Following the Official IGNOU Project Format
Your project report is not just a document of your research findings but also a demonstration of your ability to present academic work professionally. The structure and format are as important as the content itself.
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 Layout and Numbering
Preliminary pages (certificate, declaration, etc.) use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) in lowercase, centered at bottom.
Binding and Submission Copies
Submit two hard-bound copies in navy blue rexine with golden lettering on spine and front cover. Soft binding or spiral binding is not accepted for final submission.
Chapter-Wise Organization
While minor program-specific variations exist, the core structure remains consistent across BCA, MCA, MBA, MCOM, MA, and other programs.
Preliminary Pages (Unnumbered or Roman Numbered)
1. Outer Cover Page: Include IGNOU logo at top if provided by regional center.
2. Title Page (Page i): Must include guide name, designation, and organization.
3. Guide Certificate (Page ii): Original certificate on guide's letterhead stating they supervised the work and it is original. Guide signature with date.
4. Student Declaration (Page iii): Standard declaration of originality: "I hereby declare that this project is my original work...". Student signature, date, place.
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): Alphabetical list with full forms. Only include abbreviations actually used in report.
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)
Include cross-tabulations, statistical tests, or thematic analysis as appropriate.
Chapter 5: Findings, Conclusions and Suggestions (10-15 pages)
No new data in this chapter.
Specialized Report Organizations
MBA Projects: Often include Executive Summary (2-3 pages) after title page, before Chapter 1.
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
Journals: Author(s). (Year). Article title. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.
Visual Elements Standards
Source must be mentioned below each table/figure if not original.
Supplementary Documents
Questionnaires must match those described in methodology chapter.
Common Formatting Mistakes and Solutions
Inconsistent Headings: Create template with styles from beginning.
Improper Page Numbering: Check final PDF for continuity.
Missing Original Certificates: Guide certificate and declaration must have original signatures in blue ink. Scanned copies not accepted.
Wrong Binding Color: Get binding done at authorized IGNOU vendors.
Digital Submission Requirements
CD/DVD must be properly labeled and secured in pocket. Include folder structure: Report, Data, Code, Questionnaire.
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?
Professional Presentation Matters
Think of your report as your academic visiting card. A perfectly formatted document speaks volumes about your competence before a single word is read.
Start with the end in mind. Create a template following exact specifications from day one of writing. This prevents reformatting trauma at submission time.
Word count: approximately 1500 words
