Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the biggest and most well-known distance learning universities in the world. It started in 1985 and has been helping students across India get a good education from anywhere. IGNOU offers flexible and affordable study options, making it perfect for working people, students living in remote areas, or anyone who wants to study at their own pace.
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ToggleIn this blog, you’ll find all the important details about IGNOU courses, fees, and admission process to help you choose the right program for your future.
About Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
IGNOU was started by the Indian government in 1985 through an Act of Parliament. The university is recognized by both UGC and DEB. With the motto “Education for All,” IGNOU has over 40 lakh students studying in more than 333 courses in India and other countries. It helps students through regional centers, study centers, and online classes, so learning is possible from anywhere.
Why Choose IGNOU?
Flexible and Easy to Access
IGNOU lets you study at your own speed. It’s perfect for:
- Working people
- Homemakers
- Students in villages or far areas
- Those doing other courses too
Many Course Options
IGNOU offers many types of courses:
- UG (Bachelor’s)
- PG (Master’s)
- Diplomas and Certificates
- PhD/Doctoral programs
- Online courses
Low Fees
IGNOU courses are budget-friendly, so more people can study.
Valid Degrees
IGNOU degrees are accepted for jobs, further studies, and exams like UPSC, SSC, and NET.
Indira Gandhi Open University Courses List 2025
Here’s a categorized overview of popular courses offered by IGNOU:
1. Undergraduate Courses (UG)
Course | Duration | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
BA (Bachelor of Arts) | 3 Years | 10+2 |
B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) | 3 Years | 10+2 |
B.Sc (Bachelor of Science) | 3 Years | 10+2 (Science stream) |
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) | 3 Years | 10+2 |
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) | 3 Years | 10+2 |
2. Postgraduate Courses (PG)
Course | Duration | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
MA (Master of Arts) | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
M.Com (Master of Commerce) | 2 Years | B.Com or Equivalent |
M.Sc (Master of Science) | 2 Years | B.Sc or Equivalent |
MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 2 Years | Graduation + IGNOU Entrance Test |
MCA (Master of Computer Applications) | 2 Years | BCA/Graduation with Math at 10+2 |
3. Diploma Courses
Course | Duration | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education | 1 Year | 10+2 |
Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education | 1 Year | 10+2 |
Diploma in Tourism Studies | 1 Year | 10+2 |
4. Certificate Courses
Course | Duration | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Certificate in Human Rights | 6 Months | 10+2 |
Certificate in Food and Nutrition | 6 Months | 10+2 |
Certificate in Library and Information Science | 6 Months | 10+2 |
5. PG Diploma Programs
Course | Duration | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
PG Diploma in Management (PGDIM) | 1 Year | Bachelor’s Degree |
PG Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD) | 1 Year | Bachelor’s Degree |
PG Diploma in Education Management and Administration | 1 Year | Graduation |
6. Doctoral Programs
IGNOU offers Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs in various disciplines. Admission is through a national-level entrance exam and interview process.
IGNOU Online Courses
With the rise of digital learning, IGNOU has launched several online courses through its SWAYAM and eGyanKosh platforms. Students can access lectures, assignments, and study materials online. Some popular online courses include:
- Online MBA
- Online MA in Psychology
- Online MCA
- Online B.Com
IGNOU Admission Process 2025
IGNOU offers admission twice a year:
- January Session
- July Session
Admissions are mainly conducted online via the IGNOU Samarth Portal.
Step-by-Step IGNOU Admission Guide
- Visit the IGNOU Admission Portal
- https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
- Register as a New User
- Fill in basic details like name, email, mobile, and set a password.
- Log in and Fill the Application Form
- Choose your desired course
- Fill personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload Documents
- Scanned passport-sized photo
- Signature
- 10th & 12th mark sheets
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Pay the Application Fee
- Application fee: ₹300 (non-refundable)
- Pay through debit/credit card or net banking
- Visit the IGNOU Admission Portal
Submit the Form
- Once submitted, take a printout or download the confirmation.
IGNOU Re-Registration Process
- Go to https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in
- Log in with your enrollment number
- Choose your next year’s courses
- Pay the re-registration fee
IGNOU Examination and Assignments
Term-End Exams (TEE)
IGNOU holds exams two times every year:
- In June
- In December
Assignments
- You must submit assignments before the exams (TEE).
- Assignments count for 30% of your total marks.
- You can submit them online or at your study center.
- To check your assignment topics, Click here
IGNOU Regional Centers and Study Centers
- 67 regional centers
- 2000+ study centers
IGNOU Student Support and Services
- eGyanKosh A free website to read and download IGNOU course materials: http://egyankosh.ac.in
- IGNOU Mobile App
- Read study material anytime
- Get alerts for assignment submissions
- Check your admission status easily
- Grievance Redressal If you have any complaints, use the IGNOU iGRAM portal: https://igram.ignou.ac.in
Career Opportunities after IGNOU University
Course | Career Opportunities |
---|---|
BA (Bachelor of Arts) | Teacher, Content Writer, Civil Services, Social Worker, NGO Worker, Journalism |
B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) | Accountant, Bank Clerk, Finance Assistant, Tax Consultant, Business Analyst |
B.Sc (Bachelor of Science) | Lab Technician, Research Assistant, Environmental Officer, Government Exam Aspirant |
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) | Software Developer, Technical Support, Web Designer, IT Assistant |
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) | HR Assistant, Marketing Executive, Sales Coordinator, Management Trainee |
MA (Master of Arts) | Lecturer, Researcher, Public Service, Policy Analyst, Content Developer |
M.Com (Master of Commerce) | Accountant, Finance Manager, Auditor, Tax Analyst, Banking Jobs |
M.Sc (Master of Science) | Research Scientist, Laboratory Manager, Academic Jobs, Technical Analyst |
MBA (Master of Business Administration) | Manager, Business Consultant, Marketing Manager, HR Executive, Entrepreneur |
MCA (Master of Computer Applications) | Software Engineer, Data Analyst, App Developer, IT Manager |
Diploma in Tourism Studies | Travel Consultant, Tour Guide, Event Manager, Tourism Officer |
PG Diploma in HR Management | HR Executive, Recruiter, Payroll Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist |
Diploma in Early Childhood Care | Preschool Teacher, Daycare Coordinator, Childcare Specialist, Nanny |
PG Diploma in Journalism | Reporter, Editor, Media Analyst, Script Writer, News Anchor |
Certificate in Nutrition & Health | Health Educator, Diet Assistant, Community Health Worker |
PG Diploma in Library Science | Librarian, Archivist, Documentation Officer, Information Assistant |
Final Thoughts
IGNOU is not just a distance education university—it’s a support system for millions of learners. It offers flexible study options, a wide range of courses, low fees, and centers across India. That’s why it’s called the ‘People’s University.’ Whether you’re a school graduate or a working professional, IGNOU has the right course for you.