IGNOU BCOS 185 Entrepreneurship: Assignment, Question Papers and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Study Material: IGNOU Study Material 2026: How to Check Book Status and Download eSLM PDF?
BCOS 185 Entrepreneurship at a glance
| Detail | BCOS 185 |
|---|---|
| Course code | BCOS 185 |
| Course title | Entrepreneurship |
| Credits | 4 |
| Study hours | 120 hours |
| Course type | Core |
| Programme (term) | BBARIL (5th semester); BCA (6th semester) |
| Programme medium | English |
| Study blocks | 4 blocks on eGyanKosh |
| Term-end exams | June and December |
| Assignment code | BCOS – 185/TMA/2026 |
| Assignment last date | June 2026: 15 March 2026; December 2026: 15 October 2026 |
| Term-end exam | 3 Hours, 100 marks (June 2026 paper) |
BCOS 185 subject name and where it sits in 2 IGNOU programmes
BCOS 185 is titled Entrepreneurship. It is a 4-credit core course. This means it requires 120 hours of learner study, as one IGNOU credit equals 30 hours of study.
This course is listed in two IGNOU programmes. In the Bachelor of Business Administration (Retailing) (BBARIL) programme, BCOS 185 is placed in Semester-V, falling under the School of Management Studies (SOMS). Other courses in this same BBARIL term include BRLP 111 Retails Consumer Behavior (6 credits), BRL 112 Buying and Merchandising-II (4 credits), BRL 113 Business Ethics (4 credits), and BRL 114 Visual Merchandising and Store Planning (4 credits).
BCOS 185 is also part of the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) programme, where it is placed in the VI Semester under the School of Computer & Information Sciences (SOCIS). In this BCA term, learners also study MSEI 027 Digital Forensics (4 credits) and BCSP 165 Project (12 credits). Other IGNOU programmes may also carry BCOS 185.
The whole programme: IGNOU BCA syllabus.
BCOS 185 syllabus: the 4 study blocks on eGyanKosh
BCOS 185 Entrepreneurship is a 4-credit core course. It covers entrepreneurship from foundational concepts to the operation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The course is structured into four study blocks, available on eGyanKosh.
The first block, ‘Entrepreneurship: A Perspective’, introduces the core concepts. Building on this, ‘Business Idea Selection and Feasibility’ guides learners through identifying and evaluating business ideas. The third block, ‘Mobilising Resources and Start-UP’, focuses on the practical steps of resource acquisition and business initiation. The final block, ‘Entrepreneurship and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)’, examines the role and characteristics of MSMEs, tying the earlier concepts to a specific business context.
The 4 blocks hold 15 units between them:
- Block 1: Entrepreneurship : A Perspective
- Unit 1: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- Unit 2: Entrepreneurial Eco-system
- Unit 3: Dimensions of Entrepreneurship
- Unit 4: Entrepreneurs Competencies
- Block 2: Business Idea Selection and Feasibility
- Unit 5: Business Opportunity: Identification and Selection
- Unit 6: Market Research
- Unit 7: Business Plan Preparation
- Unit 8: Business Plan Feasibility
- Unit 9: Business Plan Implementation
- Block 3: Mobilising Resources and Start-UP
- Unit 10: Start-up Initiatives
- Unit 11: Mobilizing Financial Resources
- Unit 12: Mobilising Non-Financial Resources
- Block 4: Entrepreneurship and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES)
- Unit 13: Entrepreneurship Development and MSMEs
- Unit 14: Family Businesses in India
- Unit 15: Success Stories
Getting the printed books and e-books: IGNOU study material.
BCOS 185 assignment: download, submission and marks
BCOS 185 assignment questions: 2026
Assignment BCOS – 185/TMA/2026 has 10 questions. Together they carry 80 marks. The instruction on the file: “Attempt all the questions.”
| Q. | Question | Marks | Unit to read |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Define Entrepreneurship. Explain the role and importance of entrepreneurship in the economic development of a developing country like India | 10 | Unit 1: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship Block 1: Entrepreneurship : A Perspective |
| 2 | What are "Entrepreneurial Competencies"? Identify and explain the key behavioral traits and skills that distinguish a successful entrepreneur from a traditional manager | 10 | Unit 4: Entrepreneurs Competencies Block 1: Entrepreneurship : A Perspective |
| 3 | What is a Business Plan? Describe the essential components that should be included in a comprehensive project report for a new venture | 10 | Unit 7: Business Plan Preparation Block 2: Business Idea Selection and Feasibility |
| 4 | Explain the concept of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Discuss the problems faced by small-scale industries in the current competitive environment | 10 | Unit 13: Entrepreneurship Development and MSMEs Block 4: Entrepreneurship and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) |
| 5 | Describe the various Institutional Support Systems available for entrepreneurs in India. Highlight the roles played by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) | 10 | Unit 2: Entrepreneurial Eco-system Block 1: Entrepreneurship : A Perspective |
| 6 | Distinguish between an Entrepreneur and an Intrapreneur. Provide examples of how intrapreneurship benefits large corporations | 6 | Unit 3: Dimensions of Entrepreneurship Block 1: Entrepreneurship : A Perspective |
| 7 | What are the common sources of business ideas? Explain the process of environmental scanning for identifying a viable business opportunity | 6 | Unit 5: Business Opportunity: Identification and Selection Block 2: Business Idea Selection and Feasibility |
| 8 | Explain the significance of Venture Capital in financing a startup. How does it differ from traditional bank financing? | 6 | Unit 11: Mobilizing Financial Resources Block 3: Mobilising Resources and Start-UP |
| 9 | Discuss the challenges specifically faced by Women Entrepreneurs in India and suggest measures to overcome them | 6 | Unit 3: Dimensions of Entrepreneurship Block 1: Entrepreneurship : A Perspective |
| 10 | What is Market Survey? Why is it crucial to conduct a market feasibility study before launching a product? | 6 | Unit 6: Market Research Block 2: Business Idea Selection and Feasibility |
Questions as printed in IGNOU’s file: BCOS 185 assignment PDF. Check the Assignments page before you write, since IGNOU replaces the file each year.
Assignment rules that apply to every IGNOU course: front page format, paper and margin rules, binding and envelope and checking assignment status.
IGNOU student services
BCOS 185 question papers and the term-end exam
IGNOU posts previous term-end question papers for BCOS 185 Entrepreneurship on its Previous Question Papers page. These papers are arranged by programme and course.
Learners may write the BCOS 185 term-end examination in Hindi, even if registered in the English medium. This rule applies to all programmes except language programmes. Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country and abroad. For example, the December 2026 TEE has two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars cannot. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course as of January 2026. For Indian students, an early declaration of result is available for Rs. 1000 per course, with proof of selection for a post or further studies as of January 2026.
BCOS 185 previous year question papers
The last 6 term-end papers on IGNOU’s question paper site:
| Exam | Questions on the paper | Official file |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | 8 | Question paper PDF |
| December 2025 | 8 | Question paper PDF |
| June 2025 | 8 | Question paper PDF |
| June 2024 | 8 | Question paper PDF |
| December 2023 | 8 | Question paper PDF |
| June 2023 | 8 | Question paper PDF |
BCOS 185 exam pattern
The June 2026 paper runs 3 hours and carries 100 marks. The instruction at the top reads: “Attempt any five questions. All questions carry equal marks.”
BCOS 185 topics asked in more than one exam
Read across the 6 papers, these subjects came back:
| Topic | Asked in | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Components and elements of business plan or DPR | June 2026, December 2025, June 2025, June 2024, December 2023, June 2023 | Unit 7: Business Plan Preparation |
| Sources and techniques of business idea generation | June 2026, June 2025, June 2024, December 2023, June 2023 | Unit 5: Business Opportunity: Identification and Selection |
| Financial resources for setting up an enterprise | June 2026, June 2025, June 2024, December 2023, June 2023 | Unit 11: Mobilizing Financial Resources |
| Entrepreneurial ecosystem components and influencing factors | December 2025, June 2025, June 2024, December 2023 | Unit 2: Entrepreneurial Eco-system |
| Start-ups: concept, challenges, support, success stories | December 2025, June 2025, June 2024, June 2023 | Unit 10: Start-up Initiatives |
| Feasibility analysis for business plan preparation | December 2025, June 2024, December 2023, June 2023 | Unit 3: Dimensions of Entrepreneurship |
| Relevance of entrepreneurship for economic development | June 2026, December 2025, December 2023 | Unit 1: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship |
| Factors affecting entrepreneurship development in any environment | June 2026, June 2025, December 2023 | Unit 1: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship |
| Importance and relevance of business plan preparation | June 2026, June 2024, June 2023 | Unit 7: Business Plan Preparation |
| Types of family businesses in India with examples | June 2026, June 2025, June 2023 | Unit 14: Family Businesses in India |
| Major challenges faced by family businesses in India | June 2026, June 2024, June 2023 | Unit 14: Family Businesses in India |
| Factors determining choice of financial sources | June 2025, June 2024, December 2023 | Unit 11: Mobilizing Financial Resources |
How the questions in these papers spread over the blocks (45 of 48 questions match a unit):
| Block | Questions |
|---|---|
| Block 1: Entrepreneurship : A Perspective | 17 |
| Block 2: Business Idea Selection and Feasibility | 11 |
| Block 3: Mobilising Resources and Start-UP | 8 |
| Block 4: Entrepreneurship and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) | 9 |
For the exam itself: previous year question papers by programme, the exam form, the date sheet and results and grade card.
Official IGNOU links for BCOS 185
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the subject name for BCOS 185?
The subject name for BCOS 185 is Entrepreneurship. This course carries 4 credits, which translates to 120 hours of learner study.
Which programmes include BCOS 185?
BCOS 185 is listed in the course table for the IGNOU Bachelor of Business Administration (Retailing) (BBARIL) in Semester-V. It is also part of the IGNOU Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) in VI Semester.
Where can I find the study blocks for BCOS 185?
The study material for BCOS 185 Entrepreneurship is available on eGyanKosh, organised into four blocks. These blocks cover topics from 'Entrepreneurship: A Perspective' to 'Entrepreneurship and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES)'.
Can I answer the BCOS 185 term-end examination in Hindi?
Yes, learners may write the term-end examination in Hindi, even if they are registered for the English medium. This rule applies to all courses except specific language programmes.
How many credits are in the same semester as BCOS 185 in the BCA programme?
In the BCA VI Semester, BCOS 185 (4 credits) is taken alongside MSEI 027 Digital Forensics (4 credits) and BCSP 165 Project (12 credits).
Where can I find previous question papers for BCOS 185?
Previous term-end question papers for BCOS 185 are available on IGNOU's Previous Question Papers page. They are arranged by programme and course for easy access.
Are assignments compulsory for BCOS 185?
Yes, assignments are compulsory for BCOS 185. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before they can take the Term-End Examination.