The Indira Gandhi National Open University is one of the most prestigious institutes of the country. It is a great initiative by the government of India to make education an asset for all and reach out to the most remote areas of the country as well.

Why this Paper is Important?

The IGNOU is one of the largest universities of the country as well. A myriad of different disciplines of education is available. One may pick any one of them and enroll for the regular or the distance learning program depending upon their suitability. The subject of civil engineering in particular is a very vital one. It assists in the building the infrastructure of a country. All the beautiful wonders of construction are made possible by it. It also at the same time is the backbone of any economy. As the homes are going to be needed forever thus the need for civil engineers will be there forever.

Format of the paper

IGNOU has a particular paper format which is followed in almost all the exams and this you can find in details below.

Pattern of the Question Paper

The paper consists of six questions in all of which the candidate taking the exam has to pick any five and answer them correctly. However the first question is compulsory.

Markings in the Question Paper

Each question carries 14 marks. There are no negative marks awarded. The candidate is expected to write the answers to the point in a simplified manner to score the most.

Some questions from the question paper

The questions that most frequently feature in the question paper are

Write the specifications on any two of the following:

• dry rubble masonry
• alf brick masonary with first class bricks
• earth work in filling for road work
• cement plastering on brick walls

Write short notes on any two of the following:

• Coursed rubble masonary in stone work
• Damp proof course
• Collapsible gates and shutters
• Distempering
• Factors affecting the cost of work
• Administrative approval (or sanction) of proposal

Time allotted for the exam

A total of two hours is allotted to complete the paper which is about adequate.

Recommended books

The most popular books are “Practical Handbook on Construction Management for civil engineering by R. Ramaswamy” and Dictionary of Civil Engineering by M.K.Gupta”