Frequent Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting IGNOU Synopsis for Approval

Submitting your IGNOU synopsis is a critical step in your academic journey, but many students commit mistakes that lead to delays. This comprehensive guide highlights the frequently occurring mistakes and how to prevent them when submitting your synopsis to your guide.

1. Formatting Errors

These presentation mistakes often lead to immediate rejection:

• Incorrect Font Usage: Not using Arial in 12pt size
• Spacing Issues: Ignoring 1.5 line spacing requirements
• Margin Problems: Using margins smaller than 2.5 cm
• Page Limit Exceeded: Going beyond the prescribed limit

2. Thematic Mistakes

Substantive errors in your synopsis content:

1. Vague Research Objectives: Broad study goals that lack focus
2. Poor Literature Review: Outdated references and citations
3. Methodology Flaws: Unrealistic research methods
4. Expected Outcomes: Unsubstantiated projected results

3. Guide Communication Errors

Mistakes in interacting with your guide:

• Late Submission: Sharing draft at last minute
• Ignoring Feedback: Not incorporating guide’s suggestions
• Missing Signatures: Submitting without proper approvals
• Communication Gaps: Not discussing with your guide

4. Procedural Submission Mistakes

Errors in the submission process:

For Online Submissions:

• Uploading unreadable files
• Exceeding file size restrictions
• Incorrect file labeling

For Offline Submissions:

• Unbound copies
• Missing cover page
• Submission to wrong office

5. Citation Blunders

Common academic writing mistakes:

• Inconsistent Style: Mixing MLA formats randomly
• Plagiarism: Uncited content without attribution
• Incomplete References: Missing publication dates
• Over-reliance: Too many internet sources

6. Scheduling Mistakes

Poor time management errors:

1. Starting synopsis too late
2. Not accounting for approval process
3. Missing submission dates
4. Underestimating correction period

7. Professionalism Errors

Mistakes that diminish credibility:

• Grammatical errors throughout text
• Poor formatting across sections
• Handwritten corrections on final copy
• Missing page numbers

8. Verification Before Submission

Essential final checks:

9. What Evaluators Look For

Understanding what guides typically reject:

• Lack of novelty in research idea
• Unfeasible research scope
• Poor connection with program objectives
• Inadequate theoretical foundation

10. Corrective Measures

How to prevent these mistakes:

1. Start early of deadlines
2. Create multiple versions for review
3. Use IGNOU’s templates
4. Seek peer review
5. Verify all requirements twice

11. After Rejection

Steps to take if your synopsis gets returned:

• Carefully review correction notes
• Consult your guide
• Make targeted improvements
• Resubmit within stipulated time

12. Success Tips

Positive actions to ensure approval:

• Demonstrate depth of topic
• Show practical research methodology
• Highlight academic significance
• Present professional documentation

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your chances of synopsis approval. Remember that your synopsis is the blueprint for your entire research project – investing time to get it right initially will save you from problems later. Always consult your supervisor and follow IGNOU Synopsis Online – Full Content – guidelines to the letter for smooth approval.

Wishing you success with your synopsis submission!