IGNOU Guide IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University · Delhi

What Courses Does IGNOU Offer? UG, PG, Diploma and PhD List for 2026

Updated 29 October 2026 Programmes 13 min read

IGNOU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and Ph.D. programmes through distance and online modes for the July 2026 session. Students can apply for IGNOU courses on the IGNOU IOP admission portal until 13 October 2026 by paying a Rs 300 registration fee.

Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, offers higher education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes across Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, PG Diplomas, Diplomas, and Certificate courses. For the July 2026 academic session, applications for online programmes are open until 13 October 2026, while Ph.D. registrations closed on 15 July 2026.

IGNOU Current Admission Session (₹) chart
Current Admission Session (₹).

IGNOU online programme options: July 2026 session courses

IGNOU offers 48 online academic programmes through its online admission portal for the July 2026 cycle. Learners can pursue Master’s degrees, Post Graduate Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Diplomas, and Certificate courses without printed study material.

IGNOU Online Mode Programmes List (July 2026 Session)

Programme Name Code Level Specialisation / Details
Master of Business Administration MBAOL Master’s AICTE Approved
Master of Commerce MCOMOL Master’s Commerce
Master of Computer Applications MCAOL Master’s Computer Applications
Master of Social Work MSWOL Master’s Social Work
Master of Arts (English) MEGOL Master’s English Literature
Master of Arts (Hindi) MHDOL Master’s Hindi Literature
Master of Arts (Sanskrit) MSKOL Master’s Sanskrit
Master of Arts in Distance Education MADEOL Master’s Distance Education
Masters of Arts in Rural Development MARDOL Master’s Rural Development
MA Journalism and Mass Communication MAJMCOL Master’s Journalism
Master of Arts in Sustainability Science MASSOL Master’s Sustainability
M.A. in Translation Studies MATSOL Master’s Translation
M.A. in Gandhi and Peace Studies MAGPSOL Master’s Peace Studies
Bachelor of Computer Applications BCAOL / BCA_NEWOL Bachelor’s Computer Applications
Bachelor of Commerce BCOMOL Bachelor’s Commerce
Bachelor of Social Work BSWOL Bachelor’s Social Work
Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences BLISOL Bachelor’s Library Science
Bachelor of Tourism BTSOL Bachelor’s Tourism
Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies PGDEVSOL PG Diploma Environmental Science
Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Safety PGDINDSOL PG Diploma Industrial Safety
Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication PGJMCOL PG Diploma Mass Communication
Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental and Occupational Health PGDENOHOL PG Diploma Health & Safety
Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Media PGDIDMOL PG Diploma Digital Media
Post Graduate Diploma in Development Communication PGDDCOL PG Diploma Communication
Post Graduate Diploma in Distance Education PGDDEOL PG Diploma Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development PGDRDOL PG Diploma Rural Development
Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainability Science PGDSSOL PG Diploma Sustainability
Post Graduate Diploma in Gandhi and Peace Studies PGDGPSOL PG Diploma Peace Studies
Post Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Policy PGCAPOL PG Certificate Agriculture
Post Graduate Certificate in Gandhi and Peace Studies PGCGPSOL PG Certificate Peace Studies
Diploma in Creative Writing in English DCEOL Diploma Creative Writing
Diploma Programme in Nutrition and Health Education DNHEOL Diploma Nutrition
Diploma in Urdu Language DULOL Diploma Urdu Language
Diploma in Tourism Studies DTSOL Diploma Tourism
Certificate in French Language CFLOL Certificate French
Certificate Programme in Food and Nutrition CFNOL Certificate Nutrition
Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture CSLCOL Certificate Spanish
Certificate in Urdu Language CULOL Certificate Urdu
Certificate Programme in Rural Development CRDOL Certificate Rural Development
Certificate in Tribal Studies CTRBSOL Certificate Tribal Studies

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Waiting List Offer Letter 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Waiting List Offer Letter 2026 (2026).
First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Admission Offer Letter 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Admission Offer Letter 2026 (2026).

IGNOU master degree courses: postgraduate programmes and exit rules

IGNOU conducts Master’s degree programmes across commerce, management, arts, and applied literature for postgraduate students. The Master of Commerce (MCOM) comprises 80 credits over 4 semesters with a Post Graduate Diploma exit option.

  • Master of Commerce (MCOM): 80 credits across 4 semesters (2 years). Students completing the first 40 credits (semesters 1 & 2) can exit with a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (PGDBS).
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): AICTE-approved programme requiring 80 credits over 2 to 4 years. Specialized tracks include HR (MBAHM), Finance (MBAFM), Operations (MBAOM), Marketing (MBAMM), and Banking & Finance (MBF).
  • Master of Arts (Urdu) / M.A. (Applied Urdu): 80 credits over 2 to 4 years, covering literary and professional skills including journalism and media scriptwriting.
  • Master of Arts (English) (MAEG) and Master of Arts (Hindi) (MAHD): Advanced degree programmes offered across January and July sessions.

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU PGDEVS Assignment Booklet January 2025 to July 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU PGDEVS Assignment Booklet January 2025 to July 2026 (2026).

IGNOU certificate microcredential courses: SOCIS, SOGDS, and SOMS subject options

IGNOU offers 6-month micro-credential certificate courses in Open Distance Learning mode for 10+2 passed candidates. Each course carries 1 credit and costs Rs 250 in addition to registration and university development fees.

  • School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS): SCS1 (From Code to Creation: Mastering Game Programme), SCS2 (A Complete Guide to Game Design).
  • School of Gender and Development Studies (SOGDS): SGD1 (Gender Sensitization: Society and Culture), SGD2 (POSH – Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace), SGD3 (Women’s Leadership, Capacity Building & Workplace Behavior).
  • School of Management Studies (SOMS): SMP1 (Unpacking Data- Practical Foundations for Non-Technical Students), SMP2 (Unpacking AI- Practical Foundations for Non-Technical Students), SMP3 (Data Driven Decision Making), SMP4 (Introduction to Data Analytics with Power BI).

A multi-storey concrete building featuring the IGNOU Regional Centre signboard and promotional posters.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University Regional Centre building located at Saida Kadal in Srinagar, Kashmir.

IGNOU PhD admission rules: July 2026 session guidelines

IGNOU conducts Full-Time and Part-Time Ph.D. programmes under UGC Regulations 2022 at its New Delhi headquarters campus. Applications for the July 2026 session closed on 15 July 2026 on the official admission portal.

  • Duration: Minimum 3 years and maximum 6 years. Female candidates and PwD candidates (40%+ disability) get an additional 2 years.
  • Mandatory Coursework: 6 months of regular coursework classes at IGNOU Campus, New Delhi, requiring a minimum of 80% attendance.
  • Employer NOC: Employed candidates applying for Part-Time Ph.D. must submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer at the interview stage.
  • Accommodation: IGNOU does not provide hostel facilities for Ph.D. students during coursework in New Delhi.

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.

IGNOU fee structure and registration charges: July 2026 session fees

IGNOU charges a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 300 and a university development fee of Rs 400 for new admissions. SC and ST category candidates receive programme fee exemptions upon submitting official income certificates.

IGNOU Fee Breakdown and Revision Charges

Fee Component Amount Applicability Key Conditions
Registration Fee Rs 300 All Applicants Non-refundable, paid at admission
University Development Fee Rs 400 All Applicants Mandatory at initial admission
Micro-Credential Course Fee Rs 250 per course Certificate Micro-Credentials Plus registration & development fee
UG Course Change Fee Rs 350 / Rs 700 Undergraduate Students Rs 350 for 2/4 credits; Rs 700 for 6/8 credits
PG Course Change Fee Rs 600 / Rs 1,200 Master’s Students Rs 600 for 2/4 credits; Rs 1,200 for 6/8 credits
Cancellation Deduction 15% of fee (max Rs 2,000) Confirmed Admissions Deducted if cancelled after confirmation

IGNOU IGNOU fee structure and registration charges: July 2026 session fees (₹) chart
IGNOU fee structure and registration charges: July 2026 session fees (₹).

IGNOU online admission process: step-by-step registration instructions

Candidates register for online distance learning programmes for the July 2026 session on the IGNOU IOP admission portal. Online admission applications for non-certificate programmes remain open until 13 October 2026.

  1. Visit the IGNOU IOP admission portal and click on the “NEW REGISTRATION” button.
  2. Create a username between 8 and 16 characters and an alphanumeric password between 8 and 16 characters.
  3. Log in using your registered username and password sent via SMS and email.
  4. Fill out personal information, choose your academic programme, and enter a valid APAAR ID.
  5. Upload scanned passport photograph (under 100 KB), signature (under 100 KB), and educational certificates (under 200 KB in JPEG/PDF format).
  6. Pay the registration and programme fees using Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
  7. Save and print the previewed application form and payment receipt for future reference.

IGNOU document verification requirements: documents needed for admission

Applicants must upload self-attested scanned copies of identity cards and qualifying educational certificates during registration. Document files must be formatted as JPEG or PDF within specified file size limits.

  • Clear color passport size photograph with white background (under 100 KB in JPEG format).
  • Softcopy of candidate’s signature (under 100 KB in JPEG format).
  • Softcopy of Class 10 mark sheet or date of birth certificate (under 200 KB in JPEG/PDF).
  • Softcopy of relevant educational qualification mark sheets and certificates (under 200 KB).
  • Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if claiming fee exemption or reservation (under 200 KB).
  • Experience certificate or employer NOC for Part-Time Ph.D. candidates (under 200 KB).
  • Valid APAAR ID details.

IGNOU NEP orientation programme: UGC-MMTTC October 2026 session notice

IGNOU conducts an 8-day NEP Orientation & Sensitization Programme under UGC-MMTTC from 27 October to 05 November 2026. Free online registration closes on 26 October 2026 on the UGC MMTTC portal.

  • Programme Dates: 27 October to 05 November 2026 (Afternoon session: 2:15 PM to 5:30 PM).
  • Programme ID: MMC-142-2026-OCT-A-08685.
  • Target Group: University faculty, college teachers, research scholars, and educators.
  • CAS Recognition: Considered for Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) requirements under UGC guidelines.
  • Requirements: No registration fee required; online NOC upload is mandatory during registration.

Key facts

  • Current Admission Session: July 2026
  • Online Admission Portal: ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
  • Online Admission Last Date: 13 October 2026
  • Registration Fee: Rs 300 (Non-refundable)
  • University Development Fee: Rs 400
  • Ph.D. Admission Status: Closed (15 July 2026)
  • Micro-Credential Course Fee: Rs 250 per course

Notices and Documents from IGNOU

Common IGNOU Questions

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

IGNOU degrees are fully recognized by private companies, public sector undertakings, and government employers across India. Postgraduate degrees like the MBA comply with AICTE standards, while all programmes follow UGC regulations. Applicants seeking admission for the July 2026 session pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 300 and a development fee of Rs 400 on the IGNOU IOP portal. If an incomplete application is submitted with wrong course options, it will be summarily rejected without intimation.

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

Yes, a 3-year bachelor’s degree from IGNOU is recognized for higher education admission across Indian universities and postgraduate institutes. First-degree qualifications completed prior to June 4, 1986 are treated at par with 3-year degrees without requiring a bridge course. Prospective learners applying for the July 2026 session must register on the IGNOU IOP portal by paying the Rs 300 registration fee. If an application form contains false information or wrong electives, IGNOU rejects it summarily without prior notice.

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

IGNOU master’s degrees like M.Com and M.A. are valid postgraduate qualifications for UGC NET and government examinations. However, master’s degrees awarded without a 3-year first degree are invalid unless acquired as a 5-year integrated programme. Applicants for the July 2026 cycle must complete registration on the IGNOU IOP portal by paying the Rs 300 registration fee. Incomplete forms with wrong course options will be summarily rejected without any intimation.

Is pursuing a Distance MBA from IGNOU worth it compared to other universities?

IGNOU’s MBA is an AICTE-approved 80-credit programme offering specialized streams in HR, Finance, Operations, Marketing, and Banking. Students complete the degree in 2 to 4 years, and can apply for online learning programmes like MBAOL through the IGNOU IOP portal. For the July 2026 session, applicants must pay a Rs 300 registration fee and a Rs 400 university development fee. If you need to cancel a confirmed admission, submit the request inside the applicant login rather than emailing iGRAM.

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

IGNOU prescribes no upper age limit for taking admission into any undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or certificate programme. Candidates with disabilities of 40% or more receive an additional 2 years beyond the maximum duration allowed for academic completion. For the July 2026 admission cycle, eligible candidates can submit their applications on the IGNOU IOP portal by paying a Rs 300 registration fee. If an application contains false certificates or information, the university will summarily reject it and initiate legal action.

What is the deadline to apply for IGNOU online programmes in the July 2026 session?

The application deadline for non-certificate online programmes in the July 2026 session is 13 October 2026. Applicants must complete registration on the IGNOU IOP portal and provide a valid APAAR ID along with white-background photo uploads under 100 KB. New applicants must pay the non-refundable registration fee of Rs 300 alongside the Rs 400 development fee. If you miss the submission window or submit incomplete forms, the portal automatically rejects your application without intimation.

What are the eligibility criteria and course fees for IGNOU micro-credential certificate courses?

IGNOU requires a 10+2 qualification or its equivalent for admission into its 6-month ODL micro-credential certificate courses. Each 1-credit course costs Rs 250 in addition to applicable registration and university development fees. Candidates apply through the official IGNOU admission portal by uploading clear self-attested document softcopies under 200 KB. If an application contains wrong elective choices or missing certificates, IGNOU rejects the submission summarily without any separate intimation.

What are the mandatory coursework rules and duration for IGNOU Ph.D. programmes?

IGNOU Ph.D. programmes require a minimum duration of three years and a maximum duration of six years under UGC Regulations 2022. Admitted candidates must complete six months of mandatory regular coursework classes at the IGNOU campus in New Delhi with at least 80% attendance. Women and PwD candidates with 40% or more disability get two additional years to complete the programme. Employed part-time applicants must upload a mandatory employer No Objection Certificate during interview verification.

What is the fee refund policy if a student cancels their IGNOU admission application?

IGNOU refunds the full programme fee if a candidate submits a cancellation request prior to admission confirmation. If cancellation occurs after confirmation, 15% of the programme fee up to a maximum of Rs 2,000 is deducted from the refund. Candidates must request cancellation directly inside the applicant login on the admission portal rather than emailing iGRAM. No fee refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.

What is the fee and procedure for changing an elective course in IGNOU?

IGNOU permits course or elective changes within 30 days of receiving the first set of study material upon submitting a formal request. For undergraduate courses, the fee is Rs 350 for 2 or 4 credits and Rs 700 for 6 or 8 credits. For Master’s degree courses, the fee is Rs 600 for 2 or 4 credits and Rs 1,200 for 6 or 8 credits. Payment must be made by Demand Draft to the concerned Regional Centre.

Who can register for the IGNOU UGC-MMTTC NEP orientation programme in October 2026?

IGNOU conducts an 8-day online NEP Orientation & Sensitization Programme under UGC-MMTTC from 27 October to 05 November 2026. The training is designed for university faculty, affiliated college teachers, research scholars, and educators seeking UGC CAS credits. Eligible participants must register on the UGC MMTTC portal by 26 October 2026 without paying any registration fee. Candidates must select IGNOU New Delhi, enter Programme ID MMC-142-2026-OCT-A-08685, and upload a mandatory employer NOC.

How can a student request a change or correction of their correspondence address in IGNOU?

IGNOU requires admitted students to submit the printed address change proforma from their Programme Guide directly to their concerned Regional Director. The Regional Centre updates the database and transmits corrected data to the Registrar of the Student Registration Division in Maidan Garhi. Standard processing for address correction takes four to six weeks to take effect in university records. Requests sent directly to the Student Registration Division in New Delhi or unspecified offices will not be entertained.

What are the document upload format and size requirements for IGNOU online admissions?

IGNOU requires candidates to upload self-attested scanned original documents with white-background photos under 100 KB and educational certificates under 200 KB in JPEG or PDF format. For the July 2026 session, applicants must upload clear softcopies of their signature, qualifying mark sheets, and category certificates on the IGNOU IOP portal. Registration requires a valid APAAR ID alongside paying the non-refundable Rs 300 registration fee. Incomplete forms with illegible documents are summarily rejected without intimation.

What is the difference between IGNOU’s ODL and Online mode programmes?

IGNOU offers programmes through both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes for students. Online programmes require learners to be comfortable with digital platforms and do not provide any printed study material. Conversely, ODL mode programmes typically involve printed study materials and may offer additional support services through designated study centres. Students who prefer traditional study materials or are not comfortable with online learning should enrol in ODL programmes via the ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in portal.

How many online academic programmes does IGNOU offer for the July 2026 session?

IGNOU offers 48 online academic programmes through its online admission portal for the July 2026 admission cycle. These programmes encompass Master’s degrees, Post Graduate Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Diplomas, and Certificate courses. Learners enrolled in online mode programmes will not receive printed study material, relying instead on digital resources. The application window for these online programmes is open until 13 October 2026.

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