IGNOU Project Layout Tips Per University Rules
Introduction: Why Formatting Matters in IGNOU Projects
Submitting a well-formatted IGNOU project is not just about aesthetics—it's a mandatory requirement that directly impacts your evaluation. The university mandates exact presentation rules specified in the report guide, and violations may cause grade cuts or complete dismissal. In this in-depth piece, we analyze all structuring aspects—from borders to citations—per latest session protocols, gratis applications, and sequential guidance.
Regardless of being a beginner or editing, dominating official styling assures polish, legibility, and conformity. Let's convert your material into an assessor-pleasing gem.
Accessing the Latest IGNOU Formatting Guidelines
Initiate by obtaining the sanctioned Report Guide from the pupil platform or branch web. This year, rules are standardized for nearly all curricula, with small subject tweaks in addendums.
Main parts: Broad Directions (first five), Layout Details (six to fifteen), Model Sheets (sixteen to twenty-five). Save and tag it; it's your styling scripture.
Bonus: Contact mentor for subject-particular elucidations—answers are gratis and authoritative.
Overall Page Setup: Margins, Spacing, and Paper
IGNOU mandates A4 size paper with specific margins: Left 1.5 inches, Right/Top/Bottom 1 inch.
Row distances: 1.5 in primary content; 1 in annotations, lengthy excerpts, and sources. Text position: Left-justified for tidy view.
Typeface: TNR, twelve point body; fourteen bold chapters; twelve bold sections. No italics except for foreign words or emphasis (sparingly).
Sheet markers: Base central, beginning at preface as 1 (initials in Roman).
Implementation in free tools: Use LibreOffice Writer or Google Docs—set via Page Setup menu.
Title Page: The Professional Gateway
Front folio is unmarked and sticks to standard pattern.
Sequence and style:
1. REPORT HEADING (fourteen bold, middle, uppercase long titles)
2. Subheading (twelve slant if present)
3. Presenter: [Full Name]
4. Reg. No.: [Digits]
5. Course: [Identifier & Title]
6. Center: [ID & Location]
7. Region: [Area]
8. Session: Current Year
9. University Emblem (top mid, voluntary)
No page number; use 1.5 spacing between items.
Certificate and Declaration Pages
Two individual folios, each titled 14pt bold, aligned central.
Attestation (by Guide):
"I confirm the assignment [Heading] completed by [Student] with my supervision..."
Sign, Identity, Post, Time, Location.
Declaration (by Student):
"I declare that this project is my original work..."
Signature, Name, Enrollment, Date.
One gap inside text; one-and-half amid parts.
Acknowledgement: Gratitude with Grace
Non-compulsory but suggested; one folio cap.
Format: Title "ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS" (fourteen strong, mid).
Text thanking mentor, kin, colleagues, resource personnel.
Close with identity and reg lower right.
Table of Contents: Your Project Roadmap
Machine-made for exactness; Roman prelims, numeric core.
Columns: Chapter/Section, Title, Page No.
Indent subheadings 0.5 inch.
Leader dots between title and page.
Free tools: MS Word "References > Table of Contents" or LibreOffice Insert > TOC.
List of Tables, Figures, Abbreviations
Separate pages if >5 items each.
Style: "TABLE LIST" (fourteen strong).
ID, Name, Folio.
Identical for visuals.
Shortforms: Code, Expansion (A-Z).
Abstract/Synopsis: Concise Overview
200-300 words, single paragraph, 1.5 spacing.
Sequence: Setting, Goals, Method, Outcomes, Summary.
Phrases: Quartet to sextet beneath, cursive.
Main Body Chapters: Consistent Structure
Part heading: CHAPTER ONE – PREFACE (fourteen strong, mid, two" top).
Initial passage left; followings 0.5" indent.
Headings hierarchy:
Level 1: 1.1 SUBHEADING (12 pt bold)
Level 2: 1.1.1 Sub-sub (12 pt bold italic)
Level 3: 1.1.1.1 (12 pt italic)
Gaps: 12pt before caption, 6pt after passage.
Tables and Figures: Professional Presentation
Placement: Immediately after first mention or in appendix if bulky.
Numbering: Table 1.1, Figure 2.3 (chapter.section).
Label: Over grid (Table one-point-one: Name), under visual (Fig one-point-one: Desc). Ten point, mid.
Source: Below caption if secondary data (Source: NSSO, 2024).
Tools: Insert via Google Docs > Table/Insert Image; resize to fit margins.
References/Bibliography: Citation Perfection
Style: APA 7th for social sciences, MLA 9th for humanities, Vancouver for health—check course requirement.
APA case:
Verma, S. (2025). Online Education. University Pub.
Hanging indent 0.5 inch; alphabetical; DOI/URL if online.
Gratis: Source organizers, online makers.
Appendices: Supporting Evidence
Tag: ADDENDUM A: Survey (fourteen strong, mid).
Separate page per appendix; referenced in text (see Appendix B).
Substance: Base info, dialogue copies, additional graphs.
Binding and Submission Format
Physical: Coil or flexible bind, clear front, info tag.
Online: Fixed file, section anchors, below 10MB.
Title: ID_Program_ReportSession.pdf
Common Formatting Mistakes and Fixes
Mistake 1: Inconsistent fonts → Fix: Use Find/Replace to standardize.
Mistake 2: Wrong margins → Page Setup > Apply to whole document.
Mistake 3: Missing page numbers → Insert > Page Number > Bottom center.
Mistake 4: Poor image quality → Use 300 DPI, compress via TinyPNG.
Problem 5: Copied sources → Reword and quote.
Free Tools Checklist for Perfect Formatting
1. WPS Office ( drafting)
2. Canva (diagrams)
3. LanguageTool (proofing)
4. Zotero (references)
5. SmallPDF (merge/compress)
6. Photopea (image edit)
Final Proofreading and Validation
Step 1: Print draft, check physically.
Step 2: Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to verify PDF bookmarks.
Step 3: Get peer/supervisor formatting feedback.
Phase 4: Early filing.
Conclusion: Your Evaluator-Ready IGNOU Project
Correct layout elevates solid material to exceptional report. Follow these official guidelines using free tools, and you’ll achieve not just compliance but admiration from evaluators.
Remember: In IGNOU project submission support, presentation is part of the grade—format flawlessly, submit confidently, and secure top marks in 2025!