IGNOU, also known as Indira Gandhi National Open University, was set up in 1985 and is the world's largest open university. It offers flexible education in India and abroad, is recognised by UGC, accredited with NAAC A++, and approved by AICTE and NCTE.
IGNOU ranked 1st in the Open University category by NIRF in 2025 and 44th by IIRF in the Overall category in 2026. The university is known for affordable distance and online learning, a large learner network, and wide access through regional and study centres.
- Popular Courses: MA Jyotish is one of IGNOU's popular courses, with total academic fees of INR 14,700.
- Other commonly chosen programs include MSc, BA, PG Diploma, and PhD.
- Admission Cycle: IGNOU runs admissions twice a year, in January and July.
- Admission Process: IGNOU admission is based on merit or an entrance exam, depending on the course.
- Registration Fee: INR 300
- Entrance Exam Accepted: IGNOU holds its own entrance exam for B.Sc Nursing, B.Ed, and PhD admission.
- Campus: The university works through 21 Schools of Study, 67 Regional Centres, and 2,600+ Learner Support Centres.
- Student Base: IGNOU teaches more than 3 million learners worldwide.
- Placement: As per NIRF 2026 data, the median package for the UG 1-Year program was INR 2.8 LPA.
Note: IGNOU became the first open university to launch the M.Sc. Climate Change Program.
IGNOU Important Dates 2026
IGNOU admits students in January and July sessions. The upcoming dates from the available schedule are listed below.
IGNOU July 2026 Admission Cycle
| Event | Current Date |
| Admission classes commence | October 2026 (Tentative) |
| PhD classes commence | October 2026 (Tentative) |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
Important Points You Must Know
- B.Ed Admission Process: IGNOU gives B.Ed admission through its own entrance test, followed by counselling and seat allotment.
- MBA Admission Process: MBA admission at IGNOU is based on merit score.
- PhD Admission Process: Students who have not cleared UGC NET/JRF can take the IGNOU entrance exam for PhD admission, followed by an interview.
- Application Fee Payment Mode: Students must pay program fees online through the official IGNOU Samarth admission portal. Offline payment is not available.
- Admission Deadline Strategy: IGNOU often extends admission deadlines, but students should apply before the first last date to avoid server issues or delays.
- Term-End Examination (TEE) System: IGNOU holds June TEE and December TEE. Students can appear after meeting course completion and eligibility rules.
Who Should Choose IGNOU?
IGNOU suits students who need flexible, low-cost, recognised higher education. It serves learners across India and abroad.
| Best Suited For | May Not Be Ideal For |
| People who want to upskill without leaving their jobs | Students who want a full-time campus experience |
| Learners preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, or State-level exams | Candidates looking for strong placement support |
| Students who need affordable higher education | Learners who need regular classroom interaction |
| Candidates who have limited access to regular universities | People who prefer close faculty mentoring and fixed schedules |
IGNOU Courses & Fees 2026
IGNOU courses are offered at affordable fees through flexible learning modes. In 2026, full-course fees generally range from INR 13,000 to INR 66,000, based on the program.
| Course | Total Academic Fees | Importance |
| PhD | INR 16,800 - INR 34,650 | Helpful for research scholars, teaching careers, and academic specialisation. |
| MA | INR 12,700 - INR 27,700 | Useful for teaching, UPSC preparation, and research. |
| M.Sc | INR 17,700 - INR 60,700 | Suitable for advanced study, research options, and technical careers. |
| PG Diploma | INR 4,200 - INR 30,500 | Short skill-based specialisation for quicker career growth and job-focused learning. |
| BA | INR 15,100 - INR 28,300 | Good for government exams, teaching, and higher studies. |
| BCA | INR 50,500 | Career-focused course for IT, software development, coding, and computer applications. |
| MBA | INR 66,700 - INR 70,700 | Useful for management, leadership, business growth, and corporate careers. |
| Certificate | INR 2,200 - INR 7,300 | Quick upskilling in specific subjects for working professionals and beginners. |
| BA Hons | INR 16,600 | Deeper study in one subject with better academic and career options than a general BA. |
| Diploma | INR 2,700 - INR 15,900 | Practical and job-focused learning for faster entry into professional fields. |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
IGNOU vs DU SOL: Courses & Fee Structure Comparison
IGNOU and DU SOL both offer traditional UG and PG courses. IGNOU has a wider reach, while DU SOL mainly serves Delhi. The comparison is given below.
| Course | IGNOU | DU SOL |
| BA / BA (Hons) | INR 8,400 - INR 12,600 | INR 9,990 - INR 12,990 |
| B.Com / B.Com (Hons) | INR 9,000 - INR 12,000 | INR 10,590 - INR 13,590 |
| MA (All Subjects) | INR 12,000 - INR 18,000 | INR 14,000 - INR 22,000 |
| M.Com | INR 15,000 - INR 18,600 | INR 15,000 - INR 18,000 |
| B.Sc | INR 15,900 - INR 43,800 | Not offered |
| MBA | INR 60,000 - INR 70,000 | Not offered |
| BCA | INR 48,000 | Not offered |
| Diploma / Certificate Courses | INR 500 - INR 25,000 | Very limited |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
- IGNOU costs less than many regular universities.
- Depending on the course, students may pay fees semester-wise or year-wise.
IGNOU Admission 2026
IGNOU conducts admission two times every year. The January cycle starts in December, and the July cycle starts in June. Students can apply online through the official Samarth portal by paying a non-refundable application fee of INR 300.
- Foreign students living in India can apply if they have a valid student visa and pay international program fees. Some limited-seat courses may not be open to international applicants.
IGNOU Admission Portal 2026
How to Apply for IGNOU Admission 2026?
Students can complete the IGNOU admission form by following these steps:
- Open the correct IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
- Register with the required personal details.
- Choose the program and session.
- Fill in academic and contact details.
- Upload the required scanned documents.
- Pay the application or program fee online.
- Submit the form and keep the confirmation receipt.
Documents Required for IGNOU Admission 2026
As per IGNOU admission rules, students must upload scanned copies of these documents during registration:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Proof of Date of Birth (10th certificate)
- Educational qualification certificates
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card
Note: All documents should be original or self-attested and clearly scanned.
IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2026
IGNOU B.Ed is a 2-year Bachelor of Education program approved by NCTE and offered through ODL mode. It trains future teachers for secondary and senior secondary classes. Admission is only through the entrance test, and direct admission is not offered.
IGNOU B.Ed 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Students must meet these conditions to appear for the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test 2026:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree (BA, B.Sc, B.Com) or Master's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates get 5% relaxation, which means 45% marks.
- Engineering/Technology Graduates: B.Tech/B.E. graduates may be eligible in some cases if they have 55% marks in Science & Mathematics subjects, as per official notification.
Note: Candidates with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education should check the prospectus for exact eligibility.
IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Exam 2026: Pattern & Syllabus Overview
The B.Ed entrance test is held offline across India and usually follows this format:
- Syllabus: General English Comprehension, Logical & Analytical Reasoning, General Awareness, Teaching-Learning & School, and Subject Competence.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Medium: English and Hindi.
Note: The full syllabus is given in the official e-Prospectus.
IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test Result
IGNOU has announced the B.Ed entrance test result. The result was declared on June 1, 2026.
How to download?
Students can download the B.Ed entrance exam result by using these steps:
- Visit the official result portal @ studentservices.ignou.ac.in/bed_result/
- Click on the B.Ed entrance test result link.
- Enter the enrollment number.
- The result and scorecard will appear on the screen.
- Download it and keep a printout for later use.
Note: IGNOU will publish a regional centre-wise merit list for qualified students. Counselling will be conducted at the assigned study centre.
IGNOU B.Sc Nursing Admission 2026
IGNOU offers the B.Sc Nursing program through distance education. The course is approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), and its minimum duration is 3 years.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (RNRM).
- The applicant must have 10+2 with a 3-year GNM diploma.
- At least 2 years of work experience after RNRM registration is required.
- Male nurses who did not study midwifery in GNM must complete an INC-recognised nursing certificate course of 6-9 months in place of midwifery.
- Admission is generally through the PB B.Sc entrance examination conducted by IGNOU.
IGNOU BSCN (PB) Entrance Test
The IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Entrance Test is held for admission to the B.Sc Nursing program. It combines flexible distance learning with practical training for working nursing professionals who want career growth in healthcare.
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Offline (OMR-based)
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Marks: 120
Note: The exam has no negative marking.
How to download the BSCN (PB) Result?
IGNOU has released the B.Sc Nursing entrance test result. The result was declared on June 10, 2026. Students can check it through these steps:
- Visit the official result portal @ studentservices.ignou.ac.in/BSCN_RESULT
- Click on the B.Sc Nursing entrance test result link.
- Enter the enrollment number.
- The result and scorecard will appear on the screen.
- Download it and keep a printout for future use.
Note: IGNOU will release a regional centre-wise merit list for qualified students. Counselling will be held at the assigned study centre.
IGNOU Re-Registration 2026
IGNOU re-registration is for current students who want to move to the next semester or academic year. It is not for fresh applicants, who must use the new admission portal.
| Event | Current Date |
| Registration with a late fee | After June 30, 2026 |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
Required Details & Documents for IGNOU Re-Registration 2026
Keep these details ready before starting the process:
- Enrollment Number, which is the 10-digit number from the ID card or previous receipt.
- Program Code, such as BAG or MSO.
- Course or subject choices for the next semester.
- Fee payment option: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Cash payment is not accepted.
Pro Tip: Students who forget login details can use recovery on the IGNOU Student Portal.
How to Do IGNOU Re-Registration 2026 Online?
- Visit Portal: Open the IGNOU Re-Registration Portal.
- Login: Enter the Enrollment Number as username and the password received through SMS or email.
- Select Session: Choose the July 2026 or January 2026 semester.
- Choose Courses: Select the subjects for the next term as per the maximum credit rules.
- Pay Fees: Pay online and save the receipt.
- Submit & Download: Download the confirmation PDF after final submission.
Common Issues?
- Password reset: Use the "Forgot Password" link.
- Payment failed: Try another browser or UPI option.
IGNOU Ranking 2026
IGNOU has received rankings in Overall, Education, and Open University categories from ranking agencies. The 2026 rankings available in the article are listed below.
| Ranked By | Category | Ranking 2026 |
| IIRF | Overall | 44 |
| Outlook | Overall | 1 |
IGNOU has remained strong in national rankings across 2025 and 2026. It held the 1 position by NIRF and Outlook, showing steady performance in open and distance learning, academic delivery, student support, and flexible higher education.
IGNOU Study Material 2026
IGNOU gives study material in printed and digital formats for distance and online learners. The material is designed for self-study, so students can learn at their own speed.
Note: Students who choose digital study material get a 15% fee concession.
Which to Choose: Printed vs Digital?
Study material for UG, PG, and Diploma programs is available in two formats:
| Feature | Printed Books | Digital (eGyankosh) |
| Delivery | Post / Speed Post to address | Instant download |
| Cost | Full program fee | 15% discount |
| Access | Physical copy | App + Website |
| Languages | English + Regional (Hindi, etc.) |
| Status 2026 | Dispatched in 30 days | Always available |
IGNOU Digital Learning Ecosystem
IGNOU uses digital platforms to help students in India and abroad access study material, attend virtual classes, and follow academic progress.
IGNOU Study Methodology 2026
IGNOU mixes printed, digital, online, and contact-based support to teach distance learners.
- Self-Instructional Material (SIM): Students receive printed books and/or digital PDFs. These cover the full syllabus with examples and exercises and are made for learning without daily classroom teaching.
- Online Learning Resources: Students can use e-learning modules, recorded lectures, and online tutorials through platforms such as eGyanKosh and mobile apps.
- Personal Contact Programmes (PCP): Selected programs offer optional face-to-face sessions at study centres for doubt clearing and faculty interaction.
- Assignments & Projects: Assignments and project work are part of continuous evaluation. Assignments carry 30% weightage in final marks and are required for Term-End Exam eligibility.
IGNOU Term-End Examination 2026
IGNOU conducts Term-End Examinations (TEE) twice a year, generally in June and December, at more than 600 centres in India and abroad. The exams are offline, pen-and-paper tests. Students must register, submit assignments, and download the admit card to appear.
Important Rules for IGNOU Exams
- Students must submit assignments before TEE.
- Students must score the minimum qualifying marks in assignments.
- Exam form submission is compulsory.
- Missing deadlines can delay exam eligibility.
IGNOU Term End Examination Hall Ticket
IGNOU June Term End Examination was scheduled from June 1, 2026, to July 12, 2026. The hall ticket was published on the official Samarth portal.
Exam Timing
- Morning Shift: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Evening Shift: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Important Instructions
- Carry the identity card and hall ticket to the examination hall.
- Reach the exam centre on time.
Students must submit pending assignments at their study centre before filling the IGNOU Exam Form 2026. Assignment details are available on the official website. If a student is not eligible or misses assignment deadlines, the hall ticket will not be generated.
For the exam form, students must pay an exam fee of INR 200 per course through Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card. After payment, they should wait for acknowledgement status. Delayed updates may take up to 72 hours.
- Assignment submission is compulsory before filling the exam form.
- Exam fee: INR 200 per course
- Payment mode: Online only
- Hall ticket is issued only after eligibility verification.
- Status update may take up to 72 hours.
IGNOU Result 2026
IGNOU declares results within 45 days after June and December Term-End Examinations. Results show the enrollment number, course name, course code, marks obtained, maximum marks, and grades. IGNOU also publishes grade cards, entrance exam results, and on-demand exam results.
How to Check IGNOU Result 2026?
- Visit the official IGNOU website.
- Go to the Results section.
- Click on the relevant result link.
- Enter the enrollment number.
- Submit the details to view the result.
- Download the grade card.
IGNOU Placement 2026
IGNOU placement report for 2026 has not been released. As per NIRF 2026 data, the median package was INR 2.8 LPA for UG 1-Year and INR 2.58 LPA for UG 3-Year. The available NIRF placement data is given below.
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Number of Students | 1.5 Lakhs |
| Total Number of Students Placed | 81,801 |
| Median Package UG 1-Year | INR 2.85 LPA |
| Median Package UG 3-Year | INR 2.58 LPA |
| Median Package PG 1-Year | INR 2.45 LPA |
| Median Package PG 1-Year | INR 2.67 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Car Dekho, Air India SATS, and APTARA |
IGNOU Regional Centres
IGNOU Regional Centres handle academic, administrative, and student support work for their areas. They help with counselling, study material, exams, and student queries.
Some major IGNOU Regional Centres and their codes are listed below:
| Regional Center | Code |
| Hyderabad | 01 |
| Kolkata | 28 |
| Bangalore | 13 |
| Delhi-1 | 07 |
| Delhi-2 | 29 |
| Chennai | 25 |
| Mumbai | 49 |
| Lucknow | 27 |
| Patna | 05 |
| Pune | 16 |
| Agartala | 26 |
| Shillong | 18 |
IGNOU Study Centres
IGNOU Study Centres work under Regional Centres and provide local academic support for distance learners.
- Academic counselling sessions
- Tutorials and practical classes
- Library and learning resources
- Assignment submission facilities
Study Centres differ by programs offered and student capacity. IGNOU study centres are spread worldwide, and students living in foreign countries can also apply to IGNOU.
IGNOU vs DU SOL vs Amity Online
The choice between IGNOU, Delhi University School of Open Learning, and Amity University Online depends on budget, learning style, and career goals. IGNOU is stronger for affordability and flexibility, DU SOL follows a Delhi University curriculum, and Amity Online offers a more premium digital learning setup with global exposure.
| Criteria | IGNOU | DU SOL | Amity University Online |
| Popular Courses | BA, B.Com, BCA, MA | BA, B.Com, BMS | BBA, MBA, Data Science |
| MBA Program Fees | INR 66,700 - INR 70,700 | INR 1.1 Lakhs | INR 2.25 Lakhs - INR 3.39 Lakhs |
| Study Material | Printed + Digital | Printed + Digital | Fully digital + interactive |
| Examination Mode | Offline | Offline | Online |
| International Students | Limited programs | Limited programs | Widely accepted |
| Student Support | Basic online support | Limited support | 24/7 support + career services |
| Examination Pattern | Held twice a year through offline mode | Held annually / semester-wise through offline mode | Held annually / semester-wise through online mode |
| Mode of Study | ODL + Online | ODL | Fully Online |
| Regional / Study Centres | Wide network of Regional Centres in India and abroad for academic counselling and exam coordination. | Mainly in Delhi, with local academic support. | A wide network of study centres across India through all branches of Amity University. |
Which is Better?
Among distance education options:
- Amity University Online usually gives the most organised placement support, including career services, job portals, and industry partnerships. Actual placements still depend on the student's profile, skills, and effort.
- DU SOL carries the Delhi University brand and alumni network, which can help with networking and career options, but formal placement drives are not common.
- IGNOU offers very limited placement help, so most students depend on skills, internships, or personal networking.
No distance education program can promise placements. A student's preparation, effort, and active participation matter the most.
Pros & Cons of IGNOU
| Pros | Cons |
| Lower tuition fees than most public and private universities | Limited centralised placement help, so most students use off-campus options |
| Flexible study schedule through distance and online learning | Needs strong self-discipline because outside academic pressure is limited |
| Recognised by UGC-DEB for distance education | Administrative work can be slow |
| Wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs | Very little campus life and peer interaction compared with regular universities |
| Regional and study centre network across India and some international locations | Support quality can differ across regional and study centres |
| Study material through print, eGyankosh, and SWAYAM | Communication and response times are often slower than regular institutions |
| Good for candidates preparing for UPSC or SSC because the schedule is flexible | Some programs have limited industry exposure or internships |
| Printed and digital learning resources are included in most programs | Labs, fieldwork, and other practical parts may depend on location and availability |
Note: The pros and cons are based on aggregated student feedback, institutional data, and publicly available insights. Individual experiences may differ by program and regional study centre.
IGNOU FAQs
Ques. What is the correct way to submit IGNOU assignments?
Ans. Assignments carry 30% of the total marks, so students must submit them before the due date at their own study centre. They should follow the assignment questions and the notice issued with them, as IGNOU explains the format, submission pattern, answer paper type, and file requirements there.
Ques. Can IGNOU students apply for revaluation if they are unhappy with their marks?
Ans. Yes. Students who are not satisfied with their marks can use the IGNOU student service portal to submit their answer paper for revaluation. The portal explains the steps for sending the answer paper for checking again.
Ques. What can a student do after missing an IGNOU TEE exam?
Ans. IGNOU holds term-end exams in December for the January session and in June for the July session. A student who misses one TEE can fill the examination form for the next exam cycle. For example, a student who misses the December exam can apply for the June exam.
Ques. How can working students manage multiple IGNOU TEE papers?
Ans. IGNOU gives an extra duration of 2 years. For a 3-year program, students get 2 more years to finish the degree. Working students can divide papers between December and June exams to reduce pressure and prepare better.
Ques. How do students get IGNOU study material from eGyanKosh?
Ans. Students can download IGNOU study material from eGyanKosh by following these steps:
- Open the official eGyanKosh website.
- Click on "IGNOU Self Learning Material (SLM)" or search directly.
- Choose the school and then the program.
- Select the course code.
- Download blocks or units as PDF files.
- Create a free account for easier access and download tracking.
Ques. Is IGNOU study material available outside eGyanKosh?
Ans. Yes. Students can also use the IGNOU e-Content app. It is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and gives mobile access to study material.
Ques. How can a student track IGNOU printed study material delivery?
Ans. Students can check the dispatch status of IGNOU study material through these steps:
- Visit the official IGNOU website.
- Open the "Student Zone."
- Click on "Study Material Status."
- Enter the enrollment number and program code.
- Check the dispatch status, expected delivery date, and remarks.
- Printed material usually reaches students after 30-60 days from admission confirmation.
Ques. Are IGNOU exams difficult?
Ans. IGNOU exams are manageable when students study the official material properly, write assignments themselves, and practise previous year question papers. Clear and detailed answers improve the chance of passing. The minimum marks are usually 35/100. Students should also build skills along with the degree because career outcomes depend on more than exam marks.
Ques. Are PCP classes compulsory in IGNOU?
Ans. Students may skip IGNOU PCP classes and appear in exams in a later session without informing anyone, but assignments still have to be submitted and exam fees must be paid again during re-registration. Practical classes need compulsory attendance. Skipping PCPs does not extend the program duration, so students should check Regional Centre rules and use online resources like eGyankosh for preparation.