IGNOU Guide IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University · Delhi

Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees

Updated 30 October 2026 Programmes 13 min read

IGNOU provides an updated IGNOU courses list for the July 2026 session comprising undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and Ph.D. programmes. Candidates can register for these distance and online degrees using the official Samarth portals.

Indira Gandhi National Open University, officially abbreviated as IGNOU and popularly known as IGNOU open university, offers a wide spectrum of academic options for distance and online learners across India. For the July 2026 academic session, IGNOU provides Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, Post Graduate Diplomas, Certificates, and regular Ph.D. programmes compliant with the National Education Policy 2020. This page explains the course options, eligibility criteria, fee structures, application deadlines, and admission steps.

IGNOU course list: July 2026 session academic programmes

Indira Gandhi National Open University delivers academic choices ranging from Master’s degrees and Post Graduate Diplomas to undergraduate degrees and research doctorates. Courses are organized under various Schools of Studies using a credit system compliant with the National Education Policy 2020. The curriculum structure allows modular learning and flexible exit options in designated degree programmes for distance and online students.

IGNOU Academic Programmes on Offer for 2026 Session

Programme Full Name Specialisation / Stream Minimum Duration Delivery Mode
Master of Commerce (MCOM) Commerce, Finance, Accounting 2 Years (4 Semesters) Distance (ODL) / Online
Master of Business Administration (MBA) General Management 2 Years Distance (ODL) / Online
Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Management (MBAHM) Human Resource Management 2 Years Distance (ODL)
Master of Business Administration – Financial Management (MBAFM) Financial Management 2 Years Distance (ODL)
Master of Business Administration – Operations Management (MBAOM) Operations Management 2 Years Distance (ODL)
Master of Business Administration – Marketing Management (MBAMM) Marketing Management 2 Years Distance (ODL)
Master of Business Administration (Banking and Finance) (MBF) Banking and Finance 2 Years Distance (ODL)
Master of Arts (English) (MAEG / MEGOL) English Literature & Language 2 Years Distance (ODL) / Online
Master of Arts (Hindi) (MAHD / MHDOL) Hindi Literature 2 Years Distance (ODL) / Online
Master of Arts (Urdu) / MA (Applied Urdu) Urdu Language & Literature 2 Years Distance (ODL)
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA / BCA_NEWOL) Computer Applications 3 Years Distance (ODL) / Online
Bachelor of Commerce (BCOMOL) Commerce & Accounting 3 Years Online
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 36 Disciplines (Regular Mode) 3 Years Full-Time / Part-Time Campus

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU Notification 103 Revised Programme Fees 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU Notification 103 Revised Programme Fees 2026 (2027).
First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU B.Ed Waiting List Delhi Regional Centre July 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU B.Ed Waiting List Delhi Regional Centre July 2026 (2026).

IGNOU fee structure: July 2026 session fee and charges

Indira Gandhi National Open University mandates mandatory admission components including registration, university development, course change, project evaluation, and practical examination fees across its academic offerings. Reserved category candidates under Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe classifications may receive fee exemptions subject to current university guidelines. Additional fee slabs apply whenever candidates submit term-end project reports or request elective changes.

IGNOU General Fee Structure and Mandatory Charges for July 2026

Fee Component Amount (INR) Applicability / Payment Terms
Registration Fee Rs 300 One-time at admission (Non-refundable)
University Development Fee Rs 400 One-time payable at time of admission
UG Course Change Fee (2 or 4 credits) Rs 350 Within 30 days of receiving study material
UG Course Change Fee (6 or 8 credits) Rs 700 Within 30 days of receiving study material
PG Course Change Fee (2 or 4 credits) Rs 600 Within 30 days of receiving study material
PG Course Change Fee (6 or 8 credits) Rs 1,200 Within 30 days of receiving study material
Admission Cancellation Fee 15% of fee (Max Rs 2,000) Deducted if cancelled after confirmation

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU B.Sc B.Ed Merit List Admission Session July 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU B.Sc B.Ed Merit List Admission Session July 2026 (2026).
IGNOU IGNOU fee structure: July 2026 session fee and charges (₹) chart
IGNOU fee structure: July 2026 session fee and charges (₹).

IGNOU eligibility criteria: academic qualification and duration rules

Indira Gandhi National Open University enforces eligibility rules based on educational qualifications, minimum marks, and duration limits specified per academic programme. Master’s level courses require a completed Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution, while research programmes follow strict entrance and attendance criteria. Candidates with benchmark disabilities receive specific duration relaxations under university provisions.

IGNOU Eligibility Rules and Duration Slabs

Programme Level Minimum Educational Eligibility Standard Duration Relaxation Slabs
Master’s Degree (M.Com, MBA, M.A.) Graduate degree from a recognised university 2 Years (Max 4 Years) Additional 2 years for PwD (40%+)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Master’s Degree as per UGC 2022 regulations 3 Years (Max 6 Years) Additional 2 years for Women & PwD
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) As specified in IGNOU B.Ed prospectus 2 Years As per university rules
Online PG & UG Programmes Graduate / 10+2 depending on programme 2 to 3 Years As per programme guide

Location of Indira Gandhi National Open University headquarters.

IGNOU student services

IGNOU admission dates: July 2026 session deadlines

Indira Gandhi National Open University operates structured schedules for admission application submissions across distance and online programmes. Candidates seeking entry into degree courses or specialized faculty training must submit their completed forms on the relevant Samarth portals prior to published closing dates. Key deadlines for the July 2026 admission cycle are tabulated below.

IGNOU Important Admission and Registration Dates for 2026

Event / Admission Event Target Audience / Session Official Closing Date
Online Programmes Admission Deadline July 2026 Session (Non-semester / non-certificate) 13 October 2026
Ph.D. Online Registration Window July 2026 Session (Regular Campus Mode) 15 July 2026
NEP Orientation & Sensitization Registration Faculty & Research Scholars (MMC-142-2026-OCT-A-08685) 26 October 2026

IGNOU Timeline: IGNOU admission dates: July 2026 session deadlines chart
Timeline: IGNOU admission dates: July 2026 session deadlines.

IGNOU required documents: admission application checklist

Indira Gandhi National Open University requires applicants to upload scanned, legible copies of official certificates during the online admission procedure. Uploading incomplete, blurred, or unverified documents leads to immediate application rejection without notice. Candidates must prepare clear soft copies of original records before initiating registration on the admission portal.

  • Recent passport-size colour photograph with white background (under 100 KB in JPEG)
  • Scanned copy of student signature (under 100 KB in JPEG)
  • Educational qualification marksheets and degree certificates (under 200 KB in JPEG/PDF)
  • Date of Birth certificate or Class 10 board certificate
  • Category certificate for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, or EWS candidates (where fee exemption or reservation applies)
  • Valid APAAR ID for online programme applicants
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer (mandatory for part-time Ph.D. applicants)
  • PwBD disability certificate (if seeking duration relaxation or seat reservation)

IGNOU course application: Samarth portal step-by-step process

Candidates applying for distance learning or online programmes at Indira Gandhi National Open University must complete the process through the official Samarth admission portal or the IGNOU online programmes portal. Registration requires creating user credentials, submitting personal and educational details, uploading scanned files, and paying the online fee.

  1. Open the Samarth admission portal for distance programmes or the IGNOU online programmes portal for digital online courses.
  2. Click on the ‘NEW REGISTRATION’ button located in the applicant login area.
  3. Enter a valid Username (8 to 16 characters) and a password, along with an active email address and mobile number.
  4. Log in using the newly created credentials sent via email and SMS.
  5. Provide personal information, educational background, address, and select the desired academic programme.
  6. Upload scanned files of your photograph, signature, marksheets, category certificate, and valid APAAR ID.
  7. Preview the completed form details and make any necessary corrections prior to final submission.
  8. Pay the required programme fee, non-refundable registration fee of Rs 300, and development fee of Rs 400 using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
  9. Download and save a copy of the completed application form and fee payment confirmation receipt for future reference.

IGNOU course options: PhD and online degree programmes

Indira Gandhi National Open University offers regular campus-based Ph.D. research programmes across 36 disciplines alongside fully online degree options managed by the School of Computer and Information Sciences and other schools. Ph.D. students undergo six months of compulsory coursework at the IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi, whereas online learners study completely digitally via IGNOU online programmes portal without printed study materials.

  • Regular Ph.D. disciplines include Computer Science, Management, Education, Commerce, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Environmental Science, Bio-Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Journalism.
  • Online degree programmes (IOP) include BCA_NEWOL, MCAOL, MCOMOL, MBAOL, MEGOL, MSWOL, and BCOMOL.
  • Ph.D. coursework mandates 80% attendance at the IGNOU Campus, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi during the first six months.
  • Online programme learners access study materials exclusively via eGyanKosh digital repository and online services.

Five men at an event at IGNOU, one receiving a document.
Five men attending an event at Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi.
Main entrance gate of IGNOU, with its name, trees, and people.
The main entrance gate of Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, India.

Key facts

  • University Name: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
  • Academic Session: July 2026 Session
  • Registration Fee: Rs 300 (Non-refundable)
  • Development Fee: Rs 400 (Paid at admission)
  • Admission Portal (ODL/Distance): Samarth Admission Portal
  • Admission Portal (Online IOP): IGNOU IOP Samarth Portal
  • Ph.D. Coursework Duration: 6 Months at IGNOU HQ, New Delhi

Notices and Documents from IGNOU

Common IGNOU Questions

Are IGNOU degrees recognized by private companies and HR recruiters for jobs?

Yes, degrees awarded by Indira Gandhi National Open University are fully recognised for employment in private companies, public sector undertakings, and government agencies. IGNOU is a central university established by an Act of Parliament, and its professional courses like the MBA hold AICTE approval. Candidates meeting degree completion criteria hold valid qualifications for corporate job roles across India.

Is there an upper age limit for taking admission in IGNOU?

Indira Gandhi National Open University generally does not prescribe an upper age limit for admission to most of its undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes. Learners of any age who satisfy the baseline educational qualification criteria can enroll. Applicants must verify specific professional programme prospectuses for any exceptional regulatory conditions.

Can I pursue a distance degree from IGNOU alongside a regular degree at another university?

Yes, University Grants Commission regulations allow students to pursue two academic programmes concurrently under specific conditions. Learners can enroll in one full-time regular degree at another university while simultaneously pursuing a distance or online degree from IGNOU. It is crucial for candidates to meticulously ensure that class schedules, assignment submission deadlines, and Term-End Examination dates for both institutions do not overlap. Students should consult the respective programme guides and their Regional Centre for guidance on managing dual enrollments effectively.

What is the per-paper exam fee for IGNOU Term-End Examinations?

Term-End Examination fees are paid online during examination form submission for each course paper a candidate intends to write. In addition to standard theory exam fees, IGNOU charges separate practical examination fees and project evaluation fees based on approved course credit slabs. Exact paper charges are specified in the official examination portal during every exam cycle.

Is an IGNOU Bachelor’s degree accepted for admission into top MBA colleges like IIMs or FMS?

Yes, a Bachelor’s degree completed from IGNOU is recognized by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), and other leading business schools. Applicants must hold a recognised three-year undergraduate degree with required minimum percentage marks to fulfill basic entrance eligibility. Admission depends on clearing national entrance exams like CAT and subsequent selection rounds.

Is an IGNOU Master’s degree eligible for Assistant Professor roles and government exam preparation?

Yes, a Master’s degree from IGNOU fulfills the eligibility requirements for appearing in the UGC NET, CSIR NET, and State Eligibility Tests for Assistant Professor positions. It is also valid for national competitive examinations conducted by UPSC, SSC, and State Public Service Commissions. Students must obtain the minimum qualifying percentage in their postgraduate degree as specified by the respective exam authority.

How can I check my IGNOU admission status after applying online?

Students can track their admission progress online after submitting the application. A confirmation message is sent to the registered mobile number and email ID once admission is confirmed. If any discrepancy is found in the admission form, applicants must rectify it within the stipulated time frame. Failure to address discrepancies will result in the rejection of the admission form.

Does IGNOU offer fee exemptions for SC/ST students for the July 2026 session?

Yes, IGNOU provides programme fee exemptions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students for the July 2026 session, subject to its policy. This exemption applies to the programme fee only and is allowed for one programme per student. Applicants must submit an income certificate from an Authorized Government Agency during admission. However, other charges like the non-refundable Registration fee, Development fee, and Term-End Examination fees are not exempted.

Is an APAAR ID mandatory for IGNOU online programme admissions for July 2026?

Yes, a valid APAAR ID is mandatory for all applicants seeking admission to IGNOU’s online programmes for the July 2026 session. This ID must be provided during the online application process on the IGNOU online programmes portal. If applicants face issues creating their APAAR ID, specific guidance is available on the admission portal. Ensure your APAAR ID is ready before starting the application.

Do IGNOU online programmes provide printed study materials for the July 2026 session?

No, IGNOU online programmes for the July 2026 session do not provide printed study materials to enrolled students. Learners are expected to have access to a computer, laptop, and internet to facilitate their online learning. All study materials for online programmes are exclusively accessible through the eGyanKosh digital repository and other online services.

Where is the compulsory coursework for IGNOU Ph.D. programmes conducted for the July 2026 session?

The compulsory coursework for IGNOU Ph.D. programmes for the July 2026 session is conducted at the IGNOU Headquarters, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. This coursework spans the first six months of admission and requires regular attendance from all students. A minimum of 80% attendance in these coursework classes at the IGNOU Campus is mandatory for all Ph.D. candidates.

What is the fee refund policy if I cancel my IGNOU admission for the July 2026 session?

IGNOU refunds the full programme fee if an applicant submits a cancellation request before admission confirmation for the July 2026 session. If the cancellation request is made after admission confirmation, 15% of the programme fee is deducted up to a maximum ceiling of Rs 2,000. Learners must submit their cancellation request directly through the applicant login on the official portal. No refund of fees is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.

What additional registration and development fees must be paid during IGNOU July 2026 admission?

Applicants enrolling in IGNOU programmes for the July 2026 session must pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 300 along with a university development fee of Rs 400 at the time of admission. These mandatory charges are added to the standard programme fee during online payment on the Samarth admission portal. SC and ST category students eligible for fee exemption must also pay these non-exempted charges during registration. Candidates can complete the payment using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.

What is the fee and timeline for changing an elective course in IGNOU Master’s programmes?

Learners must pay a fee of Rs 600 for a 2 or 4 credit course and Rs 1,200 for a 6 or 8 credit course to change an elective in IGNOU Master’s degree programmes. The request for course change must be submitted within 30 days from receiving the first set of study material. Payment must be made via a Demand Draft drawn in favour of IGNOU payable at the concerned Regional Centre. Requests sent after 30 days are rejected.

What is the maximum duration to complete a Ph.D. programme at IGNOU for female candidates?

Women candidates receive a maximum duration of eight years to complete a Ph.D. programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University. The standard duration prescribed for Ph.D. scholars in the July 2026 session is three years minimum and six years maximum. University regulations grant women applicants and Persons with Disabilities with 40% disability an additional relaxation of two years. Candidates must complete compulsory coursework at IGNOU New Delhi prior to research.

What was the application deadline for IGNOU online programme admissions for the July 2026 session?

The application deadline for non-semester and non-certificate online programmes for the July 2026 session was extended to 13 October 2026. Applicants submitted their forms through the IGNOU online programmes portal at ignouiop.samarth.edu.in along with the mandatory non-refundable registration fee of Rs 300 and development fee of Rs 400. Candidates were required to provide a valid APAAR ID during online registration. If an application remains incomplete after the deadline, it is summarily rejected without further intimation to the applicant.

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