component, they are required to reappear for the exam or resubmit the assignment as per IGNOU guidelines.
IGNOU Passing Marks Table for Theory (Term-End Exam)
| Programme Level | Maximum Marks | Minimum Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree (UG) | 100 | 35 |
| Bachelor’s Degree (UG) | 50 | 18 |
| Master’s Degree (PG) | 100 | 40 |
| Master’s Degree (PG) | 50 | 20 |
IGNOU Passing Marks for Assignments
Assignments are compulsory for almost all IGNOU programs. They carry 30 percent or 50 percent weightage depending on the course structure.
Minimum Passing Marks for Assignments
- For UG Assignments: 35 percent
- For PG Assignments: 40 percent
Assignments are evaluated separately from term-end examinations. Even if a student scores high in theory but fails in assignments, they will not pass the course.
IGNOU Evaluation System
IGNOU follows a weighted evaluation process consisting of:
- Assignments (Continuous Evaluation)
- Term-End Examinations (TEE)
- Practicals / Viva (if applicable)
Each component has a specific role in determining the final grade.
Assignment Weightage
- Most programmes: 30% of total marks
- Some programmes: 50%
Term-End Examination Weightage
- Usually 70% or 50% depending on the course.
How IGNOU Calculates Final Marks?
Final Marks = (Assignment Marks × Weightage) + (TEE Marks × Weightage)
Example for a course with 30% assignment and 70% exam:
If a student scores:
- 30/100 in assignment
- 60/100 in term-end exam
Then the calculation is:
- Assignment: 30 × 0.30 = 9
- Exam: 60 × 0.70 = 42
- Total = 51 marks
IGNOU Grade System Based on Percentage
IGNOU uses a letter-grade system for most of its programs.
| Percentage Range | Grade | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| 80% and Above | A | 5 |
| 60% – 79% | B | 4 |
| 50% – 59% | C | 3 |
| 40% – 49% | D | 2 |
| Below Passing Marks | E | 1 |
For bachelor’s programs, grades start from 35 percent, while for master’s programs passing starts from 40 percent.
IGNOU Passing Marks for Practical Exams
Some programs include practicals such as:
- BCA
- MCA
- BLIS
- MLIS
- BSc programs
- Various diploma and certificate courses
Minimum Passing Marks for Practicals
- Usually 40 percent for both UG and PG
- Some practical courses have 50 percent passing criteria
Student must pass both:
- Practical examination
- Practical assignment (if applicable)
IGNOU Passing Marks for Project Work
IGNOU project reports are evaluated out of 100 marks.
Passing marks:
- UG Projects: 35/100
- PG Projects: 40/100
If the project is rejected or failed, students must resubmit it as per IGNOU guidelines.
Important Links and Information
| Purpose | Link / Information |
|---|---|
| IGNOU Official Website | https://ignou.ac.in |
| Student Assignment Marks | https://isms.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/StatusAssignment.asp |
| IGNOU Percentage Calculator | https://www.ignoubank.com/ignou-percentage/ |
| IGNOU Exam Form | https://exam.ignou.ac.in |
| Re-Registration | https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in |
| Admission Portal | https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Assignment Question Papers | https://webservices.ignou.ac.in/assignments |
| Solved Assignments (External Resource) | https://www.ignoubank.com |
IGNOU Guidelines for Passing a Course
To successfully complete a course, students must:
- Submit all assignments before the deadline.
- Secure minimum passing marks in assignments.
- Appear for the term-end examination.
- Secure the required passing marks in theory exams.
- Complete practical exams and viva, where applicable.
- Complete project/fieldwork within the programme guidelines.
IGNOU does not combine assignment and theory marks for passing. Students must pass both components individually.
IGNOU Re-Evaluation of Answer Scripts
Students who feel their marks are not correctly evaluated can apply for re-evaluation.
Key Points:
- Apply within 30 days of result declaration.
- Fees per paper apply.
- Updated marks are uploaded online once evaluated.
Re-evaluation is available for all theory courses but not for assignment, practical, or project components.
IGNOU Supplementary or Back Exam Policy
If a student fails a course, they can reappear in the next TEE session.
There is no restriction on the number of attempts as long as the student’s admission validity is active.
IGNOU Assignment Submission and Passing Rules
- Assignments must be submitted at the study centre or online (if applicable).
- Handwritten assignments are mandatory.
- Each course has a unique set of assignment questions.
- Assignments carry significant weightage for final marks.
- Students must pass assignments even if they pass the term-end exam.
IGNOU Term-End Exam Passing Strategy
Students should follow these steps to improve their chances of passing:
- Prepare from IGNOU study material.
- Solve previous year question papers.
- Focus on block-wise chapter summaries.
- Attend counselling sessions if available.
- Manage time effectively during the exam.
Why IGNOU Passing Marks Are Lower Than Regular Universities
IGNOU is designed for:
- Working professionals
- Homemakers
- Senior citizens
- Students in remote locations
- Candidates preparing for multiple exams
Thus, the university provides student-friendly passing criteria while maintaining academic standards. The objective is to promote flexible learning and ensure educational accessibility.
FAQ about IGNOU Passing Marks
What are the passing marks in IGNOU out of 100?
For bachelor’s degree: 35 marks
For master’s degree: 40 marks
What are the passing marks in IGNOU out of 50?
For UG: 18 marks
For PG: 20 marks
What are IGNOU passing marks for assignments?
UG: 35 percent
PG: 40 percent
Do I need to pass both assignment and exam?
Yes. Students must pass both components separately.
What if I fail in an IGNOU assignment?
You need to resubmit the assignment in the next cycle.
What if I fail in term-end exams?
You can reappear in the next exam session.
Are IGNOU practical exams compulsory?
Yes, for programs where practicals are part of the curriculum.
Does IGNOU combine assignment and exam marks for passing?
No. You must independently pass both.
How long are IGNOU marks valid?
Marks remain valid as long as your program duration has not expired.
What percentage is needed to get a first division in IGNOU?
A minimum of 60 percent is required for first division.
Conclusion
Understanding IGNOU passing marks is essential for every student enrolled in the university. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s program, knowing the minimum marks required in theory, assignments, practicals, and projects helps you plan your preparation effectively. IGNOU offers flexible learning, but the evaluation system remains systematic and disciplined. Students must pass both assignment and exam components to complete their courses.
With clear passing criteria such as 35 out of 100 for UG and 40 out of 100 for PG, IGNOU ensures that learners achieve academic success while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Regular assignment submission, strategic preparation for term-end exams, and awareness of evaluation rules help students successfully complete their programs.
If you are preparing for IGNOU exams or tracking your progress, keep visiting your student portal, assignment status link, and exam updates regularly.
