How to Apply for IGNOU BCA Admission 2026? Eligibility, Fees, and Assignment Deadlines
Part of IGNOU Programmes: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
IGNOU offers the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) distance degree for eligible higher secondary candidates through the IGNOU Samarth admission portal. Candidates must pay mandatory development and evaluation fees, complete practical lab requirements, and submit semester assignments by 30 April 2026 for the January session.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), also known as IGNOU distance university, offers the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) undergraduate degree under the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS). This distance learning program operates on a semester system compliant with National Education Policy 2020 guidelines. Students complete their studies using self-learning material, practical laboratory sessions, assignments, and term-end examinations. This page explains the BCA eligibility criteria, semester course structures, application steps, evaluation fees, and assignment submission deadlines for the 2026 sessions.
IGNOU BCA Programme 2026: SOCIS Distance Degree Overview
IGNOU offers the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) degree through the School of Computer and Information Sciences. This distance undergraduate programme follows a structured semester system in compliance with National Education Policy 2020 guidelines.
Learners complete academic requirements through printed self-learning books, electronic study material on eGyanKosh, practical computer laboratory sessions, written assignments, and semester term-end examinations.
IGNOU BCA Fee Structure: Semester Slabs and Practical Evaluation Fees
Candidates seeking admission to the BCA programme pay a non-refundable registration fee and a mandatory University Development fee of ₹400 during initial registration. Practical examination and project evaluation fees are charged separately per course when submitting term-end examination forms.
IGNOU has not published the total BCA tuition fee or per-semester tuition fee in the available prospectus text as of 26 October 2026.
IGNOU BCA Fee Components and Evaluation Slabs for 2026
| Fee Component | Credit Slab / Category | Fee Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| University Development Fee | Mandatory One-time Admission Fee | ₹400 |
| Practical Exam Fee | Course up to 4 Credits | ₹300 per course |
| Practical Exam Fee | Course above 4 Credits | ₹500 per course |
| Project Evaluation Fee | Course up to 4 Credits | ₹300 per course |
| Project Evaluation Fee | Course above 4 Credits | ₹500 per course |
IGNOU BCA Eligibility Criteria: Reservation and SC/ST Fee Support Rules
Candidates applying for IGNOU BCA admission must satisfy basic 10+2 higher secondary qualifications as specified by university admission guidelines. IGNOU grants seat reservations and relaxations for SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, EWS, War Widows, Kashmiri Migrants, and Persons with Disabilities.
Eligible SC and ST candidates can claim programme fee exemptions under the SC/ST Fee Support Scheme by submitting an official income certificate from an authorized government agency. IGNOU has not published specific 10+2 subject percentage requirements or mathematics bridging rules for BCA in the available prospectus text as of 26 October 2026.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU BCA Course Structure: Semester Curriculum Breakdown
The IGNOU BCA curriculum contains theory modules, practical computer laboratory courses, and a final semester project work component (BCSP-064). Learners must clear both practical lab courses and assignment submissions to qualify for term-end examinations.
Theory and practical subjects span foundational computer hardware, software programming, systems analysis, database management, mathematics, and professional communication across six semesters.
IGNOU BCA Semester Course Codes and Subject Titles
| Semester | Course Code | Subject Title |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | FEG-02 | Foundation Course in English-2 |
| Semester 1 | ECO-01 | Business Organization |
| Semester 1 | BCS-011 | Computer Basics and PC Software |
| Semester 1 | BCS-012 | Basic Mathematics |
| Semester 1 | BCSL-013 | Computer Basics and PC Software Lab |
| Semester 2 | ECO-02 | Accountancy-1 |
| Semester 2 | MCS-011 | Problem Solving and Programming |
| Semester 2 | MCS-012 | Computer Organisation and Assembly Language Programming |
| Semester 2 | MCS-013 | Discrete Mathematics |
| Semester 2 | MCS-015 | Communication Skills |
| Semester 2 | BCSL-021 | C Language Programming Lab |
| Semester 2 | BCSL-022 | Assembly Language Programming Lab |
| Semester 3 | MCS-021 | Data and File Structures |
| Semester 3 | MCS-023 | Introduction to Database Management Systems |
| Semester 3 | MCS-014 | Systems Analysis and Design |
| Semester 3 | BCS-031 | Programming in C++ |
| Semester 3 | BCSL-032 | C++ Programming Lab |
| Semester 3 | BCSL-033 | Data and File Structures Lab |
| Semester 3 | BCSL-034 | DBMS Lab |
| Semester 6 | BCSP-064 | BCA Project |
IGNOU BCA Admission 2026: Samarth Portal Application Steps
Prospective candidates complete their online BCA admission application through the central IGNOU Samarth student portal. Applicants must register using an active personal email address and mobile phone number to receive admission status updates.
All uploaded documents including identity proofs, academic marksheets, and passport photos must be legible, self-attested, and scanned according to portal guidelines before payment.
- Open the IGNOU Samarth portal and select the fresh admission registration link.
- Register a new account by providing your name, active email ID, mobile number, and password.
- Log in using your registered credentials and complete the online application form with personal and academic details.
- Select Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) as your programme and choose your preferred Regional Centre and Learner Support Centre.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, Class X certificate, 10+2 marksheet, and category certificate if applicable.
- Pay the prescribed registration fee and ₹400 University Development fee online using net banking, debit card, or credit card.
- Download and save the completed application form and fee payment receipt for future records.
IGNOU BCA Assignment Deadlines: Submission Dates and Practical Lab Rules
IGNOU BCA students must submit Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) to their allotted Study Centre Coordinator before the official semester deadlines. Submitting assignments on time is mandatory to gain eligibility for corresponding Term-End Theory and Practical Examinations.
Practical lab courses require students to meet minimum lab attendance requirements alongside submitting assignments before appearing in term-end practical exams.
IGNOU BCA Assignment Submission Due Dates by Academic Session
| Academic Session | Assignment Submission Deadline | Submission Location |
|---|---|---|
| July Session | 31st October (e.g., 31 October 2025) | Allotted Study Centre Coordinator |
| January Session | 30th April (e.g., 30 April 2026) | Allotted Study Centre Coordinator |
IGNOU BCA Course Change Rules: Fees and Regional Centre Procedures
IGNOU permits admitted students to request a change of course or elective subject within 30 days of receiving the first batch of study materials. Students submit a printed proforma along with a Demand Draft payable to IGNOU at their concerned Regional Centre.
Course change processing charges depend on the credit allocation of the undergraduate course requested for modification.
IGNOU Undergraduate Course Change Processing Fees
| Undergraduate Course Credit Slab | Processing Fee Amount (₹) | Submission Target |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Credit or 4 Credit Course | ₹350 per course | Concerned Regional Centre |
| 6 Credit or 8 Credit Course | ₹700 per course | Concerned Regional Centre |
IGNOU BCA Next Steps: January 2026 Assignment Submission and Exam Form
BCA students registered for the January 2026 academic session must submit all completed assignments to their study centre coordinator before 30 April 2026. Learners should also complete term-end examination forms and pay required practical evaluation fees before appearing for exams.
Track official admission updates, grade cards, and practical exam date sheets on the IGNOU Samarth portal regularly.
Where to go on the IGNOU site
- Submit online BCA admission formignou.samarth.edu.in ↗
- Download BCA semester assignment question paperswebservices.ignou.ac.in ↗
- View School of Computer Sciences detailsignou.ac.in ↗
- Register student grievances on iGramigram.ignou.ac.in ↗
Key facts
- Programme Name: Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
- Offering School: School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS)
- University Development Fee: ₹400 one-time
- Practical Exam Fee (Up to 4 Credits): ₹300 per course
- Practical Exam Fee (Above 4 Credits): ₹500 per course
- Project Evaluation Fee (Above 4 Credits): ₹500 per course
- Jan 2026 Assignment Submission Deadline: 30 April 2026
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
- IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026 PDF — Official Common Prospectus containing IGNOU academic regulations and policies
- IGNOU BCA Course BCSP64 Viva Voce Schedule September 2026 PDF — Official notification for BCA BCSP64 viva examination schedule
- BCA Revised 1st Sem Assignment PDF — Revised assignment paper for BCA Semester 1 courses
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the eligibility for BCA in IGNOU?
Candidates applying for the BCA programme must have completed 10+2 or equivalent higher secondary education in accordance with IGNOU admission guidelines. IGNOU provides seat reservations and relaxations for SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, EWS, Kashmiri Migrants, War Widows, and Persons with Disabilities. IGNOU has not published specific 10+2 subject percentage rules in the available prospectus text as of 26 October 2026.
What are the practical examination and project fees for IGNOU BCA?
IGNOU charges practical examination and project evaluation fees when students fill out the term-end examination form. For courses with up to 4 credits, the fee is ₹300 per course. For courses with more than 4 credits, the fee is ₹500 per course. Payments are submitted online through the exam portal.
What is the assignment submission last date for IGNOU BCA January session?
For students enrolled in the January session, the deadline to submit Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) to their study centre coordinator is 30 April 2026. For students in the July session, the deadline is 31 October 2025. Submitting assignments on time is mandatory to qualify for term-end theory and practical examinations.
How do SC/ST students claim fee exemption for IGNOU BCA admission?
SC and ST category candidates can claim programme fee support under IGNOU’s fee support scheme during admission. Applicants must submit a valid income certificate issued by an authorized government agency. Fee exemption applies to one academic programme only, and exempted students must still pay registration fees, development fees, and examination fees.
Can students with disabilities get extra time to complete IGNOU BCA?
Learners with disabilities of 40% or more receive an additional two years beyond the maximum prescribed programme duration to complete their BCA degree at IGNOU. This relaxation applies to candidates who submit a valid disability certificate from an authorized medical authority during registration. Applicants must upload their certified documents on the IGNOU Samarth admission portal (ignou.samarth.edu.in) while completing the online application form. If verification fails or login issues occur, candidates can submit a grievance query on the official IGNOU iGram portal (igram.ignou.ac.in).
How can a student request a course change after IGNOU BCA admission?
Students can request a change of course within 30 days of receiving their first set of study materials. Requests must be sent to the concerned Regional Director along with a Demand Draft payable to IGNOU. The fee is ₹350 per course for 2 or 4 credit courses and ₹700 per course for 6 or 8 credit courses.
Where are IGNOU BCA assignments submitted?
IGNOU BCA students must submit their completed Tutor Marked Assignments directly to the Coordinator of their allotted Study Centre. For the January 2026 session, submission must be completed on or before 30 April 2026, whereas July session assignments are due by 31 October. Students must collect and retain an official submission receipt from the centre coordinator upon handing over their physical assignment booklets. Failure to submit assignments before the deadline makes students ineligible to appear in term-end theory and lab examinations.
Is there an upper age limit for taking admission in IGNOU?
IGNOU does not enforce any upper age limit for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate distance degree programmes like BCA. Any candidate who has completed 10+2 or equivalent higher secondary education is eligible to apply under National Education Policy 2020 guidelines. Applicants must create an account on the IGNOU Samarth portal (ignou.samarth.edu.in) and pay the ₹400 mandatory University Development fee along with registration fees. If registration fails or technical errors occur during payment, applicants can log a complaint through the IGNOU iGram portal (igram.ignou.ac.in).
What mandatory admission fees are required when applying for IGNOU BCA?
Candidates applying for IGNOU BCA admission must pay a non-refundable registration fee alongside a mandatory one-time University Development fee of ₹400. Applicants pay these charges online using net banking, debit card, or credit card on the IGNOU Samarth admission portal (ignou.samarth.edu.in). Separate practical exam and project evaluation fees of ₹300 or ₹500 per course are collected later during term-end exam registration. If payment fails or receipt is missing, applicants can log a complaint on the official IGNOU iGram portal (igram.ignou.ac.in).
What documents must candidates upload for IGNOU BCA online admission?
Applicants must upload scanned self-attested copies of their passport photograph, signature, Class X certificate, 10+2 marksheet, valid photo identity proof, and category or PwD certificates if applicable. These documents must be kept ready before registering an account on the official IGNOU Samarth admission portal (ignou.samarth.edu.in). Candidates fill in personal and educational details online before attaching these clear digital files. If document verification encounters errors or rejection, candidates can lodge a grievance query on the IGNOU iGram portal (igram.ignou.ac.in).
What are the requirements to appear for IGNOU BCA term-end practical examinations?
Students must fulfill minimum laboratory attendance requirements and submit their Tutor Marked Assignments before the session due date to qualify for practical exams. For the January 2026 session, assignments must reach the Study Centre Coordinator on or before 30 April 2026. Learners must also pay the practical exam fee of ₹300 or ₹500 per course on the exam portal and present the payment receipt. If minimum attendance or assignment submission criteria are not met, learners cannot sit for the term-end practical examination.
How can an IGNOU BCA student change or correct their registered mailing address?
IGNOU BCA students must submit the official address correction proforma downloaded from the IGNOU website (ignou.ac.in) or found in their Programme Guide directly to their concerned Regional Director. Requests sent directly to Student Registration Division (SRD) in New Delhi are not entertained. It normally takes 4 to 6 weeks for the Regional Centre to update the address in the database. If address updates do not reflect after six weeks, students should log a ticket on the IGNOU iGram portal (igram.ignou.ac.in).
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