IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
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The IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture is a one-year programme with a fee of Rs. 4,000 for the July 2026 session. Students who have passed 10+2 are eligible to apply.
| Detail | Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | DHORT |
| School | School of Agriculture (SOA) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 Pass |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs.4,000/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 4,000 (Rs. 4,000 x 1 year) |
| Total credits | 32 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT): what the programme covers
The IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture is a 32-credit programme from the School of Agriculture (SOA). It covers the science and art of producing fruits, vegetables, flowering plants, and landscaping. The programme also deals with the preservation and production of value-added products from fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) was developed to cater to knowledge and skill in horticulture for various stakeholders.
The programme structure includes several study blocks. For example, BAP-002 covers the Importance and Scope of Horticulture, Soil and Climate, Nutrient, Water and Weed Management, and Cultural Practices. BAPI-004 focuses on Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical, and Arid Fruits. BAPI-005 examines Major and Minor Vegetable Crops. BAPI-006 details Cut Flowers, Loose Flowers, Lawn, Annuals and Bedding Plants, Indoor Plants Including Cacti and Other Succulents, and Woody Ornamentals, as well as Landscaping. BAPI-007 teaches Propagation Methods and Nursery Management.
IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture, candidates must have passed 10+2. The medium of instruction for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture is English.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture programme fee is Rs. 4,000 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. For the full minimum duration of one year, the total programme fee is Rs. 4,000. This amount does not include additional charges such as registration, development, and examination fees.
A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 is paid at admission, on top of the programme fee. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also paid at admission. Learners applying through the ODL admission portal, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, can craft payments via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.
| Fee Type | Amount (Rs.) | Details |
|—|—|—|
| Programme Fee (per year) | 4,000 | As per July 2026 prospectus |
| Registration Fee | 300 | Non-refundable, paid at admission |
| University Development Fee | 400 | Paid at admission |
Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs.4,000/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 4,000 (Rs. 4,000 x 1 year) |
| 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 Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) duration and credits
The IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum duration of 3 years. Learners must complete all programme requirements within this 3-year period to receive the diploma. The total credits for the programme are 32, with all programme courses contributing to this total.
IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) syllabus covers the science and art of producing fruits, vegetables, flowering plants, and landscaping. It also includes the preservation and production of value-added products from these items. The programme has a total of 32 credits.
The programme is structured to provide knowledge and skills in horticulture for various stakeholders.
The course BAP-002, “Importance and Scope of Horticulture,” includes study blocks on the importance and scope of horticulture, soil and climate, nutrient, water, and weed management, and cultural practices. BAPI-004 focuses on fruit production, covering temperate, sub-tropical, tropical, and arid fruits. BAPI-005 covers major and minor vegetable crops.
Ornamental horticulture is addressed in BAPI-006, which includes cut flowers, loose flowers, lawn, annuals and bedding plants, indoor plants, cacti and other succulents, and woody ornamentals, along with landscaping. BAPI-007 covers propagation methods and nursery management. These courses are available as study blocks on eGyanKosh.
Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 5 courses | 32 |
Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) Programme courses
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BAP-002 | Basic Horticulture | 4 |
| BAPI-004 | Production Technology of Fruit Crops | 8 |
| BAPI-005 | Production Technology of Vegetable Crops | 8 |
| BAPI-006 | Floriculture and Landscaping | 8 |
| BAPI-007 | Plant Propagation and Nursery Management | 4 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
Applying for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture for the July 2026 admission cycle requires a fully online application through the Samarth portal. Two admission cycles are available each year: January and July. The current cycle open on the ODL admission portal is July 2026. Applicants should keep their APAAR ID ready before starting the application process.
This includes the annual programme fee of Rs. 4,000, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, and a University Development fee of Rs. 400. Payment can be made using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
Follow these steps to apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture:
- Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
- Register as a new user if you do not have an existing account.
- Complete the application form with personal and academic details.
- Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Upload a soft copy of your relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
- If applicable, upload a soft copy of your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC), under 200 KB.
- Submit the application. No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre.
IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture (DHORT) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture. Tutor Marked Assignments go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the university website. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. Examination centres are available across the country and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as seen in the December 2026 TEE schedule. Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course, applicable to the 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, as of the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course as of January 2026. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars cannot be re-evaluated.
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 Diploma in Horticulture?
The programme fee for the full minimum duration of the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture is Rs. 4,000 for the July 2026 session. This amount does not include the registration fee, university development fee, or examination fees.
What are the admission fees for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture?
Learners pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission. These are in addition to the programme fee of Rs. 4,000 per year for the July 2026 session.
How many credits are in the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture?
The IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture has a total of 32 credits.
Which courses in the Diploma in Horticulture have the most credits?
BAPI-004 Production Technology of Fruit Crops, BAPI-005 Production Technology of Vegetable Crops, and BAPI-006 Floriculture and Landscaping each carry 8 credits. These courses require more study time than the 4-credit courses.
Are there any practical components in the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture?
The programme description mentions the science and art of production, but the FACTS block does not specify practical sessions for any course. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory where a programme has practicals.
What is the eligibility for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture?
Learners must have passed 10+2 to be eligible for the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture. The medium of instruction for the programme is English.
How long does it take to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture is 1 year. Learners have a maximum duration of 3 years to finish the programme.
Can I get a discount if I choose digital study materials?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of the study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The self-learning material is also available on eGyanKosh.
Where can I find the study blocks for the courses?
The study blocks for all courses, including BAP-002 Basic Horticulture and BAPI-004 Production Technology of Fruit Crops, are available on the eGyanKosh repository. This platform hosts self-learning material for over 3923 courses.
How many courses are in the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture?
The IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture comprises five courses. These are BAP-002 Basic Horticulture, BAPI-004 Production Technology of Fruit Crops, BAPI-005 Production Technology of Vegetable Crops, BAPI-006 Floriculture and Landscaping, and BAPI-007 Plant Propagation and Nursery Management.