Passing Marks in IGNOU 2025: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the largest and most reputed distance education institutions in India. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs across various disciplines. One of the most common queries among IGNOU students is regarding passing marks — “How many marks are required to pass a subject?”, “Do the passing marks differ for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees?”, “What about assignments and term-end exams?”
This comprehensive article addresses all such concerns and clearly explains the passing marks in IGNOU for the year 2025, with specific distinctions between Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. Understanding the pass criteria is crucial to stay focused on preparation and to ensure successful completion of your degree.
Understanding the IGNOU Evaluation System
IGNOU follows a credit-based continuous evaluation system. The evaluation is divided into two components:
- Term-End Examinations (TEE): These are held twice a year, in June and December.
- Assignments: These are submitted before the TEE and carry significant weightage.
Typically, the overall score for a subject is calculated as:
- 30% from Assignments
- 70% from Term-End Exams
However, in some courses like Lab-based programs or practical components, the weightage might vary. But irrespective of the weightage, a student must secure the minimum passing marks individually in assignments and the theory paper.
IGNOU Passing Marks Criteria 2025
IGNOU has set minimum marks that students must obtain to pass each component. The passing marks vary based on the level of the program – Bachelor’s or Master’s.
???? For Bachelor’s Degree Programs (UG):
| Component | Full Marks | Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Term-End Exam | 100 | 35 |
| Assignment | 50 | 18 |
???? Example: If a BA student appears for a course code BEGE-101, they must score at least 35 out of 100 in the TEE and 18 out of 50 in the assignment to pass.
???? For Master’s Degree Programs (PG):
| Component | Full Marks | Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Term-End Exam | 100 | 40 |
| Assignment | 50 | 20 |
???? Example: If an MA student takes MPS-001 (Political Science), the minimum passing marks are 40 in TEE and 20 in assignment.
Importance of Securing Individual Passing Marks
IGNOU strictly requires students to pass both assignments and TEE separately. Scoring high in assignments will not compensate for poor performance in the TEE or vice versa.
- If a student passes the TEE but fails in the assignment, the subject is marked as “Not Completed”.
- If a student fails in TEE but passes the assignment, they must reappear in the next exam cycle.
Grade System in IGNOU
While passing marks ensure continuation or award of degree, IGNOU also awards letter grades based on overall performance:
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| A | 80% and above | Excellent |
| B | 60% to 79.9% | Very Good |
| C | 50% to 59.9% | Good |
| D | 40% to 49.9% | Satisfactory (PG) |
| E | Below 40% | Unsatisfactory (Fail) |
For Bachelor’s programs, 35%–39.9% is acceptable (D grade is still a pass).
For Master’s programs, at least 40% is required to avoid an E grade.
Why Are These Passing Marks Important?
- Eligibility for next semester/year: Failing in a subject delays your degree completion.
- Award of Degree/Certificate: All subjects must be cleared for the final certificate.
- Job Applications & Interviews: Many job applications demand proof of successful degree completion.
- Re-registration and Repeat Exams: If you fail, you must reappear in the next TEE and possibly resubmit assignments.
Important Links and Information
Here’s a summarized table of useful portals and resources related to IGNOU passing marks and academic progress:
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| IGNOU Official Website | https://ignou.ac.in |
| Check Assignment Submission Status | https://isms.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/StatusAssignment.asp |
| Term-End Exam Results | http://www.ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/results/2 |
| Download Grade Card | http://gradecard.ignou.ac.in/gradecard/ |
| Submit Online Assignments (where enabled) | https://lms.ignouonline.ac.in |
| Revaluation Form | Available at regional centres or IGNOU website |
| Re-Registration for Next Year | https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in/ |
Tips to Ensure You Pass Successfully
- Don’t ignore assignments: They carry 30% weight and help you pass even if your exam score is average.
- Use solved assignments carefully: Write in your own words to avoid plagiarism detection.
- Start early preparation: IGNOU syllabi are vast; give yourself 2-3 months of prep before exams.
- Attend practicals or workshops (for relevant programs): They are mandatory and also graded.
- Track your performance via the grade card regularly.
- Use previous year question papers to understand pattern and important topics.
FAQ about Passing Marks in IGNOU 2025
What are the passing marks in IGNOU for Bachelor’s degree?
The passing marks are 18 out of 50 in assignments and 35 out of 100 in term-end exams.
What are the passing marks in IGNOU for Master’s degree?
For Master’s programs, students need 20 out of 50 in assignments and 40 out of 100 in TEE.
What happens if I fail the assignment but pass the TEE?
You must re-submit the assignment in the next cycle. IGNOU requires passing both components separately.
Can I appear for improvement exams in IGNOU?
Yes, IGNOU provides an opportunity for improvement exams for certain courses, but only if your score is below 60%. You must check eligibility.
Are practical marks also included in passing criteria?
Yes, for programs with practicals (e.g., B.Sc., BCA), students must pass both theory and practical components separately.
Do I need to pass every subject individually?
Yes. Each course in your program must be passed individually — there is no aggregate pass system.
Can I skip assignments and only appear in the exam?
No. Without assignment submission, you won’t be allowed to appear for the exam. Both are mandatory.
How do I check if my assignment or result is updated?
You can use the official IGNOU portals:
Assignment Status: https://isms.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/StatusAssignment.asp
Grade Card: http://gradecard.ignou.ac.in/gradecard/
Conclusion
Understanding the passing marks in IGNOU 2025 is essential for academic success and peace of mind. The passing mark is not just a number — it’s your stepping stone toward degree completion, employment, or further studies.
To summarize:
- For Bachelor’s programs: 18/50 (assignments) and 35/100 (TEE)
- For Master’s programs: 20/50 (assignments) and 40/100 (TEE)
Make sure you take each component seriously. IGNOU’s flexible learning format is a blessing for many, but it comes with the responsibility of self-discipline and academic diligence. If you stay proactive in submitting assignments, preparing for exams, and tracking your progress, you’ll not only pass but excel.
???? Stay focused. Plan your study. And remember – every mark counts in IGNOU!
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