IGNOU 4-Year Degree Program with Exit Benefits – Full Breakdown
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched a flexible 4-Year Undergraduate Program under the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit Scheme, starting from the July 2025 admission session. This scheme provides students with several benefits and options for earning their degree. It offers flexibility, allowing students to enter or exit the program at different stages and choose from various qualifications. Here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown of how this scheme works and what it means for students.
What is the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit Scheme?
The Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit Scheme (MEMES) allows students to join or leave an undergraduate program at different stages. It gives students the flexibility to start, pause, and complete their degree at their own pace. Depending on how many semesters they finish, they can exit with a certificate, diploma, or degree. This helps students manage their studies along with personal or work commitments.
How Does It Work for IGNOU Students?
Entry to Program
Students can join the 4-year undergraduate program (FYUP) anytime within seven years of getting their UG Certificate. To transfer credits smoothly, only those students whose previous studies (Major and Minor subjects) match what IGNOU offers can directly join. If their qualifications don’t match, they can start from the first year and apply for credit transfer later.
Exiting the Program
The Multiple Exit Option allows students to leave the program at different stages and receive certifications based on the level they complete.
| Exit Level | Qualification Awarded | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Certificate | Completion of Year 1 (2 semesters) | 44 credits |
| Undergraduate Diploma | Completion of Year 2 (4 semesters) | 84 credits |
| Undergraduate Degree | Completion of Year 3 (6 semesters) | 120 credits |
| Undergraduate Honours Degree | Completion of Year 4 (8 semesters) | 160 credits |
Key Points for Exit:
Students who complete Year 1 (two semesters) will receive an Undergraduate Certificate.
After completing Year 2 (four semesters), students will get an Undergraduate Diploma.
A Bachelor’s Degree is given after completing Year 3 (six semesters) with a Major in the chosen subject.
Once all four years (eight semesters) are completed, students will be awarded a Bachelor’s Honours Degree.
Vocational Education Option
Students who choose to exit after the first or second year can take extra Vocational Education courses under the FYUP program. The credits from these courses can be added to their qualification, making it more complete. Students can request additional 4-credit vocational courses through the Course-wise Registration and Certification Scheme (CRCS).
Multiple Entry and Re-Entry
The Multiple Entry option allows students to re-enter the 4-year undergraduate program at a later stage, based on the level they have completed.
| Entry Level | Eligibility | Re-Entry Period |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Certificate (2 Semesters) | Entry to 2nd Year of the same program | 2 years (1+1) |
| Undergraduate Diploma (4 Semesters) | Entry to 3rd Year of the same program | 2 years (1+1) |
Students who leave the program after completing the Undergraduate Certificate can come back and finish their degree within four years (2 years + 2 years). Similarly, students who leave after completing the Undergraduate Diploma can return and complete their degree within two years (1 year + 1 year).
Admission to FYUP for Students from Other Institutions
Students from other universities or institutions can also take advantage of the Multiple Entry scheme. They may enter the program based on their prior credits from another university, subject to certain eligibility criteria. This scheme supports lateral entry and allows these students to join the 2nd year of the program, provided at least 50% of the credits are earned from the awarding university.
For these students, the process of re-entry involves providing:
- Students need to provide their Grade Cards and Certificates from their previous schools or universities to verify their past education.
- The credits students earned at their previous institutions will be transferred and counted towards their IGNOU degree according to the university’s rules.
Key Benefits of the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit Scheme
- Flexibility: The MEMES gives students the freedom to start, take a break, and return to their degree program whenever it suits their personal or work schedule.
- Variety of Qualifications: The scheme opens up multiple qualifications pathways: Undergraduate Certificate, Undergraduate Diploma, and Undergraduate Degree, with an option to complete the Honours Degree in four years.
- Credit Transfer: Students can transfer credits they earned through SWAYAM or MOOCs to their IGNOU degree courses. This means that learning from other recognized platforms can count towards their degree.
- Better Career Opportunities: Students can exit the program at different points and still earn recognized qualifications, which can help them find better job opportunities. Even leaving the program early with a Diploma or Certificate can provide professional credentials, allowing students to start working sooner.