IGNOU MBA Synopsis Approval: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide
Many IGNOU MBA learners get stuck at the synopsis stage because the approval process isn’t always explained in a simple way.
These are the questions that come up again and again:
- Where do I submit it?
- How much time does approval take?
- What if the synopsis is rejected?
- Does the supervisor’s signature matter?
- Is online submission alone enough?
Let’s unpack the steps one by one so you can move ahead confidently.
What Is the MBA Synopsis in IGNOU
Before we talk about approval, it helps to be clear about what you’re submitting.
Your synopsis is a brief project proposal. It states your topic, objectives, methodology, and what outcomes you expect. In short, it tells the university what you plan to do in your final MBA project.
It’s not the complete project. It’s the outline and direction.
Approval is mandatory; without it, the final MBA project report cannot be submitted.
Step 1: Write the Synopsis Following IGNOU Instructions
Your chances of quick approval depend a lot on the initial format and content.
Follow the current IGNOU MBA synopsis instructions—older formats from previous batches can cause delays.
Make sure your synopsis contains these sections:
- Title page with required details
- Introduction
- Statement of the problem
- Objectives of the study
- Review of literature
- Research methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Chapter plan
- Bibliography
Even small format issues can slow down the approval process.
To avoid surprises, confirm the current guidelines from the official IGNOU site.
Step 2: Get Your Project Supervisor’s Approval First
This step matters a lot because it validates your proposal.
Before you submit to IGNOU, your synopsis should be reviewed and signed by an approved project supervisor.
Also, make sure the supervisor meets IGNOU’s eligibility criteria—every teacher or trainer cannot be a project guide.
Work with your supervisor on corrections, make the changes, and then obtain the proper signature for submission.
A missing supervisor signature or details can make the submission invalid.
Many students get their synopsis returned because guide approval is missing or not done correctly.
Step 3: Synopsis Submission
Submission can be online, offline, or via your regional centre—this depends on the latest instructions.
Usually, you’ll submit in one of these ways:
- Via the online submission portal (when enabled)
- Or via the regional centre submission process
Avoid assumptions based on previous students—always follow current guidelines.
When submitting online, ensure your scanned copies are clear and complete.
After submission, save your acknowledgement/receipt carefully for future reference.
Step 4: Academic Review by IGNOU
Once your synopsis is submitted, it is reviewed by experts appointed by IGNOU.
During evaluation, they look at:
- Whether the format follows the latest guidelines
- Whether the objectives are clear and achievable
- Whether the methodology is practical and appropriate
- Whether the topic matches your MBA specialization
- Whether supervisor eligibility/details are valid
This stage can take time; approval is not instant.
Many students worry during this period, but the university is doing verification plus academic checking.
Step 5: Synopsis Approved or Returned for Changes
If your synopsis is clear and properly structured, it is usually approved.
Approval is generally shown on the portal and/or communicated officially.
If issues are found, the synopsis can be rejected or returned for modification.
Some common reasons are:
- Objectives that are unclear
- Mismatch between specialization and topic
- Missing supervisor details
- A vague or overly broad topic
- Improper formatting
- An unrealistic sample size or plan
If it gets rejected, don’t panic. IGNOU MBA project sample means changes are required before approval.
How Long Does IGNOU Take to Approve the MBA Synopsis
IGNOU does not publish a single fixed approval time for everyone.
Often, approval takes a few weeks, depending on the submission window and the university’s workload.
Avoid repeated follow-ups unless the waiting time has clearly crossed a normal window.
Waiting is normal in this step.
What to Do After Your Synopsis Is Approved
When you receive approval, you’re ready to move ahead with the final report.
Stick to the approved topic and objectives while writing the full report.
Do not change the topic unless you have official permission.
Your final report should follow the structure promised in your approved synopsis.
Easy Tips to Get Approval Faster
- Keep the topic specific and aligned with your MBA specialization.
- Write 3–5 clear objectives.
- Use a realistic methodology (sample size, tools, timeline).
- Use simple, clear language.
- Implement supervisor feedback properly.
- Follow the official format strictly.
Problems usually happen when students submit in a hurry without reviewing format and clarity.
When your synopsis is clear, structured, and practical, approval becomes much smoother.
Conclusion
Overall, the process is straightforward once you follow the steps in order.
Do it step by step: prepare, get the supervisor’s sign-off, submit correctly, and wait for review.
IGNOU manages thousands of projects annually, so they check for structure, clarity, and seriousness of the proposal.
If you keep these in place, your chances of approval in the first attempt go up a lot.
If you want, I can also convert this into a simple checklist you can use before submitting your synopsis.