Is 40 Marks Pass in IGNOU?

Is 40 marks pass in IGNOU? It’s a common question among students checking their term-end results or preparing for exams. The truth is—it depends on the course you are enrolled in. While 40 marks is the standard pass mark for postgraduate and diploma programs, undergraduate students only need 35 marks in theory to pass.

In this article, we break down the IGNOU passing marks criteria for each programme, clarify how theory and assignments are evaluated, and what happens if you fall short.

What Are the Minimum Passing Marks in IGNOU?

Here is the updated and correct passing marks table for IGNOU’s different programmes:

Programme Type	Total Marks	Passing Marks Required
Bachelor’s Degree (UG)	100	35 Marks
Master’s Degree (PG)	100	40 Marks
Diploma/PG Diploma	100	40 Marks
Assignments (All Levels)	100	40 Marks
Practical Exams	Varies	Usually 50%
Project/Dissertation	100	40 Marks

📌 Note: You must pass each component separately — assignment, theory exam, practical (if applicable), and project.

Is 40 Marks Pass in IGNOU? Explanation

✅ Yes, if you are enrolled in a postgraduate or diploma programme, 40 out of 100 is the minimum passing mark for theory, assignments, and projects.

❌ But if you’re in a Bachelor’s programme (like BA, BCom, BSc, BSWG) — you only need 35 marks in the term-end theory exams to pass.

So:

• 40 is pass in PG/Diploma
• 35 is pass in UG

IGNOU Grading System (At a Glance)

Here’s how your marks convert into grades:

Marks (%)	Grade	Grade Point
80–100	A	5
60–79	B	4
50–59	C	3
40–49	D	2
Below 35/40	F (Fail)	0

💡 You must score at least a ‘D’ grade to pass.

For more details about grade card, you can check our IGNOU Grade Card Result page.

What If You Score Less Than 35 or 40 in IGNOU

If you don’t meet the minimum marks in any component (theory, assignment, etc.), then:

• You receive an F grade (Fail)
• The course is marked as Not Completed (NC) in your grade card
• You must reappear in the next term-end exam
• Assignments can be resubmitted in the next cycle, if failed

Can Assignment Marks Compensate for Theory in IGNOU?

❌ No, IGNOU requires separate passing marks in both assignment and theory.

For example:

• If you score 70 in assignment but only 30 in theory (UG) → Fail
• If you score 35 in theory (UG) but only 25 in assignment → Fail

You must pass both components.

Example Scenarios

• UG Student (BA History):
  Assignment – 42 marks
  Theory Exam – 35 marks
  ✅ Passed
• PG Student (MA Psychology):
  Assignment – 65 marks
  Theory Exam – 39 marks
  ❌ Failed (needs 40 to pass theory)

Is 40 Marks Enough for UGC NET or PhD Eligibility?

Yes—as long as you’ve passed all your courses, you’re eligible to:

• Apply for UGC NET (PG students)
• Apply for PhD programs in Indian universities
• Use your degree for government job applications

Even if you score just the minimum, you’re still considered a qualified graduate or postgraduate.

Is This Valid for All IGNOU Courses?

✅ Yes, these rules apply across all IGNOU Schools and programmes unless specifically mentioned otherwise in your programme guide (especially in technical or health-related courses).

📌 Always refer to your Programme Guide and official IGNOU Student Handbook for exceptions.

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🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Is 40 Marks Pass in IGNOU?

Yes—for most programmes, 40 marks is the passing score, especially in postgraduate and diploma courses. However, for Bachelor’s degree programmes, IGNOU only requires 35 marks to pass in theory.

The key takeaway:
📌 Always pass each component (assignment + theory) individually.

As long as you meet the minimum in both, you’re safe—and one step closer to your degree!

For more details, visit: https://www.ignou.ac.in