List of IGNOU Courses in Distance Education: UG, PG, & Doctorate level Courses, Admission Process

Aayushi
Aayushi Madavi
Associate Senior Executive
12 mins readUpdated on Apr 28, 2025 19:04 IST

Undoubtedly, IGNOU is the best choice for distance learning in India. Check out the stream-wise courses on offer at IGNOU.  

List of IGNOU Courses in Distance Education

IGNOU Courses in Distance Education

List of IGNOU Courses in Distance Education - Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the most prestigious distance learning institutes that offers various distance learning courses. At IGNOU, they offer multiple courses on different levels like UG, PG, and PhD, including diploma and certificate courses. It is advised that aspiring students go through the eligibility requirements for the courses of their choice before applying. In this article, students will find a curated list of IGNOU courses and the benefits of enrolling on an IGNOU programme. Students must also note that IGNOU admissions are open twice a year, that is, in January and July. There are over 200 IGNOU courses that students can choose from. Let's go over them in the article below. 

Also Read - 
List of Open Universities in India
Top 5 Open Universities in India 

Table of content
  • IGNOU: Highlights
  • Benefits of IGNOU Courses
  • IGNOU Online Courses Admission Process
  • IGNOU Schools of Study
  • IGNOU Distance Learning Courses
  • Distance Learning Institutes in Major States and Cities
  • FAQs Related to IGNOU Courses
View More

IGNOU: Highlights

Some key details about India's largest open university are provided in the table below. 

Particulars

Details

Establishment Year | Ownership

1985 | Government

Also known as

Indira Gandhi National Open University 

No. of schools

20+

No. of regional centres

65+

No. of learner support centres

2,667

No. of courses offered

200+

Type of scholarships offered

Category-based, Need-based

Faculty members

800+

Mode of study | Application mode

Distance | Online

IGNOU official website

ignou.ac.in

Benefits of IGNOU Courses

Choosing a distance learning programme from IGNOU for your higher education can benefit you in the following ways. 

  • Distance learning courses at IGNOU cost way less than the courses offered at regular universities. 
  • IGNOU ensures education for all. Be it working professionals, homemakers, the disabled or those residing in the most remote locations of the country, anyone and everyone can pursue higher education at this national distance learning university.  
  • With the flexibility and accessibility of the distance education programmes at IGNOU, students can learn at their own pace.
  • Despite the programmes operating on a self-learning model, IGNOU offers constant support to its students by means of a large network of regional centres and learner support centres. 
  • IGNOU is recognised by the UGC and has been accredited a Grade A++ by the NAAC. Their degree and diploma certificates are recognised by employers across the country. 

IGNOU Online Courses Admission Process

The step-by-step online admission process for IGNOU is provided below.

  • Click on the NEW REGISTRATION tab that appears in the applicant login area and fill in the required registration details.
  • Your username must be between 8 to 16 characters and the password must be alphanumeric and between 8 to 16 characters.
  • Now, click on the "SUBMIT" button.
  • Candidates' usernames will be instantly sent to their registered email and phone numbers via SMS.
  • Now log in using your newly generated username and password and go on to fill the application form by uploading a scanned photograph (less than 100 KB), a scanned signature (less than 100 KB), scanned copies of relevant educational qualifications (less than 200 KB), scanned copies of experience certificates (if any) (less than 200 KB), and a scanned copy of Category Certificate (less than 200 KB).
  • Now you can go on to pay your fee using a credit card (Master/ Visa), debit card (Master/ Visa/ Rupay) or net banking. 
  • Once you are done, save the form for future reference.

IGNOU Schools of Study 

IGNOU imparts education through its 21 schools of study, which offer education in different streams. The 21 schools of study at IGNOU include:

IGNOU Schools of Study

School of Agriculture (SOA)

School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS)

School of Continuing Education (SOCE)

School of Education (SOE)

School of Engineering & Technology (SOET)

School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS)

School of Foreign Languages (SOFL)

School of Gender and Development Studies (SOGDS)

School of Health Sciences (SOHS)

School of Humanities (SOH)

School of Inter-Disciplinary and Trans-Disciplinary Studies (SOITS)

School of Journalism and New Media Studies (SOJNMS)

School of Law (SOL)

School of Management Studies (SOMS)

School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPVA)

School of Sciences (SOS)

School of Social Sciences (SOSS)

School of Social Work (SOSW)

School of Tourism and Hospitality Service Management (SOTHSM)

School of Translation Studies and Training (SOTST)

School of Vocational Education and Training (SOVET)

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It may be noted that IGNOU admissions in the courses offered by it are mainly done based on merit. However, for admission in a few professional courses, such as MBA and BEd, the university also conducts entrance exams. For instance, for MBA admissions, IGNOU conducts the OPENMAT exam.

Q:   What is the next admission date for IGNOU 2025?
A:

IGNOU admission 2025 is open for July Session. The last date to apply for Online/ ODL courses is Sep 15, 2025. Candidates can fill out the application form on the official website of IGNOU. Aspirants have to first register and then login to fill out the application form.

Q:   How to apply for B.Ed. in IGNOU? Is the registration open?
A:
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) offers a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed. ) programme for aspiring teachers. Here is some information on how to apply and the status of registration: Eligibility Criteria: Candidates who have completed their graduation or post-graduation with at least 50% marks are eligible to apply for the B.Ed. programme. However, there is a relaxation of 5% marks for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates. Admission Process: The admission process for the B.Ed. programme includes an entrance test called the IGNOU B.Ed. Entrance Exam. The exam is conducted once a year, and the application forms are released on the official website of IGNOU. Application Procedure: The application form for the IGNOU B.Ed. Entrance Exam can be filled online through the official website of IGNOU. The application fee is Rs. 1000/- and can be paid through credit card, debit card, or net banking. Registration Status: The registration for the IGNOU B.Ed. programme usually starts in the month of March or April every year. However, the registration process for the current year is closed now. You can check the official website of IGNOU for updates on the next cycle of admission. Course Duration: The B.Ed. programme is of two years duration, and the maximum duration to complete the programme is five years. Course Fee: The total fee for the B.Ed. programme is Rs. 50,000/-, which can be paid in installments over the duration of the course. So, if you are interested in applying for the IGNOU B.Ed. programme, you should keep an eye on the official website for updates on the next admission cycle.
Q:   Can I get direct admission in IGNOU?
A:

Yes, students could take direct admission to a lot of UG and PG programmes offered at IGNOU. IGNOU admissions for many undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as BSc, BA, BCA, MBA, MA, and MSc are based on the merit of the last qualifying exam. IGNOU admission is conducted twice a year. Students should apply for IGNOU admissions 2025 before the last date of admission.

The below-mentioned is the IGNOU admission video:

IGNOU Distance Learning Courses 

Given below is a school-wise list of IGNOU courses offered by the university in distance learning mode at the undergraduate, PG, and doctoral levels:

IGNOU Courses at the School of Agriculture (SOA)

PhD  in Dairy Science and Technology (PhD DR)

PhD in Agriculture Extension (PHD AGE)

PG Diploma In Plantation Management (PG DPM)

PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PG DFSQM)

PG Certificate in Agriculture Policy (PG CAP)

Diploma in Dairy Technology (DDT)

Diploma in Value-added Products from Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds (DPVCPO)

Diploma in Value-Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables (DVAPFV)

Diploma in Fish Products Technology (DFPT)

Diploma in Watershed Management (DWM)

Diploma in Meat Technology (DMT)

Certificate in Sericulture (CIS)

Certificate in Water Harvesting and Management (CWHM)

Certificate in Poultry Farming (CPF)

Certificate in Bee Keeping (CIB)

Certificate in Organic Farming (COF)

Training Programme on Betel Vine for farmers (Two Weeks) (TPBV)

Certificate in Integrated Pest Management Technology in Potato Cultivation (CIPMT)

Awareness Programme on Value-Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables (APVPFV)

Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming (APDF)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS)

PhD Computer Science (PhD CS)

Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)

Certificate in Information Technology (CIT)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Continuing Education (SOCE)

PhD in Rural Development (PhD RD)

PhD in Food & Nutrition (PHD FN)

MA (Rural Development) (MA(RD))

Master of Science in Counselling and Family Therapy (MSCCFT)

Master of Science Degree in Dietetics and Food Service Management (M Sc(DFSM))

PG Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy (PG DCFT)

PG Diploma in Rural Development (PG DRD)

Diploma in Panchayat Level Administration & Development (DPLAD)

Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE)

Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE)

Certificate in Nutrition and Childcare (CNCC)

Certificate in Food and Nutrition (CFN)

Certificate Programme in Rural Development (CRD)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Education (SOE)

PhD in Education (PHD EDU)

MA (Distance Education) (MADE)

MA  (Education) (MA (Edu))

Master of Education (MEd )

MA  in Adult Education (MAAE)

PG Diploma in Higher Education Management (PG DHEM)

PG Diploma in Adult Education (PG DAE)

PG Diploma in School Leadership and Management (PG DSLM)

PG Diploma in Higher Education (PG DHE)

PG Diploma in Education Technology (PG DET)

PG  Diploma in Educational Management and Administration (PG DEMA)

PG  Diploma in Pre-Primary Education (PG DPPED)

PG Certificate in Adult Education (PG CAE)

PG Certificate in Information and Assistive Technologies for the Instructors of Visually Impaired (PG CIATIVI)

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd)

Certificate in Elementary Teacher Education (for Tripura State) (CETE)

Certificate in Guidance (CIG)

IGNOU Courses at the School of Engineering & Technology (SOET)

PhD in Mechanical Engineering (PHD MECE)

PhD in Civil Engineering (PHD CENG)

Advanced Certificate in Power Distribution Management (ACPDM)

Certificate in Energy Technology and Management (CETM)

Certificate of Competency in Power Distribution (Technicians) (CCPD)

Certificate in Motorcycle Service and Repair (CMSR)

IGNOU Courses at the School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS)

MA in Development Studies (MADVS)

MA in Extension & Development Studies (MAEDS)

PG Diploma in Urban Planning and Development (PG DUPDL)

PG Diploma in Extension and Development Studies (PG DEDS)

PG Certificate in Extension and Development Studies (PG CEDS)

Certificate Programme In Value Education (CPVE)

IGNOU Courses at the School of Foreign Languages (SOFL)

PhD in Arabic (PhD (A))

PhD in French (PhD(A))

Diploma in Teaching German as a Foreign Language (DTG)

Certificate in Russian Language (CRUL)

Certificate in Spanish Language & Culture (CSLC)

Certificate in French Language (CFL)

Certificate in Arabic Language (CAL)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Gender and Development Studies (SOGDS)

MA in Gender and Development Studies (MAGD)

MA in Women’s and Gender Studies (MAWGS)

PG  Diploma in Women’s & Gender Studies (PG DWGS)

Diploma in Women’s Empowerment and Development (DWED)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Health Sciences (SOHS)

PhD in Nursing (PhD(N))

Post-Doctoral Certificate in Dialysis Medicine (PDCDM)

PG Diploma in HIV Medicine (PG DHIVM)

PG Diploma in Hospital and Health Management (PG DHHM)

PG Diploma in Maternal and Child Health (PG DMCH )

PG Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (PG DGM)

BSc Nursing (Post Basic) (BScN(PB))

Diploma in Nursing Administration (DNA)

Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (DCCN)

Certificate in Newborn & Infant Nursing (CNIN)

Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing (CMCHN)

Certificate in Home-Based Health Care (CHBHC)

Certificate in Health Care Waste Management (CHCWM)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Humanities (SOH)

PhD in English (PhD in English)

PhD in Hindi (PhD in Hindi)

MA (English) (MEG)

MA (Hindi) (MHD)

PG Diploma in Book Publishing (PG DBP)

Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE)

Diploma in Urdu (DUL)

Certificate in Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTE)

Certificate in Urdu Language (CUL)

Certificate Programme in Functional English (Basic level) (CFE)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Inter-Disciplinary and Trans-Disciplinary Studies (SOITS)

PhD in Inter-disciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (PHDITS)

MA (Philosophy) (MAPY)

PG Diploma in Sustainability Science (PG DSS)

PG Diploma in Folklore and Culture Studies (PG DFCS)

Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development (ACPSD)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Journalism and New Media Studies (SOJNMS)

PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PG JMC)

PG Diploma in Audio Programme Production (PG DAPP)

Certificate in Community Radio (CCR)

IGNOU Courses at the School of Law (SOL)

PhD in Law (PHDLE)

PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights (PG DIPR)

PG Diploma in Criminal Justice (PG DCJ )

PG Certificate in Cyber Law (PG CCL)

PG Certificate in Patent Practice (PG CPP)

Diploma in Paralegal Practice (DIPP)

Certificate in Human Rights (CHR)

Certificate in Consumer Protection (CCP)

Certificate in International Humanitarian Law (CIHL )

Certificate in Anti-Human Trafficking (CAHT )

Certificate in Co-operation, Co-operative Law (CCLBL )

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Management Studies (SOMS)

PhD in Management (PHDMGMT)

PhD in Commerce (PHDCOM)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA (Banking & Finance) (MPB)

Master of Commerce (MCom)

Master of Commerce in Finance & Taxation (MCom (F&T))

Master of Commerce in Business Policy and Corporate Governance (MCom (BP & CG))

Master of Commerce in Management Accounting & Financial Strategies (MCom (MA&FS))

PG Diploma in International Business Operations (PG DIBO)

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Accountancy and Finance (BCOMAF)

BCom with a Major in Corporate Affairs and Administration (BCom (CA&A))

BCom with Major in Financial and Cost Accounting (BCom(F&CA))

BBA in Retailing (BBA(Retailing))

Diploma in Management (DIM)

Certificate in NGO Management (CNM)

Certificate in Business Skills (CBS)

Master of Philosophy in Commerce (MPHILCOM)

IGNOU Courses at the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPVA)

Certificate in Performing Arts - Bharatnatyam (CPABN)

Certificate in Performing Arts - Hindustani Music (CPAHM)

Certificate in Performing Arts - Karnatak Music (CPAKM)

Certificate In Performing Arts -Theatre Arts (CPATHA)

Certificate in Visual Arts - Painting (CVAP)

Certificate in Visual Arts - Applied Arts (CVAA)

IGNOU Courses at the School of Sciences (SOS)

PhD in Statistics (PHDSTAT)

PhD in Geography (PHDGG)

PhD in Chemistry (PHDCHE)

MSc (Mathematics with Applications in Computer Science) (MACS)

PG Diploma in Applied Statistics (PG DAST)

PG Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (PG DAC)

PG Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development (PG DESD)

PG Certificate in Geoinformatics (PG CGI)

BSc (General)

Diploma in Aquaculture (DAQ)

Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT)

Certificate Programme in Teaching of Primary School Mathematics (CTPM)

Appreciation Course on Environment (ACE)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Social Sciences (SOSS)

PhD in Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies (MPhil/ PhD in Gandhian Studies) Integrated (DoPG PS)

PhD in Psychology (PhD in Psychology)

PhD in Public Administration (PhD in Public Administration)

PhD in History (PhD in History)

PhD in Political Science (PhD in Political Sc)

PhD in Economics (PHDEC)

PhD in Sociology (PhD in Sociology)

PhD in Library & Information Science (PhD in Library & Information Sc)

Master's in Anthropology (MAAN)

MA (Sociology) (MSO)

MA in Psychology (MAPC)

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

MA  (Public Administration) (MPA)

MA  in Gandhi and Peace Studies (MA(GPS))

MA  (Political Science) (MPS)

MA (History) (MAH)

MA (Economics) (MEC)

PG Diploma in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PG DGPS)

PG Diploma in Mental Health (PG DMH)

PG  Diploma in Disaster Management (PG DDM)

PG Diploma in Library Automation and Networking (PG DLAN)

PG Certificate in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PG CGPS)

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Bachelor Preparatory Programme (BPP)

Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS)

Certificate in Disaster Management (CDM)

Certificate in Environmental Studies (CES)

MPhil in Economics (MPHILEC)

Master of Philosophy in Sociology (MPHILSO)

Master of Philosophy in Political Science (MPHILPS)

MPhil in Public Administration (MPHILPA)

MPhil in Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies (MPHILGDS)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Social Work (SOSW)

PhD in Social Work (PHDSW)

Master of Social Work (Counselling) (MSWC)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Diploma in HIV and Family Education (DAFE)

Certificate in Tribal Studies (CTRBS)

Certificate in HIV and Family Education (CAFE)

Certificate in Social Work and Criminal Justice System (CSWCJS)

Master of Philosophy in Social Work (MPHILSW)

IGNOU Courses at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Service Management (SOTHSM)

PhD in Tourism and Hospitality (PhD in Tourism Studies)

MSc (Hospitality Administration) (MHA)

Master of Tourism & Travel Management (MTTM)

BA (Tourism Studies) (BTS)

BSc (Hospitality and Hotel Administration) (BHM)

Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTS)

Certificate in Tourism Studies (CTS)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Translation Studies and Training (SOTST)

MA in Translation Studies (MATS)

PG Diploma in Translation (PG DT)

PG Certificate in Bangla-Hindi Translation (PG CBHT)

PG Certificate in Malayalam-Hindi Translation (PG CMHT)

MPhil in Translation Studies (MPHILTT)

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IGNOU Courses at the School of Vocational Education and Training (SOVET)

PhD in Vocational Education

PG Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sales Management (PG DPSM)

PG  Diploma in Information Security (PG DIS)

Advanced Certificate in Information Security (ACISE)

Diploma in BPO Finance & Accounting (DBPOFA )

Certificate in Communication and IT Skills (CCITSK)

Distance Learning Institutes in Major States and Cities

Q:   How do I apply for admission in IGNOU?
A:

IGNOU application is completely online. The step-by-step process of filling IGNOU registration form is as follows:

  • Visit the website.
  • Click on 'New Registration' and fill the required details.
  • Click on the 'Submit' button. 
  • Click on 'Login' button and fill out the online application form.
  • Pay application fee and submit the form. 
Q:   What should I do after taking online admission in IGNOU?
A:

Candidates who are selected for admission need to confirm their seat by paying the course fee. Here are few things that students will recieve after taking admission in IGNOU:

  • Once a students get admission into IGNOU, he or she will recieve the enrollment number and ID for future login to the samarth portal of the university.
  • Based on the choice made by the candidate while filling the application form, he or she will then recieve the study material. Soft copy is available on the official website of the university. 
  • Registered students also recieve a mail from the regional or study centre for counselling. It is an induction ceremony where the course is introduced to the students.
  • A schedule of classes is also shared through mail. For any query regarding classes, students must contact their study centre.
Q:   What is the IGNOU admission process for an international student?
A:

IGNOU offers only very selective programmes to international students through its overseas partner institutes. These partner institutes render student support services to such students. Such students aspiring to pursue IGNOU programmes must contact the concerned partner institute in their vicinity and fill out the admission form along with the requisite fees within the stipulated time. Click here to view the list of partner institutes along with their contact details.

Students seeking distance education programmes can also check the lists of popular distance education institutes in some of the major states and cities from the table below. 

Kerala 

Hyderabad

Maharashtra 

Kolkata 

Chennai 

Bangalore 

Bihar 

Rajasthan 

Read More: 

FAQs Related to IGNOU Courses

Q. What is the admission process at IGNOU?

A. The admission process for IGNOU courses is direct, except for courses like MBA, BEd, PhD, and BSc Nursing for which admission is based on entrance test.

Q. What is the process to get degree from IGNOU after completion of course?

A. The degree of the candidates are forwarded to the regional centre selected by them while filling the form. Candidates can apply for the degree from the IGNOU's official website and collect it from the regional centre.

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About the Author
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Aayushi Madavi
Associate Senior Executive
Aayushi is a BAJMC graduate and an ardent consumer of content with a keen passion for film, TV and books. She specialises in Mass Communication and Humanities related exams, entrances and courses.
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Answered a week ago

After graduation, you can apply for M.A. in Music at AAFT, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. They have an entrance process and you may need to appear for an audition and interview.

N

Nitesh Kumar

Beginner-Level 4

Answered a month ago

To recieve their IGNOU ID card and books, students must complete the admission process and payment of fee. Students can download their digital ID card from the IGNOU Samarth Portal after recieving admission confirmation.
The timeline for receiving the study material depends on the mode selected by t

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h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

For the IGNOU BEd Application Form 2026, the scanned passport-size photo should be in JPEG format, usually between 20KB–100KB. The scanned signature must be clear, in JPEG format, between 10KB–50KB. Uploading the correct size ensures smooth submission of the online BEd registration form.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam 2026 will be conducted at multiple centres across India. The exact list of exam cities is released in the official notification. Candidates can select their preferred exam centre during the application process, subject to availability of seats at that centre.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, once allotted, the IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam Centre 2026 cannot usually be changed. Candidates are advised to carefully select their preferred city while filling the application form. In rare cases, IGNOU may allow changes, but only under specific conditions mentioned in the guidelines.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates can pay the IGNOU BEd Application Fee 2026 online through debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. Offline payment modes are not accepted. Payment must be made immediately after form submission, and a confirmation receipt should be downloaded for future reference.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, the graduation mark sheet is mandatory for IGNOU BEd admission 2026. Candidates must provide proof of their qualifying degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Without valid academic certificates, the IGNOU BEd application will not be accepted by the university.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, the IGNOU BEd Admit Card 2026 clearly mentions the allotted test center along with the complete address. Candidates must report to this exam center on the scheduled date and time. Carrying the admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10