Indira Gandhi National Open University, popularly known as IGNOU or Indira Gandhi Open University, is a distance-learning university, established in 1985. It is the largest open university in the world, run by the Central Government of India. IGNOU is recognised by UGC and accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC. The university has been ranked 1st in the Open University Category by NIRF and 1st in the Overall Category by Outlook in 2024. The degree from IGNOU is valid across the world and is at par with the corresponding Degrees/ Diplomas/ Certificates issued by all Indian Universities/ Deemed Universities/ Institutions, etc.
IGNOU offers over 200 Bachelor's, Master’s, Diploma, Certificate, and Doctoral degree programs via Open & Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) methods. MA is the flagship program. The major courses offered are BA, MA, BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA, B.Ed, B.Com, M.Sc, and PhD. IGNOU fee for MA ranges from INR 5,400 to INR 13,100 for the first year. IGNOU Admission opens twice a year, for January and July sessions. Online registrations for admission start in November-December for the January session and May-June for the July session. Admissions are based on merit and entrance exams conducted by the university.
The Ministry of Education and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the UGC, and the Indian National Commission for Cooperation, organised a seminar on the Open University with UNESCO. Upon the recommendation of the seminar, the Government of India decided to establish an open university on an experimental basis. In 1974, an eight-member working group was formed, headed by G Parthasarathy, the then Vice-Chancellor of JNU, to monitor the establishment of the open university. Under the Working Group Report 1974, the recommendation to establish a national open university by an act of Parliament was proposed.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (popularly known as IGNOU or Indira Gandhi Open University), established in 1985, is considered one of the prominent names for distance/ part-time education in India. IGNOU University began by offering two programs in 1987, with a strength of approximately 4,500 students. Today, it serves more than 4 million students in India and abroad through its 21 schools, a network of 56 regional centres, and 29 overseas partner institutions.
Open and Distance Learning:
IGNOU Distance Education programs are offered in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) & Online Learning (OL) modes. The university offers more than 200 programs at certificate, diploma, degree and doctoral levels. IGNOU courses include BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA, BA, MA, MCA, MBA, MCom and others.
National and International Recognition:
Indira Gandhi National University is the largest university in the world, run by the Central Government of India. It has also been accredited by the NAAC with Grade 'A++'. IGNOU has students from over 40 countries.
Comprehensive programs:
At present, IGNOU offers over 200+ UG, PG, diploma, certificate and doctoral courses via regular distance and Online Distance Learning (ODL) mode. Aspirants who are working professionals or those who don’t want to attend physical classes can attend online lectures.
IGNOU Admission Cycle:
The IGNOU admission cycles are conducted twice a year, in January and July. For the January session, the IGNOU online registration for most of the courses starts in November, and for the July session, registrations begin in May-June.
Here are the key highlights of IGNOU 2026
|
Particulars |
IGNOU Highlights 2026 |
|---|---|
|
Establishment year | Ownership |
1985 | Government |
|
Also known as |
IGNOU, IGNOU University |
|
NIRF 2024 Rank |
1 (Open Universities) |
|
No. of schools |
20+ |
|
No. of regional centres |
65+ |
|
Number of learner support centres |
2,667 |
|
No. of courses offered |
200+ |
|
Type of scholarships offered |
Category-based, Need-based |
|
Faculty members |
800+ |
|
Mode of study | Application mode |
Distance | Online |
|
IGNOU official website |
ignou.ac.in |
|
IGNOU Brochure 2023-24 |
Indira Gandhi National University offers various courses in distance and online modes. At the UG level, IGNOU courses include BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA, etc. The BA program is offered in numerous specialisations such as History, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, English, Economics, and General Studies, among others. The University also offers courses (postgraduate, including MBA, MA, MTech, MCom, MCA, and MSc, among others. The IGNOU admission MBA is based on merit scores. To be eligible for the MBA admissions at the university, candidates must have obtained a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their UG degree in any discipline from a recognised board/ university.
The IGNOU BA fees range between 6,800 and 31,500. Further, IGNOU MCA fees and IGNOU BCA fees range between INR 36,000 and INR 50,800 for each semester. The university also offers the BTech program in both distance and online modes. IGNOU online classes are conducted for online courses.
Here are details of the IGNOU Course and Fees 2026
| Courses | Yearly Fees |
| BBA | INR 10,000 |
| B.Sc Hons | INR 14,500 |
| BA Hons | INR 8,700 |
| B.Com | INR 4,400 |
| BCA | INR 12,000 |
| Certificate in German | INR 2,500 |
| Bachelor of Tourism & Travel Management + Diploma in Tourism & Travel Management | INR 19,400 |
| PG Diploma in TV Journalism & Communication | INR 19,400 |
| MLibSc | INR 19,400 |
| MCA | INR 24,700 |
| PGDUPDL | INR 1.6 K |
| M.Ed | INR 900 |
| M.Com | INR 19,400 |
| MA | INR 1.2 K |
| MBA | INR 32,000 |
| M.Sc | INR 32,400. |
Most IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University courses 2026 are imparted through online and distance learning modes. This year, IGNOU University has launched a few new courses, namely the PG Diploma in Sustainability Science and the PG Diploma in Digital Media, among others. IGNOU Delhi comprises over 21 schools of study, including the School of Education, School of Humanities, School of Law, School of Social Sciences, School of Engineering and Technology, and School of Management Studies, among others. Through these schools, the university offers several UG, PG, diploma, and PhD programs in distance and online modes. Some of the popular programs from the IGNOU courses list include MBA, BTech, MA, BCA, MCA, MCom, and others.
The MA program is one of the IGNOU PG courses offered in several specialisations such as Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Philosophy, etc. MA Psychology IGNOU covers a wide range of psychological principles, techniques and skills. The IGNOU BCA program is also highly popular among students looking for a career in the field of IT. BCA graduates can also go for the IGNOU MCA program.
IGNOU assignment is also offered for all the programs, which can be downloaded from the IGNOU website in assignment. The IGNOU solved assignment should be submitted before the last date to be eligible for the term-end examinations. Students should mention important details such as program name, course code, enrollment number, mobile number, etc., on the first page of the IGNOU assignment. Furthermore, candidates can download study materials for various courses by registering on eGyanKosh. Some of the popular IGNOU courses are mentioned in the table below, along with their specialisations and IGNOU fee details:
Here are details of the IGNOU Popular Programs 2026
| Program Name | Type | Duration | Eligibility Criteria |
| BA Hons | Undergraduate | 3 years | 10+2 with relevant subjects |
| BBA | Undergraduate | 3 years | 10+2 with relevant subjects |
| B.Sc Hons | Undergraduate | 3 years | 10+2 with 50% |
| B.Com | Undergraduate | 3 years | 110+2 with 50% |
| BCA | Undergraduate | 3 years | 10+2 with 50% |
| Certificate in German | Undergraduate | 1 year | 10+2 with 50% |
| Bachelor of Tourism & Travel Management + Diploma in Tourism & Travel Management | Undergraduate | 3-4 years | 10+2 with 50% |
| PG Diploma in TV Journalism & Communication | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
| MLibSc | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
| MCA | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
| PGDUPDL | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
| M.Ed | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
| M.Com | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
| MA | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
| MBA | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
| M.Sc | Postgraduate | 2 years | 45-50% in the bachelor's degree. |
Indira Gandhi Open University has started the fresh admission process for the Jan 2026 session at the IGNOU official website (www.ignou.ac.in). Furthermore, the IGNOU re-registration forms for the July session are also available on the Indira Gandhi Open University's official website of the university. Follow the steps given below to apply for IGNOU admission 2026:
Step 1: Visit the official website of Indira Gandhi National University, i.e., www.ac.in.ignou.
Step 2: Look for the Register Online tab.
Step 3: Select the 'Fresh Admission' option.
Step 4: After clicking on it, you will be redirected to the IGNOU Admission 2026 page of the university.
Step 5: Register on the IGNOU official site (ignou.com) and select the course you want to apply for.
Step 6: Pay the application fee and complete the Indira Open University (IGNOU) application process.
IGNOU admission process takes place twice a year, in January and July. Admissions for the IGNOU Jan session 2026 are currently ongoing at www.ignou.ac.in. The majority of the criteria used to determine admissions at Indira Gandhi Open University, Delhi, are the candidates' final scores in the qualifying degrees. However, for a few courses, such as B.Ed, Post-Basic BSc Nursing, MPhil, and PhD, the university conducts/ accepts the entrance exams. The IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test exam is administered at the institute level for B.Ed admission.
IGNOU UG Admission 2026
IGNOU offers admission to UG courses such as BA, B.Com, BBA, B.Sc, BCA, BPP, BSW, and BLIS. The courses are offered through a distance learning mode for 3 years. BPP and BLIS courses are offered for 1 year. IGNOU Admission is conducted on the basis of merit or marks obtained in the 12th or equivalent examination.
| Course | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| BA | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board |
| B.Com | 10+2 from a recognised board or BPP from IGNOU |
| BBA | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board |
| BCA |
10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board |
| B.Sc | 10+2 in the science stream or equivalent from a recognised board |
| Bachelor’s Preparatory Program (BPP) | No formal qualification, must be at least 18 years of age |
| Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board |
| Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks / Bachelor’s degree with a 1-year Diploma in Library Science / Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of work experience in a Library & Information Centre |
IGNOU PG Admission 2026
IGNOU offers admission to PG courses such as MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MCA, MSW, MLIS, MTTM, and MBA. The courses are offered for a duration of 2 years and can be extended up to 4 years. However, the duration of the MLIS course is 1 year. IGNOU Admission is offered on the basis of merit in the qualifying degree.
| Course | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| MA | Bachelor’s degree from any recognised university or its equivalent |
| MBA |
Graduation in any discipline with 50% marks |
| M.Com | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university |
| M.Sc | B.Sc. in the relevant field from a recognised university |
| MCA | Any Bachelor’s degree and Mathematics (at 10+2 level or UG level) |
| M.Ed | B.Ed with 55% marks and 2 years of teaching/professional experience in a Govt or Govt-recognised school or NCTE recognised teacher education/research institution in education |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university |
| Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) | BLIS or equivalent from any recognised university |
| Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM) | BA (Tourism) / BHM / Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management (approved by AICTE) / Graduation in any field, along with a Diploma in Tourism |
IGNOU Entrance-Based Admission 2026
IGNOU conducts entrance exams for admission to MBA, B.Ed, M.Ed, M.Ed, Post Basic B.Sc, Nursing, M.Phil, and PhD programs. Candidates who qualify in the entrance exam may need to appear for a personal interview round for the final selection. The eligibility and selection criteria for entrance-based courses are mentioned below:
| Courses | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| B.Ed | Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s Degree with 50% marks |
| Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing |
In-service Nurses, i.e. Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (RNRM) with 10+2 and 3-year Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) + 2 years of experience (after registration as RNRM) |
| M.Phil |
Master's degree in the relevant discipline with 55% marks |
| PhD |
Master's Degree or M.Phil. Degree in the relevant discipline |
IGNOU University publishes the IGNOU 2026 cutoff on the official website at ignou.ac.in. IGNOU admission 2026 to several undergraduate and postgraduate degrees is offered by either merit or the scores of the entrance exams. The university conducts its entrance examination to give admission to the B.Ed program. IGNOU admission to the MBA program is based on the merit scores of the qualifying exam. Candidates may find comprehensive information regarding the Indira Gandhi National University cut off 2026 here once announced.
Here are the details of the IGNOU Cutoff 2026
| Program | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | PwD |
| B.Ed Entrance Exam | 78 to 90 | 60 to 77 | 60 to 65 | 50 to 54 | 65 to 75 | 48 to 50 |
| BA + B.Ed (Integrated) | 360 to 370 | 310 to 320 | 280 to 300 | 250 to 270 | 290 to 300 | 180 to 190 |
| B.Com + B.Ed (Integrated) | 290 to 300 | 240 to 260 | 170 to 180 | 100 to 120 | 210 to 220 | 100 to 110 |
| B.Sc + B.Ed (Integrated) | 330 to 340 | 310 to 320 | 280 to 300 | 230 to 240 | 310 to 320 | 160 to 170 |
IGNOU has a dedicated Campus Placement Cell (CPC) that is responsible for conducting on-campus and off-campus placement drives. The placement cell assists students in preparing for interviews and the selection process for placements. As per the online sources, the placement rate at IGNOU is between 70% and 80%. Graduates from IGNOU are offered job profiles like Business Development Executive, Sales & Operations, Management Trainee, Associate Executive Sales, etc.
Indira Gandhi Open University conducted its campus placement drive at the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Convention Centre, IGNOU Maidan Garhi Campus. The institute conducted its placement drive for the posts of Customer Service Executive, Copy Editors, and Technical Writers. There is no specific IGNOU placement data available for the year 2024; however, according to various online sources, the key highlights of IGNOU placements in the recent past are.
Here are the details of the IGNOU Placement
|
Particulars |
Placement Statistics (2024) |
|---|---|
|
Highest package |
INR 15 LPA |
|
Average package |
INR 3 LPA to INR 4 LPA |
|
Placement rate |
Between 70% and 80% |
IGNOU Placement Stats 2025
| Particulars | Placement Stats 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary Package Offered | INR 1.7 LPA - INR 5 LPA |
| Job Profiles | Health and Life Insurance Advisors, Tele Sales, Data Entry Operator, Customer Service Executive, Copy Editors, Technical Writers, Retention Executives, Backend Executives, and Customer Support |
| Participating Companies | CarDekho, Air India SATS, APTARA, ARCIS–E, GLOBIVA |
IGNOU scholarships 2026 are offered to students belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST). The university also provides exemption/ reimbursement facilities from time to time as per the rules of the university. Candidates can also apply for government scholarships. Students are also advised to collect the scholarship forms from the Directorate of Social Welfare or the office of the Social Welfare Officer of their State, fill them up and submit them to the Regional Director at the Regional Centre. The scholarship scheme of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment of Disabled People (NCPEDP) for PG programs is also applicable to this university's students. Such students are required to apply to the awarding authority directly.
IGNOU students, who belong to SC/ ST/ OBC/ Minority/ PWD, can also avail the IGNOU scholarship scheme of fee waiver/ reimbursement/ exemption/ scholarship offered by the UGC/ MHRD and various state governments. IGNOU University also offers fee concessions to the students admitted to the Agriculture Diploma and Certificate programs (except for PG Certificate, PG Diploma and PhD). The concession is offered as per the following criteria:
All the candidates from rural areas are entitled to a 50% fee concession, subject to the production of a domicile certificate.
The urban students below the poverty line may be given a 50% fee concession, subject to the production of an income certificate
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