How IGNOU is letting its students down

Why read this story?

Editor's note: When I say late, I mean very late,” says the executive from Pune. He is talking about receipt of textbooks for a BCom degree he is pursuing from the Indira Gandhi National Open University, better known by the acronym IGNOU.  Now 24, the executive started working soon after completing school. He enrolled with IGNOU in 2019 because he wanted a degree. The course was affordable and allowed him to continue to work from anywhere in the country. Plus, a BCom would be a stepping stone in his plan to eventually enrol for an MBA. But he now regrets his decision. Other than sending textbooks late, IGNOU has also changed exam dates without letting him know. “IGNOU doesn’t send any text messages or any emails to inform us about rescheduling of examinations, or anything else,” he says, asking not to be named. “Sometimes examinations are just 2-3 months away and students start receiving books then. They do send books, but never on time.” Established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament, IGNOU is administered by the central government with the goal …