IGNOU Organizes 38th Convocation at Baba Saheb Ambedkar Convention Center
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) celebrated the 38th Convocation today at the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Convention Centre, IGNOU Campus, Gadhi. It awarded more than 3 lakh degrees, diplomas, and certificates to achieving students from multiple programs in one event. India’s Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, was present as the guest of honor and gave the convocation address on the occasion.
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Largest university in the world : Pardhan
In his address to the students and IGNOU community, virtually, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan stated that he was delighted to be a part of the 38th Convocation, which was celebrating the achievements of more than 3.17 lakh students, the largest number in the history of the university. He pointed out that since its inception in 1985, IGNOU has transformed education by making it affordable, flexible, and inclusive. With over 35 million students and a robust international presence in 58 countries, IGNOU is the largest university in the world, making education accessible to all, including marginalized sections. This reflects in IGNOU’s leadership in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 for open universities.
IGNOU’s Role in Implementing NEP 2020
Shri Pradhan also emphasized the university’s pivotal role in rolling out the revolutionary National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, providing varied programs designed for working professionals, foreign students, prisoners, and defense personnel. He appreciated IGNOU’s regional language efforts, such as MBA courses in various languages, which are intended to improve comprehension and facilitate accessibility.
Emphasis on Skill Development for India’s Youth
Steering attention towards India’s demographic boon, the minister emphasized the significance of skill development, particularly among India’s youth, with 65% of the population being below 35 years of age. He also mentioned IGNOU’s vocation-oriented courses aligned to industry with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to provide NSQF-approved courses in health and environmental sciences to provide employment. He appreciated the university for adopting technological innovations such as AI and digital learning, which are essential in providing quality education online.
Global Recognition and Infrastructure Expansion
IGNOU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Uma Kanjilal, during her address, referred to the success of the university in achieving its mandate of access, inclusion, quality, and affordability in higher education. With a mean annual enrollment of 7.5 lakh students, IGNOU is contributing significantly to the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education. She emphasized the university’s proactive adoption of NEP 2020 provisions like FYUP (Four Year Undergraduate Program), multiple entry and exit points, and regional language teaching. Integration of skills is presently a core attribute in several of the university’s courses, of which five specialist skill-based bachelor’s degrees have been specifically designed for the Agniveers of the military with more than 5,000 Agniveers on board already.
Global Reach and New Courses
Prof. Kanjilal further stated that the university had launched 47 new programs in 2024, taking the number of programs to 334. IGNOU’s global footprint has increased considerably, with its programs now available in 70 nations.
Infrastructure Expansion and Digital Initiatives
As part of its infrastructure expansion, IGNOU has opened six new buildings for regional centers, with additional ones on the anvil. The university is also expanding its digital infrastructure, including smart classrooms.
39 Regional and 15 International Centers Broadcast the Convocation Ceremony
The 38th Convocation ceremony was simultaneously conducted at 39 regional centers within India and 15 international centers. The formal ceremony was at the university headquarters. The ceremony proceedings were webcasted live on IGNOU’s Gyan Darshan channel, Knowledge Vani, and through IGNOU’s portal, YouTube, and SWAYAM Prabha channels.
