What Services Are Offered at IGNOU Study Centres?
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) provides higher education opportunities to millions of students through its open and distance learning model. While most of the learning happens independently, Study Centres serve as important local support hubs for students.
In this article, we’ll explain what services are offered at IGNOU Study Centres, who can access them, and how to make the most of these facilities.
📍 What is an IGNOU Study Centre?
An IGNOU Study Centre is a local academic support centre affiliated with a college or educational institution. It acts as a bridge between the student and the university, helping students with academic queries, practical classes, assignment submission, and more.
📌 These centres are managed under the guidance of the nearest Regional Centre (RC).
🎯 Key Services Offered at IGNOU Study Centres
1. 🧑🏫 Academic Counseling Sessions
- Purpose: To guide students on important topics and concepts from the syllabus.
- Mode: Mostly offline, but some centres conduct online Zoom/Google Meet sessions.
- Faculty: Experienced lecturers and professors from the host college.
- Attendance: Optional but highly recommended, especially for new or struggling students.
📌 Counseling schedules are announced in advance and vary by subject.
2. 📝 Assignment Submission
- Study Centres are the official submission points for handwritten assignments.
- You must:
- Submit your handwritten assignment with proper cover page
- Submit before the deadline
- Collect acknowledgment slip or receipt
Some centres also accept online submissions via Google Forms or Email — but only if specifically permitted.
3. 🧪 Practical Sessions & Labs
For courses involving science, computer applications, library science, tourism, etc., practical sessions are compulsory.
- Conducted on weekends or holidays.
- Attendance is mandatory to qualify for Term-End Practical Exams.
- Labs and practical facilities vary depending on the host college infrastructure.
4. 📚 Library Access
Many Study Centres provide access to:
- Reference books for IGNOU programs
- Previous year question papers
- Syllabus copies and manuals
✅ Students can read at the centre, though home issue is usually not allowed.
5. ❓ Doubt Clarification & Academic Support
- One-on-one discussions during counseling sessions
- Interactions with faculty for subject understanding
- Guidance on exam preparation, project work, and assignment format
6. 🎓 Project & Dissertation Guidance
For programs like:
- MBA, MAPC, MARD, MPS, MLIS, MSW, etc.
The Study Centre:
- Assigns project supervisors (in some programs)
- Gives project approval guidance
- Offers clarification on format, objectives, methodology, etc.
7. 🧾 Examination Centre Support
Some Study Centres also function as Term-End Examination Centres.
During the exam period, they:
- Help with seating arrangements
- Offer hall ticket verification and ID card checks
- Collect answer scripts and assist with grievances
✅ Only students allotted to that centre can appear for exams there.
8. 🧑💼 Student Records & Assistance
The centre coordinator or staff can help you with:
- Checking assignment marks status
- Updating student records in case of error
- Verifying enrollment status, program changes, or re-registration confirmation
- Providing forms and guidance for duplicate ID cards or certificates
🗓️ Working Days & Timings
Most Study Centres operate on:
- Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
- Public holidays (if notified for classes or exams)
⏰ Timings vary, usually between 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
🧾 How to Find Your Allotted Study Centre
After admission, your Study Centre code and name will appear on:
- Your Admission Confirmation email
- Your IGNOU ID card
- The Samarth portal dashboard
You can also verify it here:
🔗 http://ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/3
📌 Tips for Students Visiting Study Centres
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Carry your ID card & Hall Ticket | Don’t miss counseling sessions unnecessarily |
| Submit assignments before deadline | Don’t submit printed assignments |
| Take help from Coordinator | Don’t expect centre staff to provide study material |
| Be polite and respectful | Don’t arrive late for practical sessions |
🙋 Who Can Use the Study Centre?
- Only students assigned to that centre by IGNOU.
- Students from other centres cannot attend counseling sessions or submit assignments here — unless approved by the Regional Centre.
🧠 Conclusion
IGNOU Study Centres are student-friendly support systems designed to make distance education more interactive and effective. From academic help to assignment and practical support, these centres offer crucial services that can greatly improve your learning experience.
If you’re an IGNOU student, don’t hesitate to visit and engage with your Study Centre — it can make a big difference in your IGNOU journey.
