How to Score Good Marks in IGNOU Exams: Proven Study Tips
Scoring good marks in IGNOU exams is not difficult if you follow a smart study plan. Every year, many students from Indira Gandhi National Open University score high grades even while managing jobs, family responsibilities, and personal commitments. This is because IGNOU exams focus on understanding, clarity, and concept-based learning. You do not need long study hours or tough strategies. Instead, you need the right direction, consistent preparation, and proper use of IGNOU resources.
In this detailed guide, you will learn proven study tips, time-management tricks, preparation strategies, and exam-day advice that can help any IGNOU student score good marks in the Term-End Exams (TEE). Whether you are new to IGNOU or preparing for your final semester, these tips will help you improve your scores and feel more confident.
Understand the IGNOU Exam Pattern Clearly
The first step to scoring good marks is to understand how IGNOU conducts exams. IGNOU exams are designed to test your understanding, not just memorization.
Key points about IGNOU exams:
- Most papers include long answer questions, short notes, and theory-based answers.
- Many courses give importance to explanation, examples, and clarity of concepts.
- Each answer carries weightage based on word limit and marking scheme.
- Questions are often repeated from previous years.
When you understand the pattern, you can prepare in a focused way instead of studying everything blindly.
Start Reading the IGNOU Study Material Regularly
IGNOU study material is the most powerful tool to score high marks. The content is simple, easy to understand, and written exactly according to the exam requirements.
Why IGNOU study material matters:
- Almost 70–80% of questions come directly or indirectly from it.
- The points, headings, and explanations can be used directly in the answer sheet.
- The language is simple, which helps you write clear answers.
- IGNOU examiners prefer answers written from official study material.
Tip: Complete at least two readings of the study material before the exam.
Make Short Notes for Quick Revision
Short notes help you save time before exams and improve memory.
How to make useful notes:
- Write important definitions in simple words.
- Make headings and sub-headings for each chapter.
- Prepare point-wise explanations.
- Highlight examples provided in the study material.
- Create a one-page summary for every unit.
These notes become your revision booster during exam time when you need to revise fast.
Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
This is one of the most effective ways to score good marks in IGNOU exams.
Benefits of solving PYQs:
- You understand the pattern and type of questions.
- You identify frequently asked topics.
- You learn how to structure long answers.
- You get confidence for the real exam.
Many students score high marks only by preparing repeated questions, so do not skip PYQs.
Write Assignments Properly and Submit on Time
- Write neatly so the examiner can read your answers easily.
- Use clear headings, bullet points, and small sub-points.
- Don’t copy from the internet. Use IGNOU books and study material.
- Add simple examples to explain your answers better.
- Submit your assignment before the last date.
Use Simple and Clear Language in the Exam
Follow this writing style:
- Use small sentences.
- Write point-wise answers.
- Add definitions at the beginning.
- Add examples wherever relevant.
- Use headings and sub-headings.
- Keep handwriting neat and readable.
A neat and structured answer can help you get higher marks even if your answer is basic.
Focus on Important Chapters First
All chapters are not equally important. Some chapters get more questions in the exam.
How to find important topics:
- Look at question papers from the last 5–7 years.
- Check which questions are repeated many times.
- Mark the chapters that have more important or repeated questions.
- Study these important topics first.
When you finish the important chapters early, you feel more confident.
Make a Study Schedule You Can Follow Easily
Many IGNOU students work or manage homes, so a flexible schedule is important.
Create a study plan like this:
- Study 1–2 hours every day.
- Keep weekends for revision.
- Focus on one subject per day.
- Use early mornings or late evenings for concentration.
- Leave the last 10–15 days only for revision.
The key is consistency, not long study hours.
Practice Answer Writing Before the Exam
IGNOU exams require long descriptive answers. So, writing practice is important.
What to practice:
- Write answers from previous papers.
- Time yourself for each answer.
- Practice writing 400–500 word answers.
- Try writing neat, point-wise answers.
This helps you complete the exam on time and improves your writing speed.
Attend Online Classes, YouTube Sessions, and IGNOU Counselling
IGNOU provides support through:
- Online live classes
- Counselling sessions at study centres
- YouTube video lectures
- Regional centre workshops
- Telegram/WhatsApp groups
These help you understand tough subjects more quickly.
Understand Instead of Memorizing
IGNOU exams test understanding. So, focus on learning concepts rather than memorizing entire paragraphs.
For example:
- Understand the meaning of a theory.
- Learn how to explain in your own words.
- Read examples to understand real-life use.
When you understand the topic, writing long answers becomes very easy.
Revise Regularly to Strengthen Memory
Revision helps you score good marks.
Easy ways to revise:
- Revise each unit one time every week.
- Read your short notes again.
- Make quick summaries of every chapter.
- Repeat the important definitions and flowcharts.
When you revise well, the topics stay clear in your mind during the exam.
Avoid Studying Too Much at the Last Minute
Many students try to complete entire books at the last moment. This creates stress and confusion.
Instead:
- Revise only what you have already studied.
- Focus on strong topics.
- Avoid learning new chapters one day before the exam.
A calm mind helps you perform better.
Follow the Proper Answer Structure
IGNOU gives more marks when answers are well-structured.
Ideal structure:
- Definition / Introduction
- Explanation of the concept
- Important points
- Examples
- Conclusion
If you follow this pattern, your answer looks professional and complete.
Manage Your Time Smartly in the Exam Hall
Time management is important because IGNOU papers include long answers.
Follow this plan:
- Read the entire question paper in 5 minutes.
- Attempt easy questions first.
- Spend 30–35 minutes per long answer.
- Leave 10 minutes for revision.
- Do not spend too much time on tough questions.
Completing the paper is more important than writing fewer detailed answers.
Present Your Answers Neatly
Neat presentation always creates a good impression.
Tips for neat writing:
- Use black or blue pen consistently.
- Leave space between paragraphs.
- Underline important headings.
- Write points clearly.
- Maintain margins on both sides.
A good presentation alone can improve your score by 5–10 marks.
Stay Updated with IGNOU Notifications
Always keep an eye on important updates like:
- Exam form dates
- Assignment submission dates
- Hall ticket release
- Exam timetable (date sheet)
- Project or practical last dates
Staying updated helps you avoid last-minute problems or stress.
Join IGNOU Online Study Groups
Many students form helpful communities on:
- Telegram
- YouTube comment sections
These groups share:
- Notes
- PYQs
- Answer writing tips
- Exam updates
You get support from students preparing for the same exam.
Stay Confident and Believe in Your Preparation
Confidence plays a big role in IGNOU exams.
To maintain confidence:
- Avoid comparing your preparation with others.
- Stick to your study plan.
- Focus on what you have learned.
- Stay calm before entering the exam hall.
A positive mindset helps you recall better and reduces stress.
Final Thoughts: Scoring Good Marks in IGNOU Exams Is Easy with the Right Strategy
IGNOU exams are not difficult if you study in a smart and simple way. Follow a regular study plan, use the IGNOU books properly, make short notes, revise often, and practice old question papers. Also, write your answers in a clear and neat format.
These steps help you write good and well-organized answers that score high marks.
Remember, IGNOU gives marks for clear writing, proper understanding, and good presentation — not for memorizing everything. If you study every day and revise with discipline, getting good marks becomes easy for any student.