IGNOU, also known as the Indira Gandhi National Open institution, is a public research institution that provides open and remote learning to millions of students in India and around the world. The Government of India founded it in 1985 with the intention of offering high-quality higher education opportunities to all societal segments, particularly the underprivileged ones. It also works to enhance India's human resources through education and to advance and uphold standards for online learning and open enrollment.
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), and the Distance Education Council (DEC) all recognize IGNOU as an accredited institution. Additionally, it is a participant in the SAARC Consortium on Open and Distance Learning (SACODiL) and the Global Mega Universities Network (GMUNET). The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has given it an A++ mark in recognition of its academic excellence.
| Indira Gandhi National Open University Notable Alumni | ||
| Name | Occupation | Description |
| Kapil Sibal | Politician and lawyer | He is a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and a former minister of law and justice, science and technology, and human resource development. He has also served in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. He has a MA in History from the IGNOU. |
| Nandini Sahu | Medical writer and doctor | He has authored several books on acupuncture and neurology and is a well-known neurologist and acupuncturist. He founded the Kapur Acupuncture Clinic and Research Center and serves as president of the All India Association of Acupuncture. He holds an IGNOU diploma in acupuncture. |
| Ashok Kumar Hemal | Academic and urologist | He is a renowned professor and the director of the urology division at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in the United States. In robotic surgery and minimally invasive urology, he is a pioneer as well. He has garnered numerous accolades and prizes for his work in urology. He graduated from IGNOU with a master's in healthcare administration. |