IGNOU Announces Major Expansion of Skill-Based and Online Courses in Mangaluru
In a significant development for higher education in Karnataka, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) based in New Delhi has unveiled plans to broaden its skill-based and online course offerings in the coming days. The university is also undertaking a gradual upgrade of its existing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs to align with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, marking a pivotal shift in India's educational landscape.
New Skill Courses and Program Updates
Kasturi Pesala, deputy director of the IGNOU regional centre in Bengaluru, made this announcement during a press briefing in Mangaluru on Tuesday. She revealed that IGNOU has recently introduced four short-term skill-based courses, including specialized programs in yoga and beekeeping, designed to enhance employability and practical knowledge among students.
Pesala, who was visiting the IGNOU study centre at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), provided detailed insights into the university's current offerings. IGNOU is currently providing 325 ODL undergraduate and postgraduate programs alongside 45 online courses. While some of these programs have already been updated to comply with NEP-2020, the remainder are in the process of being revised. "Since there are a lot of courses, it will take some time to convert all to NEP 2020," she noted, highlighting the scale of this educational transformation.
Key Programs and Enrollment Trends
The deputy director also emphasized several notable academic programs offered by IGNOU. These include an MBA program that does not require an entrance exam, an MCA program approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and PhD programs with coursework conducted in New Delhi. These offerings cater to a diverse range of students seeking flexible and accessible higher education options.
On enrollment trends, Pesala shared that Karnataka currently hosts approximately 7,500 IGNOU students distributed across 57 study centres. The Mangaluru centre alone accounts for around 1,500 of these students. Undergraduate programs dominate the enrollment figures, with a particularly high participation rate among female students, reflecting IGNOU's role in promoting gender inclusivity in education.
- BCA, BCom, and BA are among the most popular programs, with demand fluctuating based on job market trends and industry requirements.
- Admissions are conducted in two cycles annually—January and July—with the January cycle currently open for applications.
- The admission process is fully online, ensuring convenience and accessibility for applicants nationwide.
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply for courses based on their educational qualifications, with provisions to support their learning journey.
Challenges and Improvements in Online Education
Despite the expansion, Pesala acknowledged challenges in the uptake of online courses. Demand has been limited as many private universities have begun offering similar online options, increasing competition in the digital education space. Additionally, the Bengaluru regional centre, which relocated to Singena Agrahara a few years ago, initially faced connectivity issues that affected student engagement.
To address these concerns, IGNOU has implemented several improvements. Communication has been enhanced with the introduction of a dedicated WhatsApp number, after candidates reported difficulties in reaching the centre via traditional phone or email channels. This move aims to streamline support and ensure better accessibility for students navigating the ODL and online learning environments.
As IGNOU continues to evolve its educational framework, these initiatives underscore its commitment to aligning with national policies like NEP-2020 while expanding skill-based learning opportunities for students across India, particularly in regions like Mangaluru and Karnataka.
