IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
| Detail | Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | DIRIL |
| School | School of Management Studies (SOMS) |
| Eligibility | (i) Category A–Direct Entry (a) 10+2 / equivalent (b) University provides reservation of seats as per Government of India rules. (ii) Category B – Sponsored Admission The sponsor is allowed to nominate employees, who have passed 10+2/equivalent, from their Retail Organization. The sponsor will submit application form of the candidate nominated with the Programme fee through a SBI collection (Demand Draft drawn in favour of IGNOU payable at New Delhi). |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs 10,800/- |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 10,800 (Rs. 10,800 x 1 year) |
| Total credits | 32 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL): what the programme covers
The total programme fee is Rs 10,800/- for the July 2026 session, payable year-wise.
Semester I comprises 22 credits, covering courses such as BCOE 142 Principles of Marketing (6 credits) and BRL 101 Overview of Retailing (4 credits). Semester II also carries 22 credits and includes BRL 104 Retail Management Perspectives and Communication (6 credits). A key component of Semester II is BRLP 101 Internship, Workbook and Viva-Voce, which accounts for 16 credits. This requires a three-month internship and a Viva-Voce after submitting the Work-Book for BRLP-101. Students can access study materials for courses like BEGAE 182 English Communication Skills through eGyanKosh, which includes blocks on Understanding Communication and Listening and Speaking in Informal and Formal Contexts.
IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing, candidates must meet specific academic qualifications. There are two categories for admission: Direct Entry and Sponsored Admission.
For Direct Entry, applicants need to have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination. IGNOU provides reservation of seats as per Government of India rules for this category. The medium of instruction for the programme is English.
Under Sponsored Admission, a retail organisation can nominate its employees. Nominated employees must also have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination. The sponsor submits the application form for the nominated candidate along with the Programme fee through an SBI collection, using a Demand Draft drawn in favour of IGNOU, payable at New Delhi.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) programme fee is Rs 10,800/- per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. For the full minimum duration of one year, the total programme fee is Rs 10,800. This amount excludes additional charges such as registration, development, and examination fees.
Learners pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 300 at admission. A University Development fee of Rs 400 is also payable at admission, on top of the programme fee. The application process is fully online through the IGNOU ODL admission portal. Payments are accepted via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
A 15% discount on the programme fee is available for learners who choose the digital material option instead of printed self-instructional study material.
| Fee Type | Amount (Rs.) | Details |
|—|—|—|
| Programme Fee (per year) | 10,800 | For the July 2026 session |
| Registration Fee | 300 | Non-refundable, paid at admission |
| University Development Fee | 400 | Paid at admission |
| Digital Material Discount | 15% | On programme fee, if opted |
Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs 10,800/- |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 10,800 (Rs. 10,800 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 Retailing (DIRIL) duration and credits
The IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum duration of 3 years. The School of Management Studies (SOMS) structures the programme with 22 credits in Semester-I and 22 credits in Semester-II.
IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) syllabus includes compulsory courses across two semesters, an internship, and a viva-voce. The programme totals 44 credits.
The first semester, with 22 credits, covers five courses. These are BCOE 142 Principles of Marketing (6 credits), BEGAE 182 English Communication Skills (4 credits), BRL 101 Overview of Retailing (4 credits), BRL 102 Introduction to Retail Marketing (4 credits), and BRL 103 Store Operations (4 credits). BEGAE 182, for example, uses eGyanKosh study blocks covering Understanding Communication, Listening and Speaking in Informal and Formal Contexts, and Reading and Writing Skill.
The second semester also accounts for 22 credits. It includes BRL 104 Retail Management Perspectives and Communication (6 credits) and BRLP 101 Internship, Workbook and Viva-Voce (16 credits). A three-month internship is required for BRLP 101, followed by a viva-voce after submitting the workbook. The total programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs 10,800/-. After completing the DIRIL, students can join the BBA in Retailing (BBARIL) through lateral entry. The programme is offered once a year in the July session.
Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 5 courses | 22 |
| 2nd semester | 2 courses | 22 |
Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) 1st semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BCOE 142 | Principles of Marketing | 6 |
| BEGAE 182 | English Communication Skills | 4 |
| BRL 101 | Overview of Retailing | 4 |
| BRL 102 | Introduction to Retail Marketing | 4 |
| BRL 103 | Store Operations | 4 |
Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) 2nd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BRL 104 | Retail Management Perspectives and Communication | 6 |
| BRLP 101 | Internship,Workbook and Viva-Voce | 16 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
For the July 2026 cycle, applicants must apply through the IGNOU Samarth admission portal. The application process is fully online; no printed form needs to be sent to a Regional Centre.
Applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 at admission, on top of the programme fee. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also paid at admission.
To apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) for the July 2026 cycle, follow these steps:
- Keep your APAAR ID ready before starting the application.
- Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Upload a soft copy of your relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB, in JPEG/PDF format.
- If applicable, upload a soft copy of your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC), under 200 KB.
- Complete the application form on the Samarth portal.
- Pay the fees using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
Category A applicants require a 10+2 or equivalent qualification. Category B applicants are nominated employees from a Retail Organization, who have also passed 10+2 or equivalent. Sponsors for Category B applicants submit the application form and programme fee via an SBI collection (Demand Draft drawn in favour of IGNOU payable at New Delhi).
IGNOU Diploma in Retailing (DIRIL) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing. A failed assignment must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. There are two exam sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM for the December 2026 TEE. Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes, for the December 2026 TEE.
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 for July 2026. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars cannot.
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 Retailing?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing is Rs. 10,800 for the minimum one-year duration, as per the July 2026 prospectus. This amount does not include the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, the University Development fee of Rs. 400, or examination fees.
How many credits does the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing have?
The IGNOU Diploma in Retailing has a total of 44 credits. This includes all compulsory courses, an internship, and a viva-voce, which are spread across the two semesters of the programme.
Which courses in the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing require an internship or viva-voce?
The course BRLP 101, titled 'Internship, Workbook and Viva-Voce', requires a three-month internship. A viva-voce is conducted after the submission of the workbook for BRLP 101, and this course carries 16 credits.
Can I join a bachelor's degree after completing the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing?
Yes, after completing the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing, a student can join the BBA in Retailing (BBARIL) through lateral entry. This provides a pathway for further studies in the field of retailing.
Which semester is the heaviest in terms of credits for the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing?
Both Semester I and Semester II of the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing carry 22 credits each. Semester II includes the 16-credit BRLP 101 Internship, Workbook and Viva-Voce, which is a significant component.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing?
For direct entry, candidates must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination. There is also a sponsored admission category where retail organizations can nominate employees who have passed 10+2 or equivalent.
How often is admission offered for the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing?
The IGNOU Diploma in Retailing is offered once a year, specifically in the July admission session.
Are there any specific study blocks for the English Communication Skills course?
Yes, the BEGAE 182 English Communication Skills course has three study blocks available on eGyanKosh. These blocks cover Understanding Communication, Listening and Speaking in Informal and Formal Contexts, and Reading and Writing Skills.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Retailing is one year. Learners have a maximum duration of three years to complete all programme requirements, including assignments and term-end examinations.
Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I opt for digital study material?
Yes, learners who choose to receive soft copies of the self-learning material instead of printed books are eligible for a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available during the admission process.