Is there an entrance exam for IGNOU admission?

No, not for the programmes listed here. Admission is on eligibility: Class 12 (10+2) for bachelor's programmes and graduation for master's programmes.

What is the fee for IGNOU BCA and MBA?

As listed by IGNOU: BCA ₹8,300 per semester (₹49,800 for the full programme); MBA ₹16,000 per semester and ₹18,000 for the 3rd semester (₹66,000 in all). Exam fees are extra.

When does IGNOU admission open?

IGNOU admits in two sessions a year, January and July. Apply on ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL programmes or ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for online programmes.

What is the difference between IGNOU ODL and online programmes?

ODL (open and distance learning) uses study material plus counselling sessions at a study centre. Online programmes are taught on IGNOU's own learning platform. Fees and support can differ.

How long can I take to finish an IGNOU degree?

A 3-year bachelor's can be finished in up to 6 years, and a 2-year master's in up to 4 years.

How are IGNOU exams conducted?

You submit assignments for each course and sit the term-end examinations, which IGNOU holds in June and December.

Is an IGNOU degree valid?

Yes. IGNOU is a central university set up by an Act of Parliament in 1985, and it states it is NAAC A++ accredited.

Should I choose IGNOU or a private online university?

IGNOU is much cheaper. Private online universities usually cost more but offer weekly live classes, exams from home and placement assistance. A Disha Stars counsellor can compare both for your course for free.

New Delhi, Delhi

Indira Gandhi National Open University admission

GovernmentDistance and online

NIRF and registers checked
AISHE listed
NIRF 2025
UGC listed

Profile from the Disha Stars directory, read 2 October 2026. NIRF ranks are checked against NIRF 2025 and the record is matched to the official registers. Fees and packages are as listed there, so confirm them with the college. What we check

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Course fee range: ₹5k – ₹66k; As listed, read 2 October 2026
Highest package: Not published; As listed, read 2 October 2026
NIRF 2025: No. 1 Open University
Programmes listed: 20

Data from IGNOU's official website

IGNOU admission 2026: eligibility and how to apply

IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi) was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1985. You study from home: in ODL (open and distance learning) mode with printed or digital study material and counselling sessions at a study centre, or in online mode on IGNOU's own learning platform. There is no entrance exam for these programmes; admission is on eligibility. Fees below are as listed on IGNOU's programme pages; exam fees are extra.

After Class 12
Programme	Eligibility	Duration
BA (ODL)	10+2 or equivalent	3 to 6 years
BA (Hons) English (ODL)	10+2 or equivalent	3 to 6 years
BA (Hons) Economics (ODL)	10+2 in any stream	3 to 6 years
BA (Hons) Psychology (ODL)	10+2 or equivalent	3 to 6 years
B.Com (ODL)	10+2 in any discipline	3 years minimum
B.Sc (ODL)	10+2 with science subjects or equivalent	3 to 6 years
BBA (ODL)	10+2 in any discipline	3 to 6 years
BCA (ODL)	10+2 or equivalent, or a pass in Diploma in Commercial Practice	3 to 6 years
BCA (Online)	10+2 or equivalent, or a pass in Diploma in Commercial Practice	3 to 6 years

After graduation
Programme	Eligibility	Duration
MBA (ODL)	Bachelor's degree of at least 3 years with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)	2 to 4 years
MBA (Online)	Bachelor's degree of at least 3 years with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)	2 to 4 years
MCA (ODL)	BCA or a bachelor's degree in computer science; or B.Sc, B.Com or BA with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation (with bridge courses)	2 to 4 years
MCA (Online)	BCA or a bachelor's degree in computer science; or B.Sc, B.Com or BA with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation (with bridge courses)	2 to 4 years
M.Com (ODL)	Graduation in any discipline	2 to 4 years
M.Com (Online)	Graduation in any discipline	2 to 4 years
MA English (ODL)	Graduation in any subject; no admission test	2 to 4 years
MA Psychology (ODL)	Bachelor's degree in any discipline	2 to 4 years
MA History (ODL)	Graduation	2 to 4 years
MA Education (ODL)	Graduation	2 to 4 years
MSW (Online)	Graduation in any discipline	2 to 4 years

How to apply: 5 steps

1. Pick your programme
Check the eligibility, duration and fee on the programme's page on ignou.ac.in. Decide between ODL (distance) and online mode.
2. Register on the admission portal
ODL programmes: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Online programmes: ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. Create your login with your mobile number and email.
3. Fill in the form and upload documents
Photo, signature, the mark sheets for your eligibility (Class 12 or graduation), ID proof and, if any, your category certificate.
4. Pay the fee online
Pay the first year's or first semester's fee on the portal and keep the receipt.
5. Get your enrolment number
After IGNOU checks your documents, you get your enrolment number and access to study material and, for online programmes, the learning platform.

Good to know before you apply

Two sessions a year: IGNOU admits in two cycles, the January and July sessions. The admission portal shows which session is open now.
Re-registration: After the first year or semester you re-register online (onlinerr.ignou.ac.in) and pay that year's or semester's fee.
Regional centre: Each learner is attached to one of IGNOU's 69 regional centres and a learner support centre near them.
Mode matters: Some programmes are offered both ways. ODL and online versions can have different fees and support; check the code on the programme page (for example BCA_NEW is ODL, BCA_NEWOL is online).

Exams and results

Assignments: For each course you submit assignments, which count towards your marks before you can sit the term-end exam.
Term-End Examination: IGNOU holds term-end exams twice a year, in June and December. Exam fees are paid separately.
Degree: The degree is awarded by IGNOU, a central university set up by an Act of Parliament.

Want help with the application or documents? A Disha Stars counsellor can guide you for free.

Talk to a counsellor

Want live classes, placement help and exams from home?

Compare IGNOU with UGC-entitled online degrees from private universities, for example Manipal University Jaipur Online or Manav Rachna Online. They cost more, and a counsellor can help you decide which fits you.

Compare with a counsellor

Source: IGNOU official website (ignou.ac.in): programme pages for eligibility, duration and fees. Checked 30 October 2026. Confirm the current fee and dates before you pay.

Entry route by courseto Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, Delhi: the common entry route and eligibility for each course. Confirm the current process with the college before you apply.

Entry route by course

Entry route for each programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University: most programmes admit directly on eligibility, with no entrance exam. Programmes such as B.Ed have their own entrance test; check the programme page before you apply.

Course	Usual entry route	Typical eligibility
MBA	Direct admission on eligibility, no entrance exam	A bachelor's degree in any subject
BCA	Direct admission after Class 12, no entrance exam	Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent
MCA	Direct admission on eligibility, no entrance exam	A bachelor's degree, usually with Mathematics
B.Com	Direct admission after Class 12, no entrance exam	Class 12, usually commerce or with Mathematics
B.Sc	Direct admission after Class 12, no entrance exam	Class 12 with science subjects
BA	Direct admission after Class 12, no entrance exam	Class 12 in any stream
B.Ed	A state B.Ed entrance test or the university's own test	A bachelor's degree
Diploma	A state polytechnic entrance test, or Class 10 marks	Class 10

Not sure which route fits your marks? A counsellor can check eligibility for Indira Gandhi National Open University with you.

Entrance exams

Indira Gandhi National Open University is confirmed by an official source to admit students through NCET. See the latest NTA notices, previous papers and other colleges for each exam.