IGNOU Passing Marks 2026: Complete Guide for All Programmes

Knowing the exact IGNOU passing marks is essential before you sit for any Term-End Exam. IGNOU has different passing criteria for Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Diploma, and Certificate programmes — and you must clear both components (assignments carrying 30% and TEE carrying 70%) independently. This complete guide covers passing marks for every IGNOU programme level, the division classification system, and how to calculate whether you've passed.

IGNOU Passing Marks by Programme Level

IGNOU follows a 30/70 weighted evaluation system. Your final score is calculated as: (Assignment Marks × 0.30) + (TEE Marks × 0.70). However, the minimum passing percentage differs by programme level.

Bachelor's Programmes (BAG, BCA, BCOMG, BSW, BTS)

• Assignments: Minimum 35 out of 100 (35%)
• Term-End Exam: Minimum 35 out of 100 (35%)
• Final combined score: Must be at least 35%

For courses with different maximum marks (e.g., 50 or 70), the 35% rule applies proportionally. You must pass assignments and TEE separately — scoring 90% in assignments doesn't compensate for failing the TEE.

Master's Programmes (MEG, MBA, MCA, MPS, MSW, MCom)

• Assignments: Minimum 40 out of 100 (40%)
• Term-End Exam: Minimum 40 out of 100 (40%)
• Final combined score: Must be at least 40%

Master's programmes have a higher bar. If you score 39% in the TEE for any course, you fail that course regardless of your assignment marks.

PhD and MPhil Programmes

• Coursework: Minimum 55% for General/OBC and 50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates
• Dissertation/Thesis: Must be evaluated as satisfactory by the external examiner
• Viva Voce: Must be cleared separately

Diploma and PG Diploma Programmes

• PG Diploma: Same as Master's — 40% in both assignments and TEE
• Diploma: Same as Bachelor's — 35% in both components
• Some professional diplomas (e.g., DNHE, DCE) may require practical exam clearance at 40%

Certificate Programmes

• Assignments: Minimum 35%
• TEE: Minimum 35%
• Practical (where applicable): Minimum 35%

IGNOU Division Classification

After completing your programme, IGNOU classifies your overall performance into divisions based on your cumulative percentage across all courses:

• First Division: 60% and above
• Second Division: 50% to 59.99%
• Third Division: 40% to 49.99% (Master's) or 35% to 49.99% (Bachelor's)
• Pass: Below Third Division threshold but meeting minimum passing criteria

For PhD programmes, there is no division system — the result is simply "Qualified" or "Not Qualified."

How to Calculate Your IGNOU Final Score

Use the IGNOU Percentage Calculator to compute your score instantly. For manual calculation:

Final Score = (Assignment Marks × 0.30) + (TEE Marks × 0.70)

Example (Bachelor's student): Assignment: 65/100, TEE: 42/100 → (65 × 0.30) + (42 × 0.70) = 19.5 + 29.4 = 48.9% → Second Division ✓ (Pass — above 35% in both components)

Example (Master's student): Assignment: 70/100, TEE: 38/100 → Even though combined score might be above 40%, the student FAILS because TEE is below 40%.

Important Rules About IGNOU Passing Criteria

• Both components must be passed separately: A high assignment score cannot compensate for a failing TEE score, and vice versa
• Assignment marks are valid for the programme duration: You don't need to resubmit assignments if you fail the TEE — just reappear for the exam
• No grace marks: IGNOU does not award grace marks. If you score 34% (Bachelor's) or 39% (Master's), you fail
• Back paper attempts: You can reappear for any failed course in subsequent TEE cycles within your programme validity

Check your current status on the IGNOU Grade Card and calculate your cumulative score with the GPA Calculator.