IGNOU BATS Project Guide: BTSP 001 & BTSP 002 (Format, Topics, Submission)

IGNOU BATS Project Guide for BTSP-001 & BTSP-002: Format, Topics, Submission & Sample PDF

October 5, 2025
-IGNOU Bachelor Degree Project, IGNOU PROJECT

The IGNOU BATS Project for Bachelor of Arts (Tourism Studies) program culminates in two project courses: BTSP-001 and BTSP-002. These project components allow students to apply their tourism knowledge to real-world research. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the IGNOU BATS project requirements – from understanding what BTSP-001 and BTSP-002 entail, to following the proper format, selecting suitable topics, writing the synopsis and report, and finally submitting the project successfully.

Key Highlights & Quick Summary

Dual Project Courses: BTSP-001 and BTSP-002 are the two project courses in IGNOU’s BATS (Tourism Studies) degree, each carrying 4 credits. They are typically undertaken in the final year and are mandatory for program completion.
Scope and Skills: Through these projects, you’ll conduct tourism-related research which builds practical skills in field surveys, data analysis, and report writing. A good project reflects your understanding of tourism concepts and research methodology.
Format Guidelines: IGNOU has a defined project report format – including a title page, certificates (guide’s certificate and student’s declaration), acknowledgements, chapters, references, etc. Reports are about 8,000–10,000 words (around 50–70 pages). Use standard formatting (A4 page, 12-pt font, double-spacing) and a consistent citation style (APA or Harvard).
Topics & Data: Choose a project topic that is relevant to tourism (heritage, culture, marketing, ecotourism, etc.) and feasible within your timeline. Ensure data availability (via surveys, interviews, or secondary sources) and get your synopsis (project proposal) approved before doing the full research.
Submission & Evaluation: Projects must be submitted by the specified deadline (usually May 31 for the June term-end and Nov 30 for the December term-end) through IGNOU’s online project portal or at your Regional Centre, as instructed. Include the supervisor’s signed certificate and a student’s declaration in your report. A viva voce (oral defense) is conducted after submission, and you must pass both the written report and the viva to succeed (minimum 40% in each).

What Are BTSP-001 & BTSP-002 in IGNOU BATS?

Credits, Eligibility & Where These Courses Fit in BATS

In the Bachelor of Arts (Tourism Studies) program, BTSP-001 and BTSP-002 are capstone project courses. Each carries 4 credits, meaning you should devote roughly 120 study hours to each project. They are usually taken in the final year of the BATS program (typically in the 5th and 6th semesters if the program is semester-based).

Eligibility: You should attempt these project courses after completing most of the coursework in tourism studies. Generally, once you are in the final year (and have passed or at least attempted the core theory courses), you can begin the project. It’s important to have a good grasp of tourism concepts from courses like tourism management, marketing, cultural heritage, etc., as BTSP-001/002 will test your ability to apply that knowledge. You will also need an academic supervisor (project guide) assigned – usually a faculty member or an approved expert in tourism – who will guide and evaluate your work.

These project courses are an essential part of the curriculum. They allow you to delve into practical research on tourism topics of your interest. BTSP-001 and BTSP-002 usually cover different thematic areas (for example, earlier program structures associated BTSP-001 with Indian culture/environment in tourism and BTSP-002 with tourism marketing). Together, they integrate your learning and give you hands-on experience in the field of tourism. In short, they are where you transition from studying theory to conducting your own small research study in tourism.

Learning Outcomes & Assessment Weightage

Learning Outcomes: After completing these projects, you will:

Gain practical research skills (surveying tourists, analyzing data).
Improve understanding of tourism concepts by applying theory to a real situation.
Enhance report writing and data presentation skills.
Develop problem-solving abilities specific to tourism challenges.

Assessment Weightage: Each project is evaluated through the written report and a viva voce (oral exam). Both BTSP-001 and BTSP-002 are 100-mark courses. Typically, the written report might carry around 70% and the viva 30%. You need at least 40% in each component to pass. The viva will test your understanding of the project to ensure authenticity.

IGNOU BATS Project Guidelines & Format (BTSP-001/002)

Project Structure (Title Page to Annexures)

Your BATS project report should follow a formal structure from the cover to the appendices. Include the sections in this order:

Title Page: Includes the project title, your name, enrollment number, program (BATS), course code (BTSP-001 or BTSP-002), and your supervisor’s name and designation, along with the university name/logo.
Certificate: A signed declaration by your project supervisor (guide) stating that the work is original and done under their guidance. This is usually a standard format provided by IGNOU, which the guide will sign with date.
Student’s Declaration: Your own declaration that the work is original, not copied or submitted elsewhere. You will sign and date this page, affirming adherence to IGNOU’s project guidelines.
Acknowledgements: (Optional) A short note thanking those who helped in the project (e.g., your guide, any institution or persons who provided data, family for support).
Abstract: A brief summary of the project report (about 150–200 words) outlining the research problem, methodology, and key findings/conclusions.
Table of Contents: List of chapters and sections with page numbers for easy navigation of the report. (If you have many tables/figures, you can also include a List of Tables/Figures after the contents.)
Chapters (Main Body): This will typically be divided into chapters such as:
1. Introduction (background, objectives, scope),
1. Literature Review (overview of existing research relevant to your topic),
1. Research Methodology (how you conducted the study),
1. Data Analysis/Findings (what you found, with tables/graphs),
1. Conclusion and Recommendations (summary of findings, suggestions, conclusion).
  You can adjust chapter titles as needed, but make sure all these aspects are covered in the report.
References/Bibliography: A list of all sources cited in your report (books, articles, websites, reports, etc.), formatted in a standard style (APA, Harvard, etc.). Ensure every in-text citation has a corresponding reference entry.
Annexures/Appendices: Additional material that supports your project but is too detailed for the main text. Common examples: a copy of your survey questionnaire or interview questions, raw data tables, maps or photographs, and a copy of the synopsis approval or guide’s profile (if required by IGNOU). Label each annexure (Annexure I, II, III, etc.) and refer to them in the text where relevant.

Figure: BTSP-001/002 Project Guidelines and Format

Following this structure is important – IGNOU evaluators will check that you’ve included all necessary components (especially the title page info, certificate, declaration, and references). A well-organized project report format also makes it easier to read and score.

Word Count, Fonts, Referencing (APA/Harvard)

Length: Aim for ~8,000–10,000 words (about 50–70 pages).
Formatting: Use 12-pt font (Times New Roman or similar), 1.5 or double spacing. Keep 1.5-inch left margin (for binding) and ~1 inch on other sides. Number all pages clearly.
Referencing: Follow a consistent citation style like APA or Harvard. Cite all sources in text and list references at the end.

Ethics & Plagiarism Limit (with safe practices)

Original Work: Write the BATS report in your own words. IGNOU has zero-tolerance for plagiarism.
Acceptable Similarity: Keep similarity index low (preferably under 20%). Projects with high copied content can be rejected.
How to Avoid Plagiarism: Cite all information sources properly. Use quotation marks for any direct quotes and provide references. Use a plagiarism checker before submission to be safe.

IGNOU BATS Project Topics in Tourism Studies

25 Ready-to-Use Topic Ideas (City/District/Heritage Focus)

Choosing a good project topic is the first step toward a successful BATS project. Below are 25 topic ideas spanning various areas of tourism. These are formulated to focus on specific cities, districts, heritage sites, or tourism themes, giving you a concrete subject for research:

Pilgrimage Tourism Potential in Varanasi
Heritage Conservation and Tourism in Hampi
Eco-Tourism Development in Kerala’s Backwaters
Community-Based Rural Tourism in Rajasthan Villages
Marketing Strategies for Northeast India as a Tourist Destination
Tourist Satisfaction in Goa’s Beach Resorts
Cultural Tourism in Kolkata
Wildlife Tourism and Conservation at Ranthambore
Impacts of Homestay Programs in Sikkim
Adventure Tourism Opportunities in Uttarakhand
Destination Image of Delhi for International Tourists
Role of Social Media in Promoting Leh-Ladakh Tourism
Medical Tourism in Chennai
Heritage Walks and City Tourism in Ahmedabad
Tourism’s Economic Impact on a Small Town (e.g., Coorg)
Visitor Management at Taj Mahal
Effects of Festival Tourism: Case of Kumbh Mela
Development of Wine Tourism in Nashik
Backpacker Trail in Himachal Pradesh
Cruise Tourism in Kerala’s Coastal Region
Influence of COVID-19 on Tourism Recovery in Jaipur
Role of Government Policies in North-East India Tourism Growth
Volunteer Tourism Initiatives in Uttarakhand
Use of Technology (AR/VR) at Museums in India
Comparative Study of State Tourism Marketing: Kerala vs. Gujarat

Figure: Top 25 IGNOU BATS Project Topics

(Feel free to tweak these topics by changing the location or focusing on a specific aspect. Ensure the topic aligns with the broad theme of BTSP-001 (which often relates to cultural/environmental tourism) or BTSP-002 (often related to tourism marketing/management), as applicable.)

How to Align Topic with Data Availability & Timeline

Check data availability: Pick a topic for which you can access data (e.g., a place you can visit or data sources that exist). If your study needs a survey, make sure you can reach the target respondents (tourists, officials, etc.) in time.
Keep it feasible: Choose a BATS project topic that fits your time frame and resources. Avoid overly broad projects that would take too long, or extremely niche topics where information is scarce. A focused, manageable topic is better than an ambitious one you can’t complete.
Align with guidelines: Ensure the topic fits BTSP-001/002 themes (for instance, BTSP-001 might lean toward cultural or environmental tourism topics, and BTSP-002 toward tourism marketing or business aspects). Also, run your idea by your mentor or supervisor early – their approval means you’re on the right track.
Plan with timeline in mind: Outline a rough timeline for your project. If you only have 3 months, plan accordingly – e.g., spend the first month on literature review and synopsis approval, second on data collection, third on analysis and writing. Choose a topic that you can reasonably research within the available time, and remember the submission deadlines.

How to Write the BATS Synopsis for BTSP-001 & BTSP-002

Problem Statement, Objectives, Scope & Limitations

In your BATS synopsis, clearly state the research problem (what you intend to study), the objectives (what you aim to find out), and the scope and limitations of your study (what will be covered and any constraints).

Proposed Methodology (Design, Tools, Sample, Analysis)

Outline how you will conduct the research: mention whether it’s a survey or case study, what tools you will use (questionnaire, interviews), who or what your sample will be, and how you plan to analyze the data.

Sample Synopsis (Downloadable Template)

Use the provided IGNOU synopsis template to format your proposal. Keep it brief (around 3-5 pages) and include all the above sections. Get your synopsis approved by your Regional Centre or supervisor before starting the project work.

Note: Learn how to write an IGNOU BATS Synopsis

Research Methodology for IGNOU BATS Project

Primary vs Secondary Data in Tourism Studies

In a BATS project, you can use primary data (collected by you) or secondary data (existing information):

Primary data includes surveys, interviews, field observations, etc., giving first-hand insight (e.g., tourist questionnaires, interviews with officials).
Secondary data includes already-published information like tourism statistics, research articles, or reports. Use these to support your study or provide context.

Often, a mix is ideal: for instance, you might survey tourists (primary) and also cite tourism department statistics or previous case studies (secondary) to enrich your analysis.

Sampling (Size, Technique) & Tools (Questionnaire/Interview)

Sampling: Decide how many people to survey/interview. A sample of ~50-100 respondents is common for a student project. Use convenient sampling (e.g., approaching tourists on site) or random sampling if possible. Ensure your sample is relevant to your study (for example, include both domestic and international tourists if that matters to your topic).
Research tools: The most common tool is a questionnaire for surveys – prepare clear, concise questions (mostly multiple-choice or rating scales, plus a few open-ended for feedback). If doing qualitative research, use an interview guide with key questions for in-depth insights from officials, locals, or experts. Always pilot test your questions on a few people to ensure they are understandable and gather the info you need.

Data Analysis (Excel/SPSS Basics) with Example Tables

Enter your survey data into a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel) to calculate totals, percentages, and averages. Create tables and charts (pie charts, bar graphs) to visualize findings clearly for the reader.
If you know SPSS or another statistical software, you can use it for more complex analysis (like correlation or hypothesis testing), but it’s not mandatory. Excel is usually enough for basic analysis in a BATS project.
Example: If 80 out of 100 tourists say they are satisfied with a site’s facilities, report it as “80% of respondents were satisfied with the facilities.” Present this in a table or chart and then explain what it means. For instance: “This high satisfaction rate suggests the site’s amenities meet visitor expectations; however, 20% had issues, which indicates some room for improvement.” Always interpret the results in relation to your objectives – show how the data answers your research questions.

Writing the IGNOU BATS Project Report: Chapter-wise

Introduction & Literature Review (Tourism-specific cues)

Introduction: Give an overview of your topic and its importance. Provide background context – for example, describe the destination or issue you’re focusing on and why it matters in tourism. Clearly state your research objectives and the questions you intend to answer. You can also outline the structure of your report (e.g., “Chapter 2 covers literature, Chapter 3 explains the methodology,” etc.) to guide the reader.
Literature Review: Summarize existing research related to your topic. In tourism studies, this could include previous case studies, academic theories, and reports relevant to your project. For example, if you are studying tourist satisfaction, mention key factors identified in prior research and any models (like SERVQUAL for service quality). Highlight what has been studied and where the research gap is – that gap justifies your project. Use proper citations for all sources. A well-written literature review shows you understand the broader context of your work.

Data Presentation & Interpretation

Present your findings clearly using tables and figures. For each major result or each objective, show the data (e.g., a table of survey responses or a graph of tourist arrival trends) and then explain in words what it means.
Ensure every figure or table has a caption and is discussed in the text. For example: “Table 1 shows that 60% of tourists rated local transport as ‘Good’ or above, while 40% rated it ‘Poor’. This indicates a majority find transport acceptable, but a significant portion has complaints.” Such interpretation connects data to insights.
Don’t overload the report with raw data. Focus on key results that relate to your objectives. If you have extensive data, you can put detailed datasets in the appendix and discuss only the summarized results in the chapters.
As you interpret, try to relate findings back to what you mentioned in the literature review or objectives. For instance, if prior literature suggested something and your data agrees or disagrees, note that. This critical analysis can earn you better marks.

Findings, Suggestions & Conclusion (Scoring Tips)

Findings: Sum up the major findings of your study. This is essentially answering your research questions. You might bullet-point the findings for clarity. For example: “Key findings include: (a) Tourist satisfaction is high for cultural aspects but low for cleanliness; (b) Awareness of lesser-known sites is low among visitors; (c) Social media has become a primary source of information for 70% of tourists,” etc. Be concise and factual here.
Suggestions: Based on your findings, suggest practical solutions or recommendations. For instance, if tourists complained about cleanliness, one suggestion could be “implement a stricter daily cleaning schedule and place more trash bins in tourist areas.” Make recommendations specific (who should do it and what should be done) and feasible. These could be directed at the tourism department, local businesses, destination managers, etc. Good recommendations show you can use your research to propose improvements.
Conclusion: Conclude the report by briefly restating the purpose of the BATS project and how you addressed it. Summarize what the overall takeaway is. You can also mention the limitations of your study here again and suggest areas for future research (e.g., “This study focused on one season; future studies could examine tourist satisfaction across different seasons or compare two destinations for deeper insight.”). The conclusion should tie back to the introduction, giving a sense of completion.
Tip: Make sure you answer all your stated objectives by the end of the report. A well-structured, tidy report with clear findings and thoughtful suggestions will score higher. Avoid common mistakes like deviating from the prescribed format, doing a last-minute rush job, or not explaining your data fully. Proofread your project to eliminate errors – clarity and professionalism leave a good impression on evaluators.

Figure: Writing the BATS Project Report: Chapter-wise

IGNOU BATS Project Submission Process & Deadlines

RC/SED Submission Steps & File Naming (if online)

Project Approval: Ensure you have your BATS synopsis approved and a guide assigned. Only approved project proposals should be taken up for report writing.
Finish Writing & Signing: Complete your report and get the Certificate page signed by your supervisor. You should also sign the Student’s Declaration of originality. These must be included in the report.
Format the File: Scan the signed pages and merge them into a single PDF along with your report. The first page of the PDF should be the title page with all your details. Use a clear file name (for example, EnrollmentNo_BTSP001.pdf).
Pay Fee: Pay the project evaluation fee (if applicable, e.g., ₹300 per project for 4-credit projects) along with your Term-End Exam form or through the online portal. Keep the receipt of payment – you may need to submit proof.
Online Submission: Go to IGNOU’s online project submission portal (usually the university provides a link for each TEE session). Submit/upload your PDF file before the deadline (around 31 May for June TEE or 30 Nov for Dec TEE). After uploading, you should receive an acknowledgment or reference number.
Viva Voce: After submission, your Regional Centre will schedule a viva voce (oral defense) for your project. This could be in-person or via teleconference. In the viva, be prepared to present your project briefly and answer questions about your work. The viva is compulsory and carries marks, so treat it seriously.

Note: If online submission isn’t available or if you’re instructed otherwise, some Regional Centres may accept hard copies. In that case, you should submit a neatly spiral-bound copy of your BATS project report to the Regional Centre by the deadline, along with necessary documents (approved synopsis, fee receipt). Always check the latest guidelines from IGNOU or your RC because procedures can update.

Printing/Binding, Certificate & Declaration

Printing & Binding: If submitting a physical copy, print the report on A4 paper (one side of the page). Use a simple binding – spiral or soft binding is usually sufficient. The report should have a proper cover/title page (with project title, your name, enrollment number, program/course code, session, etc.). Binding the BATS project makes it easier to handle during the viva.
Certificate & Declaration: Make sure the project contains the Certificate from your guide and the Student’s Declaration as the first pages after the title. Without these signed pages, the project may be rejected. Include them even in the PDF for online submission (scan and insert them).
Attachments: Attach a copy of the BATS synopsis approval (if you received a letter or email approving your project topic) in an appendix. If your project guide is an external expert (not an IGNOU faculty), attach their brief CV and the guide approval form if required. This shows the evaluator that your guide was duly qualified and approved.
Keep Copies: Always keep a copy of what you submit – whether it’s the PDF or a photocopy of the bound report. Also retain the submission receipt or email proof. This is important in case of any submission disputes and for your own reference while preparing for the viva.

By following the submission guidelines carefully and meeting the deadlines, you’ll ensure your BATS project moves smoothly through evaluation. It’s frustrating to do all the research and then face issues due to technical submission mistakes – so double-check everything (format, signatures, file upload) ahead of time.

Downloadable Resources

FAQs – IGNOU BATS Project (BTSP-001 & BTSP-002)

Q: Are BTSP-001 and BTSP-002 two separate projects or parts of one project?

A: They are two separate project courses under the BATS program, each with its own report. BTSP-001 and BTSP-002 may focus on different themes (for example, one on cultural aspects, one on marketing), but the process of doing the project is similar for both. You must complete and submit both to fulfill your degree requirements.

Q: How do I find a supervisor (guide) for the BATS project?

A: Usually, IGNOU will assign you a supervisor from your study centre or regional centre. Often, it’s an academic counselor or faculty in tourism. If you’re not assigned one automatically, contact your Regional Centre – they will guide you. In some cases, you can choose an external guide (like a local college professor or industry expert in tourism) but you must get IGNOU’s approval for that guide. Always keep your guide in the loop throughout the project.

Q: What kind of questions are asked in the viva voce for BTSP-001/002?

A: In the viva, examiners will ask you about your project to gauge your understanding. Common questions include: “Why did you choose this topic?”, “How did you conduct your research (data collection)?”, “What are the key findings and recommendations?”, and perhaps some specifics (“What challenges did you face?” or “How would you improve tourism based on your study?”). Essentially, be ready to explain and defend what you wrote in your report. It’s also an opportunity to show your enthusiasm and knowledge about the subject.

Q: Can I do the BATS project on any topic I want?

A: You have a lot of freedom, but the topic should be related to tourism and within the broad themes of your courses. Try to choose a topic that is relevant to Tourism Studies and that you can realistically research. Also, some topics may require permissions (for example, a study inside a restricted wildlife area), so be practical. Your synopsis approval process will usually catch if a topic is unsuitable. When in doubt, consult your guide for advice on refining the topic.

Conclusion

Completing the IGNOU BATS Project for the courses of BTSP-001 and BTSP-002 is a significant achievement in your IGNOU BATS journey. It may seem challenging, but by choosing the right topic, adhering to the guidelines, and working diligently, you will not only earn the required credits but also gain valuable insights into the tourism field. Use this guide as a roadmap – from planning your project to writing and submission – and remember that consistent effort and good organization are key.

Good luck with your IGNOU BATS project, and may it open doors to new learning and opportunities in the world of tourism!

👉 To learn more about project writing in BATS (Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies), check out our blog:

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