IGNOU Certification Information Technology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Maidan Garhi, New DelhiOpen UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) is a 6-month open distance learning programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) under its School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS). The programme introduces learners to the fundamentals of computer hardware, software, multimedia, internet technologies, and programming using C language, along with a dedicated laboratory course for hands-on experience. The total programme fee is Rs. 6,000 plus registration and development fees, and the course is accessible to anyone who has passed Class 10 (SSC) or holds a DLC from Microsoft or equivalent. With no entrance exam and a practical-oriented curriculum, CIT is one of IGNOU's most popular certificate programmes, widely pursued by students, working professionals, homemakers, and government employees seeking basic IT literacy and skills.

Admissions to CIT are offered twice a year - in the January and July sessions. For the January 2026 session, the admission portal is currently open with the last date for submission of applications extended to 30th March 2026. Students can apply online through the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

Distance Mode Study Centres for CIT:

The CIT programme is offered exclusively in Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode and has one of the most extensive networks of study centres among IGNOU programmes, spanning Government ITIs, Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS), degree colleges, engineering colleges, and Army/Navy study centres across India. Key regional centres include Hyderabad, Shimla, Jammu, Bangalore, Cochin, Bhopal, Pune, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Port Blair, Bhubaneswar, Khanna, Jaipur, Gangtok, Chennai, Agartala, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi, Noida, Guwahati, Trivandrum, Jabalpur, Rajkot, Madurai, Koraput, Siliguri, Darbhanga, Aligarh, Varanasi, Mumbai, Patna, Chandigarh, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Raipur, Nagpur, Jorhat, Dehradun, Srinagar, Vatakara, Vishakhapatnam, Bijapur, Deoghar, Jodhpur, Bhagalpur, and Army/Navy centres. Students should visit the official IGNOU Samarth portal to check the complete and updated list of study centres in their region.

Key Points

  • The CIT programme is offered in English medium and is managed by the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS), IGNOU's dedicated computer science school.
  • The programme includes a dedicated Laboratory Course (CITL-001, 6 credits) where students get hands-on experience in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation Tools, Databases, Web Development, and C programming.
  • Eligibility is Class 10 pass (not 10+2), making it accessible to a very wide audience including those who have not completed higher secondary education.
  • Students can complete the programme in a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years.
  • The programme covers both theoretical and practical aspects of IT, including networking, internet, multimedia, and social/legal/ethical aspects of IT.
  • The certificate is recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
  • The programme has an exceptionally wide network of study centres including Army and Navy study centres, making it accessible to defence personnel as well.
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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 CIT Fees

The CIT programme is priced at Rs. 6,000 for the full programme, with an additional non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a development fee of Rs. 200. Examination fees are charged separately at the time of filling the exam form (approximately Rs. 200 per course). There are no hostel facilities associated with this distance learning programme.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Programme Fee (Tuition)6,000
Registration Fee (Non-refundable)300
Development Fee200
Examination Fee (per course, approx.)200
Total Fees (excl. exam fee)6,500
Total Fees (incl. exam fee for 4 courses)7,300
  • The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable under all circumstances.
  • Fee refund (excluding registration fee) is available if cancellation is requested before confirmation of admission.
  • After confirmation of admission, 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted on cancellation.
  • No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
  • Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay), or Net Banking.
  • SC/ST students may be eligible for fee support/waiver as per IGNOU notifications.

IGNOU CIT Admission 2026

IGNOU follows a bi-annual admission cycle for the CIT programme - January and July sessions. The January 2026 session is currently open, with the last date for fresh admissions extended to 30th March 2026. No entrance exam is required; admission is granted on the basis of eligibility criteria. Students must apply online through the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal.

Important Dates

EventDate
Admission Portal Opens (January 2026 Session)16th December 2025
Last Date for Fresh Admission (January 2026)30th March 2026
Expected Batch CommencementJanuary 2026
Re-registration Last Date (with late fee of Rs. 200)31st March 2026
Expected July 2026 Session Admission OpeningJune 2026 (Tentative)
Expected Last Date for July 2026 SessionAugust 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must have passed Class 10 (SSC/Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board.
  • Alternatively, candidates holding a DLC (Digital Literacy Certificate) from Microsoft or equivalent are also eligible.
  • There is no upper age limit for applying to the CIT programme.

Admission Process

  • Visit the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and click on "New Registration."
  • Fill in personal and academic details to create a username and password.
  • Log in and select the CIT programme from the available programmes list.
  • Upload scanned copies of required documents: Class 10 mark sheet/certificate, photograph, signature, identity proof (Aadhaar), and category certificate (if applicable).
  • Select your preferred Regional Centre and Study Centre from the available list.
  • Pay the programme fee, registration fee, and development fee online.
  • Download and save the completed application form and fee receipt for future reference.
  • Study materials will be dispatched by post or made available digitally via eGyanKosh.

IGNOU CIT Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students enrolled in the CIT programme can avail of various government scholarships available through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). These scholarships are primarily targeted at students from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) and economically weaker sections. IGNOU also provides fee support to SC/ST students for fresh admissions and re-registration as per its internal notifications.

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount / Benefit
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC StudentsSC category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.Up to 100% tuition fee reimbursement
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST StudentsST category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.Up to 100% tuition fee reimbursement
OBC Post-Matric ScholarshipOBC (Non-Creamy Layer), family income below Rs. 1 lakh p.a.Partial fee reimbursement
Minority Scholarship (Maulana Azad)Minority community students, income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.Up to Rs. 10,000 p.a.
IGNOU SC/ST Fee SupportSC/ST students enrolled in IGNOU programmesFee waiver/support as per IGNOU Notification No. 76
  • Students must apply for government scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of IGNOU admission.
  • Scholarship application deadlines vary; students should check the NSP portal regularly.
  • IGNOU's internal fee support for SC/ST students is announced session-wise; check the official IGNOU website or regional centre for the latest notification.

IGNOU CIT FAQs

Ques. Is the CIT certificate from IGNOU equivalent to any government-recognised IT qualification like NIELIT O Level?

Ans. The CIT certificate from IGNOU is recognised by all AIU member institutions but is not equivalent to NIELIT O Level or similar government IT certifications. For government job purposes, NIELIT certifications (O Level, A Level) are more widely accepted. However, CIT is a good starting point for basic IT literacy and can be pursued alongside or before NIELIT courses.

Ques. Does the CIT programme require me to attend a physical lab for the practical component?

Ans. Yes, the CIT programme includes a Laboratory Course (CITL-001) which requires students to attend practical sessions at their designated study centre. Students must complete the lab work and submit a practical record. The lab sessions are typically scheduled by the study centre and students are informed in advance. This is one reason why selecting a nearby study centre is important.

Ques. Can I pursue CIT if I have only passed Class 10 and not Class 12?

Ans. Yes, the CIT programme is specifically designed to be accessible to Class 10 pass students. Unlike most IGNOU certificate programmes that require 10+2, CIT only requires Class 10 (SSC) pass. This makes it one of the most inclusive IT programmes available in India.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing CIT from IGNOU?

Ans. After completing CIT, graduates can work as data entry operators, computer operators, office assistants, and junior IT support staff. The certificate is also useful for government employees seeking basic IT proficiency. Many students use CIT as a foundation to pursue higher IT qualifications such as BCA, PGDCA, or NIELIT certifications.

Ques. How is the laboratory course (CITL-001) evaluated in CIT?

Ans. The laboratory course is evaluated through practical examinations conducted at the study centre. Students are assessed on their ability to perform tasks in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation Tools, Database Management, Web Development, and C programming. A practical record/journal must also be maintained and submitted.

Ques. Is the CIT programme available online or only through study centres?

Ans. CIT is an ODL (Open Distance Learning) programme, meaning the theory component is self-study based using IGNOU study materials (available in print and digitally via eGyanKosh). However, the laboratory course (CITL-001) requires physical attendance at the designated study centre. The theory examinations are conducted at IGNOU exam centres twice a year (June and December).

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