Approvals & Accreditations
University Overview
IGNOUAbout
About IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a central open and distance learning university located in New Delhi, India. Named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, the university was established in 1985 through an Act of Parliament — the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act, 1985 (IGNOU Act 1985). Operated by the Government of India, IGNOU is recognised as the world's largest university, with an enrolment of over 3 million students across India and abroad.
IGNOU provides nearly 387 academic programmes through its 21 Schools of Studies, supported by a vast network of around 67 Regional Centres, approximately 2,000+ Learner Support Centres, and overseas study centres spread across more than 15 countries. The university offers programmes at the Certificate, Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral (Ph.D) levels.
IGNOU has the approval of the UGC-DEB (Distance Education Bureau) for providing Open & Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) programmes, and has been accredited by NAAC with the highest grade of A++ — the only Open University in the country to receive this distinction. IGNOU has also been ranked 1st among Open Universities in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2025.
IGNOU is recognised as a Central University by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) recognises degrees conferred by IGNOU as on par with degrees conferred by its member universities, and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) recognises IGNOU's MCA and MBA programmes. The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) also approves IGNOU's teacher education programmes such as B.Ed.
In 1993, IGNOU was designated by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) as its first Centre of Excellence for Distance Education. IGNOU also functions as an accreditor for open and distance education systems in India through the Distance Education Council (DEC), and is actively engaged in national initiatives such as the SANKALP project (with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship) and capacity-building programmes with the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
In accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP), IGNOU offers programmes with Multiple Entry and Exit options, allowing students to flexibly choose the duration they wish to invest in a programme and accordingly obtain a Certificate, Diploma or Degree. Learning support includes printed and digital Self-Learning Materials (SLMs), a robust Learning Management System (LMS), recorded video lectures, online counselling sessions, and online proctored Term-End Examinations (TEE).
World's Largest University
Over 3 Million Students Enrolled Globally
NAAC A++ University
Only Open University in India with A++ Grade
1st Rank in NIRF (Open University)
Ranked No. 1 Among Open Universities by NIRF 2025
Course Wise Updated Fees 2026
| Course | Approximate Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BA (General/Honours) | ₹ 6,800 – ₹ 31,500 | 3 Years |
| B.Com | ₹ 6,800 – ₹ 25,200 | 3 Years |
| BCA | ₹ 36,000 – ₹ 50,800 | 3 Years |
| MA | ₹ 14,700 onwards | 2 Years |
| MBA | Approx. ₹ 55,000 – ₹ 60,000 | 2 Years |
| MCA | ₹ 36,000 – ₹ 50,800 | 2 Years |
| Ph.D | ₹ 7,000 – ₹ 16,800 | 3 Years (Min.) |
*Fees are indicative and may vary by programme, specialisation and category. Please verify the exact fee on the official IGNOU website before payment.
IGNOU Facts
- IGNOU was established in 1985 through an Act of Parliament and began academic operations in 1987 with just two programmes — Diploma in Management and Diploma in Distance Education — enrolling 4,528 students.
- IGNOU is recognised by the UGC-DEB to provide both Open & Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) programmes. So its degrees are valid and recognised nationally and internationally.
- IGNOU operates through 21 Schools of Studies, around 67 Regional Centres, approximately 2,000+ Learner Support Centres, and around 25-29 Overseas Study Centres across 15+ countries.
- IGNOU offers nearly 387 programmes spanning Certificate, Diploma, PG Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral levels across disciplines like Arts, Commerce, Science, Management, Computer Applications and Education.
- In line with the New Education Policy, IGNOU provides Multiple Entry and Exit options, letting students earn a Certificate, Diploma or Degree based on the duration they complete.
- Admissions at IGNOU are conducted twice a year — in the January session and the July session.
- IGNOU has a dedicated Career Placement Cell (CPC) that organises placement drives, pre-placement talks, and interview support for eligible students.
IGNOU Approved By
UGC-DEB
NIRF
NAAC A++
AICTE
NCTE
AIU
Sample Certificate from IGNOU
Earn a recognized degree post completion of the programme:
- UGC-DEB Entitled Degree
- Ranked 1st by NIRF (Open University Category)
- NAAC A++ University
- Central Government University
IGNOU Courses
IGNOU EMI Details
IGNOU's distance and online programmes are already offered at highly affordable fee structures compared to regular full-time courses, since the fee for UG courses ranges roughly between ₹6,000 and ₹69,000 and for PG courses between ₹6,300 and ₹68,000. Many programme fees can additionally be paid semester-wise or year-wise, which spreads out the cost over the duration of the course. Students who require further financial assistance may apply for education loans from leading banks and NBFCs, or for UGC and Government of India scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal.
EMI CalculatorIGNOU Admission Process
Admission to most IGNOU programmes is conducted in fully online mode and is granted on a merit basis; only a few programmes such as B.Ed, Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing, M.Phil and Ph.D require an entrance examination. The admission process for IGNOU 2026 is as follows:
Step 1:
Visit the official IGNOU website (ignou.ac.in) and click on "Register Online" / "Apply Now".
Step 2:
Create your ABC ID and DEB ID (mandatory as per UGC guidelines), then fill in the application form with your personal and academic details.
Step 3:
Upload scanned copies of the required documents (mark sheets, photo ID, photograph, signature, category certificate if applicable) and pay the applicable fee online.
Step 4:
Once your application and documents are verified by the concerned Regional Centre, your admission and enrolment number will be confirmed.
According to the latest UGC guidelines, all candidates must create their ABC ID and DEB ID to get admission.
Click here to know more!
IGNOU admissions are conducted twice a year, in the January session and the July session.
Click here to know more.
UGC updated the list of approved Online and ODL Programs/Institutions.
Click here to get the list!
A degree obtained through ODL/Online mode is equivalent to a traditional degree as per UGC norms.
Click here to know!
UGC mandates a fee refund policy for students who withdraw admission within a specified period.
Click here to read the full notice.
UGC issues a public notice regarding misleading abbreviations in the names of Universities & Colleges.
Read the UGC Letter.
What is the fee refund policy of IGNOU programmes?
IGNOU follows the UGC's prescribed refund norms for distance and online programmes. Generally, students get a 100% refund (minus a nominal processing charge) if they withdraw well before the last date of admission, with the refund percentage reducing progressively the closer the withdrawal request is made to, or after, the admission closing date, and no refund being granted after a specified cut-off period. The registration/enrolment fee paid at the time of admission may not be refundable. Students are advised to check the exact refund slab applicable to their session on the official IGNOU website.
IGNOU Exam Pattern
IGNOU conducts Term-End Examinations (TEE) twice a year, typically in June and December, for which students must separately submit an online exam form. Most TEEs are conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode at designated exam centres, while certain online programmes conduct proctored online examinations. Assignments form a mandatory part of internal/continuous assessment and must be submitted before the student becomes eligible to appear for the corresponding Term-End Examination. Entrance examinations are conducted separately for select programmes such as B.Ed, Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing, M.Phil and Ph.D.
IGNOU Placement Support
Through the Career Placement Cell (CPC), our students get
- Job Search Support
- Pre-Placement Talks, Training Sessions & Mock Interviews
- On-Campus and Off-Campus Placement Drives
Our Students Work at
₹2.45L–₹3.5L
Median Salary Package (LPA)
70%–80%
Average Placement Rate
3,000,000+
Students Enrolled Worldwide
TCS
Infosys
Maruti Suzuki
Amazon
Globiva
Radical Minds
Aviva India
HCL
IBM
Wipro
Course Wise Updated Fees 2026
| Course | Approximate Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BA (General/Honours) | ₹ 6,800 – ₹ 31,500 (Total) | 3 Years |
| B.Com | ₹ 6,800 – ₹ 25,200 (Total) | 3 Years |
| BCA | ₹ 36,000 – ₹ 50,800 (Total) | 3 Years |
| MA | From ₹ 14,700 (Total) | 2 Years |
| MBA | Approx. ₹ 55,000 – ₹ 60,000 (Total) | 2 Years |
| MCA | ₹ 36,000 – ₹ 50,800 (Total) | 2 Years |
| B.Ed | Varies by Regional Centre | 2 Years |
| Ph.D | ₹ 7,000 – ₹ 16,800 | 3 Years (Min.) |
*Fee structure is indicative and subject to revision by the university. Please confirm exact fees on the official IGNOU website before applying.
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