IGNOU Study Material: Complete Guide for New and Existing Students

IGNOU Study Material: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is India’s largest open university and one of the most reputed educational institutions offering distance and open learning. With millions of learners enrolled in various programmes such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, and professional courses, IGNOU has a massive responsibility to provide study materials that are accessible, understandable, and useful for students from diverse backgrounds.

Study material is a crucial component of IGNOU’s teaching-learning system. Unlike traditional classroom-based universities, IGNOU learners rely heavily on self-learning materials (SLMs) provided by the university. These materials are designed to support distance learning by simplifying concepts and offering structured content. Whether students choose printed books or digital e-content, IGNOU ensures high-quality learning resources for everyone.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to IGNOU study materials, including the types, download methods, tracking print materials, features, benefits, and common issues faced by students. It also contains a table of important links, FAQs, and a detailed conclusion to help learners easily access and use IGNOU’s study material.

What Is IGNOU Study Material?

IGNOU study material refers to all the educational resources provided by the university to help learners understand their course content. Study materials are available in multiple formats such as:

• Printed books
• E-books (soft copies)
• Audio and video lectures
• Digital courses
• Web-enabled online learning platforms
• Program guides and course guides
• Assignments and handbooks

The study materials are specially prepared by highly qualified subject experts, making them easy to understand for learners from all backgrounds.

Why IGNOU Study Material Is Important?

1. Primary Mode of Learning
   IGNOU uses a distance-learning model. Therefore, unlike regular colleges, study material is the main source of learning for students.
2. Designed for Self-Study
   The materials explain complex concepts in simple language to help students learn at their own pace.
3. Structured and Organized
   Topics are divided into blocks, units, and sections, making it easy for learners to follow the syllabus.
4. Trusted by Students and Professionals
   IGNOU materials are widely used even outside the university for competitive exam preparation, teacher training, and research purposes.
5. Supports Online and Offline Learning
   Whether a student prefers printed books or digital materials, IGNOU offers both.

Types of IGNOU Study Material

IGNOU provides study materials in various formats to meet the needs of different learners.

1. Printed Study Material (Hard Copy)

Printed books are delivered to students’ registered postal addresses after admission confirmation. These are divided into blocks and units and contain detailed explanations, examples, activities, and review questions.

Features of printed study material:

• High-quality paper and printing
• Easy-to-understand language
• Organized content
• Delivered to home via India Post
• Useful for offline study

Printed books are preferred by many students because they make reading easy and comfortable.

2. Digital Study Material (Soft Copy)

IGNOU offers digital study material through multiple platforms:

A. eGyankosh

eGyankosh is IGNOU’s digital repository containing thousands of course materials in PDF format.

B. IGNOU e-Content App

This mobile app allows students to download and read e-books from their smartphones.

C. IGNOU e-Gyan Portal

This portal offers lectures, course files, and interactive content.

Digital study material is helpful for:

• Instant access
• Downloading PDFs
• Studying using phones or laptops
• Avoiding delays caused by postal delivery

3. Audio-Video Materials

IGNOU broadcasts educational audio and video lectures through:

• Gyandarshan TV channel
• Gyanvani FM radio
• YouTube official channels
• eGyankosh multimedia section

These lectures help students understand difficult concepts more effectively.

4. Online Courses (SWAYAM)

IGNOU offers some online courses on the SWAYAM platform, giving learners interactive content, quizzes, and video explanations.

5. Programme Guides and Handbooks

Each programme has a programme guide containing:

• Overview of the course
• Instructions for studying
• Credit distribution
• Assignment submission guidelines
• Examination details

These guides help students understand how to progress through their programme smoothly.

How to Download IGNOU Study Material Online?

Most students prefer downloading soft copies of their study materials. IGNOU provides multiple platforms for this purpose.

Download from eGyankosh

Steps:

1. Visit the eGyankosh portal.
2. Click on “Browse by School” or search by course code.
3. Select your programme.
4. Choose the block or unit you want.
5. Download the PDF.

eGyankosh is the most complete and reliable source for digital study materials.

Download from IGNOU e-Content App

Steps:

1. Install the IGNOU e-Content app from Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and select your programme.
3. Download the blocks or units you need.
4. Read them offline anytime.

This app is very useful for students who study using smartphones.

Download from IGNOU Samarth Portal

Some courses also provide material links within the student dashboard.

Steps:

1. Log in to your IGNOU Samarth student portal.
2. Go to “Course Details” or “Study Material”.
3. Click on download links.

Track Delivery of IGNOU Printed Study Material

IGNOU allows students to track their printed study materials through the official tracking portal. Once the books are dispatched, students can check:

• Dispatch date
• Consignment number
• Delivery status
• Regional center details

Students must enter their enrollment number to track the status.

If books are not received in time, students may contact their regional center and request re-dispatch.

What To Do If You Do Not Receive IGNOU Study Material?

Sometimes students face delays due to postal issues or workload at the study center. If your materials do not arrive on time:

1. Check Study Material Status
   Use your enrollment number to see if books are dispatched.
2. Contact Regional Centre
   They can verify dispatch details or resend books.
3. Visit Study Centre
   Some centers keep extra stock for distribution.
4. Use Digital Material as Backup
   You can continue studying by downloading PDFs.

How to Use IGNOU Study Material Effectively?

To score well in assignments and exams, follow these strategies:

1. Read Programme Guide First

The programme guide explains:

• Credit structure
• Block distribution
• Assignment instructions
• Examination pattern

Reading it helps you understand how much to study and when.

2. Create a Study Timetable

Each unit contains several sections. Allocate time for daily or weekly reading depending on your schedule.

3. Focus on Unit-End Questions

IGNOU exams often contain questions similar to the ones at the end of units.

4. Prepare Notes

Writing short notes improves revision and retention.

5. Consult Audio-Video Content

This enhances understanding and clears doubts.

6. Solve IGNOU Assignments Using Study Material

Most answers can be found in the blocks and units of your printed or digital study material.

Common Problems Students Face with IGNOU Study Material

IGNOU learners often encounter the following issues:

1. Study Materials Not Delivered

Some students do not receive their printed materials even after months of admission. This is usually due to postal delays or incomplete addresses.

Solution:
Track the status and contact your regional center if required.

2. Partial Delivery

Sometimes only a few blocks reach the student.

Solution:
Inform the study center to resend the missing blocks.

3. Wrong Study Material Delivered

Occasionally, students receive incorrect programme codes.

Solution:
Return the materials to the regional center for correction.

4. Digital Material Not Updated on Portals

Some new courses take time to appear on eGyankosh.

Solution:
Request updates from the regional center or refer to printed materials.

5. Unable to Download PDFs

This issue occurs when:

• PDFs are corrupted
• Internet speed is low
• Device does not support PDF

Solution:
Try downloading on another device or reinstall your PDF reader.

Important Links and Information

Below is a table containing essential links and information related to IGNOU study materials:

FAQ about IGNOU Study Material 2025

Conclusion

IGNOU study material is one of the strongest pillars of the university’s distance education system. It is designed to promote self-learning and provide comprehensive knowledge across various disciplines. Whether students choose printed books or prefer modern digital platforms like eGyankosh and the e-content app, IGNOU ensures that study materials remain accessible, structured, and easy to understand.

Students are encouraged to use both printed and digital resources to maximize learning. Tracking study material, downloading PDFs, checking programme guides, and using audio-video lectures enhance the overall learning experience. Even if delays occur in receiving printed materials, the availability of online resources ensures uninterrupted learning.

This detailed article provides everything you need to know about IGNOU study material. With the information, guidelines, and helpful links provided here, students can easily access, use, and benefit from IGNOU’s high-quality study materials throughout their academic journey.