The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), a pioneer in distance and open learning, has announced the launch of two new programs in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode: the Postgraduate Diploma in Tribal Studies (PGDTRBS) and the Bachelor’s of Tourism and Travel Management (BFTTM). These programs will commence in the January 2025 admission cycle and are aimed at enhancing the educational landscape for students across India and beyond.
Catering to Diverse Educational Needs
IGNOU’s announcement comes as a part of its ongoing commitment to make education accessible and relevant to the evolving needs of society. The PGDTRBS program is designed to provide in-depth knowledge about tribal communities, their culture, development challenges, and governance, addressing a critical area of social studies that remains underexplored.
On the other hand, the BFTTM course targets the burgeoning tourism and travel industry in India. With the Indian tourism sector witnessing exponential growth post-pandemic, this program seeks to equip students with the skills and expertise required for a successful career in travel and tourism management.
Postgraduate Diploma in Tribal Studies (PGDTRBS)
The PG Diploma in Tribal Studies will help generate awareness and solutions for tribal development. The program has been designed to delve into various aspects of tribal life, including:
- Introduction To Tribal Studies and Tribes
- Tribal Society, Culture & Traditional Knowledge System
- Tribal Economy, Polity and Governance
- Tribes in India
- Anthropology and Methods of Research
This one-year program is open to graduates from any discipline and will be conducted in a flexible, learner-friendly mode. IGNOU has also planned online sessions and interactive study materials to enhance the learning experience for students enrolled in this course.
The university aims to collaborate with tribal research organizations and NGOs to provide practical exposure and real-world insights to the participants.
| Name of the Institute | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| Name of the Course | Postgraduate Diploma in Tribal Studies |
| Programme Code | PGDTRBS |
| School of Studies | School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS) |
| Eligibility | Graduation |
| Duration of Course | 1 Year |
| Admission Validity | 3 Years |
| Medium | English |
| Fees | Rs 7200 |
| Mode | ODL (Online Distance Learning) Program |
| Admission Dates (January 2025) | Open till 31st January 2025 |
| Admission Link | Click here |
| Admission Type | Direct Admission (No Entrance test) |
Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management (BFTTM)
The Bachelor in Tourism and Travel Management will prepare students to tap into India’s expanding tourism market. The program is a three-year undergraduate degree designed to address the skills gap in India’s growing tourism industry. It includes:
- Introduction To Tourism and Travel Management: Understanding the basics of tourism and its significance in India’s economy.
- Logistics Management: Training students on ticketing, tour planning, and customer service.
- Tourism Anthropology: Highlighting India’s diverse cultural heritage and its potential for tourism.
The program will include a mix of theoretical and practical components, including internships with travel agencies and tourism boards. Students will also have access to virtual labs, recorded lectures, and industry expert interactions.
IGNOU is optimistic that the BFTTM program will not only attract fresh high school graduates but also working professionals seeking career advancement in the tourism industry.
| Name of the Institute | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| Name of the Course | Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management |
| Programme Code | BFTTM |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or its equivalent |
| Duration of Course | 3 Year |
| Admission Validity | 6 Years |
| Medium | English, Hindi |
| Fees | Rs 15000 |
| Mode | ODL (Online Distance Learning) Program |
| Admission Dates (July 2024) | Open Till 31st January |
| Admission Link | Click here |
| Admission Type | Direct Admission (No Entrance test) |
Enrollment and Accessibility
As with all of IGNOU’s ODL programs, these new courses are designed to cater to a wide range of learners, including working professionals, homemakers, and students from rural and remote areas. The university will soon release the admission guidelines and application forms on its official website.
India’s Push for Specialized Education
These additions to IGNOU’s ODL repertoire come at a time when specialized education is becoming increasingly vital. The PGDTRBS program aligns with the government’s focus on tribal empowerment, as seen in policies like the Forest Rights Act and various tribal welfare schemes. Meanwhile, the BFTTM course complements the government’s vision of boosting India’s tourism sector, which is expected to contribute significantly to the economy in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of the PG Diploma in Tribal Studies and the Bachelor’s in Tourism and Travel Management, IGNOU continues to cement its position as a leading institution in open and distance education. These programs are expected to attract thousands of learners, contributing to the university’s legacy of making education inclusive, relevant, and impactful.
For more details, prospective students are encouraged to visit IGNOU’s official website or contact regional centers for assistance. The January 2025 cycle promises to bring new opportunities for learners seeking to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.