The IGNOU Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS) program requires two project reports – PTS-1 and PTS-2 – as essential components for completion. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap on how to write the IGNOU BTS project, covering everything from understanding the project requirements to selecting a topic, preparing the synopsis, writing the report, and submitting it. We also include IGNOU BTS project topics examples, synopsis format guidelines, submission deadlines, and tips to ace the viva-voce.
Quick Highlights ✨:
- 📅 Last Date to Submit: May 31 (for June TEE), Nov 30 (for Dec TEE)
- 🔍 Two Projects: PTS-1 (Culture & Environment) ✅, PTS-2 (Tourism Marketing) ✅
- 📄 Word Limit: 4,000-5,000 words ✏️
- 📝 Synopsis Approval Required ✉️
- 📈 Viva-Voce Evaluation Mandatory ✊
- 🚀 Submission Mode: Online & Offline Options 📡
Quick Summary 📝:
This guide offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the IGNOU BTS Project for PTS-1 and PTS-2. It clarifies the differences between the two project components, outlines essential guidelines for report format, word limits, and evaluation. Students will find practical advice on selecting compelling topics, a step-by-step process for synopsis and report writing, and crucial information on online and offline submission procedures and deadlines.
The article also highlights common pitfalls to avoid and addresses frequently asked questions, aiming to equip students with the knowledge needed for a successful project submission.
What is IGNOU BTS Project for PTS-1 & PTS-2? 🤔
IGNOU’s Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS) programme includes two crucial components: PTS-1 and PTS-2 project work. These projects are intended to provide students with hands-on experience in tourism research and are part of the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. They also ensure that students engage directly with real-world scenarios and apply their theoretical knowledge to analyze and solve practical problems.
Understanding PTS-1 & PTS-2 in the BTS Programme 🎓
PTS-1 stands for Project in Tourism Studies – 1. In the BTS curriculum, PTS-1 is an introductory project course often focusing on Indian culture, environment, and tourism. In fact, the official title for PTS-1 is “Project on Indian Culture, Environment and Tourism”. This means topics under PTS-1 generally relate to cultural or environmental aspects of tourism – for example, studying a local festival’s impact on tourism or the conservation of a heritage site.
PTS-2 is Project in Tourism Studies – 2, with an emphasis on tourism marketing and operational aspects. The official course title for PTS-2 is “Project on Tourism Marketing”. Thus, PTS-2 project work typically involves marketing research in tourism – such as analyzing tourist profiles, marketing strategies of travel agencies, or the role of technology in tourism promotion.
Though both are project courses, PTS-1 vs PTS-2 differ in focus and sometimes scope. PTS-1 (related to culture/environment) may be broader in narrative, whereas PTS-2 (marketing) is more specialized. Each has its own course code and carries separate credits, and you must submit a report and undergo evaluation for each.
Key Differences Between PTS-1 and PTS-2 Project Requirements 📊
While the IGNOU project guidelines apply to both PTS-1 and PTS-2, there are a few key differences:
Table 1: Key Differences Between PTS-1 and PTS-2 Project
| Feature | PTS-1 | PTS-2 |
| Credits | 8 Credits | 4 Credits |
| Expected Study Hours | ~240 Study Hours | ~120 Study Hours |
| Recommended Word Limit | 8,000-10,000 words | 4,000-5,000 words |
| Primary Thematic Focus | Indian Culture, Environment & Tourism | Tourism Marketing |
Why IGNOU Requires a Project in BTS Programme 🎯
IGNOU includes project work in the BTS curriculum to bridge theory with practical, real-world experience. Writing a project report allows students to:
- 📘 Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical insights.
- 📊 Develop research, writing, and analytical skills.
- 🌍 Understand the tourism industry through real-world exposure.
- 🎯 Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.
- 💼 Prepare students for jobs in tourism, hospitality, and related sectors.
IGNOU BTS Project Guidelines – PTS-1 & PTS-2
Once you understand the project’s purpose, it’s crucial to follow the official IGNOU guidelines for BTS projects. Both PTS-1 and PTS-2 adhere to common guidelines regarding format, length, and evaluation process. Here we break down the key instructions:
Format and Structure of the Project Report 📄
Your IGNOU BTS project report must be formatted according to the university’s standards. A professional structure not only creates a good impression but also ensures you include all required components. Below are the format essentials for PTS-1 and PTS-2 reports:
- Cover Page: Clearly mention your project title, name, enrollment number, program code, study centre, and regional centre. It must have IGNOU’s official logo.
- Declaration: A statement declaring the originality of your work.
- Certificate by Supervisor: Signed by your guide stating they’ve supervised your work.
- Acknowledgement (optional): Thank people who helped you.
- Table of Contents: List all chapters and sub-sections with page numbers.
- Main Body:
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Objectives of the Study
- Chapter 3: Review of Literature (if applicable)
- Chapter 4: Research Methodology
- Chapter 5: Data Analysis/Findings
- Chapter 6: Summary, Suggestions & Conclusion
- Bibliography: Follow APA/MLA or IGNOU-recommended style.
- Appendices: Include sample questionnaires, maps, images, charts, etc.
Table 2: Essential IGNOU BTS Project Report Sections
| Section | Key Content/Purpose |
| Cover Page & Title Page | Project Title, Student & Supervisor Details, IGNOU Information, Date of Submission, IGNOU logo |
| Certificate from Supervisor | Signed statement from the guide confirming supervision |
| Declaration by the Student | Self-declaration of originality, confirming no prior submission |
| Acknowledgment | Expression of gratitude to contributors |
| Abstract | Brief summary (200-300 words) of objectives, methodology, findings, conclusions |
| Table of Contents | List of chapters, headings, sub-headings, and page numbers |
| List of Tables & Figures (if applicable) | Index of visual elements |
| Introduction | Overview of topic, significance, objectives, scope, and structure |
| Literature Review | Summary of existing research, theoretical background, and research gaps |
| Research Methodology | Description of approach, data collection methods, sampling, tools, and process |
| Data Analysis & Findings | Presentation and interpretation of results, relating findings to objectives |
| Conclusion & Recommendations | Summary of key insights, practical suggestions, and implications |
| References/Bibliography | Proper citation of all sources (e.g., APA Format) |
| Appendices (if any) | Supplementary materials |
This table provides a clear, hierarchical checklist for students to ensure all mandatory components of their project report are included and correctly ordered.
Word Limit and Submission Protocols✍️
IGNOU provides a recommended word limit for the BTS project to ensure reports are concise yet comprehensive. Generally, the project report should be between 4,000 to 5,000 words in length. This is roughly about 40 pages (give or take, depending on your formatting and whether you include charts or images).
Key points regarding length and format:
- Report length: 4,000 to 5,000 words (excluding annexures).
- Format:
- Font: Times New Roman or Arial, Size 12
- Spacing: 1.5 or Double
- Margins: Standard A4 size, 1 inch on all sides
Submission Protocols: IGNOU now allows online submission of project reports (introduced especially in recent years) as well as traditional offline submission. Essential documents that must accompany the submission include:
- The approved synopsis.
- The approval letter from the supervisor.
- The supervisor’s certificate.
- A declaration of originality.
- IGNOU student identity proof.
- The Project Evaluation Fee Receipt, if applicable.
Viva-Voce and Evaluation Procedure 🧠
After you submit your PTS-1 and PTS-2 project reports, IGNOU conducts a viva-voce (oral examination) as part of the evaluation. This is a crucial component – you must defend your project in front of an evaluator to demonstrate that you did the work and understand your findings.
- After submission, students are informed about viva dates by the Regional Centre.
- Questions revolve around project objective, methodology, data collection, and conclusion.
- Examiner may also ask about tourism concepts from your coursework.
- Evaluation includes:
- Report Content: 70%
- Viva Performance: 30%
What to Expect in Viva: During the viva, be prepared for questions such as:
- “Why did you choose this topic?” – Explain your interest or the topic’s relevance.
- “How did you conduct your research?” – Describe your methodology briefly (e.g., “I surveyed 50 tourists at XYZ site” or “I interviewed local artisans”).
- “What are the key findings or conclusions?” – Highlight your main results.
- “What problems did you face, and how did you overcome them?” – They might gauge if you truly went to the field or did the analysis yourself.
- For PTS-2 marketing projects, expect questions on marketing concepts you mentioned. For PTS-1, expect queries on the cultural or environmental details of your study area.
- They may also ask basic tourism concepts from your BTS coursework, related to your project.
Evaluation Procedure: After submission, your project is evaluated by an IGNOU-approved evaluator (an academic or professional in tourism). They grade the written work. Then, you appear for viva which confirms your work’s authenticity and your understanding. The examiner might adjust the marks based on viva (for example, if a report seemed too good but the student can’t answer basic questions, it raises plagiarism concerns).
Finally, the marks from the report and viva are combined for your final score. You need a minimum of 40% to pass each project (just like theory courses). The results are then reflected in your IGNOU grade card for the BTS program. You can check your grade card or the project status via IGNOU’s online status tools.
Pro tip: Take the viva seriously. It’s your chance to prove the work is yours. Be confident and honest in your answers. Since you’ve written the report, revise it thoroughly before the viva – know your statistics, names of places, dates, or any recommendations you gave. If you’ve done everything yourself, the viva should be straightforward – essentially you’re just discussing your own work with a fellow academic.
💡 How to Choose a Good IGNOU BTS Project Topic?
Selecting the right topic is the first and most important step in your project journey. A good topic can make your research process smoother and your report more impactful. Here’s how to choose a winning topic for PTS-1 and PTS-2 projects, along with examples.
✅ General Tips for Topic Selection:
- Relevance: Pick a topic that aligns with the course focus (cultural/environmental for PTS-1, marketing/operations for PTS-2). Ensure it’s related to tourism in some way – either a phenomenon, a case study, a problem, or a trend in tourism.
- Interest: Choose something you find interesting. You’ll spend weeks on this project, so being genuinely curious about the topic will keep you motivated.
- Feasibility: Assess whether you can realistically do justice to the topic. Do you have access to the place or data needed? For example, deciding to study tourist satisfaction in a remote national park is great, but can you travel there or gather data remotely? Pick a scope manageable within your resources and time.
- Originality: While you can look at IGNOU BTS solved projects for inspiration, do not copy their topics exactly. Try to add a unique angle or study a less-explored case. IGNOU encourages fieldwork-based and original case studies.
- Guidance availability: Consider whether you’ll have guidance or material for the topic. If your study centre has a tutor specialized in heritage tourism, a topic on heritage might get you better mentorship. You can also check if literature or previous research exists (to ensure you have some reference points, and also to avoid duplicating recent works).
Let’s look at some sample topics for each project course to clarify.
Sample Topics for IGNOU PTS-1 🗺️
For PTS-1 (Project on Indian Culture, Environment and Tourism), you should look at how cultural or environmental aspects intersect with tourism. Here are a few sample topics:
- Cultural Festivals and Tourism Development: Case Study of [Local Festival] – e.g., “Impact of the Pushkar Camel Fair on Rural Tourism in Rajasthan.” This involves documenting the festival’s origin, how it attracts tourists, and its economic impact on the community.
- Preservation of Heritage Monuments: Tourist Footfall vs Conservation at [Monument] – e.g., “Tourist Management and Conservation Challenges at Ajanta Caves.” You could analyze visitor statistics, conservation efforts, and suggest sustainable tourism practices for the site.
- Traditional Arts and Crafts in Tourism: A Study of [Craft] in [Region] – e.g., “Promotion of Madhubani Paintings as a Tourist Attraction in Bihar.” This can cover the history of the art form, profiles of local artists, how the art is marketed to tourists, and issues craftsmen face.
- Eco-Tourism and Environment: Potential of Eco-tourism in [Region] – e.g., “Possibilities of Developing Tourism in the Western Ghats without Harming the Environment.” You could survey local environmental resources and propose models for eco-friendly tourism.
- Tribal Culture and Tourism: Interaction of Tourism with Tribal Communities – e.g., “Tourism’s Impact on the Tribal Culture of Odisha’s Bonda Tribes.” This might examine cultural changes due to tourist visits, and how tourism can be managed to benefit rather than exploit indigenous communities.
- Museum or Cultural Center Study: Role of Museums in Local Tourism – e.g., “The State Museum as a Tourist Attraction: Visitor Engagement and Exhibits Management.” Analyze a museum’s collection, visitor count, and suggest improvements to increase tourist interest.
- Local Environmental Issue and Tourism: e.g., “Effects of Beach Tourism on the Coastal Environment in Goa.” Study issues like waste management, coral or dune preservation and how tourism stakeholders (hotels, tourists) are addressing them.
These are just a few examples. The key is to tie a tourism perspective to cultural or environmental subjects. You can do comparative studies as well (e.g., two monuments, two tribes, pre- and post-development scenarios, etc.). Always define a clear objective – like assessing, documenting, analyzing, or comparing something related to tourism.
Sample Topics for IGNOU PTS-2 📈
For PTS-2 (Project on Tourism Marketing), think in terms of business and marketing within the tourism sector. Possible topics include:
- Tourist Market Segmentation Analysis: e.g., “Segmentation of Tourist Market for Kerala Backwaters (Domestic vs International).” You might collect data on different tourist demographics and their preferences, showing how marketing can target each segment.
- Effectiveness of a Tourism Advertising Campaign: e.g., “Evaluating the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign – Tourist Perceptions and Impact.” This could involve analyzing campaign content and perhaps surveying travelers on what influenced their decision to visit.
- Use of Social Media in Tourism Marketing: e.g., “Role of Social Media Influencers in Promoting Travel Destinations.” Analyze campaigns where tourism boards partnered with bloggers/YouTubers, and gauge outcomes.
- Pricing Strategies in Hospitality: e.g., “Comparative Analysis of Pricing Strategies of Budget vs Luxury Hotels in Delhi.” Study how different tier hotels price their rooms during peak vs off season, and how it affects occupancy.
- Seasonality and Marketing Challenges: e.g., “Marketing Strategies to Counter Seasonality in Ladakh’s Tourism.” Discuss the low season issues and creative packages or promotions used to attract tourists year-round.
- Technology in Tourism Marketing: e.g., “Impact of Travel Apps and Online Booking Portals on Tour Operators’ Marketing Strategies.” Perhaps interview some tour operators on how platforms like MakeMyTrip or Airbnb have changed their approach.
- Destination Branding: e.g., “Branding of Jaipur as a Wedding Tourism Destination – A Study.” Here you examine how a location markets itself for a niche tourism product (destination weddings, medical tourism, film tourism, etc.).
- Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty: e.g., “Tourist Satisfaction Survey for Rajasthan Tourism and its Effect on Repeat Visit Intentions.” A marketing angle through customer feedback – effectively a customer research project.
When selecting a PTS-2 topic, ensure you can gather some quantitative data, if possible (surveys, sales figures, footfall data, etc.), because marketing projects benefit from statistics and charts. Even a small sample survey of tourists or interviews with travel agencies can provide valuable insights for your analysis.
In short, choose wisely. A well-chosen topic is one-third of the work done – it will make the research enjoyable and your report compelling. Take some time at this stage, brainstorm ideas, discuss with peers or mentors, and then commit to a topic that checks all the boxes.
Step-by-Step Process to Prepare Your IGNOU BTS Project
The preparation of the IGNOU BTS project is a multi-stage process, beginning with the synopsis and culminating in the final report. Each step requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to guidelines.
Writing the Synopsis 📘
The synopsis, also known as the project proposal, is a preliminary outline of the research plan, typically limited to 400 words. It is the first mandatory step, and its approval is essential before proceeding with the final report.
Key components of a well-structured synopsis include:
- Title of the Proposed Project: A clear and concise title that accurately reflects the study’s focus.
- Introduction/Background of the Study: A brief overview of the chosen subject.
- Rationale: An explanation of why this particular topic was chosen, its significance, and potential impact.
- Objectives: Specific goals that the research aims to achieve.
- Hypothesis (if any): A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables.
- Research Methodology: An outline of the proposed methods for data collection (primary/secondary), the type of data available, and the work plan.
- Delimitations/Limitations: Defining the boundaries and scope of the study.
- References: A list of initial sources, often suggested in APA Format.
The approval process for the synopsis involves several crucial steps:
- Prepare two copies of the proposal, preferably typed.
- Obtain approval and the original signature from the supervisor on the prescribed format (e.g., Annexure A).
- Ensure the proposal is accompanied by the supervisor’s approval letter and bio-data (if the supervisor is not an academic counselor).
- Send one copy via Registered Post to the Programme Coordinator (BTS & BAVTM), SOTHSM, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi -110 068. Some regional centers may allow online submission.
- Retain a copy for personal records.
- Students should not wait for central approval to start working; the supervisor’s approval is considered final for commencing work.
- Synopsis approval typically takes 1-2 months.
- A synopsis can be rejected even if the guide approves it, if it does not meet IGNOU’s standards. If rejected, a new or revised synopsis must be submitted.
Research & Field Work Guidelines 🔬
With an approved synopsis in hand, you can move to the research phase – collecting information and data as per your plan. Here are guidelines to effectively conduct your project research:
- Identify your target population (tourists, locals, officials)
- Prepare survey or interview questions
- Visit location(s) and collect data through:
- Observations
- One-on-one interviews
- Surveys (digital or physical)
- Take field notes and photos (if needed)
Final Report Writing Format 📝
After research, you will compile everything into the final project report. Writing is a substantial part of the project. Here’s a template you can follow to writing your BTS project report:
- Title Page
- Declaration Page
- Certificate by Guide
- Acknowledgment
- Table of Contents
- Abstract (Optional)
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Objectives
- Chapter 3: Literature Review (if needed)
- Chapter 4: Methodology
- Chapter 5: Data Analysis
- Chapter 6: Findings and Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Appendices (Questionnaire, Photos, Maps).
Important Submission Deadlines & Where to Submit⏰
One of the critical things to remember is when and where to submit your project. IGNOU has specific deadlines for project submission depending on your academic cycle, and you have the option to submit online or offline. Let’s break this down:
Academic Cycle and Deadlines 📅: IGNOU typically holds two main Term-End Exam (TEE) cycles: June and December. Projects are tied to these:
- If you wish to have your project evaluated in the June TEE session, the usual last date to submit is May 31 of that year.
- For the December TEE session, the deadline is usually November 30 of that year.
These dates are generally consistent each year, though sometimes IGNOU issues extensions (for example, they may extend May 31 to June 30 in some cases, especially if there are administrative delays or lots of last-minute submissions – such extensions are announced on IGNOU’s site or regional centre notices). It’s safest to aim for the standard deadlines and not bank on extensions.
Where to Submit: IGNOU now offers an online submission portal for projects, which is very convenient. Alternatively, students can submit physical copies to their Regional Centre. We’ll explain both:
Table 3: Tentative IGNOU BTS Project Submission Deadlines
| Term End Examination | Tentative Submission Period |
| June TEE | December 1st – May 31st |
| December TEE | June 1st – November 30th |
| Note: Always verify exact dates on the official IGNOU website (ignou.ac.in) and your Regional Centre’s announcements. |
Project results are typically declared after an evaluation period of 8-12 weeks (2-3 months) post-submission. Marks are updated in the grade card within approximately 45 days of submission.
How to Submit the Project Online 💻
Submitting online is the preferred method for many, as it saves time and provides instant confirmation. IGNOU’s online project submission is done through a portal (for example, the URL might be https://onlineproject.ignou.ac.in/ with specific links for each TEE session).
Steps for online submission:
- Convert your full project (including all certificates) to one PDF
- Visit https://projectupload.ignou.ac.in/
- Fill out all mandatory fields:
- Program code (BTS)
- Course code (PTS-1/PTS-2)
- Title
- Enrollment number
- Supervisor details
- Upload the file and save acknowledgment receipt
Offline Submission Steps 📬
If you prefer or if required, you can submit your project offline (hard copy). Some students opt for this if they have trouble scanning or uploading large files, or simply as a personal preference. The offline process is:
- Print the report on A4 sheets
- Spiral bind the file neatly
- Submit physically at your Regional Centre
- Include project proposal proforma, bio-data of guide, certificate, declaration, and report
- Get stamped receipt from IGNOU staff
Tracking IGNOU BTS Project Status 🔍
After submission, it’s natural to be anxious about whether your project has been received, evaluated, and when the marks will be out. Here’s how you can track the status:
- Visit https://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/Status/Status.asp
- Enter Enrollment Number and Program Code
- Look for ‘Received’, ‘Under Evaluation’, or ‘Completed’ status
IGNOU BTS Project Sample (PTS-1 & PTS-2) 📖
Having a reference can greatly help in understanding how to compile your project. Let’s discuss what an IGNOU BTS project sample contains and where you can find templates or sample reports.
Downloadable Sample Format [PDF] 📥
IGNOU does not usually provide a ready-made sample project report publicly (because each project is unique). However, there are resources you can use:
- Explore websites like www.ignouproject.com, www.ignouproject.in, www.shrichakradhar.com and IGNOU student forums
- Use samples for format reference only – DO NOT COPY CONTENT
Common Mistakes to Avoid in IGNOU BTS Projects 🚫
Even diligent students can overlook certain things when doing a project for the first time. Here are some common mistakes and pitfalls to be mindful of, so you can avoid them:
- ❌ Submitting without synopsis approval
- ❌ Missing the deadline (May 31 / Nov 30)
- ❌ Choosing topics unrelated to tourism
- ❌ Using copied or AI-generated text without edits
- ❌ Forgetting to attach supervisor certificate
- ❌ Poor formatting, unreadable charts, or missing page numbers
- ❌ Not preparing for the viva
FAQ on IGNOU BTS Project Submission
Finally, let’s address some frequently asked questions related to the IGNOU BTS project submission. These quick answers will help dispel common doubts:
Q: What is the last date to submit IGNOU BTS project?
A: May 31 (for June TEE) and November 30 (for December TEE). Always check latest circulars from IGNOU.
Q: Can I submit both PTS-1 and PTS-2 together?
A: Yes, if you’ve completed both. Submit separate reports with unique topics, synopses, and approvals.
Q: How to prepare for the BTS viva?
A: Preparing for the BTS project viva involves reviewing your work and anticipating questions. Here are some tips:
- Be thorough with your own report
- Practice explaining your objectives and findings
- Prepare to answer ‘why this topic’, ‘how data was collected’, etc.
Conclusion 🏆
Completing the IGNOU BTS Project for PTS-1 and PTS-2 is a major academic milestone. It not only contributes to your final evaluation but also strengthens your profile for jobs and further studies in tourism. By following the correct format, choosing the right topic, conducting meaningful research, and writing a clear report, you set yourself up for success.
🎓 Use this guide as your roadmap. Stay focused, plan your timeline well, and don’t hesitate to seek help from your supervisor or IGNOU’s support system. Submit on time, and prepare for the viva with confidence.
✅ A well-executed project is not just about grades — it’s about learning skills that will serve you in your professional journey. Good luck! 🚀
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