Compare IGNOU MBA and DU SOL MBA: Fees, Eligibility, Exams and Recognition

The choice between IGNOU MBA and DU SOL MBA depends on the admission process and total fee: IGNOU admits based on eligibility with a total fee of Rs. 66,000, while DU SOL admits based on merit and work experience with a total fee of Rs. 1,15,840. IGNOU suits those seeking a direct admission path, whereas DU SOL is for candidates with strong academic records and relevant work experience.

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA: what each one is and how they differ

IGNOU is a national open university, established in 1985 by the IGNOU Act, 1985. DU SOL is an open and distance learning school, established in 1962 under the University of Delhi. The University of Delhi itself was established in 1922 by an Act of the then Central Legislative Assembly.

IGNOU operates from its headquarters in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, and offers programmes through both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes. DU SOL, officially the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), operates from 5, Cavalry Lane, University of Delhi, Delhi, and delivers its programmes through ODL mode only. DU SOL states that its ODL mode involves self-learning material supplemented by video lectures and academic counselling sessions at Learning Support Centres, with no attendance requirement.

IGNOU began its operations in 1987 with two programmes and an intake of 4,528 students, and now has 21 Schools of Studies. DU SOL, formerly the School of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education, started with about 900 students in 1962 and now serves over four lakh students.

IGNOU MBA only

• Year established: 1985

DU SOL MBA only

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA recognition and validity

IGNOU MBA programmes hold specific recognition from multiple bodies, while DU SOL MBA programmes are recognised by the Distance Education Bureau. IGNOU is exempted from the UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations. IGNOU programmes are at par with programmes approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau. The UGC-DEB “Know your Program” list for 2026-27, July session, includes 125 ODL and 16 Online rows for IGNOU.

The Association of Indian Universities recognises IGNOU degrees, diplomas, and certificates for all its member institutions. AICTE has recognised IGNOU’s MBA and MCA programmes from 2022-23 to 2026-27. IGNOU describes its online MBA as an AICTE-recognised and AICTE-approved programme. The UGC-DEB list for 2026-27 (July) shows 16 IGNOU online programmes, including the MBA.

DU SOL states that all its programmes are recognised by the Distance Education Bureau, UGC. The UGC-DEB programme list for 2026-27 (July) includes 18 ODL programmes from the University of Delhi, with 8 tagged as PG programmes. DU SOL publishes that all its PG programmes are recognised by UGC/DEB/DU.

IGNOU MBA only

More on the IGNOU degree: whether an IGNOU degree is valid and IGNOU degree certificate, migration and convocation.

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA courses offered

IGNOU offers two MBA programmes: a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (Online). DU SOL also offers two MBA programmes: a Master of Business Administration and an MBA (Executive) Healthcare Administration. Both institutions state a minimum duration of two years for their MBA programmes.

The total fee for the IGNOU MBA is Rs. 66,000 for the full programme, with semester fees of Rs. 16,000 for the first, second, and fourth semesters, and Rs. 18,000 for the third semester. DU SOL states a total fee of Rs. 1,15,840 for its MBA, with an annual programme fee of Rs. 57,920. This includes an examination fee of Rs. 3,620, which is subject to change.

For eligibility, IGNOU requires a Bachelor’s Degree of at least three years with 50% marks, or 45% for reserved categories. DU SOL requires graduation in any discipline with 50% for UR, 45% for OBC and PwBD, and a pass for SC/ST candidates. DU SOL’s MBA selection process gives 80% weightage to graduation marks and up to 20% to professional work experience.

The maximum duration for the IGNOU MBA is four years. DU SOL also states a maximum duration of four years from the date of registration for its MBA programme.

DU SOL MBA only

Minimum and maximum duration

Eligibility as published

IGNOU course guides: IGNOU BA; IGNOU MBA; IGNOU MA; IGNOU MCA and IGNOU syllabus.

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA fees, course by course

IGNOU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) costs Rs. 66,000, while DU SOL’s MBA is Rs. 1,15,840. IGNOU charges Rs. 16,000 per semester for the first, second, and fourth semesters, and Rs. 18,000 for the third semester, for a total of Rs. 66,000 for the full programme, applicable for the July 2026 session. DU SOL’s MBA programme fee is Rs. 57,920 per year for two years, totalling Rs. 1,15,840 for the 2026-27 session, which includes an examination fee of Rs. 3,620.

Both universities offer fee concessions. IGNOU provides a programme fee exemption for SC/ST students as per university policy, reviewed every admission cycle for the July 2026 session. Prison inmates are also exempt from the programme fee, including the registration fee, for the July 2026 session. DU SOL offers a Financial Support Scheme for the 2026-27 session, with fee waivers up to 100% for family incomes below Rs. 4,00,000 and up to 50% for incomes between Rs. 4,00,000 and Rs. 8,00,000, excluding examination fees and university dues.

Refund policies differ between the two institutions. IGNOU refunds the fee if an application is cancelled before admission confirmation for the July 2026 session. After confirmation, 15% of the programme fee, capped at Rs. 2,000, is deducted, with no refund after 60 days from the closing date of admissions. DU SOL refunds fees if admission is withdrawn within the notified last date, after deducting Rs. 500 administrative charges for the 2026-27 session.

IGNOU MBA only

• Fee exemption SC/ST: Programme fee exemption for SC/ST students as per University policy (policy reviewed every admission cycle) (July 2026)
• Fee exemption inmates: Prison inmates are exempt from programme fee including registration fee (July 2026)
• Government scholarships: IGNOU learners are eligible for Government of India scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal
• Refund before confirmation: Fee paid is refunded if the application is cancelled before confirmation of admission (July 2026)
• Refund after confirmation: 15% of the programme fee, capped at Rs. 2,000, is deducted (July 2026)
• Extra time for disability: Two extra years beyond the maximum duration for learners with 40% or more disability (July 2026)

DU SOL MBA only

• Fee waiver income based: Fee waiver up to 100% for family income below Rs. 4,00,000 and up to 50% for Rs. 4,00,000-8,00,000 (examination fee / university dues excluded) (2026-27)
• Fee for PwBD students: Pay only Rs. 130; exempted from all other fees (2026-27)
• Meritorious female students: Full fee concession for the next year for female UG/PG students with 8.5 CGPA (2026-27)
• Armed forces / CAPF: 75% waiver for in-service personnel, 50% for recently superannuated, 25% for wards (except university dues) (2026-27)
• Transgender and orphan: Pay Rs. 20 (admission fee Rs. 10 + examination fee Rs. 10) (2026-27)
• Sports quota waiver: 100% / 75% / 50% / 25% waiver of SOL fee by level of sporting achievement (2026-27)

Fees of the programmes both run, as each publishes them

IGNOU fees in full: IGNOU fee structure.

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA admission: sessions, last dates and portals

Applicants for the IGNOU MBA can apply for the July 2026 session, with the last date for fresh admission on 13 October 2026. This date was extended from 30 September 2026. The application process is fully online through the ODL admission portal, requiring a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400. Payment can be made via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.

DU SOL MBA admissions for the 2026-27 July session have opened, but specific registration and merit-list dates are not yet published. A notice regarding MBA Admissions 2026 was posted on 05 October 2026. Admission to all DU SOL programmes is online, with a PG registration fee of Rs 300 for UR/OBC-NCL/EWS categories and Rs 150 for SC/ST/PwBD. Payment links are issued after document verification, which may take three to five days.

IGNOU MBA only

• Current admission cycle: July 2026 cycle
• Re-registration deadline: Online re-registration extended till 30 September 2026 with late fee of Rs. 200 (July 2026)
• University Development fee: Rs. 400, paid at admission in addition to the programme fee (July 2026)
• APAAR ID requirement: Applicants are told to keep their APAAR ID ready before applying

DU SOL MBA only

• Document verification: Payment link is issued only after document verification, which may take a minimum of 3 to 5 days
• MBA admission notice: A “Notice regarding M.B.A. Admissions 2026” was posted on 05 Oct 2026 (file hosted on acrobat.adobe.com; contents not readable as text) (2026-27)
• MBA admission schedule: Registration and merit-list dates printed as “To be decided” (see notices dated 05 Oct 2026 on the notice board) (2026-27)
• PG admission basis: Merit lists first on CUET (PG) 2026 score; remaining seats on graduation marks (2026-27)
• UG/PG admissions opened: Notice “Admissions Now Open for Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Skill Courses” dated 18 July 2026 (2026-27)

IGNOU admission this session: IGNOU admission 2026; how to apply to IGNOU online; IGNOU admission last date and IGNOU admission status.

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA study material, classes and study centres

IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material as a print book or e-book. DU SOL distributes printed Self Learning Material (SLM) from its Distribution Centre in Wazirpur Industrial Area or other designated centres. IGNOU offers a 15% discount on the programme fee if a learner opts for soft copies instead of printed material. DU SOL offers a Rs. 400 rebate in the admission fee for students who do not take printed study material; if taken later, Rs. 600 is charged.

IGNOU states that counselling sessions are held as per the schedule drawn up by the Learner Support Centre. DU SOL publishes that its Academic Counselling Sessions for PG programmes are held for 15-20 days per semester, generally on Saturdays, Sundays, and gazetted holidays. DU SOL also provides 5-hour online revision classes per subject on MS Teams before semester examinations for PG students, along with PCP classes.

DU SOL operates four regional centres in Delhi: North (5 Cavalry Lane), South (South Moti Bagh), West (C-2 Keshav Puram), and East (Tahirpur). Both institutions provide technology-enabled support; IGNOU through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based support. DU SOL’s regional centres offer services such as study material dispatch, library access, and academic counselling sessions.

IGNOU MBA only

• Online study material repository: Self-learning material of over 3923 courses of 384 programmes is on eGyanKosh
• Credit system definition: One credit equals 30 hours of learner study
• Number of learner support centres: Nearly 2000 Learner Support Centres

DU SOL MBA only

• Regional centre addresses: North: 5 Cavalry Lane, Delhi-110007; South: South Moti Bagh (Old Motilal Nehru College Building); West: C-2, Keshav Puram, Delhi-110035; East: Plot No 4, FC-10, Tahirpur, Delhi-110095
• Services at regional centres: Study material dispatch/distribution, library and reading room, academic counselling sessions
• Library borrowing policy: Up to four books at a time for a maximum of 45 days
• SLM mandatory requirement: Providing SLM to all enrolled students is a mandatory requirement under DEB guidelines

IGNOU books and centres: IGNOU study material and IGNOU regional and study centres.

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA assignments and exams

IGNOU MBA requires compulsory assignments, which contribute 30% to the final grade, with the Term-End Examination (TEE) accounting for 70% for the January 2026 session. DU SOL MBA uses an Internal Assessment (IA) system, including continuous assessment, which carries 30 marks out of 100, while the semester examination accounts for 70 marks.

For IGNOU MBA, assignment responses must be submitted before taking the TEE for the July 2026 session, and these assignments are available for download from the website. DU SOL MBA conducts online MCQ-based internal assessments each semester before the semester examinations; if a student misses an IA, they are awarded zero out of 30 marks.

IGNOU conducts TEEs twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across India and abroad for the July 2026 session. DU SOL MBA semester examinations are held in November/December for odd semesters and April/May for even semesters for the 2026-27 session, and are conducted by the University of Delhi.

The examination fee for IGNOU MBA is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE, with project and practical exams costing Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits from the January 2023 admission cycle. DU SOL MBA states that the revaluation fee is Rs. 1000 per paper for the 2026-27 session, payable online.

To pass an IGNOU MBA course, an overall C grade is needed for the January 2026 session, which corresponds to 50% to 59.9% for the Online MBA. DU SOL MBA requires 45% in aggregate per semester and a minimum of 40% (IA + semester-end) in each paper for the 2026-27 session. Re-evaluation requests for IGNOU must be made within 40 days of result declaration with a fee of Rs. 750 per course, while DU SOL allows 15 days for revaluation applications from the result upload date.

IGNOU MBA only

• Assignment requirement: Assignment responses must be written before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026)
• Assignment submission location: Tutor Marked Assignments go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre (July 2026)
• Assignment availability: Assignments for the current session are put on the website for download (July 2026)
• Assignment submission deadline: Assignment submission (hard and soft copy) extended up to 31 October 2026 (December 2026 TEE)
• Assignment re-submission policy: A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade
• Daily exam schedule: Two sessions a day: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM (December 2026 TEE)
• Exam date sheet: Tentative date sheet for the December 2026 term-end examination issued (dated 5 October 2026) (December 2026 TEE)
• Exam language option: Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium (except language programmes) (December 2026 TEE)
• Theory exam fee: Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE)
• Exam form window: 01.10.2026 to 15.10.2026 with Rs. 1,100 late fee (10.09.2026 to 30.09.2026 was the no-late-fee window) (December 2026 TEE); Without late fee up to 7 October 2026 (December 2026 TEE)
• Project practical exam fee: Rs. 300 up to 4 credits; Rs. 500 above 4 credits (from January 2023 admission cycle) (July 2026)

DU SOL MBA only

• Internal assessment format: Online MCQ-based internal / continuous assessments each semester, held before the semester examinations
• Missed internal assessment: No second chance for IA; zero out of 30 is awarded
• Exam conducting body: Examinations are conducted by the University of Delhi
• Undergraduate pass grade: Letter grade P (Pass) = grade point 4; F (Fail) = 0 (2026-27)
• MBA pass marks: 45% in aggregate per semester and minimum 40% (IA + semester-end) in each paper (2026-27)
• Postgraduate division criteria: 60% or more First Division; 50-60% Second Division; 40-50% Third Division (2026-27)
• Revaluation application window: Apply within 15 days of the result being uploaded on the University website; Rs. 1000 per paper; apply within 15 days of publication of result (2026-27)
• Revaluation fee: Rs. 1000 per paper, paid online on the University website (2026-27)
• Revaluation scope: Only theory papers of non-professional courses that were not jointly valued
• Answer script copy: Apply between the 61st and 75th day after declaration of result
• Marksheet download: From sol.du.ac.in or exam.du.ac.in

IGNOU exam cycle: IGNOU assignments; IGNOU date sheet; IGNOU hall ticket and IGNOU result and grade card.

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA credit transfer, migration and re-admission

IGNOU publishes an exit option for its MBA Online programme. Learners can exit after the first and second semesters, completing 56 credits, to receive a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM).

IGNOU MBA 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)

For enrolled IGNOU students: IGNOU re-registration.

IGNOU MBA vs DU SOL MBA student support and helpline

IGNOU and DU SOL both offer dedicated support channels for MBA students, though their specific services and contact methods differ. IGNOU provides a grievance portal called iGRAM, accessible at igram.ignou.ac.in/, for student concerns.

DU SOL also operates a grievance portal, COL-GRAM, which can be found at colgram.oldcdu.ac.in/. This portal offers a tracking ID for academic or administrative queries, and DU SOL states a response time of 3-5 working days for these grievances. For direct assistance, IGNOU publishes Student Service Centre helplines at 011-29572514, 29572513, and 29572516, along with an email for student queries: vcostudents@ignou.ac.in.

DU SOL offers a helpdesk available Monday to Friday from 09:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with contact numbers 011-65213030 and 011-35663474. DU SOL provides a toll-free number, 1800118301, and states that faculty counselling is available on all working days at its Main Campus only. DU SOL also has a disability coordinator and committee, offering study material in DAISY audio format and a single-window counter for students with disabilities.

Both institutions have placement cells to assist students. IGNOU established its Campus Placement Cell (CPC) in 2005 at its headquarters, and students can send their resumes to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in. The CPC conducts campus placement drives, recruitment drives, and job fairs throughout the year. DU SOL’s Placement Cell was set up on 4 September 2018. As printed in its MBA prospectus 2026-27, DU SOL states that since its inception, the Placement Cell has held 19 placement drives and 5 mega job fairs for PwBD students. The DU SOL Placement Cell can be contacted at Room No. 203, SOL, 5 Cavalry Lane, or via email at placementcell@sol-du.ac.in.

IGNOU MBA only

• Email for student queries: vcostudents@ignou.ac.in
• Placement Cell establishment: Established in 2005 at IGNOU headquarters

DU SOL MBA only

• Grievance response time: 3-5 working days
• Placement Cell contact: Room No. 203, SOL, 5 Cavalry Lane; 011-27008404; placementcell@sol-du.ac.in
• Office hours: All working days 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
• Support for disabilities: Disability coordinator and committee; study material in DAISY audio format; single-window counter
• Faculty counselling: Faculty available on all working days at the Main Campus only

IGNOU portals: IGNOU Samarth portal; IGNOU grievance portal (iGRAM) and IGNOU ID card.

IGNOU MBA or DU SOL MBA: which is better for you

Notices and Documents from IGNOU

• IGNOU Common Prospectus July 2026
• IGNOU MBA Student Handbook Prospectus Jan 2026
• IGNOU Mbaol Student Handbook
• IGNOU B.Com Programme Guide
• IGNOU Tentative Date Sheet December 2026 Term End Examination
• IGNOU MCA New Programme Guide July 2025
• IGNOU Examination Form Submission Schedule December 2026 TEE
• IGNOU Term End Examination Notification December 2026
• IGNOU Samarth Portal Admission Home
• DU SOL UG Prospectus 2026-27
• DU SOL PG Prospectus 2026-27
• DU SOL MBA Prospectus 2026-27
• DU SOL MBA Healthcare Administration Prospectus 2026-27
• DU SOL Admission Poster 2026-27
• UGC-DEB Deb Programme List DU
• DU SOL PG Admission Portal
• DU SOL Web SOL About
• DU SOL Home

Common IGNOU Questions