**Executive Summary**
On April 7, 2026, Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 39th Convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi, where over 3.2 lakh learners received degrees. The event marked the launch of digital initiatives, including DigiLocker-based certificates and a new Alumni Portal, while highlighting the university's alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP). Key themes included the integration of Artificial Intelligence in education and the pursuit of a "Viksit Bharat by 2047" through ethical, technology-driven development.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Institutional Outreach and Inclusivity**
* IGNOU currently serves a learner base of over 14 lakh students, exceeding the population of several countries.
* The university maintains a strong focus on equity, with women comprising 56% of the student body and 58% originating from rural or disadvantaged communities.
* Since its inception in 1985, the institution has prioritized accessible higher education for working professionals and economically disadvantaged groups.
**Educational Reforms and Policy Adoption**
* IGNOU has adopted the National Education Policy (NEP), introducing four-year undergraduate programmes featuring multiple exit options for increased flexibility.
* The curriculum now emphasizes the integration of Indian knowledge systems with modern scientific education.
* The university has transitioned to a more learner-centric model to promote lifelong learning and nation-building.
**Technological Integration and Innovation**
* The university demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging digital platforms such as SWAYAM and e-GyanKosh.
* The Vice President advocated for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance personalized learning and student support.
* New digital infrastructure has been established, including the launch of SWAYAM Prabha Studios at Regional Centres across India.
**Digital Governance and Alumni Engagement**
* Digital certificates are now available via DigiLocker through the National Academic Depository (NAD) to ensure seamless access for graduates.
* An official IGNOU Alumni Portal has been launched, which already reports over 5 million registrations.
**Impact Analysis**
**Learners and Graduates**
**Impact**
Students now benefit from increased academic flexibility under the NEP framework and immediate, paperless access to their educational credentials.
**Action Required**
Learners should access their degrees and diplomas via the DigiLocker platform and explore the multi-exit options provided in the new four-year undergraduate programmes.
**IGNOU Alumni**
**Impact**
Former students have a dedicated platform to maintain institutional links and network with a vast community of over 5 million peers.
**Action Required**
Alumni are encouraged to register and engage with the university through the newly launched IGNOU Alumni Portal.
**Regional Centres and Faculty**
**Impact**
The infrastructure at the regional level is being upgraded to support advanced technology-enabled education.
**Action Required**
Staff at Regional Centres must operationalize the newly launched SWAYAM Prabha Studios to enhance local learning delivery.
**Society and Industry**
**Impact**
The focus on ethical AI and traditional values aims to produce a workforce that contributes to national growth and social mobility.
**Action Required**
Stakeholders must ensure that modern technological developments are guided by ethical values and combined individual efforts to meet the 2047 national development goals.
Key Entities Referenced
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU): The primary institution providing inclusive higher education through open and distance learning models, serving over 14 lakh learners.
National Education Policy (NEP): The national policy framework adopted by the university to introduce flexible, learner-centric four-year undergraduate programs with multiple exit options.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan: The Vice President of India who delivered the convocation address and launched various digital academic initiatives and portals.
SWAYAM: A digital learning platform and studio initiative (SWAYAM Prabha) leveraged by the university for technology-enabled education.
National Academic Depository (NAD): The digital repository system used to release academic certificates via DigiLocker to ensure easy access for students across the country.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President addresses 39th Convocation of
IGNOU in New Delhi
Over 3.2 lakh learners receive degrees, diplomas, and
certificates at the IGNOU convocation
IGNOU, a pillar of inclusive and accessible higher education,
has a learner base exceeding the population of many
countries:Vice-President
Modern development must align with traditions; scientific
progress should be guided by ethical values: Vice President
Posted On: 07 APR 2026 3:28PM by PIB Delhi
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan graced the 39th Convocation Ceremony of Indira Gandhi
National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi today where over 3.2 lakh learners received their
degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan graced the 39th Convocation Ceremony
of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi today where over
3.24 lakh learners received their degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Highlighting the transformative role of IGNOU, the… pic.twitter.com/ItQAx0hnMx
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 7, 2026
The Vice President noted that since its inception in 1985, IGNOU has empowered
diverse sections of society, including working professionals, rural learners,
women and economically disadvantaged groups.
Underscoring the importance of technology, the Vice President said that… pic.twi
tter.com/R12mG8UqR4
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 7, 2026
Highlighting the transformative role of IGNOU, the Vice President described the University as a pillar ofIndia’s open and distance learning ecosystem, significantly expanding access to higher education across
the country. Emphasising its inclusive outreach, he noted that IGNOU has over 14 lakh learners, with 56
percent being women and 58 percent coming from rural and disadvantaged communities. He remarked
that the University’s learner base exceeds the population of many countries, reflecting its substantial
contribution to educational equity, social mobility, and national development. He encouraged students to
embrace lifelong learning, uphold values, and contribute to nation-building.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President observed that IGNOU remained resilient due to
its established distance learning model. He noted that the University effectively leveraged digital
platforms such as SWAYAM and e-GyanKosh to ensure uninterrupted learning, emerging as a leader in
technology-enabled education.
Welcoming the adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP), he noted that IGNOU has introduced
four-year undergraduate programmes with multiple exit options, making higher education more flexible
and learner-centric. He also commended the integration of Indian knowledge systems with modern
education.
The Vice President said that emerging tools such as Artificial Intelligence can enhance learning
experiences, improve student support and enable personalised education. He said there is no need to be
afraid of modern developments. He noted that there were apprehensions when computers were introduced
in the country, with fears that they would take away jobs; however, they ultimately generated more
employment and contributed to national growth.
The Vice President added that modern technologies such as artificial intelligence should be approached in
a similar manner. He, however, stressed the need for responsible and accountable use of such
technologies.
The Vice President said that the greatest strength of Bharat lies in its belief in ethical values. He
emphasized that modern development must go hand in hand with our traditions, and that scientific
advancement should be guided by ethical values.
Concluding his address, and emphasising collective responsibility, he said that individual efforts, when
combined, will contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Vice President released the certificates on DigiLocker under the National Academic Depository
(NAD) to ensure easy access for learners across the country. He further launched the IGNOU Alumni
Portal, which has over 5 million registrations.
Lt. Governor of Delhi, Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu; Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU, Prof. Uma Kanjilal; and
other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Vice President also launched the SWAYAM Prabha Studio at Regional Centres across the country on
the occasion. The Governor of Tripura, Shri Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, the Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati
Ashok Gajapathi Raju, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, and other
dignitaries participated virtually from their respective State Regional Centres.
***
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