IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
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| Detail | Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | CPLT |
| School | School of Sciences (SOS) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Science subjects or equivalent OR pass in Higher Secondary with Science subjects or equivalent and one year of experience of working in a School/College/University science laboratory OR 10th pass or equivalent with Science subjects and two years experience ofworking in a School/College/University science laboratory |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Duration | 6 months minimum, 2 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs.4,700/-* per Semester |
| Total credits | 18 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT): what the programme covers
The IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) prepares individuals to work as laboratory technicians in school and college science laboratories. The programme focuses on providing the know-how and skills needed to support science teachers and students effectively. It is a highly skill-oriented programme, involving intensive practical work.
This programme has a fee of Rs. 4,700/- per semester, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. The total credits for the programme are 18. The CPLT does not include an assignment component; assessment for theory courses is solely through the Term-End Exam. The programme objectives include familiarising learners with basic facilities and equipment, training them in laboratory organisation and management, instrument maintenance, and laboratory safety aspects. While IGNOU aims to conduct laboratory courses at the chosen Learner Support Centre, learners should be prepared to attend at a different centre if difficulties arise.
IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) eligibility: who can apply
The IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) has three eligibility paths. Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Science subjects or an equivalent qualification. Alternatively, those who passed Higher Secondary with Science subjects or an equivalent and possess one year of experience working in a School/College/University science laboratory are eligible. A third option is available for individuals who have passed 10th grade or an equivalent with Science subjects and have two years of experience in a School/College/University science laboratory. The programme is offered in both English and Hindi mediums.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques has a programme fee of Rs. 4,700 per semester for the July 2026 session. This fee does not include other charges. Learners also pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission.
The total fee for the entire programme is not published. However, learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book and/or e-book.
SC/ST students are eligible for programme fee exemption as per University policy, which is reviewed every admission cycle. Prison inmates are also exempt from the programme fee, including the registration fee. IGNOU learners can apply for Government of India scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal.
If an application is cancelled before admission confirmation, the fee paid is refunded. After confirmation, 15% of the programme fee, capped at Rs. 2,000, is deducted from any refund. No refund is issued after 60 days from the closing date of admissions. The application process is fully online via the ODL admission portal, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, for the July 2026 session.
Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs.4,700/-* per Semester |
| 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 student services
IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) duration and credits
The IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques has a minimum duration of 6 months. Learners can take up to 2 years to complete the programme. The programme requires a total of 18 credits for completion.
IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) syllabus focuses on practical skills for laboratory technicians. The programme has a total of 18 credits. The assessment of theory courses is by Term-End Exam only, as CPLT does not have an assignment component.
The programme is structured across two semesters, with a fee of Rs.4,700/-* per semester for the July 2026 session.
Learners are trained in the skills of organizing and managing these laboratories.
Learners choose one group from the following:
This structure ensures intensive practical work, which is a key objective of this highly skill-oriented programme. IGNOU will try to make every effort to conduct Laboratory Courses at the chosen Learner Support Centre, but learners should be prepared to attend at another centre if necessary.
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
Applicants for the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques must apply online through the Samarth portal. The current admission cycle on the ODL admission portal is July 2026. IGNOU conducts admissions twice a year, in January and July.
To apply for the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques for the July 2026 session, follow these steps:
- Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
- Keep your APAAR ID ready before starting the application process.
- Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB in JPEG format.
- Provide a soft copy of your relevant educational qualification. This document must be under 200 KB and in JPEG or PDF format.
- If applicable, upload a soft copy of your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC), which must be under 200 KB.
- Pay the programme fee of Rs. 4,700 per semester for the July 2026 session.
- In addition to the programme fee, pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300.
- A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also payable at admission.
- Payments can be made via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
- No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre as the application process is fully online.
IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) exams and assignments
The IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) does not include an assignment component. Assessment for theory courses is solely through the Term-End Examination (TEE). Students must be prepared for two TEE sessions each year, held in June and December.
IGNOU conducts examinations across centres throughout India and abroad. Each day, two exam sessions are held: from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 5 PM (December 2026 TEE). Learners may answer the exam in Hindi, even if they 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 courses up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle (July 2026). Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post (July 2026).
Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026). Numerical marks and division (I, II, or Pass) are provided by the University upon request for bachelor’s and master’s degrees (July 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 Programme in Laboratory Techniques?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques is Rs. 4,700 per semester, as per the July 2026 prospectus. In addition, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are payable at admission.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques?
To be eligible, you need 10+2 with Science subjects or equivalent. Alternatively, a pass in Higher Secondary with Science subjects and one year of laboratory experience is accepted. A 10th pass with Science subjects and two years of laboratory experience also qualifies you for admission.
Does the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques have assignments?
No, the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques does not include an assignment component. The assessment for all theory courses is solely through the Term-End Examination.
How long does it take to complete the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques is 6 months. Learners have a maximum of 2 years to finish the programme requirements.
Are practical sessions compulsory for the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques?
Yes, attendance at practical sessions is compulsory for programmes that include them, and this programme involves intensive practical work. IGNOU aims to conduct these at your chosen Learner Support Centre, but you may need to attend at a different centre if difficulties arise.
What is the total number of credits for the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques?
The IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques has a total of 18 credits. One credit is equivalent to 30 hours of learner study, which includes all learning activities.
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 during the admission process.
What is the purpose of the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques?
This programme provides the know-how and skills to work as a laboratory technician in School/College Science laboratories. It trains learners to offer effective services to Science teachers and students, focusing on organizing, managing, and maintaining laboratory equipment and safety.
When are admissions open for the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques?
Admissions for the IGNOU Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques are open twice a year, during the January and July cycles. The current admission cycle on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
Can I write the Term-End Examination in Hindi for this programme?
Yes, learners can write the Term-End Examination in Hindi even if they registered for the English medium, except for language programmes. This rule applies to the December 2026 TEE and subsequent examinations.