Compare IGNOU Online and Symbiosis SCDL: Fees, Recognition, Exams and Degrees
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL: what each one is and how they differ
IGNOU Online offers online degrees, while Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) provides Post Graduate Diploma programmes. IGNOU is a National Open University, established by an Act of Parliament in 1985 (Act No. 50 of 1985), and is described as a Central University. Its online programmes are run by the Centre for Online Education (COE), which was established on 7 June 2019.
SCDL, is an autonomous distance learning institution, established in 2001, and is not a university. It is listed by AICTE as a Private-Self Financing institution, established in 2020, and run by the Symbiosis Open Education Society, Pune. SCDL offers distance learning with online classes, and AICTE approves its courses as ODL. Symbiosis also has the Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL), a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), which offers online undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. SSODL was designated as the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) of SIU on 28 February 2023.
IGNOU identifies its online learners by a programme code with an OL suffix, such as BCA_NEWOL. The university states this suffix indicates a student of the online mode. IGNOU’s Common Prospectus for July 2026 lists programmes specifically for the online mode. SCDL states it has 25 years of experience in offering PG Diploma programmes.
| Point | IGNOU Online | Symbiosis SCDL |
|---|---|---|
| Institution type and founding | National Open University established by an Act of Parliament in 1985 Act No. 50 of 1985; described as a Central University |
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune: an autonomous distance learning institution established 2001 (not a university) AICTE lists SCDL as a Private-Self Financing institution run by Symbiosis Open Education Society, year of establishment 2020 (AICTE record) |
| Online education unit | Centre for Online Education (COE), established on 7 June 2019 by renaming the Inter University Consortium | Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning, a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University); offers UG and PG online degrees SSODL designated as the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) of SIU by Notification 1265 of 28 Feb 2023 Formerly Symbiosis School for Open and Distance Learning; renamed by Notification 1193 of 9 July 2022 |
| Headquarters address | Centre for Online Education, Block-17, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068 | Symbiosis Bhavan, 1065 B, Gokhale Cross Road, Model Colony, Pune 411016 2nd Floor, Hilltop Central Library Building, SIU, Lavale, Mulshi, Pune 412115 |
| Regional presence | 67 regional centres and around 2,667 learner support centres (university-wide figure, not specific to online mode) | Admissions walk-in at Pune (Symbiosis Bhavan) and Delhi (Symbiosis Foundation) |
| Online program identification | The Common Prospectus has a separate chapter 13 listing programmes on offer through Online mode, with a separate admission portal By the programme code with the OL suffix (for example BCA_NEWOL), which IGNOU says indicates a student of the online mode BFTTM is in ODL mode; BFTTMOL is in online mode with English as medium of instruction (Common Prospectus July 2026) |
Distance learning with online classes (AICTE approves the courses as ODL) |
Symbiosis SCDL only
- Parent society: Symbiosis Open Education Society, Pune
- Programmes offered: Post Graduate Diploma programmes (and certificates); SCDL describes 25 years of PG Diploma programmes
- Degree issuing authority: Degrees and mark sheets are issued in the name of SSODL
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL recognition and validity
IGNOU Online awards degrees, while Symbiosis SCDL offers AICTE-approved PG diplomas. The UGC (ODL Programme and Online Programme) Regulations do not apply to IGNOU, according to the university. IGNOU states its programmes are at par with those approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau.
Symbiosis SCDL’s PG Diploma in Business Administration (ODL) is approved by AICTE, with an intake of 6,800 for 2026-27. SCDL’s recognitions page lists AICTE approval notifications from AY 2018-19 to AY 2026-27 for its ODL courses. SCDL does not appear on the UGC-DEB HEI programme list. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) offers online degrees through SSODL, which states its online UG and PG degrees are recognised by UGC and AICTE. The UGC list for July 2026 shows Symbiosis International with 10 online programmes, including an MBA, BBA, and BCA. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) holds a NAAC A++ grade and is a UGC Category-I Deemed University.
| Point | IGNOU Online | Symbiosis SCDL |
|---|---|---|
| NAAC grade | A++ | SCDL is not a university and has no NAAC grade of its own; Symbiosis International (Deemed University), which runs SSODL, holds NAAC A++ and UGC Category-I |
| Equivalence of programmes | IGNOU states its programmes are at par with programmes approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau UG/PG degrees and PG diplomas awarded through ODL and/or Online mode are to be treated as equivalent to those offered through conventional mode IGNOU degrees/diplomas/certificates are stated to be at par with those of all Indian universities/institutions (July 2026) |
FAQ: an AICTE-approved PGDM is valid for jobs and accepted for higher studies, subject to eligibility of the institution |
| UGC-DEB listed programmes | 16 IGNOU programmes are listed with mode “Online(OL)” for 2026-27 (July): BCA, B.Com, BLIS, MA Distance Education, MA Journalism and Digital Media, MA Journalism and Mass Communication, MA Rural Development, MA Sustainability Science, MA Translation Studies, MBA, MCA, M.Com, MA English, MA Gandhi and Peace Studies, MA Hindi, MA Sanskrit | SCDL does not appear on the UGC-DEB HEI programme list; the only Symbiosis rows are Symbiosis International (Deemed University) online programmes UGC list for July 2026 shows Symbiosis International with 10 online programmes MBA listed as Online(OL), 2026-27 July BBA listed as Online(OL), 2026-27 July BCA listed as Online(OL), 2026-27 July |
| AICTE approval for MBA | IGNOU describes the online MBA as an AICTE recognized / AICTE approved programme | AICTE EoA 2026-27 lists approved online courses for SIU: BCA (500), BBA (1,000), MBA (13,000 intake) |
IGNOU Online only
- NIRF ranking: Ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2024 and 2025
- UGC ODL and Online Regulations: IGNOU states it is exempted from applicability of the UGC (ODL Programme and Online Programme) Regulations (UGC letters dated 9 August 2019 and 17 March 2020)
- AIU recognition: Degrees, diplomas and certificates awarded by IGNOU are recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities
Symbiosis SCDL only
- AICTE approval for ODL: AICTE Extension of Approval for 2026-27 (dated 16 Mar 2026) for ODL courses; AICTE letter lists SCDL courses under “Approved ODL Courses for 2026-27” (PG certificates and PG diplomas); SCDL recognitions page lists UGC-DEB approval notifications only up to AY 2017-18 and AICTE approval notifications from AY 2018-19 to AY 2026-27
- PGDBA AICTE intake: PG Diploma in Business Administration (ODL), started 1995, AICTE-approved intake 6,800 for 2026-27
- PGDBA approval statement: Programme page: the PGDBA is approved by AICTE
- PGDBA award type: AICTE-approved Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from SCDL (a diploma, not a degree)
- Statutory status: Deemed University established under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956
- UGC and AICTE recognition: SSODL says its online UG and PG degrees are recognised by UGC and AICTE
- Degree certificate wording: Sample MBA degree certificate is issued by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and states “delivered in Online mode”
- MBA award rule: MBA awarded after semester 4 with minimum CGPA 4.00 out of 10
More on the IGNOU degree: whether an IGNOU degree is valid and IGNOU degree certificate, migration and convocation.
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL eligibility: who can enrol
IGNOU Online offers academic degrees, while Symbiosis SCDL provides AICTE-approved PG diplomas. Students can enrol in an IGNOU online programme if they have access to a computer, laptop, and internet, and are comfortable with online learning. If not, IGNOU advises enrolling in the same programme through its ODL admission portal.
Indian nationals residing in India apply for IGNOU online programmes via ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. Foreign students residing in other countries can also join IGNOU online programmes, applying at ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in. This portal covers overseas students from SAARC, Non-SAARC, FSRI (foreign students residing in India), and NRI categories for the July 2026 session. International students pay a one-time application processing fee of INR 2,000 for SAARC applicants and USD 100 for Non-SAARC applicants. However, not every online programme is open to international students; for example, the BCA (Online) is not offered for international students.
Symbiosis SCDL admits graduates in any discipline for its PGDBA, with final-year students eligible to apply provisionally. Work experience is not required for PGDM/PG Diploma programmes, except for the Executive PGDM, which requires five years. IGNOU permits students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL or Online mode, subject to specific combinations.
IGNOU Online only
- Online learning comfort: Enrol in an online programme only if you have access to a computer/laptop/internet and are comfortable with learning online; Enrol in the same programme in ODL mode through the ODL admission portal instead
- Admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL programmes and ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for Online programmes
- APAAR ID requirement: Applicants have to provide a valid APAAR ID
- International application fee: INR 2,000 for SAARC and USD 100 for Non-SAARC applicants (as shown on the online programmes portal)
- Simultaneous program pursuit: A student may pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL / Online mode, subject to the combinations IGNOU specifies
Symbiosis SCDL only
- Work experience requirement: Not required for PGDM/PG Diploma (except Executive PGDM: 5 years)
IGNOU entry rules: IGNOU eligibility criteria and IGNOU at a glance.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL courses offered
IGNOU Online offers Master’s degrees, while Symbiosis SCDL offers Post Graduate Diplomas. SCDL states that its PG diplomas are AICTE-approved.
IGNOU Online lists 46 programmes for the July 2026 session, including 14 Master’s degrees and 5 Bachelor’s degrees. Symbiosis SCDL offers PG Diplomas in areas like Management and Information Technology. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) enrolled 8,229 students in AY 2024-25, with 3,069 in the PGDBA programme.
Eligibility for the IGNOU Online MBA requires a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks, while the SCDL PGDBA requires a graduate degree in any discipline.
IGNOU Online only
- Number of programs: 46 programmes for the July 2026 session: 5 Bachelor’s degrees, 14 Master’s degrees, 10 PG Diplomas, 3 Diplomas, 2 PG Certificates, 12 Certificates; 45 programmes (chapter 13); PGDINDSOL is on the admission portal but not in this list
- Bachelor’s degrees: BSW, BCA, B.Com, BLIS, Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management. No BA (General) is listed in online mode.
Symbiosis SCDL only
- PG Diploma areas: Management, Information Technology, Banking and Finance, Education, Law, Renewable energy, Supply Chain Management
- PGDBA specialisations: Marketing, Customer Relationship Mgmt., Finance, Human Resource, Operations, Mgmt. Accounting; dual specialisation possible
- PGDBA credits: 82 credit points
- Student enrollment: 8,229 students enrolled in AY 2024-25, of whom 3,069 in PGDBA
- MBA specialisations: 11: Marketing, HRM, Finance, Operations, Logistics & SCM, Agri Operations, International Business, Business Analytics, Hospital & Health Care, FinTech, ESG & Sustainability
- Diplomas and certificates: Healthcare diplomas (1 year) and certificates (6 months), e.g. Diploma in Hospital and Healthcare Management Rs. 44,500 per annum
Minimum and maximum duration
| Programme | IGNOU Online duration | Symbiosis SCDL duration |
|---|---|---|
| BCA | 3 years to 6 years | 36 months |
| MBA | 2 years to 4 years | 24 months |
Eligibility as published
| Programme | IGNOU Online eligibility | Symbiosis SCDL eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BCA | 10+2 or its equivalent or A pass in Diploma in Commercial Practice or equivalent | 10+2 or government-approved Diploma in Engineering/Technology, min 50% (45% SC/ST) |
| MBA | Passed Bachelor Degree of Minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% in case of candidates belonging to reserved category). | Graduate with min 50% (45% SC/ST) |
IGNOU course guides: IGNOU BA; IGNOU MBA; IGNOU MA; IGNOU MCA and IGNOU syllabus.
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL fees, course by course
An IGNOU MBA is a degree, while an SCDL PGDBA is a diploma. IGNOU Online publishes programme fees for its July 2026 session, while Symbiosis SCDL publishes fees for its January 2027 admissions, which opened on October 1, 2026.
This excludes registration, development, and examination fees. This fee excludes examination, project, and printed study material fees, which are separate, non-refundable, and non-transferable.
Symbiosis SCDL offers a Silver Jubilee limited-period discount of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 14,000 for full on-the-spot payment for its January 2027 admissions. IGNOU states that re-registration fees are not refunded in any case for the July 2026 session.
IGNOU Online only
- Refund before admission: Fee paid is refunded (July 2026)
- Refund after admission: 15% of the programme fee, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000, is deducted (July 2026)
- Refund for digital material: Fee is refunded after deducting the registration fee only (July 2026)
- Refund time limit: No refund after 60 days of the closing date of admissions (July 2026)
- Re-registration fee refund: Not refunded in any case (Common Prospectus July 2026)
- Digital study material discount: The MBAOL handbook states the 15% discount for opting for soft copy is given “for ODL students” (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
Symbiosis SCDL only
- One-time payment discount: Silver Jubilee limited-period discount of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 14,000 for full on-the-spot payment (January 2027 admissions (opened 1 Oct 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026)
- Special category fees: Separate (lower) Defence category fee, e.g. PGDBA Rs. 47,000 + Rs. 31,000 (January 2027 admissions (opened 1 Oct 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026)
- EMI options: EMI (education loan) for 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months (January 2027 admissions (opened 1 Oct 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026)
- MBA scholarship: MBA EMI with scholarship of Rs. 55,000 for 2 years experience (fee after concession Rs. 3,15,000) (July 2026 batch (2026-27) fee table; page read 27 Oct 2026 (UG/PG admissions shown as “will open soon”))
- Refund rules document: Rules for Refund of Fees and Non-Retention of Original Certificates, 2026 (Notification 1743, 19 Feb 2026), linked from SSODL
- Refund rules basis: Based on UGC letters of 12 June 2024 and 27 October 2025
Fees of the programmes both run, as each publishes them
| Programme | IGNOU Online fee | Symbiosis SCDL fee |
|---|---|---|
| BCA | Rs.8300/- per semester Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Actual programme fee Rs. 1,57,500 (July 2026 batch (2026-27) fee table; page read 27 Oct 2026 (UG/PG admissions shown as “will open soon”)) |
| MBA | Rs.16,000/- per semester for 1st, 2nd and 4th semester Rs.18,000/- for 3rd semester (3rd semester has an 8-credit project) Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Rs. 1,85,000 academic fee per annum; actual programme fee Rs. 3,70,000 (July 2026 batch (2026-27) fee table; page read 27 Oct 2026 (UG/PG admissions shown as “will open soon”)) |
IGNOU fees in full: IGNOU fee structure.
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL admission: sessions, last dates and portals
An IGNOU Online MBA is a degree, while Symbiosis SCDL offers PG diplomas. IGNOU Online accepts applications for its July 2026 session, with the last date for most programmes being 13 October 2026. Symbiosis SCDL has opened admissions for its January 2027 batch, which began on 1 October 2026.
IGNOU Online conducts two admission cycles annually, in January and July. The portal for IGNOU Online applications is ignouiop.samarth.edu.in, and registration is mandatory. Applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400. Symbiosis SCDL also has two admission cycles per year. Its application fee is Rs. 1,200, which is non-refundable. Symbiosis SCDL does not require an entrance exam; selection is based on eligibility.
For IGNOU Online, applicants need to upload soft copies of their photograph, signature, educational qualifications, and any experience or category certificates. Symbiosis SCDL requires a photograph, government photo ID, academic records, signature, and work experience certificates if applicable. Symbiosis SCDL states that the first fee instalment is due within 15 days of confirmed admission.
| Point | IGNOU Online | Symbiosis SCDL |
|---|---|---|
| Current admission session | July 2026 session | 1 October 2026 (January 2027) |
| Admission cycle frequency | Two cycles a year: January and July (Common Prospectus July 2026) | Admissions twice a year |
| Previous admission cycle | January 2026 cycle (online mode): last date for fresh admissions 31 January 2026 | July 2026 admissions opened 9 April 2026; Vidyarambh 1 Aug 2026 |
| Application portal | ignouiop.samarth.edu.in ; registration on the portal is compulsory before submitting the form | Register on the SCDL Apply Online Portal, buy and fill the application form online |
| Required documents | Photograph and signature (under 100 KB, JPEG); educational qualification, experience certificate if any, category certificate if SC/ST/OBC (under 200 KB, JPEG/PDF) | Photograph, government photo ID, academic records, signature, work-experience certificates (if any) |
| Application fee | Rs. 300, non-refundable, paid at admission in addition to the programme fee (Common Prospectus July 2026) | Rs. 1,200, non-refundable (January 2027 admissions (opened 1 Oct 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026) |
| Payment methods | Credit card (Master/Visa), debit card (Master/Visa/Rupay), net banking, UPI (July 2026) | Online, or Demand Draft in favour of “The Director SCDL, Pune”; no cash |
IGNOU Online only
- Other admission fees: Rs. 400, paid at admission in addition to the programme fee (Common Prospectus July 2026)
- Re-registration requirement: Learners must re-register for each semester from the second semester onwards
- Application cancellation: Done from the applicant login; cancellation is irreversible
Symbiosis SCDL only
- Key dates: Orientation January 2027; Vidyarambh (start) 1 Feb 2027; last date to change specialisation/programme 27 Feb 2027
- Entrance exam: No entrance exam; selection on eligibility; Selection based on eligibility and documents (no entrance test stated)
- Fee payment instalments: First instalment within 15 days of confirmed admission; second within 45 days or by the last full-fee date (January 2027)
- DEB ID requirement: DEB-ID mandatory for every student except foreign learners from 2024-25
- Admission status: Home page shows “Admissions will open soon” for the online degrees; a separate banner says healthcare diploma admissions are open for the January 2027 batch
IGNOU admission this session: IGNOU admission 2026; how to apply to IGNOU online; IGNOU admission last date and IGNOU admission status.
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL study material, classes and study centres
An IGNOU Online MBA is a university degree, while Symbiosis SCDL awards postgraduate diplomas. IGNOU provides self-instructional material in PDF or other electronic forms on its LMS and eGyankosh. Symbiosis SCDL prepares its self-learning material in-house and revises it annually; printed SLM is a paid service, not included in the programme fee.
IGNOU Online delivers programmes on its centralised LMS, where learners receive credentials after admission. This LMS is a single portal for all online programmes. Symbiosis SCDL offers weekly online chat sessions with tutors in addition to online classes, and recordings of live online classes are made available. IGNOU provides online counselling sessions for theory and practical courses, with theory sessions lasting two hours and practical sessions three hours. These sessions are for doubt clearing, not for delivering lectures.
IGNOU Online does not provide hardware or software facilities to students, who must use required software at their end for practical sessions. For BCA Online, 70% attendance is compulsory for each lab course, and for MCA Online, a minimum of 75% attendance in practical counselling sessions is required to be eligible for term-end practical examinations. Regional Centres post counselling schedules on the LMS. For BCA_NEWOL students, RC Delhi-3 is the nodal Regional Centre, and for MCAOL students, RC Delhi-1 is the nodal Regional Centre. These nodal centres hold academic counselling sessions and get LMS-submitted assignments evaluated. The admission portal lists Regional Centres as the “Study Centre” for online programmes; no separate local study centres are listed for the July 2026 session.
| Point | IGNOU Online | Symbiosis SCDL |
|---|---|---|
| Printed study material | No printed study material is provided to students enrolled in the online programmes No provision of hard copy of self-instructional material for online students |
Printed SLM is a paid service, not included in the programme fee |
| Study material format | Self-instructional material in PDF or other electronic form, uploaded on the LMS; also on eGyankosh | SLM prepared in-house for every course and revised every year |
| Counselling sessions | Online counselling sessions for all theory and practical courses (BCA Online) Virtual classroom is used for online counselling |
Weekly online chat sessions with tutors in addition to online classes Recorded sessions plus live teacher-student lectures |
IGNOU Online only
- Learning Management System: IGNOU has created an LMS for online learners; online programmes are delivered on the university LMS (lms.ignouonline.ac.in); The LMS is a centralised portal for accessing all online programmes; After admission is confirmed the learner receives LMS credentials by email
- Counselling purpose: Counselling sessions are for clearing doubts; counsellors do not deliver lectures as in conventional teaching
- Counselling duration: Theory session 2 hours; practical session 3 hours
- Practical sessions: Held only in online mode; learners use the required software at their own end
- Hardware and software: IGNOU provides no hardware or software facility to online students
- Practical attendance: 70% attendance compulsory for each lab course; Minimum 75% attendance in practical counselling sessions to be eligible for term-end practical examinations
- Counselling schedules: Regional Centres post counselling schedules for online programmes on the LMS (example dated 12 October 2026)
- Nodal Regional Centre: RC Delhi-3 is the nodal Regional Centre for BCA_NEWOL students; RC Delhi-1 is the nodal Regional Centre for MCAOL students; Confined to holding academic counselling sessions; it also gets LMS-submitted assignments evaluated
Symbiosis SCDL only
- Recorded sessions: Recordings of live online classes are made available
IGNOU books and centres: IGNOU study material and IGNOU regional and study centres.
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL assignments and exams
IGNOU Online offers degrees, while Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) awards Post Graduate Diplomas. For an IGNOU Online MBA, assignments contribute 30% to the final grade, with the term-end examination accounting for 70%. SCDL’s PG Diplomas, such as the PGDBA, have assignments weighted at 30 marks and computer-based examinations at 70 marks.
IGNOU Online requires assignment submission on its LMS portal as PDF files; hard copies are not evaluated. A learner cannot appear for the term-end examination without submitting the assignment for that course. The last date for assignments for the December 2026 TEE was extended to 31 October 2026. SCDL states that a diploma is awarded only after passing every exam, assignment, and project, and after paying all dues.
IGNOU Online examinations are held twice a year, in June and December. The June 2026 TEE notification covers both Pen & Paper and CBT modes, with students choosing their mode and exam centre. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per course and is not included in the programme fee. However, SCDL’s FAQ page also states that examinations are conducted online from home. The examination fee for SCDL is Rs. 500 per attempt.
For an IGNOU Online MBA, an overall C grade (50% to 59.9%) is needed to qualify a course. Re-evaluation costs Rs. 750 per course and must be requested within 40 days of result declaration. Assignments, project reports, and practical answer scripts are not eligible for re-evaluation. SCDL offers re-evaluation only for subjective question papers at a fee of Rs. 500.
| Point | IGNOU Online | Symbiosis SCDL |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment weightage | Assignments 30%, term-end examination 70% (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026) Continuous evaluation 25%, term-end examination 75% (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025) |
Each subject: Assignment 30 marks + Computer-Based Examination 70 marks 30% internal, 70% external (University) examination |
| Exam mode | The June 2026 TEE notification covers ODL and Online programmes together, in Pen & Paper and CBT (computer-based test) modes | Examinations at Designated Exam Centres, slots booked on demand Examinations conducted online, from home Online assessments as per UGC guidelines; no campus visit required |
| Examination fee | Rs. 200 per course (theory / practical / lab) (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025) | Rs. 500 exam fee per attempt; re-evaluation (subjective paper) Rs. 500; project (100 marks) submission Rs. 700 (AY 2024-25 (mandatory disclosure; latest fee schedule found)) |
IGNOU Online only
- Assignment submission mode: Assignments are submitted on the LMS portal only, as PDF files (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025); Assignments are uploaded on the IGNOU LMS portal only (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Hard copy assignments: Hard copies submitted at a study centre / Regional Centre / SED are not considered for evaluation (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Assignment as exam precondition: A learner cannot appear in the term-end examination of a course without submitting its assignment (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Current assignment deadline: Last date for assignments for the December 2026 TEE extended to 31 October 2026
- Exam frequency: Twice a year, in June and December (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Exam mode and centre choice: Students choose Pen & Paper mode or CBT mode, the courses and an exam centre in the examination form (June 2026 TEE)
- Exam location: At an examination centre: the learner prints the hall ticket and reports at the examination centre with the identity card (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Exam centre selection: The learner enters an Examination Centre Code in the online exam form; if that centre is not activated an alternative centre is allotted (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Allotted centre only: Learners may appear only at the examination centre allotted to them (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- No exam centre change: No request for change of examination centre is entertained after the form is filled (June 2026 TEE)
- Examination form: Submitted through the student portal on the Samarth platform (ignou.samarth.edu.in) (June 2026 TEE)
- Examination form dates: 10.03.2026 to 10.04.2026 without late fee; 11.04.2026 to 24.04.2026 with late fee of Rs.1,100 (June 2026 TEE)
- Exam fee separate: Exam fee is not included in the fee structure
Symbiosis SCDL only
- Project component: PGDBA: assignment of 30 marks on Research Methodology and Statistical Quantitative Methods plus a project report of 70 marks
- Award conditions: Diploma awarded only after passing every exam, assignment and project and paying all dues
- Re-evaluation: Re-evaluation available only for subjective question papers (Rs. 500)
- Passing standard: Pass internal and external separately with grade point 4 (Grade P); below 40% absolute marks in a head is FAIL
IGNOU exam cycle: IGNOU assignments; IGNOU date sheet; IGNOU hall ticket and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL credit transfer, migration and re-admission
IGNOU Online, however, offers credit transfer under the Academic Bank of Credits.
An IGNOU Online MBA is a degree, while a Symbiosis SCDL PGDBA is a diploma. IGNOU Online provides an exit option for its MBA Online programme; learners can exit after the first and second semesters with 56 credits to receive a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM).
For migration, an IGNOU Online learner can request a migration certificate from the Regional Director by paying a fee of Rs. 500.
IGNOU Online only
- Exit option: Exit after the 1st and 2nd semesters (56 credits) at the learner’s request, with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM)
- Migration certificate: Requested from the Regional Director with a fee of Rs. 500
- Credit transfer: Available
For enrolled IGNOU students: IGNOU re-registration.
IGNOU Online vs Symbiosis SCDL student support and helpline
IGNOU Online offers online degrees, while Symbiosis SCDL provides AICTE-approved PG diplomas. For support, IGNOU Online learners can contact the Centre for Online Education at coe@ignou.ac.in or iopsupport@ignouonline.ac.in. The Centralised Student Registration Cell also provides admission assistance at 011-29571301 and 011-29571528 for the July 2026 session.
IGNOU Online’s support hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm. For grievances, IGNOU Online uses the iGRAM portal at igram.ignou.ac.in/. IGNOU has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC), and learners can send their resumes to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in. Symbiosis SCDL offers a paid placement assistance service called Career Launchpad, in partnership with LineupX.
For practical courses like BCA Online, IGNOU Online requires a computer system with the necessary software. The MA Journalism and Mass Communication (Online) eligibility includes access to computers and the internet, along with basic word processing knowledge.
| Point | IGNOU Online | Symbiosis SCDL |
|---|---|---|
| Admission helpline | Centralised Student Registration Cell: 011-29571301, 011-29571528, csrc@ignou.ac.in (July 2026) | Admission cell 020-61936606 / 6609 |
| Placement services | IGNOU has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC); learners send their resume to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in | Career Launchpad is a paid placement assistance service (with LineupX) |
IGNOU Online only
- Online mode helpdesk: Centre for Online Education: coe@ignou.ac.in and iopsupport@ignouonline.ac.in
- Grievance portal: iGRAM, igram.ignou.ac.in/
- Support hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm
- Device requirements: A computer system with the necessary software for practical courses (BCA Online)
- Course eligibility: Access to computers and the Internet and basic knowledge of word processing are part of the eligibility
IGNOU portals: IGNOU Samarth portal; IGNOU grievance portal (iGRAM) and IGNOU ID card.
IGNOU Online or Symbiosis SCDL: which is better for you
Students seeking a university degree at the lowest possible cost should consider IGNOU Online. For example, a Bachelor of Commerce (Online) costs Rs. 15,000 for the full three-year programme, excluding the non-refundable Rs. 300 registration fee and Rs. 400 university development fee. Symbiosis SCDL offers only PG Diplomas, not degrees, and its Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration costs Rs. 81,000 for the full two-year programme. Symbiosis SSODL, which offers online degrees, states its Bachelor of Business Administration (Online) costs Rs. 1,65,000 for three years.
The last date for assignments for the December 2026 TEE is 31 October 2026.
Learners who want to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma have options at Symbiosis SCDL. It offers 25 years of PG Diploma programmes, including the AICTE-approved Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. IGNOU Online offers 10 PG Diplomas for the July 2026 session, such as the Post Graduate Diploma in Development Communication for Rs. 10,000. Symbiosis SCDL’s PGDBA costs Rs. 81,000.
Students who need to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously can do so through IGNOU Online, subject to the combinations IGNOU specifies.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
- IGNOU BCA Newol Programme Guide
- IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026
- IGNOU Mbaol Student Handbook
- IGNOU TEE June 2026 Notification
- IGNOU Mcaol Programme Guide
- IGNOU Samarth Portal Online Programmes Home
- IGNOU Online Programmes About
- IGNOU Samarth Portal Foreign Online Programmes Home
- IGNOU LMS Home
- Symbiosis Ssodl Cdoe Notification 1265
- Symbiosis Ssodl Sample Degree MBA
- Symbiosis Ssodl Refund Rules
- Symbiosis Ssodl Ugc Approval July 2026
- Symbiosis Ssodl AICTE Eoa 2026-27
- Symbiosis Scdl Pgdba
- Symbiosis Ssodl UG PG Fees
- Symbiosis Ssodl MBA
- Symbiosis Scdl Faqs
Common IGNOU Questions
Which institution, IGNOU Online or Symbiosis SCDL, is better suited for an Indian student seeking an online MBA?
Symbiosis SSODL, a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), offers an online MBA with a total fee of Rs. 3,70,000. An Indian student seeking a more affordable online MBA may find IGNOU Online more suitable.
What are the fees for an online MBA at IGNOU Online compared to Symbiosis SCDL?
The total fee for an online MBA at IGNOU Online is Rs. 66,000, paid in semester-wise instalments of Rs. 16,000 for the first, second, and fourth semesters, and Rs. 18,000 for the third semester. Symbiosis SSODL’s online MBA has a total fee of Rs. 3,70,000, with an academic fee of Rs. 1,85,000 per year.
How does the recognition and degree value of an online MBA from IGNOU Online compare to Symbiosis SCDL?
IGNOU Online’s MBA is AICTE-recognised, and its degrees are stated to be at par with those of all Indian universities. Symbiosis SSODL’s online MBA is offered by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), which is NAAC A++ and UGC Category-I, and its online UG and PG degrees are recognised by UGC and AICTE. Both institutions offer recognised programmes, but IGNOU is a National Open University established by an Act of Parliament, while Symbiosis International is a Deemed University.
What are the eligibility criteria for an online MBA at IGNOU Online versus Symbiosis SCDL?
For an online MBA at IGNOU Online, candidates need a Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Symbiosis SSODL requires a graduate degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST categories) for its online MBA. Both institutions have similar percentage requirements for general and reserved categories.
When are the admission dates for online MBA programmes at IGNOU Online and Symbiosis SCDL?
IGNOU Online has two admission cycles a year, in January and July; the last date for the July 2026 session was 13 October 2026. Prospective students should check the respective portals for the latest admission announcements.
How do IGNOU Online and Symbiosis SCDL provide study material and classes for their online programmes?
IGNOU Online provides self-instructional material in PDF or other electronic form on its LMS and eGyankosh, with no printed study material for online students. Symbiosis SCDL prepares in-house SLM for every course, which is revised annually, and printed SLM is a paid service. Both offer online classes, with IGNOU providing online counselling sessions and Symbiosis offering weekly chat sessions and recorded lectures.
What is the process for assignments and exams for online programmes at IGNOU Online compared to Symbiosis SCDL?
At IGNOU Online, assignments are submitted on the LMS portal as PDF files, with a weightage of 30% for MBA Online and 25% for BCA Online theory courses. Symbiosis SCDL’s PG Diplomas have assignments worth 30 marks per subject, and SSODL’s online degrees have 30% internal assessment.
Where are the term-end examinations held for IGNOU Online and Symbiosis SCDL online programmes?
SSODL states online assessments as per UGC guidelines, with no campus visit required.
What are the mediums of instruction for online programmes at IGNOU Online and Symbiosis SCDL?
IGNOU Online offers most of its online programmes in English, such as the BCA, B.Com, and MBA. However, some programmes like MA Journalism and Mass Communication and MA Rural Development are also available in Hindi, and MA Journalism and Mass Communication also in Tamil. Symbiosis SSODL’s online MBA, BBA, and BCA programmes are all offered in English. Students should check the specific programme details for language options.
Can students change their specialisation or combine programmes at IGNOU Online or Symbiosis SCDL?
IGNOU Online allows students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL/Online mode, subject to specific combinations. Students at both institutions have some flexibility regarding their academic path.
What kind of support is available for online students at IGNOU Online and Symbiosis SCDL?
IGNOU Online provides a Centre for Online Education helpdesk and a centralised Student Registration Cell, with support hours from Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm. Symbiosis SSODL has an admission helpline at 020-61936606 / 6609. Both institutions offer channels for student queries and assistance.
Does an online MBA from IGNOU Online or Symbiosis SCDL offer placement assistance?
IGNOU has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC) where learners can send their resumes to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in. Symbiosis SCDL offers a paid placement assistance service called Career Launchpad, in partnership with LineupX. Both institutions provide some form of career support, but SCDL’s is a separate paid service.