The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), founded in 1985 by an Act of Parliament, has worked tirelessly to create a more inclusive knowledge society via education. It has attempted to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by using the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) method to provide high-quality instruction.

In 1987, the University opened with 4,528 students enrolled in two academic programmes: Diploma in Management and Diploma in Distance Education.

Through 21 Schools of Studies and a networkof 67 Regional Centres, about 2,000 Learner Support Centres, and 20 abroad institutions, it now serves the educational goals of over 3 million students in India and other countries.

With nearly 250 faculty members and 230 academic staff at the headquarters and regional centres, and over 35,000 academic counsellors from traditional institutions of higher learning, professional organisations, and industry, the University offers about 200 certificates, diplomas, degrees, and doctoral programmes.