Viva Voce Tips for IGNOU Students – How to Prepare and Impress in Your Project Viva
The Viva Voce (oral examination) is an essential part of IGNOU project evaluation for many undergraduate and postgraduate courses. While submitting your project report is a big milestone, performing confidently in the viva can make or break your final evaluation.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to prepare effectively and score well in the Viva Voce — including tips, sample questions, and do’s and don’ts.
📘 What Is Viva Voce in IGNOU?
Viva Voce is an oral examination conducted by a project guide, evaluator, or external examiner after you submit your project or dissertation. It aims to:
- Test your understanding of the project topic
- Check if the project was genuinely completed by you
- Evaluate your communication and presentation skills
✅ Viva is compulsory for courses that involve projects (like BCA, MCA, MBA, BTS, MSW, MTTM, etc.)
🕐 When and Where Is Viva Voce Conducted?
- It is usually held at your Study Centre or Regional Centre
- Conducted offline or online, depending on IGNOU’s latest guidelines
- You’ll be notified via email/SMS by the coordinator or project guide
- It generally takes place 1–2 months after project submission
🧠 How to Prepare for IGNOU Viva Voce – Step-by-Step
✅ 1. Know Your Project Inside Out
Don’t rely on someone else’s project work. Be ready to:
- Explain your topic clearly
- Justify your methodology
- Discuss findings, analysis, and conclusion
📌 Tip: Reread your entire project report 2–3 times before the viva.
✅ 2. Be Ready for Common Questions
Here are some frequently asked viva questions:
| Question Type | Examples |
| Basic | What is your project about? Why did you choose this topic? |
| Technical | What methodology did you use? What tools/software were involved? |
| Conceptual | Explain key terms or theories used in your project. |
| Practical | What challenges did you face? How did you solve them? |
| Opinion-based | How will this project help in real life? What improvements would you suggest? |
📌 Pro Tip: Prepare short, clear answers for at least 10 expected questions.
✅ 3. Prepare a Short Oral Summary
You will often be asked:
“Give a brief summary of your project.”
✔️ Keep your summary under 2–3 minutes
✔️ Include topic, objective, methodology, and findings
✔️ Practice it aloud multiple times
✅ 4. Stay Honest and Calm
If you don’t know an answer:
- Don’t bluff
- Politely admit and say: “I’ll read more on this aspect. Thank you for pointing it out.”
This shows humility and honesty — both appreciated by evaluators.
✅ 5. Dress Smartly (If Offline Viva)
- Wear formal or neat casuals
- Be confident in body language
- Greet the panel politely
👍 First impressions matter.
✅ 6. Check Technical Setup (If Online Viva)
If your viva is online:
- Ensure a working webcam and mic
- Use earphones to reduce noise
- Join the link 10 minutes early
- Sit in a quiet, well-lit room
📋 Viva Voce: Do’s and Don’ts
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
| Read your project thoroughly | Copy answers blindly |
| Prepare notes or bullet points | Read everything word-by-word |
| Ask for clarification if needed | Argue with the examiner |
| Be confident and polite | Show nervousness or overconfidence |
| Answer to the point | Give long or irrelevant answers |
🏆 How to Impress in IGNOU Viva Voce
✨ Show passion for your topic
✨ Back answers with real-life relevance
✨ Mention any extra effort or originality you added
✨ Speak in simple and clear language — no need for heavy jargon
✨ Be prepared with handwritten notes or soft copy of your project for quick reference
❓ FAQs – IGNOU Viva Voce
Q1. Is Viva compulsory for IGNOU projects?
✅ Yes. It’s mandatory and carries marks in project evaluation.
Q2. What happens if I miss my Viva?
🚫 You may be marked absent and your project could be rejected or kept on hold. Contact your study centre immediately to reschedule.
Q3. Can I give Viva online?
Yes, IGNOU often conducts Viva online (especially post-COVID). You will be informed in advance.
Q4. How long does a typical Viva Voce last?
⏱ Generally, 10–20 minutes, depending on your project and examiner’s questions.
📌 Final Takeaways
- 🎯 Understand your project — don’t just memorize
- 🎙️ Practice speaking with confidence and clarity
- 📄 Prepare answers to 8–10 expected questions
- 🧘 Stay calm, professional, and respectful
Your Viva Voce is an opportunity to showcase your hard work, not something to be afraid of. With good preparation, you’ll surely succeed!
🔗 Helpful IGNOU Links:
- IGNOU Project Guidelines
- Regional Centre Contact List
- Latest Viva Voce Updates
