Adhering to IGNOU Report Structure Guidelines

IGNOU maintains strict formatting guidelines to ensure uniformity, readability, and academic integrity across thousands of project submissions annually. Understanding and implementing these standards is non-negotiable for successful evaluation.

Why IGNOU Insists on Standardized Format

The prescribed structure ensures that all essential components of research - from problem identification to conclusions - are systematically presented, making assessment objective and transparent.

The format is designed to mirror professional research reports and theses, preparing you for higher studies or research-oriented careers.

General Formatting Requirements Across All Programs

Text must be typed in Times New Roman or Arial font, size 12 for main content, size 14 bold for chapter titles, size 12 bold for headings.

Page Structure Standards

Main content pages use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) starting from Chapter 1, placed at top-right corner.

Binding and Submission Copies

Cover lettering format: Top - IGNOU logo (if available), Middle - Project Title (all caps), Bottom - Name, Enrollment No., Program Code.

Standard Structure of IGNOU Project Report

The report follows a fixed sequence of preliminary pages, main chapters, and appendices. Deviation from this order leads to immediate return for correction.

Initial Pages Sequence

1. Outer Cover Page: No page number.

2. Title Page (Page i): Identical to cover page but printed inside on white paper. Includes submission statement: "A project report submitted in partial fulfillment...".

3. Guide Certificate (Page ii): Must be signed in blue ink.

4. Student Declaration (Page iii): Must match approved synopsis title exactly.

5. Acknowledgement (Page iv): Thank guide, organizations, family, peers. Keep professional and concise (100-200 words).

6. Table of Contents (Page v onwards): List all chapters, headings, sub-headings with page numbers. Use consistent indentation and dot leaders.

7. List of Abbreviations (if applicable): Roman numerals.

Core Content Structure

Chapter 1: Introduction (10-15 pages)

End with chapter scheme (brief overview of all chapters).

Chapter 2: Review of Literature (15-25 pages)

Include research gap identification leading to your study objectives.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology (10-20 pages)

Detail research design, population, sampling, tools, validity/reliability, data collection procedure, ethical considerations, and analysis techniques.

Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation (25-40 pages)

Present findings using tables, charts, graphs. Follow with detailed interpretation linking to objectives/hypotheses.

Chapter 5: Findings, Conclusions and Suggestions (10-15 pages)

No new data in this chapter.

Program-Specific Chapter Variations

MA Education/Sociology: May combine Findings and Conclusions; include case studies as separate chapter.

Documentation Requirements

Use consistent referencing style throughout (APA preferred for management/IT, MLA for humanities). Include all cited sources in alphabetical order.

Reference Page Formatting

Websites: Author/Organization. (Year). Title. URL (accessed date).

Visual Elements Standards

Source must be mentioned below each table/figure if not original.

Additional Material Placement

Include raw data, detailed calculations, permission letters, master charts, interview transcripts.

Frequent Errors in Report Structure

Inconsistent Headings: Use only three levels: Chapter title (14 bold), Main heading (12 bold), Sub-heading (12 italic). No underlining.

Improper Page Numbering: Check final PDF for continuity.

Missing Original Certificates: Submit certificates loose (not bound) if regional center requires separate evaluation.

Wrong Binding Color: Confirm with regional center if exceptions allowed for specific programs.

Online Report Standards

Create single PDF file with bookmarks for each chapter and section. File name: EnrollmentNo_Program_Project.pdf

Pre-Submission Verification

Use this 20-point checklist: 1. Approved synopsis included? 2. Guide certificate original? 3. Declaration signed? 4. All pages numbered? 5. References complete? 6. Tables/figures titled? 7. Margins correct? 8. Font consistent? 9. Binding proper? 10. CD included? 11. Plagiarism report attached? 12. Executive summary (if required)? 13. Chapter scheme matches contents? 14. All objectives addressed? 15. Recommendations practical? 16. Future research suggested? 17. Grammar checked? 18. Spellings verified? 19. Regional center format followed? 20. Two copies identical?

Structure as Success Foundation

Think of your report as your academic visiting card. A perfectly formatted document speaks volumes about your competence before a single word is read.

The perfectly structured IGNOU project report is not just a degree requirement - it is your first professional research publication. Present it with pride.

Word count: approximately 1500 words