MBA from IGNOU...My experiences so far!

Last year, after a lot of deliberations, I decided to do a distance MBA course (along-side office schedule). After a lot of research, I found that distance MBA from IGNOU is one of the safest options out there as several such colleges offer distance courses whose degrees are not even accredited. IGNOU, as you all must be aware of, is established by an Act of the Parliament and is genuine. 

I cleared the OPENMAT entrance examination (for entrance into the MBA Programme, not required for PG Diploma courses) and enrolled into the "MP" or Management Programme. The special features of this programme are its low fees (its dirt cheap), wide acceptability and modular course (6 courses yield you a diploma, 11 courses yield a PG Diploma and all 21 courses of course yield the MBA degree). The following are my honest opinions about the programme:

ABOUT THE EASE OF STUDYING

• It is not easy doing a distance MBA along-side office. There are 4 semesters. You are required to submit assignments for each of the 5 courses per semester and each assignment required at least 18 to 20 pages written by hand. For someone going to office everyday, that is a LOT! Add to that the course books from IGNOU...half of which will never reach you on time and you will be forced to read from PDFs downloaded from the internet. Selective reading is the ONLY option left to pass the examinations. You cannot read and understand everything on your own. This is the major drawback of distance courses. 
• I have been focussing on first 3 to 4 blocks of each course out of the total 5 to 6 blocks and that strategy has worked out all right for me. (till now...I am still in the 3rd Sem)

ABOUT THE QUALITY OF BOOKS

• The Books of IGNOU are reprint editions of some 1990s to 2000s time-frame which means that they are REALLY OUTDATED. What it means for you is that many of the concepts/techniques explained therein are obsolete. IGNOU should really work on revising the editions thoroughly!
• Despite the above, the language used is simple and mostly understandable. What you do not understand, "GOOGLE" will surely help you. Some subjects with Quantitative Methods (MS-08) really require better books (KEN BLACK, etc) as the explanations are not adequate for the average learner.

ABOUT THE GRADING / RESULTS 

• IGNOU MBA follows grading system (A for >80, B for 60-80, C for 50-60, D for 40-50 and E for less than 40). Assignments carry 30% weightage and Term end exams carry 70% weightage. Overall, the grade should be at least C to pass which means minimum D in theory and B in assignment is required to pass.
• RESULTS start to come out about 45 days after the exams and complete results for all subjects take further 1 to 2 months. The quality of marking/checking of papers is erratic / unreliable and it is advisable to go for re-valuation in case you have not got the marks as anticipated within 30 days of result declaration. 

ABOUT THE STUDY CENTRE 

• The study centres are pure "SARKARI" with no one to pick phone or help in case you need any help / your assignment marks have not been updated by them. I have been having a similar issue with my assignment marks (even though I submitted them and have a receiving slip as well) but they are yet to get updated in my Grade Card.
• Study centres are open only on SUNDAYS and do go there in morning itself for any work.

VERDICT

Overall, it is a nightmare, especially if you are working and have little time to spare. Practically you  not only have to worry about assignments, project & term end exams, you also have to ensure if your marks have been updated by them (be it term end or assignments), who your project guide will be and what will be the project topic (absolutely noone assigned to be your guide, you are on your own), that your grades are correct or not (generally grades are wrong which they correct at revaluation for which they obviously charge extra). 

The prize at the end of all this struggle is the MBA Degree from IGNOU. Very few are able to achieve this feat and I am in the pipeline. If you think the pain is worth it, dive right in but remember to hold your breath for as long as you can. You never know how long it will take to reach the surface!

Comments / Suggestions / Queries invited.