IGNOU 40th Foundation Day: ‘Govt universities in Kashmir can’t compete with IGNOU in terms of enrollment’

Srinagar, Nov 19: Speakers at the 40th foundation day celebration of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) on Wednesday lauded the institution for its pioneering role in expanding access to open, distance and online learning across the country.

The event, held at SP College Srinagar and organised by the IGNOU Regional Centre, witnessed students, faculty members and senior officials commending the university’s contribution to inclusive and flexible education.

Commissioner Secretary of the J&K IT Department, Saurabh Bhagat, said IGNOU had set a benchmark globally and was recognised by UNESCO as the largest open online education platform. “Under the NEP framework, students can pursue an IGNOU degree alongside a regular course in any university. It is a highly flexible model,” he said.

Bhagat highlighted how IGNOU has enabled diverse groups—including expecting mothers, security personnel on the borders, inmates in prisons and those unable to afford regular education—to complete their degrees. He cited his own family’s experience: “My father completed his B.Ed at the age of 72 through IGNOU.”

He said nearly 50,000 students are enrolled with IGNOU Srinagar, a number that surpasses the combined enrolment of traditional universities in the Valley. “If we compare KU, IUST, Cluster University, and SKUAST-K together, their total enrolment still does not match IGNOU,” he noted, urging local universities to learn from IGNOU’s digital and distance-learning model.

Bhagat added that he himself relied on IGNOU study material while preparing for the IAS examination. “Through IGNOU, you can pursue education at any stage of life,” he said.

Regional Director IGNOU Srinagar, A. H. Rizvi, said the online mode of education offers unmatched flexibility, enabling youth to “earn while learning or learn while earning.” He said most IGNOU learners are working or unable to access regular education, adding that the university frequently introduces new market-driven courses to stay relevant.

Rizvi said IGNOU currently offers more than 350 programmes across vocational, technical, medical and other fields. “We aim to reach the marginalised. With rapid changes in the job market, we must continue introducing new courses to meet emerging needs,” he said.