Students of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) can henceforth write their examinations in the regional languages of their choice.
The university has taken a decision to this effect at the Academic Standing Committee meeting held recently where it has been “resolved to allow the learners write their assignments/ term-end examinations in regional languages.”
A press release from M. Shanmugham, Regional Director, IGNOU Madurai Regional Centre, said that students of Tamil Nadu can write the examinations in Tamil for certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate degree programmes.
“As an inclusive institution, it is a part of IGNOU's mandate to reach the unreached for the benefit of underprivileged sections of the society,” he said.
He said that the varsity has been working on a series of new and path-breaking ideas to promote its 350 academic programmes. Language of study has been a major hurdle to the aspiring students who want to study in IGNOU. That hurdle has come to an end now, the release said.
The IGNOU Regional Centre in Madurai has started translating the existing courses and study materials will be made available to the students once the translation is completed. Stating that the university's decision allowing students take their examinations in Tamil is rightly coinciding with the World Classical Tamil Conference, he said that the last date for admissions has been extended to July 30. Information about the courses offered by IGNOU can be had on website www.ignou.ac.in.