How Do I Apply for IGNOU B.Sc Admission Online? Samarth Portal, Fees and Rules
Part of IGNOU Programmes: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
Indira Gandhi National Open University, commonly referred to as IGNOU, offers distance Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degrees across multiple specialisations including Biochemistry, Mathematics, Anthropology, and Food Safety. For the July 2026 academic session, IGNOU conducts undergraduate science education under a credit-based framework where one credit equals 30 study hours. Candidates complete a mix of core subjects, discipline-specific electives, continuous tutor-marked assignments, and mandatory laboratory practicals.
IGNOU B.Sc programmes: available disciplines and academic streams
IGNOU offers several Bachelor of Science degree streams for distance learners in general and specialized scientific fields. Candidates enrolling in undergraduate science programmes can choose specializations such as Biochemistry, Mathematics, Anthropology, Food Safety and Quality Management, Applied Science – Energy, and Fabric and Apparel Design. The university structures these programmes around a flexible credit system, allowing candidates to select electives across science streams while fulfilling core discipline criteria.
Bachelor of Science Programmes Offered by IGNOU
| Programme Name | Programme Code | Discipline / Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (Anthropology) | BSCFAN | Anthropology |
| Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) | BSCFBC | Biochemistry |
| Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) | BSCFMT | Mathematics |
| Bachelor of Science (Food Safety and Quality Management) | BSCFFSQM | Food Safety & Quality |
| Bachelor of Science (Fabric and Apparel Design) | BSCFFAD | Fabric & Apparel Design |
| Bachelor of Science (Applied Science – Energy) | BSCAEY | Applied Science (Energy) |
| Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing | (PB)B.Sc.N | Nursing Science |

IGNOU B.Sc course structure: standardized credit system rules
IGNOU regulates its undergraduate science curriculum through a standardized credit system to measure total student study hours. Each academic credit corresponds to 30 hours of study work, encompassing reading self-learning materials, listening to audio, watching video sessions, attending counseling, and writing assignment responses. For general B.Sc electives, candidates can choose between 56 and 64 credits from a minimum of two and a maximum of four science disciplines: Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.
- Candidates can take elective courses worth a minimum of 8 credits and a maximum of 48 credits in any single discipline.
- At least 25 percent of total elective credits registered in Life Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics must be laboratory courses (for example, at least 16 lab credits if 64 total elective credits are chosen).
- A 4-credit course requires 120 hours of study, while a 6-credit course requires 180 hours of total study effort.
IGNOU B.Sc fee structure: registration and administrative fees
IGNOU requires candidates to pay programme fees alongside practical examination and administrative course fees. A non-refundable registration fee is charged during first-year admission along with the programme fee. Practical examination fees and project evaluation fees are collected separately when students fill out the Term-End Examination form. IGNOU has not published specific overall tuition fee figures for general B.Sc programmes on its site as of 24 October 2026.
IGNOU B.Sc Administrative and Component Fees
| Fee Component | Applicable Component | Fee Amount / Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Exam Fee | Practical / Laboratory Courses | Mandatory fee paid during TEE form submission (applicable from Jan 2023) |
| Project Evaluation Fee | Project Work Components | Mandatory fee paid during TEE form submission (applicable from Jan 2023) |
| Course Change Fee (UG) | 2 or 4 Credit Course | Rs. 350 per course (within 30 days of receiving material) |
| Course Change Fee (UG) | 6 or 8 Credit Course | Rs. 700 per course (within 30 days of receiving material) |

IGNOU student services
IGNOU B.Sc eligibility criteria: academic requirements for admission
IGNOU defines eligibility criteria for general science degrees as well as specialized entrance-based programmes such as Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing. Applicants for standard undergraduate science streams must possess a recognized 10+2 qualification or equivalent secondary education credential. Reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBC non-creamy layer, EWS, War Widows, Kashmiri Migrants, and Persons with Disabilities are provided as per Government of India rules for programmes with limited merit-based seats.
- Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing eligibility: 10+2 qualification with Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (RNRM) registration and GNM with 2 years of work experience after RNRM registration up to the entrance form deadline.
- Alternative Nursing eligibility: 10th pass with RNRM registration and GNM with 5 years of work experience after RNRM registration up to the entrance form deadline.
- Candidates applying for Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing must be in-service nurses currently working in a hospital or community setting.

IGNOU B.Sc assignment rules: continuous evaluation weightage
IGNOU mandates continuous evaluation through Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMA) for every B.Sc theory course. Assignments carry a 30 percent weightage in the overall course evaluation, with the remaining 70 percent assigned to the Term-End Examination. Candidates must score a minimum of 35 percent marks to pass an assignment. Submitting complete assignment response sheets to the assigned Study Centre within the published due date is compulsory before filling out the examination form.
- Write Enrolment Number, Name, Full Address, Signature, and Date on the top right-hand corner of the first page.
- Write Programme Title, Course Code, Course Title, Assignment Code, and Study Centre Name on the left-hand corner of the first page.
- Use foolscap size paper and leave a 4 cm margin on the left, top, and bottom of every response sheet.
- Retain a photocopy of submitted assignment response sheets for personal records.
IGNOU B.Sc admission process: online portal registration
Candidates applying for distance B.Sc programmes at IGNOU must complete the registration process through the university’s online admission portal. Applicants must provide verified personal details, select academic qualifications, and choose appropriate Regional Centres and Programme Study Centres. For entrance-based admissions like Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing, seat allotment is determined strictly by region-wise merit lists processed by the Student Evaluation Division.
- Open the official Samarth admission portal or the designated nursing portal for specialized admissions.
- Register as a new candidate by providing a valid email ID, mobile number, and personal credentials.
- Log in to complete the application form, entering personal details, 10+2 qualification marks, and selecting the relevant B.Sc programme code.
- Select the Regional Centre and Programme Study Centre (PSC) code carefully from available choices.
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee and initial programme fee using the online payment gateway.
- Submit the application form online and download the payment receipt along with the completed form for reference.


Where to go on the IGNOU site
- Register online for IGNOU B.Sc admissionsamarth.edu.in ↗
- Download B.Sc CBCS tutor marked assignmentswebservices.ignou.ac.in ↗
- Access B.Sc elective course assignmentswebservices.ignou.ac.in ↗
- Log in to IGNOU Samarth student portalignou.samarth.edu.in ↗
- Submit IGNOU student grievances onlineigram.ignou.ac.in ↗
Key facts
- Academic Session: July 2026 / December 2026 TEE
- Study Hour Credit Rule: 1 Credit = 30 Hours of Study
- Mandatory Lab Elective Ratio: Minimum 25% of Discipline Elective Credits
- Continuous Evaluation Weightage: 30% (Tutor-Marked Assignments)
- Assignment Pass Percentage: 35% Minimum
- Admission Portal: Samarth Portal
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
- IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026 PDF — Official IGNOU Common Prospectus detailing academic programmes and rules
- IGNOU Post Basic BSc Nursing Prospectus 2025 PDF — Official B.Sc Prospectus and general distance learning information
- IGNOU Post Basic BSc Nursing Answer Key Notification April 2026 PDF — Official entrance test notification for Post Basic B.Sc Nursing
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the assignment pass percentage for IGNOU B.Sc courses?
Candidates must secure a minimum of 35 percent marks out of the maximum total marks to pass an IGNOU Tutor-Marked Assignment. Assignments account for 30 percent of continuous evaluation in a course. Submission within the due date to the assigned Study Centre is required before filling out the Term-End Examination form.
What are the laboratory credit requirements for IGNOU B.Sc elective courses?
IGNOU mandates that at least 25 percent of total elective credits registered in Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences must come from laboratory practical courses. If a student chooses 64 elective credits across these disciplines, at least 16 credits must be taken in practical lab courses. Candidates must pay the prescribed practical examination fee online when filling out the term-end exam form. If a learner fails to register for the course or pay required practical fees, their exam result will not be declared.
Can candidates request a change of elective courses in IGNOU B.Sc?
Yes, candidates can apply for a change of elective course within 30 days of receiving the first set of study material. The fee is Rs. 350 for a 2 or 4 credit undergraduate course, and Rs. 700 for a 6 or 8 credit course. Requests must be submitted by Demand Draft to the concerned Regional Centre.
Is assignment submission compulsory before appearing in IGNOU Term-End Examinations?
Yes, IGNOU strictly requires candidates to submit the Tutor-Marked Assignment for a course before filling out its Term-End Examination form. Learners must complete answer sheets on foolscap paper and submit them to their designated Study Centre within published due dates. If a student fails to submit the assignment before the deadline or fails it, they must obtain the new assignment booklet for the subsequent academic year. Without prior assignment submission, students are barred from appearing in the term-end examination for that course.
How does IGNOU calculate student study hours per credit?
IGNOU calculates one academic credit as equivalent to 30 hours of total student study effort. This framework applies to all distance B.Sc courses, where a 4-credit course requires 120 hours and a 6-credit course requires 180 hours of study work. The total hours cover reading self-learning materials, listening to audio, watching video programs, attending counseling sessions, and completing tutor-marked assignments. If a candidate fails to allocate adequate study effort, they may struggle to secure the mandatory 35 percent pass mark in assignments.
What are the eligibility criteria for IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing?
Candidates must possess a 10+2 qualification with RNRM registration and GNM with 2 years post-registration work experience, or 10th pass with RNRM and 5 years post-registration experience. Applicants must also be actively employed as in-service nurses in a hospital or community setting up to the entrance form deadline. Candidates apply online on the designated nursing Samarth portal by submitting entrance test fees and selecting Programme Study Centres. If an applicant provides incorrect experience details or false documents, their application and admission are summarily rejected.
How do candidates apply online for IGNOU B.Sc admission on the Samarth portal?
Candidates apply for IGNOU B.Sc admission by creating a new account on the official Samarth online admission portal using an active email ID and mobile number. Applicants log in to complete personal details, enter 10+2 marks, and select their preferred Regional Centre and Programme Study Centre codes. The process requires paying the non-refundable registration fee alongside the initial programme fee using the online gateway. If the online form is submitted with incorrect choices or unreadable documents, the application will be rejected without intimation.
What is the procedure and fee for changing elective courses in an IGNOU B.Sc programme?
IGNOU allows undergraduate B.Sc students to request a change of elective courses within 30 days of receiving their first lot of study materials. The administrative fee for changing a 2 or 4 credit course is Rs. 350, while a 6 or 8 credit course costs Rs. 700. Candidates must pay this fee by Demand Draft drawn in favor of IGNOU payable at their concerned Regional Centre. Requests submitted directly to headquarters or after the 30-day window will not be entertained.
What documents are required to complete the IGNOU B.Sc online admission form?
Applicants must upload scanned, self-attested copies of their passport-size photograph, signature, photo identity proof, and Class 10 date of birth certificate on the admission portal. Candidates must also provide marksheets of qualifying 10+2 examinations alongside category or disability certificates if claiming reservation. These files must be uploaded clearly during the online application process before making the registration fee payment. Providing blurred documents or false information will result in immediate cancellation of the application and forfeiture of deposited fees.
What are the continuous evaluation and examination weightage rules for IGNOU B.Sc courses?
IGNOU evaluates B.Sc courses using a dual system consisting of 30 percent weightage for continuous tutor-marked assignments and 70 percent weightage for term-end examinations. Candidates must score at least 35 percent marks in the assignment component to pass the course continuous evaluation. Students submit completed handwritten assignments to their designated Study Centre before registering online for term-end exams. Failing to secure the minimum passing mark in either assignments or term-end exams prevents successful completion of the course credit.
What rules govern Programme Study Centre selection for IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing admission?
Candidates applying for Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing must select a Regional Centre that houses a designated Programme Study Centre (PSC) for nursing. Applicants must enter their first choice PSC code along with second and third choice choices to accommodate possible administrative deactivations. Seat allotment is strictly executed by the Student Evaluation Division based on region-wise merit lists and first choice availability. If a candidate is not allotted a seat due to limited intake, they cannot claim admission under another Regional Centre’s merit list.
When and how do IGNOU B.Sc students pay practical examination and project evaluation fees?
IGNOU introduced mandatory practical examination fees and project evaluation fees starting from the January 2023 admission cycle. Students must pay these evaluation fees online while filling out their Term-End Examination form for the June or December TEE sessions. The online payment receipt for practical fees must be shown when attending practical exams, while the project receipt is submitted with the report. If a student fails to pay these required fees, their examination results will be withheld.
What are the discipline credit limits for elective courses in IGNOU B.Sc programmes?
IGNOU mandates that students select elective courses totaling 56 to 64 credits across a minimum of two and a maximum of four science disciplines. The permitted disciplines for distance B.Sc electives are Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Mathematics. Learners can opt for elective courses worth a minimum of 8 credits and a maximum of 48 credits within any single discipline. If an applicant selects course credits outside these prescribed limits, their registration will not be accepted.
What additional time does IGNOU grant to learners with disabilities completing a B.Sc programme?
IGNOU provides learners with disabilities of 40 percent or more an additional 2 years beyond the maximum duration prescribed for undergraduate programmes. This rule helps eligible distance science students complete their required course credits, assignments, and examinations without academic penalty. Candidates must upload a clear scanned copy of their official disability certificate on the Samarth admission portal during the online registration process. If a candidate submits a forged disability certificate, IGNOU will immediately cancel their admission and initiate legal action.
What layout rules must IGNOU B.Sc students follow when writing tutor-marked assignments?
IGNOU mandates that B.Sc students write tutor-marked assignment answers on foolscap paper while leaving a 4 cm margin on the top, bottom, and left sides. Enrolment number, name, address, signature, and date must be placed on the top right corner of the first page. Course details, assignment code, and Study Centre name must appear on the top left corner. If an assignment is submitted after the published due date, the Study Centre will not accept it.
How can I check my IGNOU B.Sc admission application status?
After submitting your online application for IGNOU B.Sc admission, all future communications regarding your application status will be sent to your registered email ID and mobile number. It is crucial to keep these contact details active throughout the admission process for updates. While the Samarth online admission portal is used for initial application, candidates should regularly check their registered email and phone for notifications. If no updates are received, logging into the Samarth portal with your credentials can provide further information or indicate next steps.
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