Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a 3-year undergraduate Honours programme (programme code: BASOH) delivered entirely through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The programme provides an in-depth study of Sociology, covering sociological theory, Indian society, social stratification, gender studies, rural and urban sociology, research methods, and interdisciplinary electives. It is structured under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) with 148 total credits spread across 6 semesters, comprising core courses, discipline-specific electives, ability enhancement courses, skill enhancement courses, and generic electives. The total programme fee is Rs. 15,900 (Rs. 5,300 per year) plus a one-time Registration Fee of Rs. 300 and a Development Fee of Rs. 200 per year. IGNOU follows an open admission policy with no entrance exam, and the programme is available in both English and Hindi medium. The BA (Sociology) is popular among students interested in understanding social structures, social change, and human behaviour, as well as those preparing for civil services, social work, and research careers.

Admission for the January 2026 session is currently ongoing. The last date for fresh admission is 30 March 2026. Students can apply online at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The July 2026 session admissions are expected to open in May 2026, with a tentative last date of July/August 2026.

Distance Mode Study Centres:

IGNOU's BA (Sociology) programme is offered through its extensive network of Regional Centres and Study Centres across India. Key regional centres include Hyderabad, Karnal, Shimla, Jammu, Bangalore, Cochin, Bhopal, Pune, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Port Blair, Kohima, Bhubaneshwar, Khanna, Jaipur, Gangtok, Chennai, Agartala, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi (ITO and Naraina), Noida, Itanagar, Srinagar, Dehradun, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Raipur, Nagpur, Jorhat, and many more. Students can locate their nearest Study Centre on the official IGNOU admission portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

Key Points

Programme Code: BASOH (Bachelor of Arts Honours Sociology)
Structured under CBCS with 148 total credits across 6 semesters
Available in both English and Hindi medium
No entrance exam required; open admission policy
Minimum duration is 3 years; maximum permissible duration is 6 years
Term-End Examinations (TEE) conducted twice a year: June and December
Assignments are mandatory before appearing in TEE; carry internal assessment weightage
Study material (Self Learning Material - SLM) provided by IGNOU; also available digitally
Relevant for UPSC/State PSC aspirants; Sociology is one of the most popular optional subjects in UPSC Mains
APAAR ID is mandatory for fresh admission from January 2026 cycle onwards

167 Views Last Year

14 Studentsshown interest in the last 30 days

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IGNOU BA Sociology Fees

The BA (Sociology) programme at IGNOU is one of the most affordable Honours degree programmes in India. The programme fee is Rs. 5,300 per year, payable at the time of fresh admission and re-registration each year. In addition, a one-time Registration Fee of Rs. 300 and a Development Fee of Rs. 200 per year are charged. SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum are eligible for a full tuition fee waiver; they pay only the Registration Fee (Rs. 300) and Development Fee (Rs. 200) per year. There is no hostel facility at IGNOU headquarters; however, some Study Centres may have local arrangements.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Total (3 Years)
Tuition Fee (Programme Fee)	Rs. 5,300	Rs. 5,300	Rs. 5,300	Rs. 15,900
Registration Fee (one-time)	Rs. 300	-	-	Rs. 300
Development Fee	Rs. 200	Rs. 200	Rs. 200	Rs. 600
Exam Fee (per subject, per TEE)	Rs. 200/subject	Rs. 200/subject	Rs. 200/subject	Variable
Total Fees (excl. exam fee)	Rs. 5,800	Rs. 5,500	Rs. 5,500	Rs. 16,800

Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable and charged only once at the time of fresh admission.
Development Fee of Rs. 200 is charged every year including at re-registration.
Exam Fee is Rs. 200 per subject per Term-End Examination and is paid separately at the time of exam form submission.
SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum are eligible for full tuition fee waiver (pay only Rs. 300 Registration Fee + Rs. 200 Development Fee per year).
Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
An amount equivalent to 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted if cancellation is requested after confirmation of admission.
No refund is admissible after 60 days of the closing date of admissions.
No EMI option is available; fee is paid annually at the time of admission/re-registration.

IGNOU BA Sociology Admission 2026

IGNOU follows an open admission policy for the BA (Sociology) programme - no entrance exam is required. Admissions are conducted twice a year: January Session (November to February/March) and July Session (May to July/August). The January 2026 session is currently open with the last date extended to 30 March 2026. Students must apply online through the official IGNOU admission portal. Re-registration for continuing students must also be completed each year to proceed to the next year of the programme.

Important Dates

Event	Date
January 2026 Session - Fresh Admission Opens	November 2025
January 2026 Session - Last Date for Fresh Admission	30 March 2026
January 2026 Session - Re-registration Last Date	30 March 2026
Study Material Distribution (January Session)	January - March 2026
Contact/Counselling Sessions (January Session)	February - November 2026
Assignment Submission Last Date (January Session)	March - September 2026
June 2026 TEE - Exam Form Submission (without late fee)	10 March 2026 - 10 April 2026
June 2026 TEE - Exam Form Submission (with late fee of Rs. 1,100)	11 April 2026 - 24 April 2026
June 2026 Term-End Examination	1 June 2026 - 15 July 2026
Result Declaration (June 2026 TEE)	August 2026 (tentative)
July 2026 Session - Fresh Admission Opens	May 2026 (tentative)
July 2026 Session - Last Date for Fresh Admission	July/August 2026 (tentative)
December 2026 TEE - Exam Form Submission	September/October 2026 (tentative)
December 2026 Term-End Examination	December 2026 (tentative)

Examination	Conducting Body	Exam Period	Exam Form Last Date (without late fee)
IGNOU June 2026 Term-End Examination (TEE)	IGNOU	1 June - 15 July 2026	10 April 2026
IGNOU December 2026 Term-End Examination (TEE)	IGNOU	December 2026 (tentative)	October 2026 (tentative)

Note: No external entrance exam is required for admission to IGNOU BA (Sociology). The TEE is IGNOU's own internal examination conducted for all enrolled students.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) or its equivalent from a recognised board.
There is no minimum percentage requirement for admission.
There is no upper age limit for admission.

Admission Process

Visit the official IGNOU admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Click on "New Registration" and create a login with your email and mobile number (OTP verification required)
Select the programme BASOH (Bachelor of Arts Honours Sociology) and preferred Study Centre
Fill in personal, academic, and address details
Upload scanned photograph (less than 100 KB), signature (less than 100 KB), and educational qualification documents (less than 200 KB)
Upload category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable
Pay the programme fee online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking
Submit the application and save/print the form for future reference
APAAR ID is mandatory from January 2026 cycle onwards; keep it ready before starting the application
After admission confirmation, collect/download Study Material from the assigned Study Centre or IGNOU's digital platform

IGNOU: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 3 Reviews

The distance education program at this college is reasonably priced at 20,000 per year, making it accessible for many students. While scholarships are minimal, they do contribute to reducing the cost of study. However, the college does not offer placement services due to the nature of distance learning. Despite this, students often find good job opportunities on their own after completing the course.

By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

IGNOU BA Sociology Scholarships 2026

IGNOU BA (Sociology) students can avail multiple scholarship and fee support schemes. The most significant is the SC/ST Fee Waiver scheme offered directly by IGNOU, which provides full tuition fee exemption to eligible students. Additionally, students can apply for Central and State Government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) after confirmation of admission. These scholarships cover a wide range of categories including SC, ST, OBC, minorities, and economically weaker sections.

Scholarship Schemes

Scholarship / Scheme	Offered By	Eligibility	Benefit
SC/ST Fee Waiver Scheme	IGNOU	SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum; fresh admission	Full tuition fee waiver; pay only Rs. 300 (Registration) + Rs. 200 (Development Fee) per year
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students	Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India	SC students; family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum	Covers tuition fee and maintenance allowance; amount varies by state
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students	Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India	ST students; family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum	Covers tuition fee and maintenance allowance; amount varies by state
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students	Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India	OBC students; family income below Rs. 1 lakh per annum	Covers tuition fee; amount varies by state
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS)	Ministry of Education, Govt. of India	Top 20 percentile in Class 12 board exams; family income below Rs. 8 lakh per annum	Rs. 10,000 per annum for UG students
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)	Ministry of Education, Govt. of India	Students with family income below Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum	Rs. 12,000 per annum

All government scholarships must be applied for through the National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in after confirmation of IGNOU admission.
IGNOU's SC/ST Fee Waiver is applied directly at the time of admission on the IGNOU portal; income certificate from the competent state authority is mandatory.
DEB-ID (Distance Education Bureau ID) is mandatory for availing the IGNOU SC/ST fee waiver.
Scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to change as per Government of India notifications.
Students are advised to apply for scholarships immediately after admission confirmation to avoid missing deadlines.

IGNOU BA Sociology FAQs

Ques. Is IGNOU BA (Sociology) a good choice for UPSC preparation?

Ans. Yes, Sociology is one of the most popular optional subjects in UPSC Mains, and IGNOU BA (Sociology) is widely recommended by UPSC toppers and coaching institutes. The BASOH curriculum covers topics directly relevant to the UPSC Sociology optional syllabus, including sociological thinkers, social stratification, Indian society, and social change. Many successful UPSC candidates have used IGNOU Sociology study materials as their primary reference. The distance learning format also allows aspirants to prepare for competitive exams simultaneously.

Ques. What core subjects are covered in IGNOU BA (Sociology)?

Ans. The BASOH programme covers core Sociology courses across 6 semesters, including Introduction to Sociology, Society in India, Social Stratification, Sociological Theory, Sociology of Gender, Rural Sociology, Urban Sociology, Research Methods in Social Sciences, and Sociology of Development. Students also choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs), Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs), and Generic Electives from other disciplines.

Ques. Can I pursue IGNOU BA (Sociology) while working?

Ans. Absolutely. IGNOU BA (Sociology) is specifically designed for working professionals, homemakers, and anyone who cannot attend regular college. There are no mandatory daily classes. You attend contact/counselling sessions at your Study Centre (typically on weekends), submit Tutor Marked Assignments, and appear for Term-End Examinations twice a year. Many government employees, NGO workers, and social workers pursue this programme alongside their careers.

Ques. What career options are available after IGNOU BA (Sociology)?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in civil services (IAS, IPS, State PSC), social work, NGOs, community development, journalism, research, teaching, and human resources. The degree also qualifies students for MA Sociology, MSW (Master of Social Work), MBA, LLB, and other postgraduate programmes. Sociology graduates are in demand in development sector organisations, government welfare departments, and research institutions.

Ques. How is IGNOU BA (Sociology) different from a regular BA Sociology?

Ans. The core difference is the mode of study. IGNOU BA (Sociology) is a distance learning programme with no mandatory daily classes, while a regular BA requires physical attendance. The CBCS-based BASOH curriculum is academically rigorous and the degree is recognised at par with regular degrees by UGC. However, students who prefer classroom interaction, group discussions, and campus activities may find regular college more suitable.

Ques. Are IGNOU Sociology study materials useful for UPSC preparation?

Ans. Yes, IGNOU Sociology books (particularly for BSOC and BASOH programmes) are widely regarded as some of the best reference materials for UPSC Sociology optional. They are written in simple, accessible language and cover the syllabus comprehensively. Many UPSC coaching institutes recommend IGNOU Sociology books as the primary reading material. The books are available for free download on the IGNOU eGyanKosh portal (egyankosh.ac.in).

Important Updates

Course Finder

Search from 20K+ Courses and 35+ Streams

Why To Join IGNOU - Reviews & Rating

3.5

(3 Verified Reviews)

Write a College Review

& Win Monthly Prizes Up to ₹1 Lakh/-*

5(38%)

4(25%)

3(9%)

2(24%)

1(4%)

Academic

4.2

Faculty

4.2

Infrastructure

4.1

Accommodation

4.0

Social Life

4.0

Placement

4.2

Reset All Filter

VIKASH KUMAR JHA

1.8Helpful

BA, Sociology

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2023(Enrolled 2023)

ALL ABOUT IGNOU

Likes

Affordable Education ( The Fees Is Very Minimal Any Body Can Afford )
Flexible Curriculam ( If Someone Does Job Still They Can Continue Thier Education Because Attendance Dont Matter Here )

Fees and Financial Aid:

Cost To Study: Very Affordable, Very Minimal Fees Compared To Other Universities Scholarships All Kind Of Government Scholarships are Available so's quite Easy To Study Hee Job On Campus Campus Placements Are Not That Good, Avg Package Is 2Lpa, You Can Go For Off Campus Or Continue With Higher Studies

Report

Nilesh

3.5Helpful

BA, Sociology

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2023(Enrolled 2020)

Overall very nice college to study in sufficient time or cost.

Fees and Financial Aid:

In my stream course fees were 20000 per year. The fee structure is very affordable for all. Maybe it hiked in their fee structure now. As I mentioned it is a distant learning platform that's why there is no campus hiring but you can get a very good job with this. The scholarship was not much but there is so that you can make your study cost more efficiently.

Report

MD INZAMAM

4.0

BA, Sociology

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2022(Enrolled 2018)

Extraordinary

Fees and Financial Aid:

that is distance Education Herein We did not Get Any Kind Of Scholarship. And Fee Was Affordable. and if we Talk About Campus Jobs So Ignou does Not Provide Any placement Services. I am Working while studying.

Report

Do you think the data is wrong ? Report Here