IGNOU Admission is one of the most searched education topics in India. Every year, lakhs of students apply for admission to Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) because it offers affordable, flexible, and recognized degrees.
IGNOU is perfect for:
- Students who cannot attend regular college
- Working professionals
- Homemakers
- Students preparing for government exams
- Learners who want to study at their own pace
IGNOU offers UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, and Professional courses through Open Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Mode.
In this blog, you will learn everything about IGNOU Admission – courses, eligibility, fees, step-by-step admission process, documents required, examples, calculations, and useful tips.
What is IGNOU?
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a central university established in 1985 by the Government of India. It is approved by UGC and recognized by AIU.
Key Features of IGNOU
- Government university
- Valid degrees in India and abroad
- Low fees compared to regular colleges
- No age limit for most courses
- Study while working
- Exams conducted twice a year
IGNOU Admission Sessions
IGNOU conducts admissions twice every year:
| Session | Admission Period |
| January Session | December to January |
| July Session | June to July |
👉 Example:
If you miss the January admission, you can apply again in the July session.
Modes of IGNOU Admission
IGNOU offers two learning modes:
1. Open Distance Learning (ODL)
- Printed + digital study material
- Study centers for support
- Term-end exams at exam centers
2. Online Mode
- Fully online classes
- Digital study material only
- Online academic support
Courses Offered Under IGNOU Admission
Undergraduate (UG) Courses
- BA (Bachelor of Arts)
- BCom (Bachelor of Commerce)
- BSc
- BCA
- BSW
Postgraduate (PG) Courses
- MA
- MCom
- MSc
- MBA
- MCA
- MSW
Diploma & Certificate Courses
- Diploma in Early Childhood Care
- Diploma in Tourism
- Certificate in Computer Applications
- Certificate in Environmental Studies
Professional Courses
- MBA
- BEd
- PhD
IGNOU Admission Eligibility Criteria
UG Course Eligibility
- Passed 10+2 from a recognized board
- No age limit
PG Course Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
Diploma & Certificate
- Minimum 10th or 12th (depends on course)
Professional Courses
- MBA: Graduation (some specializations require entrance exam)
- BEd: Graduation with required marks
👉 Example:
If you passed 12th in 2015 and are now 30 years old, you can still apply. IGNOU has no age restriction.
IGNOU Admission Fee Structure (With Calculation Examples)
IGNOU fees are much lower than private colleges.
Approximate Fees
| Course Level | Fee Range |
| UG Courses | ₹5,000 – ₹16,500 (total) |
| PG Courses | ₹7,000 – ₹31,000 (total) |
| Diploma | ₹1,500 – ₹10,000 |
| Certificate | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
Fee Calculation Example 1 (BA Program)
- BA total fee: ₹15,000
- Duration: 3 years
Calculation:
₹15,000 ÷ 3 = ₹5,000 per year
👉 Very affordable compared to regular colleges charging ₹20,000–₹40,000 per year.
Fee Calculation Example 2 (MA Program)
- MA total fee: ₹14,000
- Duration: 2 years
Calculation:
₹14,000 ÷ 2 = ₹7,000 per year
IGNOU Admission Online Process (Step-by-Step)
IGNOU admission process is 100% online.
Step 1: Visit Official Admission Portal
Go to the official IGNOU admission website.
Step 2: Register as New User
- Enter email ID and mobile number
- Create username and password
Step 3: Login & Select Course
- Choose program (UG/PG/Diploma)
- Select learning mode (ODL/Online)
Step 4: Fill Application Form
Enter:
- Personal details
- Educational details
- Address
- Regional center
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
- Passport size photo
- Signature
- Educational certificates
- Identity proof
Step 6: Pay Admission Fee Online
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Net banking
- UPI
Step 7: Submit Form
- Download confirmation page
- Save enrollment number
Documents Required for IGNOU Admission
You need scanned copies of:
- Passport size photograph
- Signature
- 10th certificate
- 12th certificate (for UG)
- Graduation marksheets (for PG)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
IGNOU Admission Status Check
After applying, you can check your admission status online.
How to Check
- Visit IGNOU admission status page
- Enter enrollment number
- Click submit
👉 Note:
Admission confirmation may take 15–30 days.
Study Material & Classes After Admission
- Printed books delivered to home (ODL)
- Digital PDFs available online
- Online video lectures
- Academic counseling sessions
- Assignment submission before exams
IGNOU Exams & Assignments
Term End Exams
- Conducted twice a year
- June & December
Assignments
- Mandatory for exams
- Carry 30% weightage
- Exams carry 70% marks
👉 Example Calculation:
If you score:
- Assignment: 70/100
- Exam: 50/100
Final Marks:
- Assignment: 70 × 30% = 21
- Exam: 50 × 70% = 35
- Total = 56 marks (Pass)
Benefits of IGNOU Admission
- Learn while you earn
- Flexible study schedule
- Low fees
- Government-recognized degree
- Wide course options
- No age limit
Common Problems & Solutions in IGNOU Admission
Problem 1: Admission Status Not Updated
✔ Solution: Wait 2–3 weeks or contact regional center.
Problem 2: Wrong Details in Form
✔ Solution: Correction window opens occasionally.
Problem 3: Study Material Delay
✔ Solution: Use online PDFs meanwhile.
Who Should Choose IGNOU?
IGNOU admission is best for:
- Working professionals
- Competitive exam aspirants
- Students with financial issues
- Housewives
- Students needing flexible education
Important Tips for IGNOU Admission
- Always apply through official portal
- Double-check details before submission
- Keep fee receipt safe
- Submit assignments on time
- Check academic calendar regularly
Also Read: How to Apply for Unemployment: A Complete Guide
Conclusion
IGNOU Admission is a golden opportunity for students who want quality education at low cost with complete flexibility. Whether you are a school pass-out, graduate, working professional, or someone restarting education, IGNOU offers a perfect solution.
With affordable fees, valid degrees, flexible learning, and nationwide support, IGNOU remains one of the best distance learning universities in India.
If you follow the step-by-step admission process carefully and submit assignments on time, your IGNOU journey can be smooth and successful.