IGNOU Shatters Age Barriers: 20% Of Students At Noida Centre Are Aged 50-70

Proving the adage that books are one's best friends and that there is no age limit for learning, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) centre in Noida has become a hub for older students. Individuals aged between 50 and 70 are actively pursuing various degrees, demonstrating that the thirst for knowledge persists well into later life.

Key Statistics According to recent data, a total of 4,000 students are registered at the Noida IGNOU study centre. Remarkably, 20 per cent of these students are over the age of 50. Currently, two IGNOU centres operate in the district, where thousands of students graduate annually.

Motivation Beyond Employment

Unlike younger students, these individuals are not studying to secure jobs. Instead, they are driven by a desire to overcome loneliness and keep themselves updated with the times. Despite holding senior positions in government, administration, and multinational companies, these professionals continue to prioritise their education.

Voices From The Campus

Continuous Learning for Professionals Arpit Namdev, Senior Manager of Corporate HSE at GAIL, is currently pursuing an MBA in Operations Management. He believes that professional success should not stop the learning process.

"There is no age for studying; the learning process should be continuous. Even while holding a good position in the company, I feel the need for more knowledge, and knowledge can only be increased through studying. That is why I am studying," said Namdev.

Education For Social Service

For Pragya Joshi, a Senior Finance Officer at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, studying is a way to remain productive and improve her contributions to society. She is pursuing an MA in Social Work.

"I believe that books are a good way to keep oneself busy. I often participate in social activities in collaboration with NGOs. I feel that whatever work one does, it should be done properly. Therefore, even at the age of 50, I am studying to educate myself in social work," said Joshi.

Knowledge Over Seniority

Anupama Agnihotri, a government school teacher pursuing an MA in History, aims to lead by example in her classroom.

"I am studying to keep myself updated in order to teach the children. Instead of being promoted based on age or experience, I want to be promoted based on my knowledge," Agnihotri stated.

Official Statement

Dr Manju Shukla, Head of the Hindi Department at a Degree College and Programme Coordinator at the IGNOU Noida Centre, emphasised the university's inclusive nature.

"IGNOU does not stop people of any age from studying. Older students and people working in senior positions are pursuing various degrees from IGNOU. And every year, thousands of students graduate," Dr Shukla said.