Difference Between IGNOU Study Centre, Exam Centre & Regional Centre

In IGNOU, these three terms refer to different administrative and academic functions. Understanding the difference is important before taking admission.

1. Study Centre

– Where you get help to study

A Study Centre is the place where IGNOU provides academic services to students.

Think of the Study Centre as a tuition or coaching centre for IGNOU students.

What happens here?

• Teachers explain subjects (counselling classes)
• You can ask doubts
• Practical classes are held (if your course has practicals)
• Sometimes assignments are submitted here

Example:
👉 You are doing BA / BCOM / MBA and you don’t understand a subject.
You go to your Study Centre to attend counselling or ask questions.

📌 Simple line:
Study Centre = Learning + Guidance

Main functions:

• Academic counselling (classes/guidance)
• Assignment submission (offline, if applicable)
• Practical classes (for practical-based courses)
• Project guidance
• Library facility (at some centres)

Key points:

• You may need to visit the study centre occasionally
• Not all courses have regular classes
• One study centre is allotted after admission

2. Exam Centre

– Where you give exams

An Exam Centre is the location where IGNOU conducts Term-End Examinations (TEE).

An Exam Centre is just like your school exam hall.

What happens here?

• You only come to write exams
• No classes
• No enquiry or problem solving

Example:
👉 Your IGNOU exam is in June or December.
You go to the Exam Centre, write the paper, and come back.

📌 Simple line:
Exam Centre = Only exams

Main functions:

• Written theory exams
• Practical exams (in some cases)
• No counselling or administrative work

Key points:

• Exam centre is allotted separately for each exam session
• It may or may not be the same as your study centre
• You can choose exam centre preference while filling exam form

3. Regional Centre

– IGNOU office for problems & paperwork

A Regional Centre (RC) is the main administrative office of IGNOU in a region.

A Regional Centre is like the main IGNOU office of your state.

What happens here?

• Admission problems
• Name / date of birth correction
• Marksheet or degree issues
• Study centre change
• Re-registration or course issues

Example:
👉 Your admission is confirmed but marksheet is not received.
You contact your Regional Centre.

📌 Simple line:
Regional Centre = Office for complaints & official work

Main functions:

• Admission-related issues
• Re-registration & program change
• Degree, marksheet & certificate issues
• Study centre allocation/change
• General grievances & official communication

Key points:

• Each student is attached to one Regional Centre
• RC controls multiple study centres
• You usually contact RC for serious or official problems

Quick Comparison Table

📌 Simple way to remember:

• Study Centre → Study & guidance
• Exam Centre → Write exams
• Regional Centre → Solve problems

🧠 Very Easy Comparison (Real Life Example)

Think like this: