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IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission

Updated 29 October 2026 Fact-checked by Shakshi Gupta, B.Com student, IGNOU Courses & Fees 7 min read

The IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology is a 6-month programme with a full programme fee of Rs. 6,200/- for the July 2026 session. Anyone who has passed 10th standard, SSC, or holds a DLC from Microsoft or an equivalent qualification can apply.

Detail Certificate in Information Technology (CIT)
Programme code CIT
School School of Computer & Information Sciences (SOCIS)
Eligibility 10th Pass OR SSC OR DLC from Microsoft or equivalent
Medium English
Duration 6 months minimum, 2 years maximum
Programme fee (July 2026) Rs.6,200/- full programme
Total credits 18
Admission cycles January & July

IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT): what the programme covers

The IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology programme covers fundamental computer systems and information technology concepts. It also introduces advanced technologies such as Multimedia and the Internet. Students also learn basic programming using the ‘C’ language.

This Certificate programme totals 18 credits. It is offered through both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes. The programme includes study blocks such as CIT 001, which covers Hardware and Software, Problem Solving Techniques, Networking and Communication, and Information Security. CIT 002 focuses on Elements of Information Technology, IT in Action, Information Systems, and State of the Art Practices in Computer Technology. CIT 003 covers Internet concepts, Web page design, and an Introduction to Multimedia. The practical component, CITL 001, includes two lab manuals.

IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) eligibility: who can apply

To apply for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology, candidates must have passed the 10th standard. An SSC qualification is also accepted. Alternatively, a Diploma in Learning and Certification (DLC) from Microsoft, or an equivalent qualification, meets the eligibility criteria. The programme is offered in English medium.

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

IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges

The IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology programme fee is Rs. 6,200/- for the full programme, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. This fee applies to the entire duration of the programme.

On top of the programme fee, learners pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 at the time of admission. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also payable at admission. These charges are separate from the programme fee.

Learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.

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Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) fees, July 2026 session

Charge Amount
Programme fee (July 2026) Rs.6,200/- full programme
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 Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) duration and credits

The IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) has a minimum duration of 6 months. Learners have a maximum of 2 years to complete the programme. The total credits for the programme are 18. All programme courses contribute to these 18 credits.

IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) syllabus: semester-wise courses

The IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) programme has a total of 18 credits. This programme is offered through both ODL and Online modes. The syllabus covers fundamental computer systems and information technology, alongside advanced topics like Multimedia and the Internet.

The programme includes a dedicated practical course, CITL 001, which provides hands-on experience. Students gain skills in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation Tools, Databases, and Website Development. A key feature is the introduction to programming using the ‘C’ language.

The programme consists of four courses: CIT 001, CIT 002, CIT 003, and CITL 001. Each course has specific study blocks available on eGyanKosh. For example, CIT 001 covers Hardware and Software, Problem Solving Techniques, Networking and Communication, and Information Security across its four blocks. CIT 002’s blocks focus on Elements of Information Technology, IT in Action, Information Systems, and State of the Art Practices in Computer Technology. CIT 003 introduces Internet concepts, Web page design, and an Introduction to multimedia. The practical component, CITL 001, is structured into Lab Manual 1 and Lab Manual 2.

Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) structure at a glance

Semester / group Courses Credits
Programme courses 4 courses 18

Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) Programme courses

Course code Course title Credits Type
CIT 001 Fundamentals of Computer Systems 4
CIT 002 Introduction to Information Technology 4
CIT 003 Web based Technologies & Multimedia Applications 4
CITL 001 Laboratory Course 6 Lab

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

IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal

Applicants for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) must apply online through the Samarth portal. The current admission cycle open on the ODL admission portal is July 2026. IGNOU offers two admission cycles annually, in January and July.

To apply for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
  2. Keep your APAAR ID ready before starting the application.
  3. Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
  4. Upload a soft copy of your relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format. The eligibility for the programme is 10th Pass, SSC, or DLC from Microsoft or an equivalent qualification.
  5. If applicable, upload a soft copy of your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC), under 200 KB.
  6. Pay the full programme fee of Rs. 6,200/- for the July 2026 session.
  7. In addition to the programme fee, pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission.
  8. Payments can be made via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
  9. The application process is fully online; no printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre.

IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) exams and assignments

Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology. If an assignment fails, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment passes, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.

There are two daily exam sessions: 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).

Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated. Projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026). Early declaration of results costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, with proof of selection for a post or further studies (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 Certificate in Information Technology programme?

The full programme fee for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology is Rs. 6,200 for the July 2026 session. You also pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at admission.

What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology?

To be eligible for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology, you must have passed the 10th standard or SSC. Alternatively, a DLC from Microsoft or an equivalent qualification is also accepted for admission.

How long does it take to complete the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology?

The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology is 6 months. You have a maximum of 2 years to finish the programme from your admission date.

Which course in the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology includes a lab component?

The course CITL 001 Laboratory Course is the dedicated practical course in the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology. This course carries 6 credits and provides hands-on experience in various IT areas.

What topics are covered in the CIT 003 Web based Technologies & Multimedia Applications course?

CIT 003 Web based Technologies & Multimedia Applications covers three main blocks of study material. These include Internet concepts, Web page design, and an Introduction to multimedia, as detailed in the eGyanKosh study blocks.

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

Yes, you can receive a 15% discount on the programme fee if you opt for soft copies of the study material instead of printed books. This option is available during the admission process for the July 2026 session.

Are assignments compulsory for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology?

Yes, assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology. You must submit your assignment responses to the Coordinator of your Learner Support Centre before appearing for the Term-End Examination.

What is the examination fee for practical courses in the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology?

For practical courses like CITL 001, the examination fee is Rs. 500 because it is above 4 credits. For theory courses, the examination fee is Rs. 200 per course.

Where can I find the study materials for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology?

The self-learning materials for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology are provided as printed books and/or e-books. You can also access the digital study blocks for all courses on the eGyanKosh repository.

What are the admission cycles for the IGNOU Certificate in Information Technology?

IGNOU offers admission to the Certificate in Information Technology programme twice a year. The admission cycles are held in January and July, with the current cycle on the ODL admission portal being July 2026.