IGNOU BEd Entrance 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Anshul
Anshul Jindal
Associate Senior Executive
2 mins readUpdated on Jan 6, 2026 15:57 IST
This article covers the minimum eligibility criteria i.e.; educational qualifications, eligibility for different categories, teaching experience, age limit, and important details based on the IGNOU and NCTE guidelines. Check IGNOU BEd eligibility criteria 2026 including minimum marks, teaching experience, age limit, admission process, and official

Planning to appear for the entrance exam? We have provided the IGNOU BEd eligibility criteria.

IGNOU BEd Eligibility Criteria

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.

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

Also Read:

Q:   Is IGNOU BEd valid for CTET?
A:

Yes, the degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University is valid for CTET and other government jobs also. Candidates can get admission after clearing the IGNOU BEd Entrance Test.

Q:   Is the entrance exam necessary for BEd in IGNOU?
A:

Yes, it is important to clear the IGNOU BEd entrance test. The scores and result decides if you will get the admission.

Q:   What is the eligibility for BEd in IGNOU?
A:

(i) 50% marks in Graduation or Post Graduation Degree;
(ii) “Applicants need to ensure that they have done NCTE recognised courses in face-to-face mode to be eligible for admission to B.Ed. Programme”
AND
The score obtained in the entrance test conducted by IGNOU all over India.

Who is Eligible for the IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam?

Candidates can check the detailed eligibility criteria for the IGNOU BEd entrance exam - 

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: For candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD), the minimum marks required is 45%.

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

Professional/ Teaching Qualification Requirement

Applicants must either:

  • 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 approved 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

Category Minimum Marks
General (UG/PG) 50%
Engineering/Technology Graduates 50%
Reserved Categories As per IGNOU norms, currently it's 5%

Age Limit

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

Also read:

Is Teaching Experience Mandatory?

Teaching experience is not compulsory for all candidates. However:

  • In-service teachers may be given preferences where applicable.
  • Candidates applying through the training teaching route must submit valid proof of training and experience, if required.

Applicants are advised to check the latest IGNOU admission notification for category-specific requirements.

Also read:

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for MBA at IGNOU?
A:

For the IGNOU MBA course, the minimum aggregate is 50% (45% for reserved category candidates). Candidates must hold the pass certificates (original/ copies) at the time of admission. These documents are required for verification purposes. The open university verifies that the applicants meet the eligibility requirements before offering seats.

Q:   Is IGNOU BEd degree valid for government jobs?
A:

Yes, an IGNOU BEd degree is fully valid for government jobs in India, as IGNOU is a Central University recognised by UGC and DEB, and its degrees are treated as equivalent to regular degrees for all major government exams (UPSC, SSC, Teaching, etc.), provided you meet specific subject/marks criteria and NCTE guidelines.

Q:   When will IGNOU results be out for PhD admission?
A:

IGNOU results for PhD admission are out on the official website of the institute. Candidates who have at least 50% aggregate in the entrance test (45% aggregate in case of SC/ ST/ OBC (Non Creamy layers)/ Differently abled persons) are shortlisted for the interview subject to the maximum limit of five times of the available seats. The entrance test carries a weightage of 70% and 30% weightage is allocated to the interview/ viva.

Documents Required to Prove Eligibility

Candidates would require the listed documents 

  • Markssheets 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.

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About the Author
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Anshul Jindal
Associate Senior Executive

Anshul Jindal completed her Masters in Computer Applications from JIMS, Delhi, and has over 4 years of experience in content writing. Currently at Shiksa, creating content for exams like IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam, RIE

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Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, 36 out of 100 is generally a pass in most IGNOU undergraduate (UG) courses for the theory exam. Completing assignments is as important.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The IGNOU BEd entrance exam will be conducted for a total of 100 marks

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, IGNOU offers a programme similar to NTT, known as the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE).

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

A good score for the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Exam varies by category. For general, it is 70%, SC/ST/OBC, 50 to 60%.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

To prepare for the IGNOU BEd entrance exam, understand the syllabus (English, Reasoning, General/Educational Awareness, Teaching Aptitude). Start preparing using a study plan. Attempt previous year and mock papers.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, even in IGNOU, students need to study and clear the exams. They even need to complete the assignments as 40 marks are given out of it.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam Syllabus is divided into two parts.

SyllabusSection-Wise Topics
General English ComprehensionBasic Grammar
Reading Comprehension
Idioms & Phrases
Synonym & Antonym
Logical and Analytical ReasoningNumber Series
Coding Decoding
Calendar
Classification
Analogy
Blood Relation
Number and Alphanumeric series
Logical Reasoning
Educational and General AwarenessHistory
Geography
Political Science
Social Science
Current Affairs
Teaching, Learning, and the SchoolFundamentals and Principles of Education
Inclusive Education and Teaching Ability
Learning and Pedagogy
Development of Teacher Education in India
Responsibilities Towards Society
Aptitude and Development of Students
Experiments Related to School and New Finding Activities
Child Centred and Progressive Education

Part B

SyllabusSection-Wise Topics
EnglishWord Usage
Grammar
Reading Ability
English Literature
HindiWord Usage
Grammar
Reading Ability
Hindi Literature
SciencePhysics
Chemistry
Biology
Social StudiesHistory
Geography
Economics
Political Science
Social Science
Current Affairs
MathematicsArithmetics
Number System
Simplification
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The Student Evaluation Division (SED) of IGNOU is entrusted with the responsibility. They conduct the examinations and evaluate for 2 sessions of examinations in a year both in offline and online modes.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10