FORUM

Updated IGNOU Synopsis Submission Rules for 2025  
  
Starting from 2024, IGNOU has implemented revised rules for synopsis submission that all students must follow. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the essential changes and specifications to ensure your research proposal meets the latest standards.  
  
Overview of New IGNOU Synopsis Policy  
  
The modified IGNOU synopsis guidelines for 2024 include several significant changes:  
  
  
More rigorous structural requirements  
New components in the synopsis  
Online submission procedure  
Revised assessment criteria  
Tighter similarity checks  
  
  
Complete IGNOU Synopsis Format for 2024  
  
The mandatory synopsis structure now includes these sections:  
  
  
Title Page - Must contain:  
  
Specific research title (limited to 20 words)  
Student's complete details  
Enrollment number  
Program name and specialization  
Study Center code  
Supervisor's details and affiliation  
Submission date  
  
  
  
Introduction (Limited to 300 words)  
  
Literature Review (More detailed requirement for 2024)  
  
Research Gap - Now a separate section  
  
Research Objectives (Limited to 5-7 specific points)  
  
Research Questions/Hypothesis  
  
Methodology - More detailed description required  
  
Expected Outcomes  
  
Timeline - New requirement for 2024  
  
References - Must follow Chicago style consistently  
  
  
Important Structural Specifications  
  
The new formatting requirements include:  
  
  
Font: Times New Roman 12-point only  
Spacing: 1.5 line spacing throughout  
Margins: 1 inch on all sides  
Page Limit: fifteen pages maximum (excluding references)  
Page Numbers: Bottom center on every page  
Header: Short title on each page  
File Format: PDF exclusively for submission  
  
  
Updated Submission Process for 2025  
  
The current submission process has been modified to:  
  
  
Digital Portal Submission - Through IGNOU's new research portal  
Draft Review - Mandatory pre-submission review by supervisor  
Plagiarism Check - Must include plagiarism report (below 10%)  
Final Approval - Requires both guide and IGNOU Synopsis Writing Service regional center approval  
Status Tracking - Can monitor approval status online  
  
  
Critical Dates for 2024  
  
According to the current IGNOU calendar:  
  
  
First Cycle: January 15 to March 31  
Second Cycle: July 15 to October 15  
Special Cycle: November 1 to December 15 (for late submissions)  
  
  
Paper Requirements  
  
Along with your synopsis, you must submit:  
  
  
Properly filled application form  
Plagiarism report from recognized software  
Supervisor's recommendation letter  
Declaration of originality  
Proof of research workshop attendance (if applicable)  
  
  
Frequent Reasons for Rejection in 2025  
  
Avoid these mistakes that lead to rejection:  
  
  
Partial sections  
Non-compliance with structural rules  
Similarity above 10%  
Vague research objectives  
Incorrect methodology description  
Missing schedule section  
Delayed submission  
  
  
Advice for Successful Submission  
  
  
Start early to meet deadlines  
Use the IGNOU-provided template  
Check all technical requirements  
Get your supervisor's feedback before submission  
Run plagiarism check before submission  
Keep multiple of all documents  
Track your submission status regularly  
  
  
Changes in Evaluation Criteria  
  
The 2024 evaluation parameters now consider:  
  
  
30% weightage for originality of research  
25% for research soundness  
20% for precision of objectives  
15% for proper formatting  
10% for practicality of timeline  
  
  
Digital Submission Portal Instructions  
  
To submit through IGNOU's updated portal:  
  
  
Login to your student account  
Navigate to "Research Proposal" section  
Upload all required documents  
Pay the nominal submission fee  
Submit and note your application number  
Save the receipt  
  
  
Conclusion  
  
The 2024 IGNOU synopsis submission rules have evolved to ensure higher standard research proposals. By thoroughly following these new requirements, using the correct structure, and submitting through the designated portal, you can greatly increase your chances of approval. Remember to check the IGNOU website for any last-minute changes before your submission.  
  
Regarding any queries, contact your study center or check the IGNOU website at www.ignou.ac.in.