The School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, is a prominent academic division dedicated to advancing education and research in the rapidly evolving fields of computer science and information technology. Established in the year 1991 as part of IGNOU's commitment to democratizing education, SOCIS aims to provide high-quality, accessible, and cost-effective programs for learners across diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Key Features:
Academic Excellence:
SOCIS offers a variety of programs ranging from certificate to doctoral levels, designed to meet the needs of learners, working professionals, and researchers. The courses emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical applications in computer science.
Innovative Curriculum:
Programs are regularly updated to reflect the latest advancements in technology, covering areas like data science, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and more.
Flexible Learning:
True to IGNOU’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) model, SOCIS provides flexible study options, enabling learners to learn at their own pace while balancing personal and professional commitments.
Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees (BCA, MCA in both ODL and Online modes)
Postgraduate Diploma (Computer Applications) (PGDCA_NEW in ODL mode)
Doctoral Research Programs (Ph.D. in regular mode)
Certificate in Information Technology (CIT in both ODL and Online modes)
Certificate in Mobile Application Development (CMAD in ODL mode)
State-of-the-Art Resources:
SOCIS integrates multimedia learning materials, online resources, virtual labs, and ICT-based teaching methodologies to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
Global Reach:
With its learner-centric approach, SOCIS attracts learners not only from India but also from abroad, making it a globally recognized center for computer science education.
Through its dynamic and adaptive approach, the School of Computer and Information Sciences at IGNOU plays a vital role in shaping future-ready professionals and addressing the growing demand for skilled IT professionals worldwide.
To increase both accessibility and acceptability of IGNOU Computer Education Programmes in a coordinated way, ensuring high quality education at various academic levels through well-designed curriculum tuned to the challenging needs of the software industry and academia;
To disseminate knowledge through an innovative multiple media teaching/learning system.
To follow a multiple entry and multiple exit model for moving though a set of modular courses for a student to achieve her/his goals.
To keep a balance between fundamental concepts, core areas of computer science and specialized skills required while designing curriculum in response to the needs of the market.
To conduct quality research in the emerging areas of Computer Science; and
To provide specific need based computer education and training opportunities for continuous professional development and skill up-gradation to in-service professionals.
The School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has been a trailblazer in delivering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programs in computer science and information technology. Its journey reflects IGNOU's mission to make quality education accessible to all, regardless of geographical, financial, or social barriers.
Historical Development of ODL and Online Programs by SOCIS:
Establishment and the Early Adoption of ODL:
Recognizing the increasing demand for IT skills, SOCIS introduced its flagship Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and Master of Computer Applications (MCA) programs in the early 1990s. These were designed specifically for ODL, offering flexibility and modularity.
The curriculum integrated printed study materials, audio-visual resources, and in-person counseling sessions, catering to the unique requirements of distance learners.
Expansion of Programmes
As the IT sector in India expanded, SOCIS updated its offerings, introducing Postgraduate Diplomas (in Computer Applications) and certificate programmes in Information technology and Multimedia Applications to target professionals seeking specialized skills.
The school started incorporating television broadcasts (via Gyan Darshan), and radio programs (via Gyan Vani) to reach learners in remote areas.
The development of regional centers and study centers allowed learners to access practical and technical sessions locally, bridging the gap between theoretical and applied learning.
Introduction of Online Learning:
Online platform was introduced, allowing learners to access lectures, discussions, and resources remotely.
Development of Fully Online Programs:
In response to advancements in technology and the increasing popularity of online education, SOCIS began transitioning its traditional ODL model to incorporate online components.
By the late 2020s, SOCIS launched fully online programs, leveraging IGNOU's growing digital infrastructure.
Programmes like Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees (BCA, MCA) and certifications in Information Technology were adapted for online delivery, ensuring that learners could acquire cutting-edge skills.
SOCIS collaborated with national initiatives like the SWAYAM platform to deliver Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), further expanding its reach.
Programmes feature learning management systems (LMS) to mimic a traditional classroom experience.
Impact and Achievements:
SOCIS has educated many learners through its ODL and online programs, empowering individuals from underserved and remote areas.
It has significantly contributed to building a skilled workforce for India's IT industry and beyond.
SOCIS remains a leader in integrating modern technologies into the ODL framework, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing educational landscape.
Through its history, SOCIS has exemplified IGNOU’s vision of combining education, technology, and accessibility to democratize learning and equip learners with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
Dear Learners, Faculty, and Esteemed Stakeholders,
Welcome to the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. In this age of digital transformation, the role of computer and information sciences has become pivotal in driving societal progress. Our programmes, spanning certificates to doctoral levels, are designed to impart not only technical proficiency but also critical problem-solving skills, ethical responsibility, and adaptability—qualities essential for success in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are meticulously designed to provide a strong foundation in core concepts while equipping students with the practical skills required to thrive in the dynamic world of IT and computing.
At SOCIS, we are deeply committed to the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) philosophy. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, digital learning platforms, and student-centric pedagogy, we ensure that learners from diverse backgrounds, including those in remote and underserved regions, have equal opportunities to excel. In line with IGNOU's mission, we emphasize flexibility, affordability, and inclusivity in our academic offerings. Whether you are a working professional seeking to upgrade your skills, a student exploring career opportunities in IT, or an enthusiast keen to delve into emerging technologies, SOCIS provides tailored pathways to meet our goals.
The world is experiencing unprecedented digital transformation, and disciplines like artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and cybersecurity are shaping the future. Our faculty members, with their rich academic and industry expertise, are dedicated to providing quality education and mentorship. Moreover, our extensive network of regional centers ensures that learners have access to academic and support services, regardless of their location.
We also emphasize building industry connections and fostering practical exposure through projects, hips, and collaborations. This holistic approach empowers our learners to become future-ready professionals who can contribute meaningfully to India's technological advancement and global IT leadership.
Together, let us work toward building a future where technology empowers individuals, transforms industries, and contributes to sustainable development.
Best wishes for your academic and professional endeavors.
Warm regards,
Prof. Sandeep Singh Rawat
Director
School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS)
IGNOU, New Delhi
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Staff Details
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Prof. Sandeep Singh Rawat
Additional Designation:
Director, SOCIS
Designation:
Professor
Specialization:
Computer Science
Academic Level:
14
Joining:
2022-09-13
Phone No:
011-29572901
Email Id:
ssrawat@ignou.ac.in
Brief Profile:
Prof. Sandeep Singh Rawat is an experienced researcher and consultant with proven leadership abilities in areas of Knowledge Extraction, Information System & Machine Learning, Database, Information Retrieval, Data Warehousing, Big Data and Groups Decision Support Systems.
Throughout his tenure as an educator, he had the privilege of instructing both graduate and undergraduate students in a wide spectrum of core subjects within the realm of Computer Engineering and Information Technology. Parallel to his extensive teaching background, he has also established a notable research trajectory, extending from India to his international work at Iowa State University, USA. His primary research focus revolves around the domains of Data Mining and Big Data Analytics.
Dr. Sandeep obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from National Institute of Technology, Surat (formerly REC, Surat), his Masters from Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee and doctorate degree from University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Dr. Sandeep was a Research Scholar and Visiting Professor at Iowa State University, USA (2016 to 2018).
Dr. Sandeep holds membership in several committees at IGNOU, which encompass the Coordination Committee for Online Courses (CCOC), the committee for promoting and supporting Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Startups in the University-IGNOU-IIC 6.0 (2023-2024), the Committee responsible for preparing, uploading, and evaluating bids via GeM for the disposal of outdated IT Infrastructure (e-waste), the Committee tasked with finalizing technical specifications for enhancing Campus Networking and fortifying the Campus Surveillance System, and the Committee dedicated to formulating a Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) for IGNOU. He is a member of the School Board for various schools of IGNOU and Board of Studies member (2023-2025) at UOU, Haldwani, Uttrakhand.
Dr. Sandeep is a Senior Member of IEEE and Life Members of Indian Society for Technical Education & Computer Society India and served as Co-Editors of the prestigious Springer AISC (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing)and LNNS (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems) series. He is reviewer and technical committee member for many National / International conferences. He has published/presented high-quality research papers in International, National Journals and proceedings of International Conferences.
His hobbies include listening to Music, Playing Harmonica, Singing and he is a Hodophile.
Prof.P.Venkata Suresh joined School of Computer and Information Sciences, IGNOU in 1997. He was Director of School of Computer and Information Sciences for two terms (2015-2018, 2021-2024). He is also member of stuatory bodies and other Committees of IGNOU (Academic Council, School Board etc.) as well as other Institutions. He was also principal investigator of IGNOU-COL (Commonwealth of Learning) project through which OER based courses in the areas of Mobile architecture , and iOS were developed.He developed the first portal for IGNOU . He was member of Joint Coordination Committees with Nokia and Ericcson. He played active role in the implementation of MOU with Nokia wherein multilingual SMS support was provided to students of English Language Programme. He also took the initiative of implementation of SMS Alerts Service at IGNOU which connected its millions of students with IGNOU Headquarters at New Delhi and Regional Centers across the Country. He also took the initiative of first LIVE webcast of IGNOU Convocation in collaboration with NIC. He published papers in SCOPUS indexed International Journals as well as presented papers in International Conferences. He was associated with Universities in India and abroad. He was also associated with AICTE and other bodies. He was also trained in eLearning technologies for 6 weeks in University of Colombo which was mostly sponsored by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). He also acted as resource person for topics in eLearning, Data Mining , Machine learning apart from other areas in ICT. He is also Course Coordinator of MOOC titled “Web based Technologies and Multimedia Applications” on SWAYAM. Till date , a total of more than 20000 students enrolled to it. His research papers attracted travel grants. He presented research papers in Conferences in India and abroad. He also made academic visits to China, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Malaysia , United Kingdom. He visited Cambridge and Oxford Universities as part of his tour in UK. He guided Doctoral research in areas of Software Engineering. Currently, he is guiding Doctoral Research in Data Mining, Machine Learning and Cloud Computing.
Attachments:
Designation: Professor Specialization:Computer Science Academic Level:14 Joining: 1997-01-09 011-29572906, pvsuresh@ignou.ac.in
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Prof. V.V. Subrahmanyam
Designation:
Professor
Specialization:
Computer Science
Academic Level:
14
Joining:
1998-08-05
Phone No:
011-29572909
Email Id:
vvsubrahmanyam@ignou.ac.in
Brief Profile:
Dr. V. V. Subrahmanyam is a Professor in Computer Science and was former Director, School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS), IGNOU, New Delhi(May 2018 – May 2021) & Former Director, Centre for Online Education (COE), IGNOU, New Delhi (May 2021 – Jan 2022) . He was Former Member, Board of Management, IGNOU (May 2020 – May 2021), Research Council Standing Committee and Institution’s Innovation Council. Currently, he is member of Academic Council, IGNOU. He was nominated as Editorial Board Member for American Journal of Computer Science and Technology He was nominated as Member, Asian Council of Science Editors from Sept, 2023 onwards. He has published 2 Patents. In 2018, he was conferred with the IRDP Award for “Teaching and Research Excellence”. He has been offering a SWAYAM Course titled Database and Content Organization since 2017 and also Subject Matter Expert for four more MOOCs offered on SWAYAM. He has over 26+ years of teaching and research experience. He has 61 publications in International Journals, proceedings of International / National conferences and Chapters in Books. Three scholars were awarded PhD (Computer Science) under his supervision and guiding some more students. He is a LIFE MEMBER of ISTE, Computer Society of India (CSI) and ICEIT. He is reviewer and technical committee member for many National / International conferences. He is resource person for many FDP’s, webinars, training programmes, seminars and workshops. He was Co-PI to EdRP project under the ageis of NMEICT, MHRD, Govt of India. He was Channel Coordinator for Channel-19 SWAYAMPRABHA from 2020 to 2021. He has visited Vietnam and Hongkong for presenting papers in the International Conferences. He is Reviewer for many Research Journals like InderScience(IJAISC), IJOL, DESIDOC(DRDO Journal), Taylor & Francis Group, Thomson Reuters, ALIS of CSIR etc.. His area of interests includes Cloud Computing, Data Warehousing and Deep Learning.
Attachments:
Designation: Professor Specialization:Computer Science Academic Level:14 Joining: 1998-08-05 011-29572909, vvsubrahmanyam@ignou.ac.in
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Prof. Divakar Yadav
Designation:
Professor
Specialization:
Computer Science
Academic Level:
14
Joining:
2022-09-27
Phone No:
011-29572913
Email Id:
divakaryadav@ignou.ac.in
Brief Profile:
Dr Divakar Yadav has been working as a Professor at the School of Computer and Information Science, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, from Sept 2022. Before joining IGNOU, he worked as Associate Professor & Head, Department of Computer Science& Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur (HP), as Associate Professor at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur (UP) and as Asst. Professor/Assoc. Professor at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida (UP). He has more than 24 Years of teaching and research experience. He did his PDF from the University of Carlos-III, Madrid (Spain) in 2011-12, PhD (CSE) in 2010, M.Tech. (IT) from IIIT Allahabad in 2005 and B.Tech.(CSE) from IET Lucknow in 1999. He supervised 10 PhD theses,31 M.Tech. Dissertations and published more than 150 research articles in international journals and conference proceedings of repute. He visited United Kingdom and Austria for presenting research papers. He delivered large number of Keynote speeches, Invited lectures, Expert talks and worked as resource person in many International conferences, Workshops, Faculty Development Programmes and Short Term Courses (STCs). He also organized many International Conferences such as IC3 (2008 to 2016), UPCON-2018 and FDPs/STCs/Workshops. He is reviewer of many reputed and indexed journals of Elsevier, Springer, IEEE etc. publications. He was Programme Cordinator of BCAOL and currently coordinating MCAOL Programme of IGNOU. He has been part of various committees and selection boards of different Universities/Institutions. He delivered many live teleconferencing and radio counselling programmes of IGNOU since he joined the University in 2022. He is a senior member of IEEE and ACM; his research areas include Machine learning, Deep learning, Information retrieval, soft computing, etc.
Attachments:
Designation: Professor Specialization:Computer Science Academic Level:14 Joining: 2022-09-27 011-29572913, divakaryadav@ignou.ac.in
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Dr. Akshay Kumar
Designation:
Associate Professor
Specialization:
Computer Science
Academic Level:
13A
Joining:
1988-12-05
Phone No:
011-29572914
Email Id:
akshay@ignou.ac.in
Brief Profile:
"Dr Akshay Kumar is an Associate Professor at the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS), IGNOU, New Delhi since 1st January 2006. He received his PhD in Computer and Systems Sciences from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, Master of Technology (M.Tech.) (Computer Science) from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) (Chemical Engineering) from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee). He is faculty in the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS), IGNOU since 1988 and he has over 30 years of research and teaching experience.
His main research interests are in the areas of Database Management Systems, Big Data Analytics, Data Warehousing and Data Mining and Data Analysis. He has focused in the last few years on research issues in Data Analysis and Big Data Analytics.
He is presently PhD coordinator of PhD in Computer Science at SOCIS, IGNOU. He was the Programme Coordinator for Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Advanced Diploma in Information Technology (ADIT) and Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) from time to time for a one-year duration. He was also the programme coordinator of the revised MCA programme in 2004-2006 with Dr V. V, Subrahmanyam; and most recently coordinated the revision of 2 years, AICTE approved MCA programme from August 2020 to August 2022. He has been associated with live teleconferencing and radio counselling programmes of IGNOU since their inception. He was a resource person / Presenter for More than 30 Interactive Radio Sessions held from time to time on Computer Science related topics for MCA/BCA and CIT. He has presented more than 30 Video/Teleconferencing/EDUSAT/video programmes from EMPC Studios for MCA/BCA/BIT/ADIT/ CIT/CIC programmes of SOCIS, IGNOU. He is a resource person for many training programmes, seminars and workshops. He has delivered many invited talks at various Universities and Institutes and also delivered many lectures to M.Phil and PhD students of various schools of IGNOU in the area Data Analysis using SPSS. He is widely involved in course design, courseware development, instructional design, course writing and editing of course materials for various programmes.
Dr. M.P.Mishra is currently working as Associate Professor in School of Computer and Information Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi India. He has more than 20 years of experience in teaching and academic research. He has acquired B.Sc.(Hons) in Computer Science in 1996 & M.Sc.(Computer Science ) in1998 from Banaras Hindu University, and and M.Tech( Computer Science and Technology) in 2003 & Ph.D. in Computer Science and Technology in 2021 from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has worked as Assistant Professor in IMT Ghaziabad for one year before joining IGNOU in January 2004. He is Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) and Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD). He received best research paper award in Science and technology category in November 2020 by IGNOU. He was Awarded University Silver Medal for Best Research Paper in April 2013 by IGNOU.
Dr. Sudhansh Sharma is a student of multiple disciplines viz. Computer Science, Physics, & Operation Research. His academic credentials involve following PhD (Physics), M.Sc.(Physics), M.Tech. (Computer Science), MBA(Operation Research).
He has got one and a More than a dozen of Publications in various National and International Journals/Conferences. He is the Technical Reviewer of various Journals and Conferences of National and International repute.
He tried to express his understanding of interrelation between Base sciences and Computer science through his Book “Modeling Of Novel MOSFET Devices – Basics, Concepts, Methods ” published by Lambert Academic Publishing(Germany), and Contributed to an edited Book titled “E-Commerce and Online Banking”, as an editor, published by Manakin Press, India.
He has delivered invited talks in various Workshops, Refresher and Orientation programmes. Dr. Sudhansh Sharma has also Organized two Work Shops in IGNOU-SOCIS, on MATLAB for Research Scholars, in association with Mathworks India.
He is also coordinated various courses of and Ph.D. (Computer Science) – PHDCS, Masters of Computer Applications (MCA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) , Certificate in Mobile Application Development (CMAD) and Certificate of Technology (CIT) programmes offered by IGNOU.
He launched PGDCA_NEW, which is the revised version of Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications PGDCA. Currently Coordinating the PGDCA_NEW programme, along with PGDCA.
He has more than 25 years of experience, His experience includes both, industrial and Academic Domains. He has been associated with various Industries like Shri Ram Institute for Industrial Research, E-value Serve Pvt. Ltd as a Researcher; and he served as an Teacher to various academic institutions/Colleges of University Of Delhi, UP Technical University etc.; currently he is serving as Assistant Professor in the School Of Computers and Information Sciences – IGNOU, since 2012.
One student is awarded PhD (Computer Science) under his supervision and he guiding some more students.
His research interests include Modelling of Solid-State Devices, Computer Graphics, Digital Image Processing, Pattern Recognition, Machine Learning; and Deep Learning.
