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IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission

Updated 14 October 2026 Fact-checked by Mehak Jain, M.Com student, IGNOU Courses & Fees 7 min read
Detail Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ)
Programme code PGDCJ
School School of Law (SOL)
Eligibility Any Graduate, Graduate in Criminology, Social Work & Functionaries of Criminal Justice Administration.
Medium English
Duration 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum
Programme fee (July 2026) Rs. 11,000/- *
Full-course programme fee Rs. 11,000 (Rs. 11,000 x 1 year)
Total credits 40
Admission cycles January & July

IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ): what the programme covers

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (PGDCJ) is for citizens and professionals who want to understand criminal justice developments. It aims to enhance the competencies of those already working in the criminal justice system. The School of Law (SOL) offers this programme, which has a total of 40 credits.

The objectives include creating well-informed professionals in criminal justice. This diploma helps learners keep pace with emerging developments in the field.

IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) eligibility: who can apply

To apply for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice, candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognised university. This includes graduates in Criminology and Social Work. Functionaries of Criminal Justice Administration are also eligible to apply.

The programme is offered in English medium only. There are no other language options for the Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice.

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

IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges

For the full minimum duration of one year, the total programme fee is Rs. 11,000. This amount does not include additional charges like registration, development, or examination fees.

Learners pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 at admission for the July 2026 session. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also paid at admission.

Learners who choose soft copies of study materials instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The self-learning material for over 3923 courses is available on the eGyanKosh repository.

Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) fees, July 2026 session

Charge Amount
Programme fee (July 2026) Rs. 11,000/- *
Full-course programme fee Rs. 11,000 (Rs. 11,000 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 Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) duration and credits

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma has a minimum duration of 1 year. Learners can take up to 3 years to complete the programme. The total credits for the programme are 40, with all programme courses contributing to this total.

A learner who falls behind can use the maximum duration to complete their studies. For instance, if a learner cannot complete the programme in 1 year, they have an additional 2 years to finish the 40 credits.

IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) syllabus: semester-wise courses

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (PGDCJ) is for those who want to understand emerging developments in criminal justice. The programme has a total of 40 credits. It also aims to enhance the competencies of professionals already working in the criminal justice system.

The objectives of the programme include creating well-informed citizens in the area of criminal justice.

Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) structure at a glance

Semester / group Courses Credits
Programme courses 7 courses 40

Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) Programme courses

Course code Course title Credits Type
MLE 111 Criminal Justice System 4
MLE 112 Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 6
MLE 113 Criminal Justice Processes 6
MLE 114 Criminal Justice Administration 6
MLE 115 Challenges to Criminal Justice System 4
MLE 116 Criminal Justice Research and Advocacy 6
MLEP 117 Project 8 Project

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

IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal

The application process for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (PGDCJ) for the July 2026 session is entirely online. Applicants must use the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.

IGNOU conducts admissions for the Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice twice a year, in the January and July cycles. The current admission cycle open on the Samarth portal is July 2026.

To apply for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice, follow these steps:

  1. Keep your APAAR ID ready before starting the application.
  2. Gather the necessary documents: a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB in JPEG format; a soft copy of your relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB in JPEG or PDF format; and a soft copy of your category certificate if you are SC/ST/OBC, under 200 KB.
  3. Register on the ODL admission portal for the July 2026 cycle.
  4. Fill out the application form with your personal and educational details.
  5. Upload the required documents.
  6. Pay the fees online using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 11,000/-. Additionally, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are paid at admission.
  7. No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre after completing the online application.

IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) exams and assignments

Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma. Tutor Marked Assignments go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. A failed assignment must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.

Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as per the December 2026 TEE schedule. Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes, as per the December 2026 TEE rules.

The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for 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, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. 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 are not eligible.

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 Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?

The total programme fee for the minimum duration of one year is Rs. 11,000 for the July 2026 session. This amount does not include the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, the University Development fee of Rs. 400, or examination fees.

What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?

To be eligible for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma, you must be a graduate in any discipline. Graduates in Criminology or Social Work, and functionaries of Criminal Justice Administration, are also eligible to apply.

How many credits does the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice have?

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice has a total of 40 credits.

Which courses in the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice have the highest credit weight?

The project course, MLEP 117, carries the highest credit weight at 8 credits. Other courses with significant weight are MLE 112 Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, MLE 113 Criminal Justice Processes, MLE 114 Criminal Justice Administration, and MLE 116 Criminal Justice Research and Advocacy, each worth 6 credits.

Is there a project component in the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?

Yes, the programme includes a compulsory project component, MLEP 117 Project. This course is worth 8 credits, making it the most credit-heavy course in the programme.

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

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

Where can I find the study materials for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?

Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book and/or e-book. Additionally, self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes, including this diploma, is available on the eGyanKosh repository.

What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?

The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice is 1 year. Learners have a maximum of 3 years to complete all programme requirements.

When are the Term-End Examinations (TEE) held for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?

Term-End Examinations are conducted twice a year, in June and December. Learners must submit their assignments before appearing for the TEE for each course.

How much is the examination fee per course for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?

The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For the project course (MLEP 117), which is above 4 credits, the examination fee is Rs. 500, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.