At 75, IGNOU learner scripts a world record in social work, earns recognition for early NSS contribution
IGNOU Learner Scripts a World Record in Social Work
Learning, it appears, has no age limit. Mr. Krishan Kumar Gupta, one of the oldest learners associated with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), has turned his pursuit of education into an inspiring milestone, completing a Master’s Degree Programme in Social Work from IGNOU’s School of Social Work at the age of 74.
His recent achievement was subsequently recognised through a Certificate of Excellence for the world record and global recognition for his dedication towards learning & successfully completing his Master’s Degree in Social Work. He has been honoured with a World Record for being the ‘Oldest to Pursue Masters Programme in Social Work’, issued in his name by the Golden Book of World Records (GBWR).
The record places his academic accomplishment among the distinctive learner achievements associated with IGNOU and underlines the university’s role in making higher education accessible across age groups.
Mr. Gupta’s association with Social Service, however, predates his IGNOU journey by several decades. His contribution to the formative years of the National Service Scheme (NSS) has now received official recognition from the Government of India.
Aged 75, Mr. Krishan Kumar Gupta is recently honoured by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Department of Youth Affairs (NSS Section), as ‘One of the First Volunteers involved in the Foundation of the National Service Scheme (NSS)’ in India.
The Ministry has recognised his early involvement and selfless contribution in social service activities during the foundational phase of NSS from 1967-69 at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi.
The distinction is significant, documenting Gupta’s participation in the formative period of a national programme that has since engaged generations of young people in community service.
For IGNOU, Mr. Gupta’s journey represents more than an individual academic achievement. It reflects the university’s distinctive open and inclusive approach to higher education, where learners can return to formal education at stages of life when conventional academic pathways may no longer be available to them.
His accomplishment also brings together two enduring themes, education and social service, that have shaped his public life.
Mr. Krishan Kumar Gupta has expressed his gratitude to the Indira Gandhi National Open University for providing him the opportunity to pursue higher education and said he feels honoured to be counted among the university’s distinguished alumni.
IGNOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Uma Kanjilal, congratulated Mr. Krishan Kumar Gupta on his remarkable journey towards earning global recognition for pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at an advanced age, and also on being acknowledged for his pioneering contribution to the formative years of the NSS.
Praising Mr. Gupta’s dedication and efforts, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor mentioned that he is a source of immense pride for IGNOU and his achievements exemplify the enduring spirit of learning, service and perseverance, and stand as an inspiration to learners across generations.
His story offers a compelling reminder that education need not be confined to the conventional years of youth. For an institution built around the principle of widening access to learning, the achievement of a septuagenarian learner on the world-record platform is also a reflection of IGNOU’s larger educational philosophy, that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age.
Public Information Unit (PIU),
Indira Gandhi National Open University,
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi - 110068.
Extension of last date of Submission of Examination Form for December 2026 TEE
The last date for submission of the Examination Form for the December 2026 Term-End Examination (TEE) has been extended.
Students are advised to take note of the revised last date and submit their Examination Form within the stipulated time.
The detailed notification regarding the extension of the last date is available below for information and necessary action.
IGNOU Vice-Chancellor invited as Special Guest of Honour at Sainya Kaushal Divas
Media Release
IGNOU Vice-Chancellor invited as Special Guest of Honour at Sainya Kaushal Divas
The Indian Army held its first-ever ‘Sainya Kaushal Divas’ to commemorate the successful rollout of ‘Project Kaushalveer’, a skilling and certification initiative aimed at equipping Agniveers and regular soldiers with industry-recognised skills while providing opportunities for educational advancement. IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uma Kanjilal was invited as the Special Guest of Honour at the event.
The event was chaired by Lt Gen Vipul Shinghal, AVSM, SM, DCOAS (IS & T), and co-chaired by Lt Gen Ajay Ramdev, SM, DGIT, and Maj Gen Tamojeet Biswas, ADG AE, with senior officers, including ADGs/Brig from the Line Dtes, in attendance. Prof. Akhilesh Mishra, Chairman, NIOS, was also invited as a Special Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kanjilal appreciated the Indian Army’s efforts in implementing Project Kaushalveer, particularly its focus on recognising and certifying the vocational and professional competencies acquired by Armed Forces personnel and Agniveers through military training. She described the partnership between the Indian Army and IGNOU as an important step towards advancing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Prof. Kanjilal also highlighted the 50:50 credit-sharing framework of IGNOU’s Agniveer Bachelor’s Degree Programme, under which competencies acquired through military service are integrated with formal higher education. She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to enabling Agniveers to pursue higher education alongside their service and to acquire qualifications and skills that can support their transition to further education, employment or entrepreneurship. IGNOU, currently, offers the Bachelor of Arts (Applied Skills), Bachelor of Science (Applied Skills) and Bachelor of Commerce (Applied Skills), along with specialised programmes in Tourism Management and MSME for Agniveers. Designed with flexibility in mind, these programmes enable personnel to pursue higher education without disrupting their military responsibilities.
The Vice-Chancellor further outlined the role of Recognised Regional Centres (RRCs), which function as single-window systems within military commands, coordinating academic activities and facilitating access to higher education. Through these centres, serving soldiers and Agniveers can pursue skill-integrated degree programmes while continuing their service. The growing participation in IGNOU’s Agniveer programmes reflects the expanding reach of the Army–IGNOU educational partnership. According to the data presented, fresh admissions across the admission cycles from July 2023 to July 2026 stood at 17,802, while re-registration accounted for 12,855 applications. The figures indicate sustained engagement of Agniveers with formal higher education through the University.
The initiative brings together skill recognition, formal academic qualifications and workplace learning, creating an educational pathway that enables Agniveers and serving personnel to build on their military experience. The collaboration between the Indian Army and IGNOU, thus, continues to strengthen opportunities for higher education and skill development, both during military service and beyond it. Prof. Jaideep Sharma, Registrar, SED; Dr. G. Mythili, Registrar, SRD; and Dr. Ranjita Panda, Additional Director, RSD, were among the IGNOU officials who attended the event.
Public Information Unit (PIU)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi - 110068
Downloading of Admit Card for the candidates of Ph.D Entrance Test (July, 2026 Session)
The IGNOU has released the Admit Card on 25.09.2026 for candidates scheduled to appear in IGNOU Ph.D Entrance Test July 2026 Session on 11.10.2026. The candidates are requested to download their Admit Card for Ph.D Entrance Test (July 2026 Session) from the website by clicking on the https://ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in by using their login credentials. The link is sent to all candidates scheduled to appear in IGNOU Entrance Test to their email id also.
IGNOU Turns Campus Waste into Art During 'Swachhta Pakhwara
Media Release
IGNOU Turns Campus Waste into Art During 'Swachhta Pakhwara'
The School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPVA), in association with General Administration and Construction and Maintenance Division (CMD) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) organised a Sculpture Art Workshop using waste materials from 16 to 23 September 2026 as part of ‘Swachhta Pakhwara 2026’. The initiative brought together cleanliness, creativity and environmental consciousness by transforming discarded materials from the IGNOU campus into distinctive works of art.
The workshop reflected SOPVA’s innovative approach to the ‘Swachhta Campaign’ and ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’, demonstrating how materials considered waste can be creatively repurposed into aesthetically engaging and meaningful artworks. The initiative not only promoted a cleaner campus but also encouraged a broader understanding of sustainability by giving discarded objects a new artistic and functional identity. The artworks created during the workshop have been installed at different locations on the IGNOU campus, adding a creative dimension to the university’s public spaces.
On the concluding day, IGNOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Uma Kanjilal along with esteemed guests Prof. Sushma Yadav, Prof. Ashok Sharma and Prof. Rattan Lal felicitated and acknowledged the contributions of the participating installation artists. Appreciating the initiative, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor recognized the workshop as a creative expression of the spirit of ‘Swachhta Pakhwara’ and the importance of developing sustainable practices through art and innovation.
The workshop was organised under the guidance of Prof. Lakshaman Prasad, Director, SOPVA, with valuable contributions from SOPVA faculty members Dr. Mallika Banerjee and Dr. Seema Johari, Ph.D. scholars Mr. Kapil, Mr. Deepak, Mr. Tusar Verma and Mr. Jitendra Kumar (MADP), and SOPVA staff members Mr. Chandan and Mr. Amit Thapa.
Artists who participated in the workshop included Dr. Mithun Kumar Dutta, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; Mr. Jitendra Nayak, Mumbai; Mr. Goutam Pramanik, Kolkata; Mr. Avanish Kumar Varma, Varanasi; and Mr. Jitendra Prajapati and Mr. Anil Kumar, Delhi. Working with discarded and unused materials collected from the campus, the artists created a range of sculptures and installations that demonstrate the creative possibilities inherent in everyday waste.
The initiative stands out as a noteworthy effort by SOPVA to make the message of cleanliness more visible and engaging through artistic expression. By turning scrap into art, the workshop successfully connected environmental responsibility with creativity and demonstrated that a cleanliness drive can extend beyond maintaining physical spaces to fostering a culture of reuse, imagination and sustainable living.
Public Information Unit (PIU)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi - 110068
Campus Placement Drive in collaboration with RC-Jaipur for IGNOU Learners & Alumni
Greetings from the Campus Placement Cell (CPC), IGNOU.
The Campus Placement Cell (CPC), IGNOU, in collaboration with
IGNOU Regional Centre Jaipur, is organizing an upcoming
Campus Placement Drive for IGNOU Learners & Alumni.
Campus Placement Drive in collaboration with RC Karnal for IGNOU Learners & Alumni
Greetings from the Campus Placement Cell (CPC), IGNOU.
The Campus Placement Cell (CPC), IGNOU, in collaboration with
IGNOU Regional Centre Karnal, is organizing an upcoming
Campus Placement Drive for IGNOU Learners & Alumni.
Campus Placement Drive in collaboration with RC Varanasi for IGNOU Learners & Alumni
The Campus Placement Cell (CPC), IGNOU, is organizing an upcoming
Campus Placement Drive for IGNOU Learners & Alumni
in collaboration with RC Varanasi.
Details of the Placement Drive:
Date: 25th September 2026 (Friday)
Time: 09:00 AM
Mode: Face-to-Face (Physical Mode)
Venue: Handicraft Service Centre, Hastkala Sankul, Bada Lalpur, Varanasi - 221002
Interested IGNOU Learners & Alumni are requested to participate in the placement drive.
Campus Placement Drive for IGNOU Learners & Alumni
The Campus Placement Cell (CPC), IGNOU is organizing a
Campus Placement Drive for IGNOU students and alumni in
collaboration with Bajaj Capital Insurance Broking Limited.
The placement drive offers exciting career opportunities in the areas of
Insurance & Financial Services.
Interview Details
Date
23 September 2026 (Wednesday)
Timing
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Mode
Face-to-Face Interview
Venue
Bajaj Capital Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd.
Pillar No. 766, Metro Station
B6 – Rama Park Corporate Tower, 3rd Floor
Opposite Dwarka Mor Metro Station
Dwarka Mor, New Delhi, Delhi – 110059
Job Locations
Malviya Nagar, Nirmal Vihar & Dwarka Mor
Positions Available
Tele Sales Executive
Connect with prospects, present financial solutions and drive sales over calls.
Sales (Branch Sales) Marketing Executive
Engage with walk-in clients, understand their needs and offer the right financial solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Engage with clients and understand their financial planning needs.
Present and recommend appropriate financial products.
Assist clients in documentation and ensure smooth processing.
Maintain long-term relationships, including post-sales service and claim support.
Cross-sell and upsell other financial products.
Who Can Apply?
Graduates or final-year students from any stream.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Self-motivated with a willingness to learn.
Passionate about building a career in financial services.
Selection Process
The selection process will comprise the following stages:
AI Screening
Aptitude Test
HR Interview
Business Manager Round
Onboarding
Note: Only candidates who clear all stages of the selection
process will proceed to onboarding.
Compensation
Internship (Trainee): Minimum 4 months with a stipend of up to
₹12,000 per month (fixed) along with attractive incentives.
Post Internship: Candidates may be offered an on-roll position
based on performance, with a salary of ₹25,000 gross per month.
Why Join Bajaj Capital?
Part of a 60-year legacy in financial services.
Presence across 150+ offices and 70+ cities.
Opportunity to learn, grow and build a successful career.
Opportunity to be part of a people-first organization.
Documents to Carry
Updated Resume
Valid Photo ID Proof
IGNOU ID
All Educational Documents
10th / 12th Certificates
For Registration:
Scan the QR Code provided in the placement flyer to register for the drive.
The Campus Placement Cell (CPC), IGNOU is organizing a
Pre-Placement Talk for IGNOU Learners & Alumni to provide
insights into career opportunities in the
Insurance & Financial Services sector.
Programme Details
Date
25 September 2026 (Friday)
Time
3:30 PM onwards
Mode
Online – Microsoft Teams
Organized By
Campus Placement Cell (CPC), IGNOU
Expert Session
Mr. Raghuraj Singh Balot
Manager – Campus & Leadership Hiring, Bajaj Life
Key Highlights
Industry Insights
Career Opportunities
Interview Preparation
Live Interaction
Who Can Attend?
All IGNOU Regional Centre (RC) Students across India are invited
to attend the session.
Microsoft Teams Details
Meeting ID
422 122 481 355 666
Passcode
xY6Yh7fz
Participants may join the session through Microsoft Teams using
the Meeting ID and Passcode provided above. The QR code given in the flyer may
also be scanned to join the session.
Submission of Project/Internship/Practical course fee for term-end examination (TEE). December 2026
All eligible learners enrolled in IGNOU's ODL and Online Programmes are hereby informed
that the online submission of fees for Project, Internship, and Practical Courses for the
Term-End Examination (TEE), December 2026 has commenced.
The last date for submission of the Project/Internship/Practical Course fee is
30 November 2026. No fee will be accepted after the stipulated deadline.
Learners are advised to submit the prescribed fee only through their respective
IGNOU Samarth Portal login accounts on the IGNOU Samarth Portal.
They should ensure that they are eligible for the courses for which they are submitting
the fee and fulfil all prescribed eligibility requirements, including valid registration
and completion of the minimum period of study, wherever applicable.
It is advised to submit the fee well in advance of the last date to avoid any
last-minute inconvenience.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Maidan Garhi, New Delhi,
invites online applications from eligible candidates for appointment to
the teaching posts of Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor
on direct recruitment basis in various Schools of Studies.
Foreign Languages – 01 (UR) Specialization:
Arabic/French/Russian/Spanish
Foreign Languages – 01 (SC), 01 (UR) Specialization:
Arabic/French/Russian/Spanish
-
13
School of Translation Studies and Training
Translation Studies and Training – 01 (OBC)
-
-
14
School of Performing and Visual Arts
-
-
Visual Arts (Painting) – 01 (OBC)
Important Information
The advertisement also includes backlog vacancies of SC, ST and OBC
categories advertised in previous years.
Reservation benefits for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD categories shall be
applicable as per Government of India rules and norms.
Applicants seeking reservation benefits must upload the necessary
documents supporting their category claim.
OBC (NCL) certificate must be issued for the current financial year
2026-27, i.e. between 01.04.2026 and the last date of receipt of
online applications, and must be valid for Union of India/Central
Government jobs.
The minimum eligibility conditions shall be as per UGC Regulations,
2018 and subsequent amendments, along with the norms of concerned
regulatory bodies wherever applicable.
The cut-off date for determining eligibility conditions shall be
the last date of receipt of online applications.
Applicants who had earlier applied against unfilled teaching
positions under Advertisement No. 02/2022/ACD and
Advertisement No. 02/2023/ACD are required to apply afresh with
updated information. They are exempted from payment of application
fee subject to submission of proof of earlier fee payment.
Eligibility Requirements
Professor
An eminent scholar having a Ph.D. Degree in the concerned/allied/
relevant discipline.
Published work of high quality and active engagement in research.
Minimum 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed
journals.
Total research score of 120 as per the prescribed UGC criteria.
Minimum 10 years of teaching experience in University/College as
Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor and/or research
experience at an equivalent level at the University/National level
institutions.
Evidence of having successfully guided doctoral candidates.
An alternative eligibility route is provided for outstanding
professionals having a Ph.D. degree in the relevant/allied/applied
disciplines, significant contribution to knowledge and ten years'
experience, supported by documentary evidence.
Specific eligibility conditions apply to Health Science and Nursing
disciplines as prescribed in the detailed eligibility document.
Associate Professor
A good academic record with a Ph.D. Degree in the
concerned/allied/relevant discipline.
Master's degree with at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade.
Minimum eight years of teaching and/or research experience in an
academic/research position equivalent to Assistant Professor.
Minimum seven publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals.
Total research score of 75 as per the prescribed UGC criteria.
Specific eligibility conditions apply to Health Science and Nursing
disciplines as prescribed in the detailed eligibility document.
Assistant Professor
Master's degree with minimum 55% marks or an equivalent grade in
the concerned/relevant/allied subject.
The candidate must have cleared the UGC/CSIR National Eligibility
Test (NET), or possess a qualifying Ph.D. as per the applicable
UGC regulations and amendments.
NET shall not be required for Master's programmes/disciplines for
which NET is not conducted by UGC/CSIR.
Candidates with Ph.D. degrees covered under the applicable UGC
provisions may be exempted from the NET requirement.
Specific eligibility conditions apply to Health Science and other
disciplines as prescribed in the detailed eligibility document.
Other Eligibility Conditions
A minimum of 55% marks, or otherwise specified, at the Master's
level shall be the essential qualification for direct recruitment
of teachers and equivalent cadres.
Relaxation in marks shall be applicable as prescribed under the
applicable regulations.
Reservation for SC, ST, EWS, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and PwBD
categories shall be applicable as per UGC/Central Government norms.
Applicants claiming reservation benefits must upload valid
supporting certificates in the prescribed format.
The time taken by candidates to acquire M.Phil. and/or Ph.D. shall
not be considered as teaching/research experience, subject to the
provisions specified in the detailed eligibility document.
Mere possession of the prescribed qualifications and experience
does not necessarily entitle an applicant to be called for
interview. Applications shall be screened and shortlisted as per
the prescribed criteria.
The University reserves the right to amend or modify eligibility
conditions, number of posts or selection criteria. Any
corrigendum/addendum shall be published on the University website.
Director, Academic Coordination Division
Indira Gandhi National Open University
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068
Note:
Applicants are advised to regularly visit the official IGNOU website
for updates, addendum/corrigendum and other information relating to
the recruitment process.
Extension of the last date of Re-registration for July, 2026 session
The Competent Authority has approved the extension of the last date of submission of Online Re-registration form for July, 2026 session till 30th September, 2026 with the late fee of Rs. 200/- for all programmes offered in ODL and Online mode.
Extension of last date for July, 2026 Fresh Admission
The Competent Authority has approved the extension of the last date for July, 2026 Fresh Admission till 30th September, 2026 in respect of all notified programmes offered in ODL and Online mode except for Semester based and Certificate Programme.
IGNOU Launches Innovative ‘One-Year MA in Development Studies’ for FYUP Graduates for July 2026 Session
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced the
One-Year MA in Development Studies (MADVSOY)
for the July 2026 academic session.
About the Programme
The programme is offered by the
School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS)
and is designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills
for professionals working in development, policy and social change.
Who Can Apply?
Graduates of Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP)
Professional 4-year or 5-year Agriculture/Allied graduates
4-year B.Tech or B.E. graduates from any branch
Programme Structure
Semester 1 – 20 Credits
Introduction to Development and Development Theories