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IGNOU BA English 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission

Updated 14 October 2026 Fact-checked by Shakshi Gupta, B.Com student, IGNOU Courses & Fees 7 min read

The IGNOU BA English programme is a three-year Bachelor of Arts English (Honours) degree, with an annual fee of Rs. 5,500 for the July 2026 session. Applicants must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent qualification to be eligible for admission.

Detail BA English
Programme code BAEGH
School School of Humanities (SOH)
Eligibility 10+2 or its equivalent
Medium English
Duration 3 years minimum, 6 years maximum
Programme fee (July 2026) Rs. 5,500 /- per year
Full-course programme fee Rs. 16,500 (Rs. 5,500 x 3 years)
Total credits 148
Admission cycles January & July

IGNOU BA English: what the programme covers

The IGNOU BA English programme code is BAEGH. This Bachelor of Arts English (Honours) programme is offered by the School of Humanities (SOH) and requires 148 credits for completion. The programme provides in-depth knowledge in English while also exposing students to subjects beyond the discipline.

The BAEGH programme guide outlines the course structure, which includes 14 core courses, each worth six credits. These core courses account for 84 of the total 148 credits. The programme also includes four Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSEs), each of six credits, available in the fifth and sixth semesters, contributing 24 credits. Two Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECCs), each of four credits, are offered in the first and second semesters, totalling 8 credits. Two Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs), each of four credits, are offered in the third and fourth semesters, also totalling 8 credits. In addition, four Generic Electives (GEs), each of six credits, are available in the first four semesters, adding 24 credits.

IGNOU BA English eligibility: who can apply

To apply for the IGNOU BA English programme, applicants must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent. This is the only eligibility criterion for admission to the Bachelor of Arts English (Honours) (BAEGH) programme offered by IGNOU’s School of Humanities (SOH). The programme is delivered entirely in English medium. There are no specific subject requirements beyond the 10+2 qualification. Students who meet this basic academic requirement can proceed with their application through the Samarth portal.

Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.

IGNOU BA English fees 2026: programme fee and other charges

The IGNOU BA English programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 5,500 per year. This fee applies to the Bachelor of Arts English (Honours) programme, which IGNOU refers to as BAEGH. For the full minimum duration of three years, the total programme fee is Rs. 16,500, not including other charges.

Learners also pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 at the time of admission for the July 2026 session. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also due at admission. These charges are besides the annual programme fee.

Students who choose to receive soft copies of their self-learning material instead of printed books get a 15% discount on the programme fee. IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material as a print book or e-book. The eGyanKosh repository offers self-learning material for over 3923 courses.

| Fee Type | Amount (Rs.) | Details |
|—|—|—|
| Programme Fee (per year) | 5,500 | For July 2026 session |
| Total Programme Fee (3 years) | 16,500 | Excludes registration, development, and exam fees |
| Registration Fee | 300 | Non-refundable, paid at admission |
| University Development Fee | 400 | Paid at admission |
| Digital Material Discount | 15% | On programme fee if opting for soft copy |

BA English fees, July 2026 session

Charge Amount
Programme fee (July 2026) Rs. 5,500 /- per year
Full-course programme fee Rs. 16,500 (Rs. 5,500 x 3 years)
Registration fee (once, non-refundable) Rs. 300
University Development fee (once) Rs. 400
Term-end exam fee Rs. 200 per theory course

Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.

IGNOU BA English duration and credits

The IGNOU BA English programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum duration of 6 years. Students must complete all requirements within this 6-year period from their admission date. The total credits for the Bachelor of Arts English (Honours) programme are 148.

This option allows for flexibility if a learner cannot commit to a full semester load.

IGNOU BA English syllabus: semester-wise courses

IGNOU BA English students complete 148 credits across six semesters. The programme includes 14 core courses, 4 discipline-specific electives, 2 ability enhancement compulsory courses, 2 skill enhancement courses, and 4 generic electives. Each core course carries six credits, accounting for 84 credits of the total.

The first and second semesters each have a study load of 22 credits. A student studies four courses in each of these semesters.

The credit load increases to 28 credits in the third and fourth semesters, with five courses in each. In Semester IV, BPCS 186 Managing Stress is a 4-credit Skill Enhancement Course. Its eGyanKosh study blocks are “Introduction to Stress” and “Stress Management.”

Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSEs) are available only in these final two semesters. The university adds new Skill Enhancement Courses and electives to the existing pool over time.

BA English structure at a glance

Semester / group Courses Credits
1st semester 1 courses 6
4th semester 1 courses 4

IGNOU's July 2026 prospectus lists the courses for the 1st and 4th semesters (10 credits). The courses for the remaining 138 of the programme's 148 credits are not listed in it yet.

BA English 1st semester

Course code Course title Credits Type
ONR 003 Water Harvesting, Conservation and Utilization 6 Generic Elective

BA English 4th semester

Course code Course title Credits Type
BPCS 186 Managing Stress 4 Skill Enhancement Course

Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.

IGNOU BA English admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal

IGNOU BA English admission for the July 2026 cycle is open on the Samarth portal. The university conducts admissions twice a year, in the January and July cycles. For the July 2026 session, applicants must apply through the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.

This includes the annual programme fee of Rs. 5,500, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, and a University Development fee of Rs. 400. Payment for these fees can be made online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.

Applicants must prepare several documents before starting the online application process. These include a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB in JPEG format. A soft copy of the relevant educational qualification is also required, under 200 KB in JPEG or PDF format. If applicable, a soft copy of the category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) must be under 200 KB. Applicants are also advised to keep their APAAR ID ready.

The application process is fully online; no printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. Follow these steps to complete your IGNOU BA English admission for the July 2026 cycle:

  • 1. Visit the ODL admission portal: the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
  • 2. Register as a new user, providing your details and creating a username and password.
  • 3. Log in to the portal and fill out the application form for the Bachelor of Arts English (Honours) (BAEGH) programme.
  • 4. Upload the required documents, ensuring they meet the specified size and format.
  • 5.
  • 6. Submit the application form.

IGNOU BA English exams and assignments

Assignments are compulsory for IGNOU BA English students. If an assignment fails, you must re-submit it. Once an assignment passes, you cannot re-submit it to improve the grade.

There are two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM (December 2026 TEE). Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes (December 2026 TEE).

The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE). For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits (from January 2023 admission cycle) (July 2026). Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post (July 2026). If you need an early declaration of results, it costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, with proof of selection for a post or further studies (January 2026). Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars cannot. A copy of your answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026).

Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.

Notices and Documents from IGNOU

Common IGNOU Questions

What is the total fee for the IGNOU BA English programme?

The total programme fee for the minimum three-year duration of IGNOU BA English is Rs. 16,500. This amount is calculated at Rs. 5,500 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus, and does not include registration, development, or examination fees.

What is the eligibility for the IGNOU BA English programme?

To be eligible for the IGNOU BA English programme, applicants must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent.

How many credits are in the IGNOU BA English programme?

The IGNOU BA English programme has a total of 148 credits. These credits are distributed across core courses, discipline-specific electives, ability enhancement compulsory courses, skill enhancement courses, and generic electives.

Which semesters have the heaviest credit load in IGNOU BA English?

The first and second semesters each have 22 credits, while the fifth and sixth semesters each have 24 credits.

How many core courses are in the IGNOU BA English programme?

The IGNOU BA English programme includes 14 core courses. Each core course is worth six credits, making up 84 credits out of the total 148 credits for the programme.

Where can I find the study material for IGNOU BA English courses?

Study material for courses like ONR 003 Water Harvesting, Conservation and Utilization and BPCS 186 Managing Stress is available on eGyanKosh. For example, ONR 003 has Block 1: Water Harvesting Techniques and Block 2: Water Storage, Conservation and Utilization.

What is the fee for a single theory course examination in IGNOU BA English?

The examination fee for a single theory course in IGNOU BA English is Rs. 200. This fee applies to each theory course taken during the Term-End Examination sessions held in June and December.

Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I choose digital study material?

Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available at the time of admission for the July 2026 cycle.

What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU BA English programme?

The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU BA English programme is three years. Learners have a maximum of six years to complete all requirements for the degree.