IGNOU BEd Entrance 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Planning to appear for the entrance exam? Check the IGNOU BEd eligibility criteria before applying.

IGNOU BEd Eligibility Criteria

IGNOU BEd Eligibility Criteria: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) conducts the IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam. This national-level test is organised to shortlist candidates for the BEd course who wish to build a career in education through distance learning. The applicant needs to check if they meet the IGNOU BEd eligibility criteria, as admissions are strictly based on fulfilling the prescribed academic and professional requirements.

IGNOU BEd 2026 application process started on January 29, 2026. Eligible candidates can submit the application form until February 27, 2026. Candidates who miss the regular deadline may apply later by paying a late fee of ₹200. The IGNOU BEd entrance exam 2026 is tentatively scheduled for March 29, 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IGNOU website for the latest updates.

This article will include the detailed eligibility norms followed by the IGNOU. 

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Who is Eligible for the IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam?

Candidates can check the detailed IGNOU BEd entrance exam eligibility criteria below.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in:

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in any discipline with atleast 50% aggregate marks.
• Graduation in Engineering or Technology with atleast 55% marks
• Equivalent qualification recognised by UGC/AIU

Important: Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC and PwD categories must have secured at least 45% marks in the qualifying examination.

Also Check: Six-month bridge course for BEd Primary Teachers

Professional/ Teaching Qualification Requirement

Applicants must either:

• A trained in-service teacher working in a recognised primary, secondary or senior secondary school or
• Completed a teacher education programme recognised by NCTE, such as
  • DElEd
  • BTC
  • TTC
  • Any other equivalent teacher training qualification recognised by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

Important: Teaching experience may be required in some categories, but it is not mandatory for all applicants. Eligibility depends on the route through which the candidate applies.

Minimum Marks Required for IGNOU BEd

Candidates must have score atleast

Age Limit

No upper or lower age limit is prescribed for IGNOU BEd admissions

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Is Teaching Experience Mandatory?

Teaching experience is not compulsory for all candidates. However:

• In-service teachers may receive preference, wherever applicable.
• Candidates applying under the trained teacher category must submit valid documents related to their training qualification and teaching experience, if asked.

Applicants should also check the latest IGNOU admission notification for category-wise eligibility requirements and other updates.

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Documents Required to Prove Eligibility

Before applying for the IGNOU BEd 2026 exam, candidates should ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements. Some documents will be needed while filling out the application form or during the admission process. These documents may be required to verify academic marks, teaching experience and category details, if applicable. Candidates should keep their original documents and a few photocopies ready in advance to avoid last-minute issues. It is also important to read the official IGNOU BEd eligibility notification carefully before starting the application form.

Candidates would require the listed documents 

• Mark sheets of the qualifying degree
• Degree certificate
• Teacher Training Certificate (if applicable)
• Experience certificate (for in-service teacher)
• Category certificate (if applicable)

Candidates are requested to check if they fulfil the IGNOU BEd eligibility criteria. They must refer to the official website before applying for the upcoming session.