The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has an extensive network of study centers across India. These study centers are the local contact, support and resource centers for IGNOU students. A common question that arises is - can IGNOU students select their own study center or is one automatically allotted?
Study Center Allotment Rules
As per IGNOU norms, students cannot choose their own study center at the time of admission. The University allots students a study center based on their selection of exam center which is usually done based on the student’s city or region of residence. The nearest available study center to the selected exam center is then automatically allotted by the University.
Students are required to be in proximity to their allotted study center as all practicals, labs, seminars and workshops, counselling sessions, etc associated with their programs are conducted at this center. Exam forms, materials, and other submissions are also usually managed through the allotted center. Changing study centers is hence not encouraged.
Exceptional Cases
However, IGNOU does allow students to formally request a transfer to another IGNOU study center after admission in certain exceptional cases such as:
- If students have permanently relocated to another city
- Loss of job or transfer posting to a different region
- Health reasons, physical disability or old age preventing visits to allotted center
- Conflict with allotted study center staff
In such cases, students have to submit a written application justifying the circumstances necessitating a center transfer to the Regional Center under which their current study center falls. If approved, IGNOU Study Center transfer is allowed.
In summary - students cannot ordinarily choose IGNOU study centers, they are formally allotted centers. But exemptions can be made via formal requests in case of relocation or serious inconvenience regarding the originally allotted center. The University aims to provide each enrolled learner access to continuous student support services through its national network of study centers.