IGNOU Fee Structure 2026: Course Fees, Exam Fee and Payment
Part of IGNOU Admission: IGNOU Admission 2026: Courses, Fee Structure, and Samarth Portal Process
IGNOU requires distance and online learners to pay non-refundable registration fees during admission on the Samarth portal and separate examination fees for term-end assessments. For the December 2026 Term-End Examination, students must submit project and practical fees online during exam form filling. Examination fee payments are strictly non-refundable and non-adjustable.
Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, provides distance and online education across India through its vast network of regional centres. As of the current 2026 academic year, candidates seeking admission or appearing for term-end evaluations must pay prescribed registration, programme, and examination fees online. Program fees do not cover examination charges, which must be paid separately for theory, practical, and project components during designated submission windows.
IGNOU exam fee: December 2026 term-end examination online form submission rates and rules
Indira Gandhi National Open University conducts Term-End Examinations twice every year in June and December for all distance learning courses. Students enrolled in any academic programme must submit their examination form online and pay the required fee separately from their initial admission charges. The university opens the online examination form portal from 1st March for the June session and from 1st September for the December session. Examination fees paid for a term are strictly non-refundable and non-adjustable under any circumstances.
IGNOU has not published a single standard theory paper fee or late fee amount on its main portal as of 21 October 2026. Learners must fill out a fresh application form and complete fee payment for every exam session they intend to appear in. Hall tickets are generated online seven to ten days prior to exams for students who have successfully submitted their fees and eligibility requirements.
IGNOU Term-End Examination Form Timelines and Submission Details
| Exam Session | Form Commencement Date | Submission Portal Mode | Fee Transferability Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| June Term-End Examination | 1st March | Online Mode | Non-refundable / Non-adjustable |
| December Term-End Examination | 1st September | Online Mode | Non-refundable / Non-adjustable |
IGNOU project and practical fee: December 2026 TEE submission notification details
The Student Evaluation Division issued an official notification on 19 October 2026 concerning the submission of Project, Internship, and Practical course fees for the December 2026 Term-End Examination. In accordance with earlier academic rules introduced in January 2023, practical and project evaluation fee components must be paid mandatory at the time of filling up the online examination form. These fees apply across all university academic programmes that contain lab work, practicals, or project report submissions.
Students appearing for practical examinations must retain and present the online payment receipt at their designated practical exam centre. Similarly, learners submitting project reports must attach a copy of the official online project fee payment receipt with their final submission. Regional centres inform students of specific practical exam venues, which may differ from standard theory examination centres.
IGNOU TEE Additional Evaluation Fee Components
| Fee Component | Applicable Course Type | Payment Stage | Mandatory Proof Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Evaluation Fee | Programmes with project or internship work | Online TEE Form Filling | Receipt attached with project report |
| Practical Examination Fee | Programmes with practical/lab courses | Online TEE Form Filling | Receipt shown at practical exam centre |
IGNOU course fee and change charges: fee schedule for course elective modification
Indira Gandhi National Open University permits admitted students to request a change of course or elective subject within thirty days of receiving their first set of study material. Fee rates for course changes depend directly on the credit weightage of the chosen subject and the level of the academic programme. Undergraduate students pay lower course modification charges compared to postgraduate students changing higher-credit subjects.
Payment for elective course changes cannot be submitted online and must be made via a Demand Draft. The Demand Draft must be drawn in favour of ‘IGNOU’ payable at the city where the student’s assigned Regional Centre is located. Requests submitted after the thirty-day window or with incorrect fee amounts are rejected.
IGNOU Course and Elective Change Fee Structure
| Academic Programme Level | Course Credit Value | Fee Amount (₹) | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | 2 or 4 Credits (or part thereof) | ₹350 | Demand Draft to Regional Centre |
| Undergraduate (UG) | 6 or 8 Credits | ₹700 | Demand Draft to Regional Centre |
| Master’s Degree (PG) | 2 or 4 Credits | ₹600 | Demand Draft to Regional Centre |
| Master’s Degree (PG) | 6 or 8 Credits | ₹1,200 | Demand Draft to Regional Centre |
IGNOU student services
IGNOU admission fee and registration charges: non-refundable payment rules at enrollment
When applying for new admission to any undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or certificate programme, applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee alongside the first semester or annual programme fee. Admission registration is conducted electronically via the university’s online admission portal. Applicants must ensure all submitted personal details and subject choices are correct before completing the transaction.
Incomplete online application forms or forms containing false information and wrong course choices are rejected without intimation. If a student formally requests cancellation of admission, fee refunds are processed according to the university policy established on the official website. The initial registration fee remains strictly non-refundable.
- Non-refundable registration fee is charged at the time of initial admission along with first year/semester fees.
- Payment must be made through online payment gateways integrated into the Samarth admission portal.
- Incomplete applications or incorrect elective entries lead to summary rejection without refund.
- Admission cancellation and refund requests are governed by the official IGNOU refund guidelines.
IGNOU PhD course fee: July 2026 session entrance application fee and process
Indira Gandhi National Open University offers Doctor of Philosophy programmes under both full-time and part-time categories in compliance with UGC regulations. Applicants seeking entry into the PhD programme for the July 2026 session were required to submit an online application fee of ₹1,000. This application fee is non-refundable and must be paid through the official PhD Samarth portal during registration.
Selected PhD candidates must attend compulsory coursework classes at the IGNOU Headquarters campus in Main Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, during the first six months of admission. The university does not offer hostel facilities, requiring research scholars to arrange their own accommodation in Delhi during coursework. The online application deadline for the July 2026 PhD session closed on 15 July 2026.
- PhD Application Fee: ₹1,000 (Non-refundable).
- Portal: Official IGNOU PhD Samarth portal.
- Coursework Location: IGNOU Campus, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi (100% attendance expected, minimum 80% mandatory).
- July 2026 Session Application Deadline: 15 July 2026 (Registration currently closed).
IGNOU fee support and concessions: SC, ST, and jail inmate fee waivers
Indira Gandhi National Open University provides targeted financial assistance and fee support schemes to expand access for marginalized and vulnerable learner groups. Eligible candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories can avail fee support schemes for specified academic programmes as outlined in university notifications. Specific eligibility guidelines and documentation requirements apply during online registration.
Additionally, IGNOU grants a full waiver of the IGNOU programme fee for jail inmates pursuing studies while serving sentences in prisons across India. Inmates are exempted from paying standard tuition and programme fees to facilitate rehabilitation through higher education. Candidates seeking SC/ST fee support must submit valid category certificates during admission.
- Scheme of Fee Support available for eligible SC and ST students in selected programmes.
- Full waiver of IGNOU Programme Fee for jail inmates across recognized study centres.
- Valid self-attested SC/ST category certificates must be uploaded during online application.
- Detailed terms and lists of eligible courses are published in the Common Prospectus.
IGNOU fee payment modes: online portal steps and payment receipts
All primary student fee transactions, including admission fees, re-registration fees, and term-end examination fees, are processed digitally through IGNOU’s Samarth web portals. Students can pay using online payment options such as debit cards, credit cards, and net banking. Upon successful transaction, students must download and print the fee receipt for administrative records and future practical/project submissions.
To submit examination or admission fees online, candidates should follow a structured step-by-step procedure on the university website. Following these steps ensures proper credit of fees against the student’s enrolment number.
- Access the designated portal, such as the IGNOU Samarth admission portal or the official examination portal.
- Log in using your enrolment number/username and password, or complete new registration using an active email ID and mobile number.
- Select the required service, such as TEE Form Submission, Re-Registration, or New Admission.
- Fill in required course codes, exam centre choices, or personal details accurately.
- Proceed to the online payment gateway, choose your preferred payment mode (Credit Card / Debit Card / Net Banking), and complete the payment.
- Download and save the official digital payment receipt for future reference and practical/project verification.
IGNOU education loan support: Vidya Lakshmi portal integration for fee financing
Indira Gandhi National Open University students seeking financial assistance to cover higher education costs can access education loan facilities through the national Vidya Lakshmi Portal. Developed and maintained by NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited, Vidya Lakshmi acts as a single-window electronic platform connecting students with banks for educational loans and government scholarships.
Learners can browse suitable educational loan schemes, submit online applications directly to participating banks, and track loan sanction status in real time. This facility enables distance education students to secure financing for professional and higher-degree course fees.
- Single-window electronic portal for student education loans and government scholarships.
- Maintained by NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited.
- Allows direct online application to multiple bank loan schemes.
- Provides real-time tracking from loan application submission to final sanction.
Where to go on the IGNOU site
- Check general IGNOU admission informationignou.ac.in ↗
- Apply for distance learning admissionignouadmission.samarth.edu.in ↗
- Register new account on Samarth portalignou.samarth.edu.in ↗
- Submit grievance regarding fee paymentsigram.ignou.ac.in ↗
- Log in to IGNOU student portalignou.samarth.edu.in ↗
Key facts
- TEE Form Start (December): 1st September
- TEE Form Start (June): 1st March
- PhD Application Fee: ₹1,000
- UG Course Change Fee (2/4 Credits): ₹350
- UG Course Change Fee (6/8 Credits): ₹700
- PG Course Change Fee (2/4 Credits): ₹600
- PG Course Change Fee (6/8 Credits): ₹1,200
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
- IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026 PDF — IGNOU Common Prospectus containing programme fees and rules
- IGNOU PhD Entrance Test Information Brochure July 2025 PDF — PhD Entrance Test Information Brochure with fee guidelines
- IGNOU BEd Programme Prospectus 2025 PDF — B.Ed Prospectus with TEE exam fee policies
Common IGNOU Questions
Does IGNOU provide fee refunds for re-evaluation or cancelled admissions?
IGNOU processes admission cancellation fee refunds strictly according to its official university refund policy, but examination and registration fees remain non-refundable and non-adjustable. If an applicant submits forged or misleading documents, their admission is cancelled immediately without any refund. To request an admission refund, students must submit an application on the official web portal as per established guidelines. If refund issues or payment discrepancies arise, queries can be lodged through the IGNOU iGRAM portal.
How do students pay IGNOU examination fees online?
Students can pay IGNOU examination fees online through the official examination portal during the designated application windows. The schedule commences on 1st March for the June TEE and 1st September for the December TEE. Payment is made using online payment gateways, and students must retain the digital payment receipt for practical exams and project submissions.
What are the IGNOU course elective change fees?
IGNOU charges ₹350 for 2 or 4 credit courses and ₹700 for 6 or 8 credit courses at the undergraduate level to change electives. For Master’s degree programmes, the fee is ₹600 for 2 or 4 credits and ₹1,200 for 6 or 8 credits. Requests must be submitted within 30 days of receiving study material, accompanied by a Demand Draft payable to IGNOU at the Regional Centre.
What is the application fee for IGNOU PhD programmes?
The application fee for IGNOU PhD admissions for the July 2026 session is ₹1,000 and is completely non-refundable. Applicants had to register online and pay via payment gateway on the official PhD Samarth portal before the deadline closed on 15 July 2026. Selected candidates must complete compulsory six-month coursework at the IGNOU campus in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. For discipline-specific queries or registration failures, candidates can contact the university via email at vcostudents@ignou.ac.in.
Does IGNOU offer fee concessions or waivers for specific student categories?
IGNOU provides a full programme fee waiver for jail inmates and offers a fee support scheme for eligible SC and ST students. Candidates seeking SC or ST fee support must upload valid self-attested category certificates during online application on the Samarth admission portal. Concession terms and eligible programme lists for the 2026 academic year are detailed in the official Common Prospectus. If category verification fails or support is denied, students should lodge a complaint through the iGRAM portal.
How are IGNOU project evaluation and practical examination fees paid for December 2026 TEE?
IGNOU requires project evaluation fees and practical examination fees to be paid online during TEE form filling. Applicable across all programmes with lab or project components, this requirement was re-notified on 19 October 2026 for the December 2026 session. Learners must attach the online fee receipt to their project report or present it at the practical exam centre. Any payment discrepancy should be reported through the iGRAM grievance portal.
When does the online examination fee submission window open for IGNOU term-end exams?
The online examination form submission window commences on 1st March for the June TEE and 1st September for the December TEE. Students must submit a fresh online application on the examination portal and pay all required fees for each exam session. Hall tickets are uploaded on www.ignou.ac.in seven to ten days prior to the exams. If the payment fails to update, learners must contact the university or submit a grievance on iGRAM.
What are the registration fee rules for new IGNOU course admissions on the Samarth portal?
IGNOU charges a non-refundable registration fee along with the first semester or first-year programme fee at the time of initial admission. Candidates must complete their application online on the Samarth admission portal by submitting personal details and uploading self-attested documents. Submitting incomplete forms or incorrect elective entries results in summary rejection without any fee refund. For technical errors during registration, candidates can email vcostudents@ignou.ac.in for assistance.
Can IGNOU students apply for education loans to pay their programme fees?
IGNOU distance learners can apply for educational loans and government scholarships directly through the electronic Vidya Lakshmi Portal. Maintained by NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited, this single-window platform connects students with participating financial institutions to fund higher education. Learners can select loan schemes, complete online applications, and track sanction progress in real time. If loan processing encounters issues, students should contact the respective bank or lodge a query on iGRAM.
What documents are required when submitting the IGNOU PhD online application form?
Applicants for the IGNOU PhD programme must upload scanned self-attested copies of photo ID, qualifying marksheets, category certificates, and UGC-NET certificates on the Samarth portal. For the July 2026 session, candidates completed this process alongside a non-refundable application fee of ₹1,000 before 15 July 2026. Employed candidates applying for part-time PhD options must additionally upload an official No Objection Certificate. If document verification fails during screening, the application is rejected without refund.
How can students obtain a duplicate IGNOU identity card to appear for term-end examinations?
Students who misplace their identity card must apply for a duplicate IGNOU ID card at their Regional Centre or download it directly from www.ignou.ac.in. Examinees will not be allowed to enter the term-end examination centre without a valid student identity card issued by the university. Hall tickets are released online seven to ten days prior to the examination schedule. If duplicate ID card generation fails online, students must visit their Regional Centre immediately.
What is the selection process and coursework requirement for IGNOU PhD admissions?
IGNOU selects candidates for PhD programmes based on UGC NET scores and interviews held at Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. Category A candidates are evaluated entirely on interview performance, whereas Category B candidates receive 70% weightage for UGC NET scores and 30% for interviews. Selected scholars must complete six-month coursework at the IGNOU campus with a mandatory minimum of 80% attendance. For registration or discipline queries, candidates can contact vcostudents@ignou.ac.in.
What happens if an applicant submits incomplete details during IGNOU online admission?
IGNOU summarily rejects incomplete online application forms or submissions containing incorrect elective entries without issuing prior intimation to candidates. In all cases of rejection due to invalid data, the initial registration fee remains strictly non-refundable. Applicants must carefully verify all details and upload clear, legible self-attested documents on the official Samarth admission portal before final submission. If technical errors prevent application completion, candidates can email vcostudents@ignou.ac.in for administrative assistance.
How can students check and download their IGNOU examination hall ticket after paying fees?
IGNOU releases term-end examination hall tickets on www.ignou.ac.in seven to ten days before exams for candidates with verified fee payments. Students must access the portal, enter their enrolment number and programme code, and download the printout. Examinees must carry this hall ticket along with their official IGNOU student ID card to the exam hall. If the payment does not reflect or the hall ticket fails to generate, students should lodge a complaint on iGRAM.
What steps must applicants follow to complete IGNOU admission fee payment on the Samarth portal?
Applicants complete IGNOU admission fee payments online by registering on the Samarth admission portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in) with an active email ID and mobile number. After entering personal details and selecting courses, candidates upload clear, self-attested marksheets and category certificates before proceeding to the payment gateway. Payment is made using credit cards, debit cards, or net banking alongside the non-refundable registration fee. If technical errors occur during transaction processing, applicants should contact the university at vcostudents@ignou.ac.in.
What components are included in the IGNOU examination fees?
IGNOU examination fees cover separate charges for theory papers, practical examinations, and project evaluations. These components are distinct from the initial programme fees and must be paid separately during the designated online examination form submission windows. For the December 2026 session, project and practical fees were re-notified on 19 October 2026 as mandatory during form filling. Students must submit a fresh application and pay all applicable fees for each exam session.
More on Admission
- IGNOU Registration Details and July 2026 Admission Steps
- IGNOU Admission 2026: Courses, Fee Structure, and Samarth Portal Process
- IGNOU Admission Status 2026: How to Check Application Status Online?
- IGNOU Registration Date, July 2026 Session Schedule, and Portal Steps
- IGNOU Re-Registration 2026: Portal, Process and Last Date
- What Is the IGNOU Full Form? University History, NAAC Grade and Programmes