Lucknow: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has started setting up special study centres in Uttar Pradesh madrassas, an official said on Tuesday.

"A study centre has just been set up in a madrassa in Jalaun district of the state," Amit Chaturvedi, regional director, IGNOU told sources.

"We will be extending our exercise to cover other districts of the state," he added.

The main highlight of the centres will be a six-month bridge course - Bachelor of Preparatory Programme (BPP), officials said.

After completing the BPP, anyone can become eligible for pursuing graduation.

Significantly, the BPP will also enable school dropouts to pursue graduation studies, officials added.

Asked about the basis of selecting the madrassas for setting up the study centres, officials said they would be set up in those areas where Muslims form 60 percent or more of the population. IANS