Internship or Field Work FAQs for IGNOU Students – Complete Guide

IGNOU offers a wide range of programs that include Internships, Field Work, or Practical Training as part of the curriculum — especially in disciplines like Social Work, Psychology, Education, Journalism, Tourism, and Nursing. While IGNOU provides basic guidelines, students often find themselves confused about procedures, documentation, deadlines, and reporting.

This article covers frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to IGNOU internships and field work, along with practical tips and answers that will help you complete this essential component smoothly.

🧠 What is the Difference Between Internship, Field Work, and Practical?

Term	Meaning	Examples
Internship	Structured, real-world experience related to your course	PGDDM, PGDJMC, BTS, etc.
Field Work	Observational or participatory learning in a social/real-world setting	MSW, MAPC, BSW
Practical	Lab-based or hands-on activities to apply theoretical learning	BSc, Psychology, Nursing

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 📝 Is Internship/Field Work Mandatory for All Programs?

No, only specific programs require internship or fieldwork components. Check your Programme Guide or IGNOU Prospectus to confirm.

Some examples of programs with mandatory field work:

BSW / MSW (Social Work)
MAPC (Psychology – Clinical/Field Practicum)
B.Ed / DELED (Teaching Practice)
PGDJMC / BAJMC (Media Internships)
PGDDM (Disaster Management – Fieldwork Report)
BTS / MTM (Tourism Field Project)

2. 🗓️ When Should I Start My Internship or Field Work?

Ideally, start after completing relevant theory papers, and when your Regional Centre or Study Centre provides instructions. Don’t begin without official guidance, especially for evaluated reports.

📌 For Psychology or MSW, wait until you are assigned a Field Work Supervisor or Guide.

3. 🏥 Who Approves My Internship/Field Placement?

Usually:

Regional Centre or Study Centre Coordinator
Sometimes, Programme Coordinator (for PG)
You may need to get a Consent Letter from the field agency (e.g., NGO, clinic, school)

✅ Always keep emails or signed consent letters as proof.

4. 📚 Where Can I Find Guidelines or Formats?

You can download:

Field Work Journals
Internship Handbook
Evaluation Forms
From:
👉 https://www.ignou.ac.in
Or from:
👉 https://egyankosh.ac.in

Search by course code: e.g., BSW-125 Journal, MPCE-25 Guidelines, etc.

5. 🧾 What Documents Do I Have to Submit After Completion?

Usually, you will be asked to submit:

Document	Description
Field Work Journal / Internship Report	Handwritten or typed record of your activities
Daily Log / Diary	Day-wise record of tasks done
Supervisor Evaluation Form	Filled and signed by field supervisor
Certificate of Completion	From the agency/organization
Viva Report (if applicable)	For some programs, you will be called for viva

💡 Always keep a scanned copy of everything you submit!

6. 📬 Where Should I Submit My Internship Report?

Hard Copy Submission: Often to the Study Centre
Soft Copy Submission: Some programs allow email or Google Drive uploads
Some courses now accept reports via assignment submission portals

📌 Confirm your course’s latest instructions from the Regional Centre website or WhatsApp groups.

7. 🧑‍🏫 Can I Do My Internship in My Hometown or Online?

Yes, in most cases, you can choose your own agency if it matches your course goals.
Online internships are allowed in some programs after COVID-19.
- Example: Tele-counseling in Psychology, Online teaching practice for B.Ed.

8. 🗓️ What’s the Deadline for Internship Submission?

IGNOU typically gives deadlines along with assignment schedules or during practical workshops.

But some common months are:

June Cycle: Submit by April–May
December Cycle: Submit by October–November

🛑 Late submissions may delay your result or block you from appearing in the term-end exam.

9. 🔍 How Do I Track the Evaluation Status of My Field Work?

Login to https://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/statusnew.asp
Check your Grade Card at https://gradecard.ignou.ac.in
Contact your Study Centre/Coordinator for viva or evaluation dates

10. 📩 Who Do I Contact for Help?

Concern	Whom to Contact
Not assigned a guide	Study Centre
Confusion in format	Programme Coordinator or RC
Delay in evaluation	Regional Centre via email
Viva dates	Study Centre or RC Noticeboard

Sample email format:

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CopyEdit

Subject: Request for Guidance on Field Work Submission – [Course Code]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am [Your Full Name], enrolled in [Programme Name], Enrollment No. [123456789].

Kindly guide me regarding the field work/internship requirements for [Course Code].

Thank you,

[Your Contact No.]

🎯 Tips to Excel in IGNOU Field Work or Internship

✅ Choose an agency relevant to your course
✅ Maintain a diary daily, not at the last minute
✅ Attend online workshops or orientation programs
✅ Get your report reviewed by your supervisor
✅ Keep 2 copies (one for you, one for IGNOU)
✅ Meet all deadlines to avoid marks being withheld

📘 Useful Links

IGNOU Internship Guidelines – Official
eGyanKosh – Project/Field Work Reports
IGNOU Grade Card

✍️ Final Thoughts

Internship and field work are not just academic requirements — they’re your opportunity to gain real-world experience and apply what you’ve studied. While IGNOU gives you freedom and flexibility, self-discipline and organization are key.

Stay connected with your Study Centre, Regional Centre, and fellow students via groups or forums to stay updated.

Internship or Field Work FAQs for IGNOU Students – Complete Guide