IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) Syllabus 2026: Course-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) syllabus structure: 40 credits
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (PGDCJ) syllabus comprises 40 credits, structured across seven courses and one project. Learners complete all 40 credits within a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years. The programme fee for the full minimum duration is Rs. 11,000 for the July 2026 session, excluding registration, development, and exam fees.
The syllabus includes six theory courses and a mandatory project, MLEP 117, which carries 8 credits. Courses like MLE 112 Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, MLE 113 Criminal Justice Processes, and MLE 114 Criminal Justice Administration each carry 6 credits, indicating a higher workload compared to 4-credit courses such as MLE 111 Criminal Justice System. Learners typically complete assignments (TMAs) for each course and appear for term-end examinations (TEEs). The project, MLEP 117, requires submission and evaluation, contributing significantly to the overall credit count.
Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 7 courses | 40 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) Programme courses subjects: Criminal Justice System, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (PGDCJ) programme covers the Indian criminal justice system, its processes, and administration. The programme includes seven courses, totalling 40 credits. MLE 111 Criminal Justice System provides foundational knowledge, which is then expanded upon in courses like MLE 113 Criminal Justice Processes and MLE 114 Criminal Justice Administration. These courses build on the initial understanding of how the system operates.
MLEP 117 Project is the heaviest course, carrying 8 credits. This project requires a significant amount of independent work. MLE 112 Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, MLE 113 Criminal Justice Processes, MLE 114 Criminal Justice Administration, and MLE 116 Criminal Justice Research and Advocacy each carry 6 credits, indicating their substantial content.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) Programme courses: courses and credits
| 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 |
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma has two assessment components: assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses before taking the Term-End Examination. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. 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. 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. For the project course, MLEP 117, which carries 8 credits, the project exam fee is Rs. 500. This fee applies to admissions from the January 2023 cycle onwards. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. Two exam sessions are held daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. Examination centres are available across the country and abroad. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Criminal Justice) (PGDCJ) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material for the Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice. If a learner chooses the soft copy option instead of printed material, a 15% discount applies to the programme fee.
The eGyanKosh repository provides self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes. This includes the Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice. The programme has a total of 40 credits, spread across seven courses.
Counselling sessions are held according to the schedule set by the Learner Support Centre. These sessions supplement the self-study material. For example, MLE 112 Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and MLE 113 Criminal Justice Processes each carry 6 credits, indicating a significant study load. The MLEP 117 Project carries 8 credits, requiring dedicated effort.
One credit equals 30 hours of learner study. Technology-enabled support is available through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based resources. This support helps learners manage courses like MLE 111 Criminal Justice System (4 credits) and MLE 115 Challenges to Criminal Justice System (4 credits).
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
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 IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice is Rs. 11,000 for the minimum one-year duration, as per the July 2026 prospectus. This amount excludes the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and the University Development fee of Rs. 400, both paid at admission.
Which courses in the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice have the highest credit weight?
The Project (MLEP 117) carries the highest credit weight at 8 credits. Additionally, MLE 112 Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, MLE 113 Criminal Justice Processes, MLE 114 Criminal Justice Administration, and MLE 116 Criminal Justice Research and Advocacy each carry 6 credits.
Does the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice include a project or practical component?
Yes, the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice includes a compulsory Project (MLEP 117) worth 8 credits. This project is a significant part of the programme's total 40 credits.
How many credits must be completed for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?
Learners must complete a total of 40 credits to earn the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice. This includes seven courses and a project, as listed in the programme structure.
What are the eligibility requirements for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice, applicants must hold any graduate degree. Graduates in Criminology, Social Work, and functionaries of Criminal Justice Administration are also eligible.
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 from their admission date.
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 for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice. Additionally, the self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes is available on the eGyanKosh repository.
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 materials receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available during the admission process for the July 2026 session.
What are the objectives of the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice programme?
The programme aims to keep pace with emerging developments in criminal justice and create well-informed citizens and professionals in the area. It also seeks to enhance the competencies of professionals already working within the criminal justice system.