Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad is one of the leading government universities in Islamabad. It is the first open university in Asia. AIOU is a distance education institution that provides multidisciplinary education from basic to doctoral level programs. The Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad was established in May 1974 to provide educational opportunities to the masses and those who cannot leave their homes and jobs. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is the Chancellor of the Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad.
This article will give you an overview of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, including objectives, features, programs, and semester schedules.
Objectives of the Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad
The main objectives of the Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, as enunciated in the Act, are as follows:
- To provide educational facilities to people who cannot leave their jobs and homes in such a manner as it may determine.
- To provide facilities for the training of teachers in such manner as it may determine.
- To provide such facilities to the masses for their educational uplift as it may determine.
- To provide for instruction in such branches of learning technology or vocations as it may deem fit
- To hold examinations and to award and confer degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other academic distinctions.
- To make provision for research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in such manner as it may determine.
Salient Features of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad
- The operating semester system is offered twice yearly, i.e., in spring and autumn.
- More than 2000 courses are being offered.
- The largest publishing house in Pakistan, printing over 1.8 million books annually.
- More emphasis on science and technology by introducing programs in disciplines like Physics, Agriculture Extension, Livestock Management and Nutrition, Forestry Extension, and Computer Science.
- Collaborate with the private sector to establish study centers for coaching and practical computer science and management sciences training.
- The first university in Pakistan to establish a student Database.
- The well-established Institute of Educational Technology (IET) has in-house facilities for producing TV, radio, and non-broadcast programs.
- Provision of networking facilities between the main campus and the region to exchange data/information and redress students’ complaints.
- Provision of Internet service at the main campus.
- Pioneer institution in Pakistan to offer post-graduate level programs in Special Education.
- It is the only institution in the country offering post-graduate Educational Planning and Management programs.
- Introduction of Masters, MPhil, and PhD programs to develop professionals and to enhance research capabilities in teaching and research institutions.
- The university provides the students with FM and live FM radio transmission facilities.
Academics
Bachelor Programs
Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad offers the following Bachelor programs:
MPhil / MS Programs
Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad offers the following M. Phil / MS programs:
Ph.D. Programs
Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad offers the following Ph.D. programs:
Semester Schedule
SSC/HSSC Programs (On Distance Learning Mode)
| Proposed Activity | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | 15th July to 4th September | 15th January to 20th February |
| Mailing | 1st September to 30th October | 1st March to 30th April |
| Study Period | 1st November to 28th February | 1st May to 31st August |
| Examination (Conduct) | 1st March to 31st March | 1st September to 30th September |
| Result Declaration | 15th May | 15th November |
BA/BS/B.Ed./MA/MSc (On Distance Learning Mode) And Equivalent Programs
| Proposed Activity | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
| Admission | 1st September to 15th October | 1st March to 15th April |
| Mailing | 16th October to 15th December | 16th April to 15th June |
| Study Period | 16th December to 15th April | 16th June to 15th October |
| Examination (Conduct) | 16th April to 31st May | 16th October to 30th November |
| Result Declaration | 15th July | 15th January |
BS/MA/MSc (Face to Face Mode) And MPhil/PhD Programs
| Proposed Activity | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
| Admission | 16th July to 19th August (04 Weeks) | 16th January to 14th February (04 Weeks) |
| Test/Interview | 20th August to 25th August (01 Week) | 17th February to 24th February (01 Week) |
| Enrollment Finalization | 1st Merit list: 28th August (Morning) Dues/Fee: 2nd September 2nd merit list: 3rd September Dues/Fee: 6th September 3rd merit list: 9th September Dues/Fee: 11th September | 1st Merit list 24th February 2nd Merit list 27th February 3rd Merit list 2nd March |
| Study Period/ Workshop | 16th September to 3rd January (16 Weeks) | 03rd March to 23rd June (16 Weeks) |
| Examination | 6th January to 18th January (02 Weeks) | 24th June to 06th July (02 Weeks) |
| Result Declaration | 25th January | 15th July |
Conclusion
Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad is a reputable public University that offers distance learning education to its students. The AIOU was established in 1974. It was the second Open University in the world and the first in Asia and Africa. It has opened up educational opportunities for working people and provided access to the females on their doorsteps.
