Best Paper for IGNOU Assignments: Size, Thickness (GSM) & Margin Rules

Many IGNOU students are confused about the type of paper they should use for writing their assignments. While writing IGNOU assignments, many students focus solely on the answers, but the physical presentation of your assignment is also crucial. IGNOU Evaluators check thousands of projects/assignments; a neat, well-organised, and standard file ensures that your hard work doesn’t go to waste or get overlooked.

Here is a detailed guide on the specific paper requirements, including IGNOU assignment page thickness, page size, margins, and whether to use lined or plain paper, to ensure your assignment is accepted without any issues.

Let’s check the guide explains everything clearly in simple language, so you can prepare your assignment correctly.

Highlighted for IGNOU Assignment Page Rules

Feature	Standard Requirement
Page Size	A4 (29.7 x 21 cm)
Paper Quality	70 GSM to 80 GSM (Not too thin)
Page Type	One-Side Ruled (Preferred for Theory)
Left Margin	4 cm (Mandatory for binding)
Other Margins	2.5 cm (1 inch) (Top, Bottom, Right)
Pen Color	Blue or Black Ballpoint / Gel

IGNOU Assignment Page Size

IGNOU recommends using A4-size paper for all assignments of any program/course, like Degree, Bachelor’s, and Master’s.

A4 Size Dimensions:

• Millimetres (mm): 210 mm × 297 mm (This is the exact official standard).
• Centimetres (cm): 21.0 cm × 29.7 cm.
• Inches (Exact): 8.27 in × 11.69 in.
• Inches (Rounded): 8.3 in × 11.7 in (This is commonly used and accepted).

Why A4? It’s the international standard for academic filing.

Avoid this strictly: Do not use pages torn from small notebooks or diaries. They look unprofessional and are often rejected at the study centre. means – Any paper smaller or larger than A4 size is not recommended.

IGNOU Assignment Page Thickness (GSM vs. mm)

Although IGNOU does not specify the exact paper thickness (in “millimeters” (mm), paper quality is measured in GSM (Grams per Square Meter)) in its guidelines, the thickness of paper most students use is as follows:

• 70 GSM or
• 75 GSM
• 80 GSM (good quality but slightly thicker)

The recommended thickness for the IGNOU Page is 70 GSM to 80 GSM.

Thickness in common terms:

• 70 GSM sheets are about 0.09 mm thick
• 80 GSM sheets are about 0.10 mm thick

These numbers may vary slightly depending on the company, but most A4 notebooks and printing sheets fall in this range and are accepted.

Best choice for IGNOU assignments:

• 75 GSM or 80 GSM, because they do not tear easily, and writing looks neater.

IGNOU Assignment Page Type: Ruled or Plain

You can use any of the following page types as long as the paper size is A4:

1. Ruled A4 Sheets: Easy to write neatly and maintain alignment.
2. Plain A4 Sheets: These are allowed, but they are only recommended if you can write in a straight line without any guidance.
3. A4 Spiral Notebook: You should NOT submit the entire spiral notebook with the metal/plastic coil.
4. A4 Loose Sheets: Can be stapled or tied at the top-left or put into a file.

IGNOU does not accept:

• Small notebooks
• Thin school notebooks
• Printed double-sided sheets
• Torn paper
• Any Spiral Notebook

IGNOU Assignment Margin Requirements

You should leave margins around your answers so that the examiner can add comments and marks.

Standard IGNOU margin size:

• Left margin: 3 to 4 cm
• Right margin: 2 to 3 cm
• Top margin: 2 to 3 cm
• Bottom margin: 2 to 3 cm

Pro tip: Most “assignment sheets” sold in stationery stores already have margins. If you’re using plain A4 paper, draw the margins yourself with a ruler and pencil.

Binding and Final Look

1. No Plastic: You do not use plastic stick files or expensive covers. IGNOU promotes eco-friendly submissions.
2. Binding Method: Please, use a simple cardboard file or simply tie the pages together with a strong tag (thread). Submit it to the IGNOU Regional Centre.
3. First Page: Ensure the first page is the standard IGNOU front page containing your enrollment number, course code, signature, and other required information.

How to Write Inside Each Page

Follow these simple rules:

• Write only on one side of each sheet.
• Write neatly using a blue or black pen only.
• Leave space between answers and the margin also.
• Do not overwrite or scratch too much.
• Number every page at the top or bottom.

Why Page Quality Matters

The good quality paper is very important for IGNOU students. It matters for:

• Makes handwriting clear
• Does not show ink through the page
• Does not tear when stapled
• Helps evaluators read faster
• Leaves a good impression

FAQs

Final word

Using the correct paper and format makes IGNOU assignments easy and stress-free. Write on clean A4 sheets, follow the margins, number each page, and maintain clear handwriting. When your assignment is properly organised and easy to read, it will be accepted without any problems.

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