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The foremost task of any distance learning institution (DLI) is to democratise higher education, which includes the elements of equity and access for outreach. This is also enshrined in the broad framework of the objectives of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), a distance education leader in the country. Despite enrolling [a] high volume of learners, an open university can have impact only if it is able to reach the disadvantaged sections of the society. An analysis of the learners' profile in IGNOU shows that the participation rate of disadvantaged sections viz., women, rural, scheduled caste/scheduled tribes (SC/ST) etc., needs to be enhanced to a desired level. Notwithstanding the fact that the generation of internal resources is adequate, the equity-self-reliance mix needs to be matched more with the expectations. This article underpins the need for further sharpening the policies of IGNOU and suggests strategies for making distance education barrier-free, accessible and open to the disadvantaged.