IGNOU BA : Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Maidan Garhi, New DelhiOpen UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A++
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The Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a 3-year undergraduate programme offered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under the School of Humanities (SOH) and School of Social Sciences (SOSS). IGNOU offers the BA programme in two variants: the BA General (BAG) under the UGC Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), and the BA (BAM) under the FYUP framework aligned with NEP 2020. The programme is a broad-based, interdisciplinary course offering subjects across Humanities, Social Sciences, and Languages, including History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Hindi, English, Urdu, Sanskrit, and more. The total programme fee is Rs. 14,400 for 3 years (Rs. 4,800 per year), making it one of the most affordable undergraduate arts programmes in India. No entrance exam is required, and admission is open to any student who has passed 10+2 from a recognised board. The BA programme is IGNOU's flagship and most popular programme, with millions of students enrolled across India, valued for its flexibility, affordability, and wide subject choice.

Admission for the January 2026 session is currently ongoing. The last date for fresh admission has been extended to 30th March 2026. Students can apply online at the IGNOU Admission Portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in). The July 2026 session admissions are expected to open tentatively in May 2026, with a last date around July-August 2026, based on the previous year's schedule.

Distance Mode Study Centres:

IGNOU's BA programme is offered through a vast network of Regional Centres and Study Centres (LSCs) across India - one of the largest networks of any university in the world. Key Regional Centres offering this programme include:

  • Hyderabad (RC Code: 01)
  • Karnal (RC Code: 10)
  • Shimla (RC Code: 11)
  • Jammu (RC Code: 12)
  • Bangalore (RC Code: 13)
  • Cochin (RC Code: 14)
  • Bhopal (RC Code: 15)
  • Pune (RC Code: 16)
  • Imphal (RC Code: 17)
  • Shillong (RC Code: 18)
  • Aizawl (RC Code: 19)
  • Port Blair (RC Code: 02)
  • Kohima (RC Code: 20)
  • Bhubaneswar (RC Code: 21)
  • Khanna (RC Code: 22)
  • Jaipur (RC Code: 23)
  • Gangtok (RC Code: 24)
  • Chennai (RC Code: 25)
  • Agartala (RC Code: 26)
  • Lucknow (RC Code: 27)
  • Kolkata (RC Code: 28)
  • Delhi 1, Delhi 2, Delhi 3 (RC Codes: 07, 29, 38)
  • Itanagar (RC Code: 03)
  • Srinagar (RC Code: 30)
  • Dehradun (RC Code: 31)
  • Ranchi (RC Code: 32)
  • Vijayawada (RC Code: 33)
  • Raipur (RC Code: 35)
  • Nagpur (RC Code: 36)
  • Jorhat (RC Code: 37)
  • Noida (RC Code: 39)
  • Guwahati (RC Code: 04)
  • Trivandrum (RC Code: 40)
  • Jabalpur (RC Code: 41)
  • Rajkot (RC Code: 42)
  • Madurai (RC Code: 43)
  • Koraput (RC Code: 44)
  • Siliguri (RC Code: 45)
  • Darbhanga (RC Code: 46)
  • Aligarh (RC Code: 47)
  • Varanasi (RC Code: 48)
  • Mumbai (RC Code: 49)
  • Patna (RC Code: 05)
  • Chandigarh (RC Code: 06)
  • Vatakara (RC Code: 83)
  • Visakhapatnam (RC Code: 84)
  • Bijapur (RC Code: 85)
  • Deoghar (RC Code: 87)
  • Jodhpur (RC Code: 88)
  • Ahmedabad (RC Code: 09)
  • Angul (RC Code: 89)

Students can locate their nearest study centre using the IGNOU Study Centre Locator on the official website.

Key Points

  • The BA programme is IGNOU's most popular and largest enrolled programme, with millions of students across India.
  • Students can choose from a wide range of subjects including History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Public Administration, Hindi, English, Urdu, Sanskrit, and more.
  • The programme offers flexibility to choose subjects based on personal interest and career goals.
  • Offered in both English and Hindi medium, making it accessible to learners across India.
  • No entrance exam is required; admission is based purely on eligibility.
  • There is no age bar, making it suitable for working professionals, homemakers, and adult learners.
  • SC/ST students are eligible for 50% fee concession on programme fee, subject to income criteria.
  • Term-End Examinations (TEE) are conducted twice a year - in June and December.
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IGNOU Latest Updates and News

26 May, 2026 IGNOU Admission 2026 (Jul Session) is open for all ODL programs. Apply by Jul 15, 2026.

06 May, 2026 IGNOU has opened re-registration for the Jul 2026 session for all ODL and Online programs. Register now! The last date to apply @ignou.ac.in is Jun 30, 2026.

IGNOU Important Events

ODL1

IGNOU BA Fees

The BA programme at IGNOU is priced at Rs. 4,800 per year, payable annually for 3 years. A one-time non-refundable Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is charged at the time of fresh admission. Examination fees are charged separately at the time of TEE registration and are not included in the programme fee. The total programme cost (excluding exam fees) comes to Rs. 14,700 over 3 years.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Per Year)Total (3 Years)
Programme/Tuition FeeRs. 4,800Rs. 14,400
Registration Fee (one-time)Rs. 300Rs. 300
University Development FeeAs applicableAs applicable
Examination Fee (per course per exam)Rs. 120 per courseVaries
Total Fees (excluding exam fee)Rs. 5,100 (Year 1)Rs. 14,700
  • The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable.
  • Examination fees are paid separately at the time of filling the exam form and are not included in the programme fee.
  • SC/ST students are eligible for 50% fee concession on programme fee, subject to family income not exceeding Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum.
  • Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay), or Net Banking.
  • In case of cancellation after confirmation of admission, 15% of programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted. No refund is admissible after 60 days of the closing date of admissions.
  • Students opting for soft copy (e-SLM) of study material pay a reduced fee.

IGNOU BA Admission 2026

IGNOU conducts admissions for the BA programme twice a year - in the January session (admissions open November-February/March) and the July session (admissions open May-August). The admission process is entirely online through the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal. There is no entrance exam; admission is granted based on eligibility. The January 2026 session is currently open with the last date extended to 30th March 2026.

IGNOU BA Admission Dates

EventJanuary 2026 SessionJuly 2026 Session (Tentative)
Admission Portal OpensDecember 16, 2025May 2026
Last Date for Fresh AdmissionMarch 30, 2026July/August 2026
Re-registration Start DateDecember 1, 2025May 2026
Last Date for Re-registrationMarch 30, 2026July 2026
Distribution of Study Material (SLM)January - March 2026July - September 2026
Contact Programmes / CounsellingFebruary - November 2026August 2026 onwards
Assignment SubmissionMarch - September 2026October 2026 - March 2027
Term-End Examination (TEE)June 2026December 2026
Declaration of ResultsAugust 2026February 2027

Entrance Exam Dates

Entrance Exam Dates
No entrance exam is required for IGNOU BA admission. Admission is open to all eligible candidates on a merit-neutral basis.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent from a recognised board.
  • No specific subject requirement at 10+2 level; the programme is open to students from any stream.
  • There is no minimum percentage requirement and no age bar.

Admission Process

  • Visit the IGNOU Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and click on New Registration.
  • Create a username and password, then log in and select the BA (BAM or BAG) programme.
  • Fill in personal and academic details, select your preferred subjects, and upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, 10th and 12th marksheets, and category certificate (if applicable).
  • Pay the programme fee and registration fee online via Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking.
  • Download and save the application form and payment receipt for future reference.
  • Await confirmation of admission via email/SMS; check status on the admission portal.

IGNOU: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 52 Reviews

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is known for its experienced and supportive faculty, ensuring effective student-teacher interaction with a student-to-faculty ratio of about 35-40:1. Courses at IGNOU are designed to be flexible, catering to working students, with exams conducted twice a year. The grading system comprises 70% from exams and 30% from assignments, with a passing requirement of 40%. Approximately 30% of students secure jobs during recruitment drives, with last year's salaries starting at INR 20,000.

Internship opportunities are available through partnerships with companies like Swiggy, offering roles with a stipend of INR 15,000, and reputed organizations like Care and UNICEF. Companies such as Tata, TCS, Infosys, and Wipro provide job opportunities and training. IGNOU offers an affordable fee structure, with undergraduate fees ranging from INR 3,000 to INR 6,000 annually and postgraduate fees from INR 10,000 to INR 20,000. Examination fees are generally INR 200 per subject.

Study materials are often free, with digital copies reducing costs by about 15%.

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 By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

IGNOU BA Scholarships 2026

IGNOU BA students are eligible for a range of scholarships from both the university and the Government of India. SC/ST students can avail a 50% fee concession on programme fees directly from IGNOU, subject to income criteria. Additionally, students can apply for Central and State Government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of admission.

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityBenefitHow to Apply
IGNOU SC/ST Fee ConcessionSC/ST students with family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh/year50% concession on programme feeApply at the time of admission through IGNOU portal; upload caste and income certificate
NSP - Post Matric Scholarship (SC)SC students; family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh/yearFull/partial fee reimbursement + maintenance allowanceApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Post Matric Scholarship (ST)ST students; family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh/yearFull/partial fee reimbursement + maintenance allowanceApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - OBC Post Matric ScholarshipOBC students; family income up to Rs. 1 lakh/yearPartial fee reimbursementApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Minority Post Matric ScholarshipMinority community students; family income up to Rs. 2 lakh/yearPartial fee reimbursementApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
State Government ScholarshipsVaries by state; based on category and incomeVariesApply through respective State Scholarship Portal
  • IGNOU's SC/ST fee concession is applicable only if the student is not availing any other scholarship from Central/State Government.
  • An affidavit to this effect must be submitted at the time of applying for the IGNOU fee concession.
  • DEB-ID is mandatory for availing IGNOU fee concession.
  • Students are advised to apply for NSP scholarships immediately after confirmation of admission, as deadlines are typically in October-November each year.

IGNOU BA FAQs

Ques. What subjects can I choose in IGNOU BA? Can I mix subjects from different disciplines?

Ans. Yes. IGNOU BA offers a wide range of subjects including History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Public Administration, Hindi, English, Urdu, Sanskrit, Philosophy, and more. Under the CBCS framework, you can choose a combination of subjects from different disciplines. However, the availability of specific subject combinations may depend on your study centre. It is advisable to check the subject availability at your nearest study centre before applying.

Ques. I am a working professional with a 10+2 qualification from 15 years ago. Can I still apply for IGNOU BA?

Ans. Yes. IGNOU has no age bar for the BA programme. As long as you have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board, you are eligible regardless of the gap year. The flexible ODL mode allows you to study at your own pace while managing your professional commitments.

Ques. Is the IGNOU BA degree valid for government jobs and competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and banking?

Ans. Yes. IGNOU is a Central University established by an Act of Parliament, and its degrees are recognised by the UGC and Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The BA degree from IGNOU is valid for all government jobs, competitive exams, and higher education admissions where a graduation degree is required.

Ques. What is the difference between BAG (CBCS) and BAM (FYUP) at IGNOU? Which one should I choose?

Ans. BAG (CBCS) is the older BA General programme under the Choice Based Credit System, while BAM is the newer BA programme under the FYUP framework aligned with NEP 2020. BAM offers multiple exit options (Certificate after 1 year, Diploma after 2 years, Degree after 3 years). For new students enrolling now, BAM is the recommended and currently active programme. BAG may be available for re-registration by existing students only.

Ques. How many subjects do I need to study per year in IGNOU BA?

Ans. In the IGNOU BA programme, students typically study 4-6 courses per year (or per semester in the CBCS version). The exact number depends on the programme variant and the subjects chosen. Each course carries 6 credits, and the total programme requires 132-148 credits for completion. Students are advised to refer to the programme guide for their specific subject combination.

Ques. Can I change my subjects after admission in IGNOU BA?

Ans. Subject change is generally not permitted after admission. However, students can request a change of subject within a limited window (usually within the first few months of admission) by submitting a request to their Regional Centre. This is subject to availability and the university's policies at the time. Students are advised to carefully choose their subjects before applying.

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IGNOU: 47 Answered Questions

I made a mistake while applying for the BEd course at IGNOU. Can I make changes to the application form after the final submission?

Aditi Randhawa

This is a frequently asked question among students navigating higher education decisions.

Important considerations:

  • Research Thoroughly: Verify information through official websites, NIRF rankings, and authentic reviews.
  • Campus Visits: Attend open houses or virtual tours to understand infrastructure and culture.
  • Alumni Insights: Connect with graduates for honest feedback about academics and placements.
  • Document Verification: Check NBA/NAAC accreditation, UGC approval, and affiliations.
  • Career Alignment: Ensure the program aligns with your long-term professional goals.

For the most accurate information, contact the college admission office directly or consult the official prospectus and website.

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How to change IGNOU subject/course/medium?

Dev Anand

how to change subject/course/medium at IGNOU:

IGNOU allows changes in certain circumstances:

  • Subject change: possible within the first 30 days of admission for the current session. visit your regional center or apply through ignou.ac.in ? student zone ? program change/subject change
  • Program/course change: if you want to switch to a completely different program (e.g., BA to BCA), you generally cannot transfer — you must re-apply for the new program fresh. some provisions exist within the same school/faculty
  • Medium change: can typically be changed with a written request to your regional study center

the annual window for changes is narrow — usually the first month of each admission cycle (Jan or July). after the window, changes are not generally accepted. visit ignou.ac.in ? student support or your nearest IGNOU regional center. bring your enrollment ID and relevant documents. call your regional center to confirm the current process as IGNOU procedures can vary slightly by center.

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Can I get admission into the Early Childhood Course at IGNOU without the entrance exam?

ShreshthaAcademic Counsellor

The Diploma Programme in Early Childhood Care and Education at IGNOU is a 1 year program. It is a very suitable program with no age bar. It is a holistic program that trains the students and helps them develop the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary for working with young children who are up to 6 years of age. Through this course, you will be trained to organize and manage child-care centers like crèches, preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and day-care centers.

Students who are above 18 years old are eligible for the early childhood course at IGNOU. The minimum educational qualification for this course is 10+2 or its equivalent. After fulfilling the eligibility criteria you can fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents. The required documents for this course are proof of high school completion certificate, a criminal background check, and a certain GPA. There are 4 sections of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) course in IGNOU given below:

  • DECE-1 Organizing Child Care Services
  •  DECE-2 Child Health and Nutrition
  •  DECE-3 Services and Programmer for Children
  •  DECE-4 Project Work: Working With Young Children in a Child Care Setting

The admission process to Diploma in Childhood Care and Education at IGNOU does not require any entrance examination. 

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How can I apply for a certificate course at IGNOU?

RishitaFormer Student at IGNOU

To enrol in a certificate course at IGNOU, you simply need to go to their official website @https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in./ and submit the online application form.

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Why do we have to re-register for IGNOU courses?

Jyoti SinghStudent at IGNOU

IGNOU re-registration is required to allow students to continue taking classes for the upcoming semester or academic year. This applies to both Indian and international students enrolled in IGNOU.

For re-registration, one needs to go to the official website @https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in/, fill up the form and make the online payment. 

IGNOU July 2024 session re-registration will be done from May 1 - June 30, 2024.

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Who is eligible for the MSc course at IGNOU?

AyanM.Sc Student at IGNOU

Students who want to be admitted to the M.Sc program at IGNOU must fulfil the eligibility criteria. Students must be science graduates with 50% marks. Students can join the M.Sc program in both Hindi and English language.

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How to take admission in IGNOU BSc course?

Varnika Raturi

Students who are willing to be admitted to the B.Sc course must visit the official site of the IGNOU at @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Before applying for the B.SC course you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria that is students must pass class 12th successfully with at least 50% marks with science stream from a recognized board.

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Can anyone apply for an MCom course in IGNOU with a supplementary in a subject?

Bhawnastudying BCom from IGNOU

No, according to my knowledge, you cannot apply for an MCom in IGNOU having a supplementary in a subject. To be eligible for MCom in IGNOU, you need a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject. 

So, you first clear your supplement subject then you can apply for MCom in IGNOU.

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When can I take admission in IGNOU for MSc course?

Shailesh KhemkaStudies at IGNOU

IGNOU conducts admission in 2 phases, once in January and the next phase in July. The application form release date for the 2nd phase of admission has been released on 15th May 2024. 

The last date for admission to MSc for 2024 is 30th June. The last date for MSc re-registration is 30th June. And, the last date for submission of the exam form is 25th May. The MSc admission form for any specialization at IGNOU is available on the official website. The link to the admission portal is @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

The registration fee is INR 300 for the MSc course. IGNOU offers a total of 16 subjects as MSc specialization and it is a 2-year postgraduate degree.

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What are the eligibility and admission dates for the MEd course at IGNOU?

Abhay DagaStudies at IGNOU

IGNOU offers a 1-year MEd course at the postgraduate level. The eligibility criteria for taking admission in this course is that you will have to be a BEd graduate with a minimum of 55% with two years of learning experience from a Government-recognised school/research institution in education/NCTE-recognised teacher education. You will have to appear for the all-India test that is conducted to secure a seat for this course.

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