IGNOU Pass Marks & Grace Mark Rules: Complete Guide for Students
Understanding how marks are awarded in IGNOU can make a big difference in how you approach exams and assignments. One of the most asked questions among students is: “What are the pass marks in IGNOU?” and “Is there any grace mark rule?”
This guide will walk you through the pass mark criteria, assignment weightage, grace mark policies, and everything else you need to know to ensure you pass successfully in your program.
🎓 What Are the Pass Marks in IGNOU?
Pass marks in IGNOU depend on the level of your course — whether it’s a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Diploma/Certificate program.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Program Level | Assignment Pass Marks | Term-End Exam Pass Marks | Overall Pass Percentage |
| Bachelor’s (UG) | 30% | 35% | 40% (combined) |
| Master’s (PG) | 40% | 40% | 40% (combined) |
| Diploma/Cert. | 35–40% (varies by course) | 35–40% | 40% (combined) |
📌 Example (UG Program):
If your course is worth 100 marks:
- Assignments: 30/100 required to pass
- Term-End Exam: 35/100 required to pass
- Overall: You need to achieve at least 40 combined marks (weighted) to clear the subject
🧮 IGNOU Mark Distribution
IGNOU typically follows this weightage format:
- Assignments: 30% of total marks
- Term-End Exam (TEE): 70% of total marks
🧾 Example Calculation:
If your course has a 30:70 ratio:
| Component | Marks Scored | Weightage | Weighted Marks |
| Assignment | 50/100 | 30% | 15 |
| TEE | 60/100 | 70% | 42 |
| Total | – | – | 57/100 ✅ Passed |
🛡️ Grace Mark Rules in IGNOU
Yes, IGNOU has a grace marks policy, but it is applied under strict conditions and is not guaranteed.
🔹 General Grace Rule (Theory Papers Only)
- IGNOU may grant up to 5 marks to help a student pass one subject if they:
- Have passed all other subjects.
- Need just a few marks (≤ 5) in one paper to complete the program.
💡 This is usually applied during the final semester/year at the discretion of the evaluation department.
🔹 Grace Mark Rule for Improvement Exams
- Grace is not granted if you are appearing for improvement or re-evaluation.
- If your score is exactly at the pass boundary, you’re considered passed without grace.
⚠️ Important Points to Remember
- Grace marks are not visible on the marksheet — the final marks are shown as if earned normally.
- No grace is given for assignments — you must secure the minimum required (30% or 40%).
- No grace in practical exams — especially in programs like BCA, MCA, or PGDCA.
- You must submit all assignments before appearing in TEE.
❌ What Happens If You Fail?
If you fail either component (assignment or TEE):
- Failed in Assignment: Resubmit the assignment in the next session.
- Failed in TEE: You can reappear in the next term (June or December).
- Failed despite grace eligibility: If more than 5 marks are short, you must reappear.
📅 TEE Schedule & Result Declaration
- Exams are held in June and December.
- Results are usually declared within 45 days.
- Grade Cards and marksheets reflect your performance only after assignment and TEE are both cleared.
🧠 Pro Tips to Ensure You Pass
- ✍️ Write and submit all assignments on time.
- 🕐 Prepare early for TEE using previous year papers and most probable questions.
- 📚 Use IGNOU study material to structure your answers.
- 🔎 Check your marks and grade card online for any discrepancy.
📞 Whom to Contact for Grace Mark Queries?
- Email: ssc@ignou.ac.in (Student Service Centre)
- iGRAM Portal: http://igram.ignou.ac.in
- Regional Center: Contact for program-specific concerns
🎯 Final Words
While IGNOU’s pass marks and grace rules are relatively student-friendly, they demand sincerity in assignment writing and exam preparation. By understanding these rules clearly, you can plan your academic journey better and avoid surprises during result time.
📍 Plan Smart. Submit Early. Prepare Strategically.
