IGNOU Improvement Exam Guide
Improvement Exam Guide
IGNOU Improvement Exam Guide – Complete 4000-Word Article
Improvement in IGNOU marks is one of the major demands of the students. Be it a better grade, division, or just improvement in the academic percentile for future betterment, the Improvement Exam by IGNOU is one of the most useful options.
But many students are confused about:
- Who is eligible?
- How to apply?
- What subjects can be improved?
- When does the improvement exam happen?
- How many times can you give improvement?
Does improvement affect credits or division? - Can you improve assignment marks?
- Is there any risk in improvement exams?
The following comprehensive 4000-word guide will solve all doubts related to the IGNOU Improvement Examination in a clear, detailed, and student-friendly manner.
H2: What is an IGNOU Improvement Exam?
The IGNOU Improvement Exam is a special opportunity provided by IGNOU to students who have already passed their subjects but are not satisfied with their marks.
H3: Purpose of the Improvement Exam
- To improve the overall percentage
- To enhance a particular course score
- Improve your division: First / Second / Third
- To make your academic record stronger for:
- Jobs
- Higher studies
- Government exams
- Professional development
Important Note
Only after passing the subject is improvement allowed.
You cannot give improvement for failed subjects.
Who Is Eligible for the IGNOU Improvement Exam?
IGNOU has clear eligibility criteria. You have to fulfill all the conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must have already passed the subject in TEE.
- You want to increase your marks in that subject.
- You want to enhance division:
- From 2nd to 1st
- From 3rd to 2nd
- You must apply within the time limitation: within 6 months–3 years, depending on the program.
Program Eligibility
Improvement exams are allowed for:
- UG Programs – BAG, BComG, BScG, BA elective majors
- PG Programs: MA, MCom, MBA, MSc
- Diplomas & Certificates (only selective)
H3: Not Eligible For
- Practical exams
Assignment improvement
Improvement on the Project
Improvement of lab-based subjects
- Non-credit courses
When Can You Apply for the IGNOU Improvement Exam?
Improvement exams in IGNOU are conducted only during the TEE in June and December.
You Can Apply in Two Cycles
June TEE Cycle
December TEE Cycle
Application Deadline
Generally:
- For June TEE: Apply between April and May
- For December TEE: Apply between October – November
How Many Times Can You Give the IGNOU Improvement Exam?
IGNOU allows ONLY ONCE.One-Time Opportunity
You can improve your marks in:
- Only one subject one time
- Only upon passing
If an improvement attempt is completed, you cannot reapply for that course.
IGNOU Improvement Exam Fee Structure
Fees vary for national and international students.
H3: For Indian Students
Level Fee (Approx)
UG Improvement ₹750 per subject
PG Improvement ₹750 per subject
H3: For International Students
Region | Fee
SAARC Countries $20 per subject
Non-SAARC Countries US$ 60 per subject
H4: Payment Mode: Online payment
UPI, card, net banking
How to Apply for IGNOU Improvement Exam Online
Follow this step-by-step process.
Step 1 – Visit the Official IGNOU Website
Go to: IGNOU Online Services > Student Zone > Improvement Exam Form
Step 2– Download or Fill the Form Online
Check availability of:
- Application online
or - Offline PDF form
Step 3 – Fill Personal Details
- Name
Enrollment number
- Program code
- Address
- Contact information
Step 4 – Enter Subject Details
Details of the subject you want to improve:
- Course code
See: Course title
- Year of passing
- Original marks scored Step 5 – Pay the Fee
Pay using: - UPI
- Card
The various modes of money transactions prevailing in banks include: * Net banking
Step 6 – Submit
Please submit the form online and retain a copy for your records.
Offline Method (If Online is Not Available) Step-by-Step Offline Process
- Download the IGNOU improvement form in PDF format.
- Print it.
- Fill it manually.
- Attach documents:
Mark’s list copy
- ID proof
- Fee demand draft
- Send to your regional centre or IGNOU HQ (as instructed on the form).
Address to Send Offline Forms
Usually sent to:
Registrar, Student Evaluation Division,
Block 12, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068
What Documents Are Needed for the IGNOU Improvement Exam?
Required Documents
- Self-attested mark sheet copy
- Identity card
- Improvement form
- Fee payment receipt
Optional (If asked)
- Screenshot of confirmation email
- Course completion status
Can You Improve Assignment Marks in IGNOU?
No.
Assignments Cannot Be Improved
Once the marks of assignments are updated, they cannot be improved again.
You can improve only the TEE marks.
Why?
IGNOU considers the evaluation of assignments as final.
There is no provision for re-evaluation or enhancement in assignments.
IGNOU Improvement Exam vs Re-Evaluation
Many students confuse improvement with re-evaluation.
Both are different.
Re-Evaluation
- You apply to recheck your exam answer sheet.
- Only the increase in marks is reflected.
- No decrease allowed.
- It can be applied only within 30 days of the result.
Improvement Exam
- You are rewriting the whole TEE again.
- Marks increase or decrease, both are possible.
- Can be applied after passing.
What Happens If You Score Lower Marks in the Improvement Exam?
Lower Marks Rule
If you score lower marks in the improvement exam:
IGNOU will consider the higher marks between the original and the improved score.
So, failing an improvement exam doesn’t reduce your marks.
H2: How IGNOU Calculates New Results After Improvement
IGNOU follows this method:
Step 1 – Compare Original vs Improvement Marks
Higher marks are taken.
Step 2 – Recalculate Percentage
The percentage changes based on new marks:
Step 3 – Update Grade Card
Grade card status changed to:
“IMPROVED”
How the Improvement Exam Helps in Division Upgrade
IGNOU awards:
1st Division: ≥ 60%
2nd Division: 50–59%
3rd Division: 40–49%
H3: Example of Division Upgrade
Your original percentage = 58%
If you score higher in improvement and reach 60%, then your division is upgraded to First Division.
How Many Subjects Can You Improve in IGNOU?
For UG Student
You can improve marks in up to 2 subjects.
For PG Students
You can only improve 1 subject
Reason
IGNOU restricts improvement in order to ensure academic equity.
Can You Improve Marks After Finishing the Degree?
Yes.
Eligibility After Completion
Once you have earned your degree,
You can still apply for improvement within 2 years from the date of passing.
Time Limit for IGNOU Improvement Exam Application
For UG Students
You can apply within 3 years of completing the program.
For PG Students
You can apply within 2 years of completing the program.
IGNOU Improvement Exam Rules You Must Know
Important Rules
- Only pass subjects eligible.
- Only TEE can be enhanced
- Assignment scores remain the same
- Improvement allowed only once
- Higher marks are counted.
- Non-refundable fees
- Improvement cannot extend beyond program validity.
IGNOU Improvement Exam After Re-Registration – Allowed or Not?
If you take re-registration due to incomplete credits, you can still take the improvement exam for subjects you passed earlier.
Example
You passed MEG-01 but failed MEG-05.
You took RR to complete MEG-05.
- You can still improve MEG-01.
- IGNOU Improvement Exam – Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Higher marks
- Better percentage
- Higher division
- Strong resume
- Greater opportunities
Disadvantages
One-time opportunity only
- Requires study time
- The fee is collected
- Stress of reappearing in the exam
Tips to Score High in IGNOU Improvement Exam
1. Analyze Previous Performance
Identify weaknesses:
Writing style
Lack of points
Time management
Poor structuring. 2. Study IGNOU Books Properly
The IGNOU exam mostly comes from its study materials.
3. Solve Previous 10 Year Papers
Questions repeat too much. 4. Provide Answers in Structured Format
Use:
- Headings
- Sub-headings
- Bullet points
- Examples
5. Complete the first 3 questions in detail
IGNOU gives high marks for elaborate answers.
Common Student Questions About Improvement Exam
Q1: Is it necessary to resubmit assignments for improvement?
No.
Q2: Can I improve practical marks?
No: Q3: Can I improve project marks?
No.
Q4: Will the improvement exam affect my credits?
No. Credits are already earned.
Q5: How long does the improvement result take? Usually 45–60 days after TEE.
Q6: H3: Is it possible to give an improvement for backlog subjects? No. Improvement only for passed subjects.
Sample IGNOU Improvement Form Details
What You Must Fill Name Enrollment number Program code Subject code Original mark Address Centre choice H4: Don’t Make These Mistakes Wrong subject code Wrong exam cycle Invalid email Impact of Improvement Marks on Final Grade Card
Grade Card Changes. After improvement, the grade card will show: Updated TEE marks, Updated total marks, Updated grade, Updated division H3: Marksheet Change. You will get a new marksheet after improvement.
Should You Apply for the IGNOU Improvement Exam?
Best Situations to Apply. If you scored less than 60% but want a first division, your marks reduce your job/higher education chances. If you narrowly missed the cut-off
When You Should NOT Apply: If your marks are already good, if the subject is difficult, if you are preparing for another course
Summary – IGNOU Improvement Exam Guide The Improvement Exam at IGNOU is very helpful for the students who wish to: get Better marks, improve their percentage, Higher division, Strong academic profile. It is available: Only once, Only for passed subjects, Only for TEE improvement. Assignments, practicals, and projects cannot be improved. You have to apply within the time limit, pay the fee, and prepare well to appear in the next TEE cycle.
