IGNOU Passing Marks: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the largest distance learning universities in the world. Every year, millions of students enroll in various undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs. One of the most common questions asked by students is: What are the passing marks in IGNOU examinations?
Understanding the passing criteria is extremely important because it helps students prepare for assignments, term-end exams, and practicals with clarity. Since IGNOU follows a unique evaluation system based on both assignments and examinations, knowing the passing marks ensures that students can focus on meeting the minimum requirements while also aiming for higher grades.
This article provides a detailed explanation of IGNOU passing marks for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, along with guidelines, grading system, FAQs, and important links for student reference.
IGNOU Passing Marks Overview
At IGNOU, the minimum passing marks differ based on the program level (Bachelor’s or Master’s) and the maximum marks allocated to an exam or assignment. The evaluation system ensures that students must score minimum marks in both assignments and theory examinations to successfully complete their courses.
Here are the official IGNOU passing marks criteria:
For Bachelor’s Degree Programs:
- Out of 100 Marks: Minimum 35 marks are required to pass.
- Out of 50 Marks: Minimum 18 marks are required to pass.
For Master’s Degree Programs:
- Out of 100 Marks: Minimum 40 marks are required to pass.
- Out of 50 Marks: Minimum 20 marks are required to pass.
This means that IGNOU has slightly higher passing marks criteria for Master’s students compared to Bachelor’s students, which reflects the advanced academic level of postgraduate studies.
IGNOU Evaluation System
Before understanding passing marks in depth, it is essential to know how IGNOU evaluates students. The system is based on two components:
- Assignments (Continuous Evaluation):
- Each subject has an assignment to be submitted before the term-end examination.
- Assignments generally carry 30% weightage in the overall score.
- Students must submit assignments on time; otherwise, they cannot appear for the Term-End Examination (TEE).
- Term-End Examinations (TEE):
- Conducted in June and December every year.
- Generally carry 70% weightage in the overall score.
- Students must obtain the minimum passing marks as per the program (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
The final score is a combination of assignment marks and TEE marks. Students must pass both components individually to successfully clear the course.
IGNOU Passing Marks for Different Courses
1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs
IGNOU offers a wide range of undergraduate programs such as BA, BCom, BSc, BCA, and BSW. The passing marks are as follows:
- Theory Paper (100 Marks): Pass with 35 marks.
- Theory Paper (50 Marks): Pass with 18 marks.
- Assignments: Students must secure the minimum marks as prescribed (usually 35%).
2. Master’s Degree Programs
Postgraduate programs like MA, MCom, MSc, MBA, MSW, and MCA have stricter evaluation criteria:
- Theory Paper (100 Marks): Pass with 40 marks.
- Theory Paper (50 Marks): Pass with 20 marks.
- Assignments: Students must secure the minimum marks as prescribed (usually 40%).
IGNOU Grading System
Apart from passing marks, IGNOU also follows a grading system to evaluate student performance. Grades are awarded based on the percentage obtained.
| Percentage Range | Grade | Grade Point | Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% and Above | A | 5 | Excellent |
| 60% – 79.9% | B | 4 | Very Good |
| 50% – 59.9% | C | 3 | Good |
| 40% – 49.9% | D | 2 | Satisfactory |
| Below 40% (for Master’s) | F | 1 | Fail |
| Below 35% (for Bachelor’s) | F | 1 | Fail |
This grading system ensures that students are not just marked on passing or failing but are categorized according to their performance.
Importance of Knowing Passing Marks
Many students face confusion about whether they have passed or failed after checking their marks in the IGNOU Grade Card. Knowing the passing marks criteria helps in:
- Planning Exam Strategy: Helps students focus on scoring at least the minimum required marks.
- Avoiding Failures: Students can ensure they meet both assignment and exam requirements.
- Time Management: Students can prepare their weaker subjects to secure minimum passing marks.
- Motivation: Helps reduce exam stress as students are aware of the clear-cut requirements.
Common Questions About IGNOU Passing Marks
- Do I need to pass both assignments and exams separately?
Yes, you must pass both assignments and exams separately. Even if you score well in exams but fail in assignments (or vice versa), you will not be declared as “Pass.” - If I score 34 out of 100 in a Bachelor’s course, will I pass?
No, the minimum passing mark is 35 out of 100. You will need to apply for revaluation or reappear. - If I score 19 out of 50 in a Master’s program, will I pass?
No, you need at least 20 out of 50 to pass in Master’s programs. - What happens if I fail in assignments but pass in exams?
You must resubmit the assignments in the next session. Passing in both is mandatory. - What happens if I fail in exams but pass in assignments?
You will need to reappear in the failed paper during the next Term-End Examination (TEE).
Important IGNOU Links and Information
| Service/Information | Link |
|---|---|
| IGNOU Official Website | https://www.ignou.ac.in/ |
| IGNOU Student Portal | https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/ |
| Assignment Status | https://isms.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/StatusAssignment.asp |
| Term-End Result | https://termendresult.ignou.ac.in/ |
| Grade Card | https://gradecard.ignou.ac.in/ |
| Revaluation Portal | https://onlineservices.ignou.ac.in/reevaluation/ |
| Grievance Portal (iGRAM) | https://igram.ignou.ac.in/ |
Tips for Students to Clear Exams Easily
- Submit assignments on time – They carry 30% weightage and can boost your overall marks.
- Focus on previous year’s question papers – Many questions are repeated or follow a similar pattern.
- Divide time properly – Focus on weaker subjects to at least reach passing marks.
- Revise thoroughly – Make short notes for quick revision before exams.
- Attempt all questions – Even partial answers can help you secure minimum passing marks.
FAQ about IGNOU Passing Marks 2025
What are the passing marks for IGNOU Bachelor’s degree courses?
For Bachelor’s degree programs at IGNOU, the passing marks are 35 out of 100 in theory exams and 18 out of 50 in assignments or internal assessments.
What are the passing marks for IGNOU Master’s degree courses?
For Master’s degree programs, students must secure at least 40 out of 100 in theory exams and 20 out of 50 in assignments or internal assessments.
Do I need to pass both assignments and term-end exams separately?
Yes. IGNOU requires students to pass both assignments and term-end examinations separately. Even if you score well in one component, failing the other will result in an overall “Not Completed” status.
What is the weightage of assignments and term-end exams in IGNOU?
Generally, assignments carry 30% weightage, while term-end examinations carry 70% weightage of the final score. However, this may vary depending on the course.
If I fail in assignments but pass in the exam, will I still pass the course?
No. Passing both components is mandatory. If you fail in assignments, you must resubmit them in the next assignment submission cycle.
If I fail in the term-end exam but pass in assignments, do I need to resubmit the assignments?
No. If you have already passed the assignments, you do not need to resubmit them. You will only need to reappear for the exam in the next exam cycle.
Can I improve my marks if I just meet the passing criteria?
Yes. IGNOU allows students to apply for improvement examinations if they are not satisfied with their marks, provided they meet certain eligibility conditions.
How is the final result calculated in IGNOU?
The final result is calculated by combining assignment marks (30%) and term-end exam marks (70%). Both must meet the minimum passing requirements.
Is there any grace marks system in IGNOU?
IGNOU does not officially provide grace marks. Students must achieve the prescribed passing marks to clear their courses.
Where can I check my IGNOU results and grade card?
You can check your results on the official IGNOU website and grade card status through the IGNOU Grade Card Portal.
Conclusion
The IGNOU passing marks system is designed to maintain academic standards while also supporting distance learners. For Bachelor’s degree programs, students need 35 out of 100 or 18 out of 50, while for Master’s degree programs, the requirement is 40 out of 100 or 20 out of 50.
Assignments and examinations both play an equally important role, and students must pass in both components separately. By understanding the passing marks, grading system, and evaluation process, learners can plan their preparation effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.
IGNOU’s transparent passing marks criteria help students stay focused and achieve their academic goals with confidence.
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