IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
The IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising is a one-year programme with a total fee of Rs. 7,000 for the July 2026 session. Learners who have completed 10+2 are eligible to apply.
| Detail | Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | DAPMER |
| School | School of Continuing Education (SOCE) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 7,000/- |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 7,000 (Rs. 7,000 x 1 year) |
| Total credits | 40 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER): what the programme covers
The IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising is a skill-based programme for learners who want to work in Fashion and Apparel Merchandising. It provides knowledge and skills in textiles, fashion, and apparel merchandising operations, including manufacturing, sourcing, branding, marketing, and retail. The total credits for the programme are 40.
The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 7,000/- per year. The Diploma in Apparel Merchandising is structured around specific study blocks available on eGyanKosh. For instance, BHC 006 covers five blocks, starting with Block 1: Introduction of fashion and consumer behaviour, and progressing to Block 5: Merchandise planning and management. BHC 007 also has five blocks, from Block 1: Sourcing and Buying, to Block 5: Apparel Costing. These blocks build foundational knowledge for a career in apparel merchandising.
IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising, candidates must have completed 10+2. The medium of instruction for the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising is English. The School of Continuing Education (SOCE) offers this programme. Students submit assignments and appear for term-end examinations (TEE) in English. The programme code for this diploma is DAPMER.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising has a programme fee of Rs. 7,000 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. For the full minimum duration of one year, the total programme fee is Rs. 7,000, excluding additional charges.
Learners also pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission for the July 2026 session. These charges are besides the programme fee. The application process is fully online through the IGNOU ODL admission portal, which accepts payments via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
A 15% discount on the programme fee is available for learners who choose soft copies of study material instead of printed books.
Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 7,000/- |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 7,000 (Rs. 7,000 x 1 year) |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) duration and credits
The IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum duration of 3 years. Learners must complete all programme requirements within this 3-year period to earn the diploma.
The programme requires a total of 40 credits. All 40 credits are allocated to the programme courses.
IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) syllabus is structured to provide a skill-based programme for learners interested in fashion and apparel merchandising. This programme has a total of 40 credits.
The Diploma in Apparel Merchandising includes courses that cover textiles, fashion, and apparel merchandising operations. These operations include manufacturing, sourcing, branding, marketing, and retail. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 7,000/- per year.
The syllabus for the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising includes three core courses: BHC 005, BHC 006, and BHC 007. The eGyanKosh study blocks for BHC 006 cover “Introduction of fashion and consumer behaviour,” “Fundamentals of textiles,” “Textile processing,” “Apparel production line and product development,” and “Merchandise planning and management.” For BHC 007, the study blocks include “Sourcing and Buying,” “International Trade and Finance,” “Apparel Manufacturing,” “Apparel Quality Control,” and “Apparel Costing.” The eGyanKosh study blocks for BHC 005 are not published.
Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 5 courses | 40 |
Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) Programme courses
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BHC 005 | Basics of Apparel Industry & Entrepreneurship | 8 |
| BHC 006 | Fashion, Textile, Product Development & Merchandising | 8 |
| BHC 007 | Management of Merchandising Function and Apparel Manufacturing | 8 |
| BHCL 008 | Practicals | 8 |
| BHCP 009 | Internship Project | 8 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
The IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) admission for the July 2026 cycle is fully online through the Samarth portal. Applicants must keep their APAAR ID ready before applying. The application process requires several documents to be uploaded as soft copies.
The application steps are:
- Register on the Samarth portal for the July 2026 cycle.
- Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Upload a soft copy of the relevant educational qualification (10+2 eligibility) under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
- If applicable, upload a soft copy of the category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) under 200 KB.
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300.
- Pay the University Development fee of Rs. 400.
- Pay the programme fee of Rs. 7,000/- (Year wise) for the July 2026 session.
- Complete payment using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. IGNOU offers two admission cycles a year: January and July.
IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising (DAPMER) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising. Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. A failed assignment must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations for the Diploma in Apparel Merchandising are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. Examination centres are available across India and abroad. There are two exam sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as seen in the December 2026 TEE schedule. Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post for the July 2026 session. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course as of January 2026. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising?
The programme fee for the full minimum duration of the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising is Rs. 7,000 for the July 2026 session. This amount does not include the registration, development, or examination fees.
How many credits does the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising have?
The IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising has a total of 40 credits. Each credit represents 30 hours of learner study, so plan your time accordingly.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising?
Learners can complete the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising in a minimum of 1 year. The maximum duration allowed to complete the programme is 3 years.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising, applicants must have completed 10+2. The programme is offered in English medium.
When can I apply for admission to the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising?
IGNOU offers admission to the Diploma in Apparel Merchandising in two cycles each year: January and July. The current admission cycle on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
What is the fee for Term-End Examinations for the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising?
The examination fee for theory courses is Rs. 200 per course. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I choose digital study material?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. All self-learning material is also available on eGyanKosh.
Where can I find the study blocks for the courses in the IGNOU Diploma in Apparel Merchandising?
The self-learning material, including study blocks, for courses like BHC 006 Fashion, Textile, Product Development & Merchandising and BHC 007 Management of Merchandising Function and Apparel Manufacturing, is available on eGyanKosh.