Admissions at IGNOU are carried out in two cycles, namely January and July. The admission to IGNOU courses primarily depends on the aggregate marks obtained by candidates in their last qualifying degree. However, entry into the IGNOU B.Ed programme requires a valid score in the IGNOU BEd Entrance Test, which is conducted at the university level.
Currently, IGNOU provides over 200 UG, PG, diploma, certificate, and doctoral courses through open and distance learning (ODL) mode. Candidates interested in enrolling in Indira Gandhi National Open University courses can apply via the online IGNOU Samarth admission portal for ODL programmes at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
IGNOU Admission 2025: Highlights
IGNOU admissions are conducted online. Candidates should check the deadlines and apply accordingly. Since most courses are merit-based, candidates only need to complete the application form and pay the course fee. Below are the key highlights for Indira Gandhi Open University admissions:
Particulars | IGNOU Admission Highlights 2025 |
|---|
Mode of study | Full-time/ part-time, Distance or online-Mode |
Programmes Offered | 200+ |
Application Status | Check out IGNOU Admission Status |
Fee range across courses | UG courses: INR 7,900 - INR 60,000 PG courses: INR 6,300 - INR 62,000 |
How to apply? | http://ignou.ac.in/ |
Level of programmes offered | UG, PG, Diploma & PhD |
Popular programmes | B.Ed| MBA| BSc| MSc |
IGNOU UG Admission 2025: Eligibility & Selection Criteria
IGNOU UG admissions occur in two sessions—January and June. The open university offers various courses such as BA, BCom, BBA, BSc, and B.L.I.Sc across multiple specialisations at the UG level. Most of these UG courses are available through distance learning mode for a duration of three years, while BPP and BLIS courses are offered for one year. The university considers candidates' Class 12 scores for admission.
Admission to most UG courses at IGNOU is based on merit in the last qualifying examination. Aspirants must fill out the application form along with their academic details. The following table outlines the eligibility and selection criteria for some popular IGNOU UG programmes:
| Popular Courses | Eligibility/ Selection Criteria | More details |
|---|
| BSc | Eligibility: Class 12 with Science subjects Selection: Merit scores of Class 12 for all BSc specialisations | IGNOU OPENNET for BSc PB Nursing | Applied Science, Anthropology, Biochemistry, etc. |
| BA | Class 12 | Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, etc. |
| BCA | Class 12 | NA |
BCom | Class 12 | NA |
NOTE: The eligibility criteria mentioned above apply to General category candidates.
Check: How to access IGNOU Student Login?
IGNOU PG Admission 2025: Eligibility & Selection Criteria
IGNOU offers a variety of PG courses, including MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MCA, MSW, and MBA across different specialisations. Admission to most of these IGNOU PG courses is based on the merit scores obtained by students in their UG degree. While the majority of IGNOU PG courses are offered for a duration of two years and can be extended up to four years, the M.L.I.Sc course lasts for one year. Check the eligibility and specialisations for IGNOU PG admission to popular courses in the table below:
| Popular Courses | Eligibility Criteria | Specialisations |
|---|
| MBA | Any UG degree with 50% aggregate | Banking & Finance, HRM, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Operations Management |
| B.Ed | Any UG/PG degree with 50% OR BE/BTech with 55% + IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test | Check IGNOU BEd Admission Prospectus |
| B.Ed | Any UG/PG degree with 50% OR BE/BTech with 55% + IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test | Check IGNOU BEd Admission Prospectus |
| MSc | UG degree in Science stream | Applied Statistics, Chemistry, Zoology, Biochemistry, etc. |
| MA | Any UG degree | Political Science, History, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Public Administration, etc. |
| MCA | Any UG degree with 50% + Maths in Class 12 | NA |
| MCom | Any UG degree with 50% aggregate | NA |
| MSW | Any UG degree from a recognised university | Counselling |
Download IGNOU Admission Prospectus
IGNOU Entrance-Based Admission 2025
IGNOU conducts entrance exams for admission to a select few courses, including UG, PG, and doctoral-level programmes such as PB BSc Nursing, B.Ed, and PhD. The eligibility criteria and accepted IGNOU exams for these programmes are listed in the table below:
| Course Name | Eligibility | Entrance Exam |
|---|
IGNOU Fees 2025
The IGNOU fee structure includes various components such as tuition fees and one-time fees, among others. The registration fee is non-refundable. IGNOU accepts fee payments online via credit card, debit card, or net banking. After completing the first year, students must pay the IGNOU re-registration fee to register for the admission year until course completion. Students can refer to the following table for some of the IGNOU fees:
| Course | Tuition Fee | One-Time Fee |
|---|
| BA | INR 12,000 - INR 31,800 | INR 300 |
| MBA | INR 62,000 | INR 300 |
| BSc | INR 17,100 - INR 43,500 | INR 300 |
| BCom | INR 8,100 - INR 12,600 | INR 300 - INR 850 |
| MA | INR 10,800 - INR 25,600 | INR 300 |
| MSc | INR 15,600 - INR 43,200 | INR 200 - INR 300 |
| MCom | INR 8,400 - INR 18,600 | INR 300 - INR 500 |
| BBA | INR 30,600 - INR 60,000 | INR 300 |
| Certificate | INR 1,000 - INR 15,000 | INR 300 |
| Diploma | INR 1,500 - INR 60,000 | INR 200 - INR 3,000 |
NOTE: The fees mentioned above are sourced from official authorities and are subject to change.
IGNOU Fee Refund Policy 2025
IGNOU University has a predefined limited provision for admission cancellation and fee refunds. The registration fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. If admission is denied by the university, the programme fee will be refunded after deducting the processing fee. The amount will be transferred to the original payment source. Some of the fee refund rules, along with the updated IGNOU fee refund policy for 2025, are detailed in the table below:
| Condition for Refund | Refund Policy |
|---|
| Multiple deductions from the account for the same course due to online transaction failure | Fee for one course is retained and the rest is refunded (including the registration fee) |
| Payment for more than one non-permissible course is the same session | Fee for one course of the student's choice is retained and the rest is refunded after the deduction of the registration fee |
| For more conditions and policies, check IGNOU fee refund policy in detail. |
Steps for IGNOU Admission Process 2025
Candidates seeking admission to IGNOU for distance and online education can apply online through the official website. After submission, the applications are reviewed, and admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Indira Gandhi National Open University course admission process for 2025:
Step 1: IGNOU Application Process 2025
The IGNOU application process is entirely online. Aspirants who meet the eligibility criteria can fill out the form as soon as applications open.
Step 2: IGNOU Selection Rounds 2025
Students applying for B.Ed, MBA, or PB BSc Nursing must take the required entrance exams and verify if they have qualified. The university publishes IGNOU results on its official website. Following the application, application fee payment, and entrance exam, students who have completed their registration can check their status by entering their registration number on the IGNOU admission status page. The university also informs students about their admission confirmation or rejection via email and text message within the next two months.
For other courses, IGNOU admission forms submitted through the Online Admission System are reviewed and confirmed for admission based on the fulfilment of eligibility criteria. These forms are processed region-wise on a first-come, first-served basis. Consequently, the processing time for forms at different regional centres may vary depending on the number of applicants from each region. However, the university claims that every student receives admission confirmation via email or on the student portal within two months.
Step 3: IGNOU Admission Confirmation 2025
Once the university notifies that a student has been shortlisted, they must pay the course admission fee to secure their seat at the university.
IGNOU provides fee exemptions and reimbursement options for students from reserved categories, such as SC and ST. These students are eligible for Government of India Scholarships. They are advised to obtain scholarship forms from the Directorate of Social Welfare or the office of the Social Welfare Officer in their State. This form must be completed and submitted to the Regional Director at the Regional Centre for necessary certification.
IGNOU Scholarships
Additionally, students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, Minority, or PWD categories can avail themselves of IGNOU scholarship schemes related to fee waivers, reimbursements, exemptions, or scholarships offered by UGC, MHRD, and various State Governments or Government Departments. For eligibility and procedural details regarding IGNOU scholarships, information can be obtained from the relevant agencies.
IGNOU TEE admit card