
IGNOU Distance Education





About IGNOU Distance Education (Indira Gandhi National Open University)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the largest and most prestigious open universities in the world. Established by an Act of Parliament in September 1985, the university was named after former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi with the vision to provide accessible, inclusive, and affordable higher education to all segments of society, particularly those living in remote and rural areas. IGNOU holds top-tier accreditations, including NAAC A++ Grade and is ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in India by NIRF. The university offers a wide range of distance education programs such as MBA, MCA, M.Com, MA, BBA, BCA, B.Com, BA, B.Sc, along with various diploma and certificate courses. These programs are designed to ensure flexibility, affordability, and quality education for millions of learners across India and abroad, making IGNOU a pioneer in distance and online education.
IGNOU Distance Education Key Highlights
Key Highlights | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
Established | September 1985 (by the IGNOU Act, 1985) |
Founder | Established by the Government of India, named after Indira Gandhi |
Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
University Type | Central Open University |
Mode of Education | Online & Distance Learning (ODL) |
Distance Courses with Updated Fees for 2025 Offered by IGNOU University
Course Name | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fee (Approx.) |
---|---|---|---|
MBA | 2 Years | Graduation with 50% (45% for SC/ST) | ₹62,000 |
MCA | 2 Years | BCA/BSc (Maths/IT/CS) or equivalent | ₹48,000 |
MCom | 2 Years | BCom or relevant Bachelor's Degree | ₹17,600 |
MA | 2 Years | Graduation in any stream | ₹14,600 |
MSc | 2 Years | Graduation in Science stream | ₹33,600 |
MTech | 2 Years | BTech/BE or equivalent (limited options) | ₹55,000 |
MLIS | 1 Year | BLIS or Bachelor’s with LIS experience | ₹10,800 |
BBA | 3 Years | 10+2 from a recognized board | ₹30,000 |
BCA | 3 Years | 10+2 with Math or relevant stream | ₹45,000 |
BCom | 3 Years | 10+2 from a recognized board | ₹8,100 |
BA | 3 Years | 10+2 from a recognized board | ₹8,100 |
BSc | 3 Years | 10+2 with Science stream | ₹14,100 |
BTech | 4 Years (Only for existing students) | Diploma holders | ₹80,000 |
BLIS | 1 Year | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% marks | ₹7,900 |
IGNOU’s Vast Educational Network and Reach
Category | Details |
---|---|
🏢 Regional Centres | 67+ centres across India |
🏫 Learner Support Centres (LSCs) | Over 2,257 centres for academic and exam support |
🌍 Overseas Study Centres | 25 centres in different countries |
🎓 Schools of Studies | 21 schools offering programs in various disciplines |
👨🎓 Total Students Enrolled | 30,93,583+ learners |
📚 SWAYAM MOOC Courses | 268 Massive Open Online Courses |
📺 DTH Channels (GYANDARSHAN) | 6 dedicated Direct-to-Home educational channels |
📜 Certificates Awarded | 46,03,173+ degrees, diplomas, and certificates |
IGNOU Distance Education Achievements
- Serves over 3 million students across India and abroad
- Known as the World’s Largest Open University by enrollment
- Awarded the Centre of Excellence in Distance Education by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
- A central figure in India's digital and distance learning transformation
Why Should You Choose IGNOU Distance University?
Choosing the right university for your higher education is a big decision. IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) is one of the most trusted and popular choices for students who want to study through online and distance learning. Here are some strong reasons why IGNOU could be the best fit for your education:
- Government Recognised & UGC Approved: IGNOU is a central university established by the Government of India and is approved by UGC (University Grants Commission). This means your degree is valid and accepted across India and abroad.
- Affordable Fee Structure: IGNOU offers high-quality education at very affordable prices compared to private universities. This helps students from all backgrounds get access to higher education without financial stress.
- Flexibility in Learning: With IGNOU’s online and distance mode, you can study at your own pace. It’s perfect for working professionals, homemakers, and students who cannot attend regular classes.
- Wide Range of Courses: IGNOU provides over 300+ UG, PG, diploma, and certificate courses in various fields like management, IT, arts, commerce, science, library science, and more.
- Nationwide Support & Study Centres: IGNOU has study centres in almost every state and city in India. These centres help students with academic guidance, study materials, and practical sessions.
- Strong Global Recognition: IGNOU degrees are recognized not just in India but also abroad. It is accredited by NIRF, WES (for Canada), and listed in QS World Rankings.
- Digital Learning Resources: IGNOU provides students with e-books, online video lectures, recorded classes, and access to SWAYAM & eGyankosh platforms to enhance learning anytime, anywhere
Accreditations and Approvals – India & Abroad
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is officially recognized by top education bodies in India and abroad. These recognitions prove that IGNOU’s distance education programs are trusted, valid, and valuable for higher studies and jobs globally. Whether you’re planning to study further in India or settle abroad, IGNOU’s approvals make your degree credible and respected.
IGNOU is Approved & Recognized by: University Grants Commission (UGC-DEB) – Approved to offer distance and online education in India.- AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) – Validates technical and management programs.
- NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) – Accredited with an A++ Grade for quality education.
- NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) – Ranked 1st among the top open universities in India.
- WES (World Education Services) – IGNOU degrees are accepted for evaluation in countries like Canada and the USA.
- QS World Ranking – Recognized as one of the top open learning institutions globally for flexible learning.

UGC Entitled
Recognized by the University Grants Commission

Grade NAAC A++ Accredited
Accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council

NIRF Ranking
National Institutional Ranking Framework

AICTE Accredited
All India Council for Technical Education
Benefits of Studying at IGNOU Online University
- Learning Management System (LMS): IGNOU provides a powerful and easy-to-use LMS where students can access course materials, video lectures, assignments, and updates anytime.
- Virtual Classrooms: Attend live online classes conducted by expert faculty from anywhere. Interact with teachers and clear your doubts in real-time.
- Online Learning Resources: Study through e-books, PDFs, audio-visual lectures, and self-learning guides provided digitally.
- Online Exams & Assignments: Submit assignments and appear for exams online from the comfort of your home (in selected programs).
- Pan-India Support: Study centers available across India for any offline support if required.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Updated course curriculum designed to meet current job market needs.
- Career & Placement Support: Guidance, internship info, and career counseling are available for many programs.
How Exams are Conducted at IGNOU Distance?
At IGNOU, exams for distance education students are conducted in a flexible and student-friendly manner. Here’s how the exam process works:
1. Term-End Examinations (TEE)
- IGNOU conducts Term-End Exams twice a year – in June and December.
- Students must fill out the online exam form to appear in the exams.
- Exams are held in designated IGNOU exam centres across India and selected international locations.
- Exams are in offline mode (pen and paper) for most courses.
2. Online Exams for Some Courses: For certain online programs and certificate/diploma courses, IGNOU may conduct online proctored exams. These can be attended from home using a laptop or desktop with webcam and internet.
3. Eligibility for Exams
- To be eligible for TEE:
- You must have submitted assignments before the deadline.
- You must have completed the minimum study duration for the course.
4. Assignments are Mandatory: Assignments carry 30% weightage. Without submitting assignments, you cannot appear for the exam.
5. Exam Hall Ticket
- Download the Hall Ticket (Admit Card) from the official IGNOU website before the exam.
- Carry your ID card and hall ticket to the exam center.
6. Results Declaration
- Results are usually declared within 45 days after the exam.
- Students can check their scores online through the IGNOU Results Portal.
Admission Cycles at IGNOU Distance Education University
Admission Cycle | Details |
---|---|
January Admission Cycle | Admissions usually start in November and classes begin in January. |
July Admission Cycle | Admissions usually start in May and classes begin in July. |
Additional Fees:
Examination Fee: ₹200/- Per Course
Application: ₹300 (one-time) for UG, PG, DIPLOMA Courses
Note: EMI options Availaible at IGNOU Distance Education University
Admission Process at IGNOU Distance Education University
- Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU admission portal Go to: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
- Step 2: Register as a new user Click on “New Registration” and create your account using your email ID and phone number.
- Step 3: Fill the online application form Log in using your registered details and fill in the required personal, academic, and course-related information.
- Step 4: Upload documents Upload scanned copies of the following documents: Passport-size photograph Signature Educational certificates Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN, etc.)
- Step 5: Pay the application fee Make the payment online using a credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Step 6: Submit and download confirmation After submission, download the confirmation page and fee receipt for future reference.
Online Learning Support at IGNOU Distance Educaton University
Course Name | Duration |
---|---|
✅ Samarth Portal | A centralized platform for online admission, re-registration, assignment submission, grade cards, and other student services. It simplifies the academic journey by offering all major services in one place. |
✅ eGyanKosh | A vast digital repository of IGNOU’s course materials, available for free access to learners. It promotes self-paced learning and serves as an essential resource for exam preparation and academic reference. |
✅ GYANDARSHAN, GYAN VANI | These are dedicated educational TV and radio channels offering lectures, discussions, and academic programs by subject experts, helping reach learners even in remote areas. |
✅ IGNOU e-Content App | User-friendly mobile application that provides interactive content, video lectures, and reading materials, making learning possible anytime, anywhere with just a smartphone. |
✅ Virtual Classrooms | Video Lectures, Online Assignments, Exams, and More – IGNOU utilizes digital classrooms, conducts live and recorded video sessions, facilitates online assignment uploads, and offers remote proctored exams, ensuring a seamless digital learning experience. |
IGNOU Distance Education Placement Support
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers dedicated placement assistance to its students, even in distance and online learning modes. The Campus Placement Cell (CPC) of IGNOU actively works to bridge the gap between students and potential employers across India.
Key Highlights of IGNOU Placement Support:
- Dedicated Campus Placement Cell (CPC) to coordinate placement drives and job fairs.
- Industry tie-ups with companies from IT, education, banking, BPO, and healthcare sectors.
- Online job fairs and campus placement drives across major IGNOU regional centers.
- Skill development programs, personality development sessions, and career counseling.
- Job alerts and notifications sent to students via email and IGNOU portal.
- Support for resume building and interview preparation.
Is MBA Distance Education Worth It?
Yes, pursuing an MBA through distance education is a smart and valuable choice, especially for individuals balancing career, family, or other commitments. With the rise of digital platforms and recognition by top academic bodies, distance MBA programs offer a practical alternative to full-time courses. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Cost Effective: Distance MBA programs are generally more affordable than traditional MBA programs, making them budget-friendly for many learners.
- Better Career Growth: The knowledge and credentials gained from a distance MBA can lead to promotions, management roles, or even successful entrepreneurship.
- Do Not Need to Pause Jobs: You can study while continuing your current job, gaining experience and a degree simultaneously.
- High ROI (Return on Investment): With lower tuition fees and continued earning during the course, distance MBA programs provide excellent return on investment.
- Flexibility & Self-Paced Learning: The courses are designed for flexibility, allowing students to manage studies around their schedule and pace.
Companies That Have Hired IGNOU Students:
- Wipro
- Infosys
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- LIC
- Tech Mahindra
- Aegis
- Frankfinn
IGNOU may not guarantee placements like traditional full-time universities, but it provides enough career support and industry exposure to help students get jobs based on their qualifications and skills.