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.
Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing program was the first programme to be offered by SOHS, launched in 1994 for in-service nurses on the request of Indian Nursing Council (INC). It was flagship professional programme delivered through ODL mode in the country. Programme Study centres are established in the Colleges inspected and approved by INC. Admission of candidates is through Common Entrance Examination aimed at merit based selection by region-wise Counselling. The programme has been revised twice i.e. 1st year 2005-07 & 2nd revision in 2021 to 2023. Integration with CCH programme is also done and implemented from year 2023 of first year.
The implementation of Post Graduate Diploma in Maternal & Child Health Programme (PGDMCH) in 1997 was a pioneering effort by IGNOU that created an implementation model of imparting clinical training through blended learning. It also integrated the training process in Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Community Medicine which are the corner stone for providing primary health care. The programme has been revised in 2003, 2008 and 2018.
To multi-skill the surgeons working in rural areas, IGNOU launched Certificate Programme in Rural Surgery (CRS) in 2001.
IGNOU provided competency in Geriatric Medicine through open and distance learning mode in the year 2004 when there was no precedence of training large number of MBBS doctors in this area. The programme has been revised and revised programme is on offer since January, 2022.
SOHS in collaboration with Dental Council of India (DCI) initiated innovative PG specialization in Oral Implantology (PGCOI) and endodontic in 2008.
To improve the provision of Cardiac Care in small towns & taluka level hospitals about 1700 M.B.B.S Doctors have been trained in Clinical Cardiology between 2006 to 2016.
IGNOU pioneered in training about a hundred of medical college faculty in IMNCI in 2003 when national level training was being planned by Health Ministry. Similarly, IGNOU trained about a hundred of Medical faculty in adolescent health in 2007 in collaboration with World Health Organsiation (WHO) when it was yet to be taken up by Health Ministry, Government of India.
IGNOU created a precedence at national level by designing and implementing an online programme of Post Graduate Diploma in Bio-ethics (PGDBE) Programme in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2011.
To meet the training man power need for Medical Officers of ART centre, IGNOU in collaboration with NACO developed and launched the Post Graduate Diploma in HIV Medicine (PGDHIVM) in 2011.
To meet the training man power need for start along dialysis unit across the Country, IGNOU in collaboration with DGHS, pioneered in starting a Post Doctoral Certificate in Dialysis Medicine(PDCDM) in 2011.
Certificate in Community Health (CCH) programme developed in collaboration with Ministry of H&FW, GOI, was launched in 2017 with the objective to provide comprehensive primary health care at Grass Roots level by trained manpower as CHOs. IGNOU is contributing towards strengthening of health care as envisaged in Ayushman Bharat under NHM. Candidates are sponsored through states NHM and ensure 100% placement of the successful candidates at Health & Wellness centres. Awarded Best Certificate programme in 36th IGNOU Foundation Day on 19th November 2021. More than 40,857 students have enrolled in programme till July, 2024.
Diplomat of National Board recognized and allowed learners of IGNOU completing one year Post Graduate Diploma in Maternal & Child Health (PGDMCH) & Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital & Health Management (PGDHHM) to provide lateral entry for its relevant courses.
To scale up the implementation of biomedical waste management rules (2016) across the Country, Ministry has identified IGNOU to train the nodal officers & quality assurance officers of all States, through its Certificate in Health Care Waste Management (CHCWM) Programme. State of Delhi, Gujarat, Odisha have also sponsored their candidates for the programme. WHO Maldives also invited IGNOU to train its Masters trainers in Health Care Waste Management and supervised the cascade training in the Atolls in 2024. The programme was awarded the Best Certificate Programme in 38th IGNOU Foundation on 19th November, 2023.
To create national preparedness for medical management of CBRNE disaster, IGNOU pioneered in designing the (PGCMDM) programme in collaboration with INMAS, DRDO in 2019. DGAFMS, CAPF, NDRF, BSF, ESIC Reliance, DGHS, and Hospital under DGHS sponsored candidates for this programme.
Subsequently various Degree/diploma and certificate programmes were developed and are being offered to in-service nurses like Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, Diploma in Nursing Administration, Certificate in Newborn & Infant Nursing, Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing. Few certificate programmes have also been developed for the general public, .i.e. Certificate in Home Based Health Care, Certificate in First Aid programme and Certificate Programme in Yoga (CPY). Certificate in Adolescent Health and counseling was re-launched in 2021 for school teachers and graduates. SOHS has played a pioneering role in launching Ph.D (Nursing) in 2009. School of Health Sciences has also contributed by developing training material for Patient Safety & Infection Control for DGHS.
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
School Board Members of SOCIS
Sl. No.
Name
Designation
Photo
1.
Prof. Sandeep Singh Rawat
Director, SOCIS
IGNOU, New Delhi
E-mail: ssrawat@ignou.ac.in
Phone: 011-29572901
Chairperson Under Clause 2(a) of Statute 10 (A)
2.
Prof. Zahid Raza,
School of Computer and System Sciences,
Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi - 110067
Email: zahidraza@mail.jnu.ac.in
External Member Under Clause 2(e) of Statute 10 (A)
External Member Under Clause 2(e) of Statute 10 (A)
4.
Dr. H. Ravi Sankar
Principal Scientist & OIC (Computer Applications & IT),
ICAR-CTRI,
Rajahmundry - 533105
Email: hravi.sankar@icar.gov.in
External Member Under Clause 2(e) of Statute 10 (A)
5.
Prof. A.K.Mohapatra,
Professor & Head,
Department of Information Technology,
Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women,
Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110006
Email: akmohapatra@igdtuw.ac.in
External Member Under Clause 2(e) of Statute 10 (A)
6.
Prof. Amit Prakash Singh,
University School of Information,
Communication and Technology,
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University,
Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110078
Email: amit@ipu.ac.in
External Member Under Clause 2(e) of Statute 10 (A)
7.
Prof. P.V. Suresh
SOCIS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: pvsuresh@ignou.ac.in
Phone:011-29572906
Professor Ex-officio
8.
Prof. V.V. Subrahmanayam
SOCIS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: vvsubarhmanyam@ignou.ac.in
Phone:011-29572909
Professor Ex-officio
9.
Prof. Divakar Yadav,
SOCIS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: divakaryadav@ignou.ac.in
Phone:011-29572913
Professor Ex-officio
10.
Prof. Akshay Kumar
SOCIS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: akshay@ignou.ac.in
Phone: 011-29572914
Professor Ex-officio
11.
Prof. M.P. Mishra
SOCIS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: mpmishra@ignou.ac.in
Phone:011-29572908
Professor Ex-officio
12.
Dr. Sudhansh Sharma
SOCIS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: sudhansh@ignou.ac.in
Phone:011-29572903
Associate Professor Under Clause 2(c) of Statute 10 (A)
13.
Prof. Kamalika Banerjee
SOS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: kamalika@ignou.ac.in
Professor Under Clause 2(d) of Statute 10 (A)
14.
Prof. Kaustuva Barik
SOSS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: kbarik@ignou.ac.in
Professor Under Clause 2(d) of Statute 10 (A)
15.
Dr. Chitresh Soni
SOTST, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: chitreshsoni@ignou.ac.in
Assistant Professor Under Clause 2(d) of Statute 10 (A)
16.
Dr. Ashok Kumar
SOSS, IGNOU, New Delhi
Email: ashokkr@ignou.ac.in
Assistant Professor Under Clause 2(d) of Statute 10 (A)
Dr Dharmveer Singh is an Assistant Professor of Urdu at the School of Humanities in Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. He belong from western U.P. He started his basic education from his native village. He did his graduation from Choudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. His did his Master in Urdu from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has accomplished his doctorate in Urdu under the leadership and supervision of Prof. Mazhar Mehdi Hussain, Centre of Indian Languages (CIL) School of Languages, Literature and Culture Studies (SLL&CS), JNU, New Delhi. His area of specialization is comparative literature study and contemporary Urdu literature. His three books entitled “Urdu Hindi k Muntakhib Dalit Afsane”, “Jadeed Urdu Nazam Mein Hindustani Anasir”, “Urdu Hindi Shayeri Mein Hindusatani Anasir Ka Taqabuli Mutala”, are published. His different research papers published in various reputed Journals and Magazines. He presented more than ten research papers in National and International Seminars/Conferences and participated in workshops. Prior to joining IGNOU, he was working in Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi with 03 (Three Year) Teaching experience.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Akshay Kumar is a Professor at the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS), IGNOU, New Delhi. 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 a faculty member in the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS), IGNOU since 1988, and he has over 37 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, Machine Learning and Data Analysis. He has focused in the last few years on research issues in Machine Learning, Multi-Objective Optimisation, Data Analysis and Big Data Analytics.
He is presently the coordinator of the online Bachelor of Computer Applications programme of IGNOU. He was the Programme Coordinator for PhD in Computer Science, 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.
At IGNOU, he has contributed to curriculum design, course design, courseware development, instructional design, course writing and editing of course materials for various programmes. He has also delivered a large number of 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 50 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 PhD students of various schools of IGNOU in the area of Data Analysis.
Dr. M.P. Mishra is currently working as a Professor in the School of Computer and Information Sciences(SOCIS), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, India. He has more than 23 years of experience in teaching and academic research. He has acquired B.Sc.(Hons) in Computer Science in 1996 & M.Sc.(Computer Science ) in 1998, from Banaras Hindu University, 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 an Assistant Professor in IMT Ghaziabad for one year before joining IGNOU in January 2004. He is a Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) and Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD). He received the best research paper award in the Science and Technology category in November 2020 from IGNOU. He was Awarded the University Silver Medal for Best Research Paper in April 2013 by IGNOU. Under his programme coordinatorship, the BCA (Online Mode) programme offered by SOCIS was awarded the best Online Programme in 2024 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.
