IGNOU Certification Urdu: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Certificate in Urdu Language (CUL) is a 6-month Open Distance Learning (ODL) programme offered by the School of Humanities at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. The programme carries 16 credits and is available in Hindi and Urdu medium. With a total programme fee of just Rs. 1,500 plus applicable registration and development fees, it is one of the most affordable language certificate programmes in India. The CUL programme is designed to help learners acquire fundamental skills in reading, writing, and understanding Urdu, including script writing, pronunciation, communication, and comprehension of Urdu prose and poetry. It is popular among Hindi speakers, government employees, students, and professionals who wish to learn Urdu for personal, academic, or professional purposes. The programme is available at an extensive network of over 100 study centres across India.

Admissions to the CUL programme are conducted twice a year - in the January session and the July session. For the January 2026 session, the last date for fresh admission has been extended to 30th March 2026. The July 2026 session admissions are expected to open in May 2026 with a tentative last date in August 2026. The programme is currently open for the January 2026 session.

Since this programme is offered in Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode, students study through self-learning print materials. The programme is available at a large number of regional centres and study centres across India, including centres in Hyderabad, Karnal, Shimla, Jammu, Bangalore, Bhopal, Pune, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi, Srinagar, Dehradun, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Raipur, Nagpur, Noida, Trivandrum, Jabalpur, Rajkot, Darbhanga, Aligarh, Varanasi, Mumbai, Patna, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and many more. Students should visit the official IGNOU Admission Portal to check the complete list of study centres offering CUL in their region.

Key Points

  • The programme is specifically designed for Hindi and Urdu speakers who do not know how to read, write, and correctly speak Urdu, making it ideal for beginners.
  • The curriculum covers 2 courses: Script and Pronunciation (OUL-1) and Communicative and Comprehensive Skills (OUL-2), each carrying 8 credits.
  • The programme is available at one of the widest networks of study centres among all IGNOU programmes, covering almost all states and union territories.
  • The programme has a minimum duration of 6 months and a maximum duration of 2 years, offering flexibility to working professionals.
  • Completing CUL makes students eligible for the Diploma in Urdu Language (DUL) programme at IGNOU, enabling a progressive learning pathway.
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IGNOU Latest Updates and News

16 Sep, 2026 IGNOU July 2026 Session re-registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30, 2026, @onlinerr.ignou.ac.in, for all ODL and Online programs. Read News.

16 Sep, 2026 IGNOU July 2026 Session registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30, 2026, @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Read More.

IGNOU CUL Fees

The CUL programme is priced at just Rs. 1,500 for the full programme, making it one of the most affordable language learning certificates in India. A one-time registration fee and development fee are charged separately as applicable. Examination fees are charged per course as per university norms and are not included in the programme fee. No hostel facility is applicable for this distance learning programme.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (INR)
Programme Fee (Full Course)1,500
Registration Fee (one-time)300
Development FeeAs applicable
Examination FeeAs per university norms per course
Total Fees (excluding exam fee)1,800
  • The Registration Fee is non-refundable.
  • Fee refund is available prior to confirmation of admission.
  • After confirmation, 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.
  • Examination fees are payable separately at the time of filling the Term-End Examination (TEE) form.
  • Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay), or Net Banking.

IGNOU CUL Admission 2026

IGNOU CUL admissions are conducted twice a year through the Samarth online portal. The January 2026 session is currently open with the last date extended to 30th March 2026. The July 2026 session is expected to open in May 2026. Evaluation is through continuous assessment (assignments) and Term-End Examinations (TEE) held in June and December each year.

CUL Admission and Exam Important Dates

EventDates
January 2026 Session - Fresh Admission OpensDecember 2025
January 2026 Session - Last Date for Fresh Admission30th March 2026
January 2026 Session - Re-registration Last Date31st March 2026 (with late fee of Rs. 200)
June 2026 TEE - Exam Form Submission OpensMarch 10, 2026
June 2026 TEE - Exam Dates1st June 2026 to 15th July 2026
July 2026 Session - Admission Opens (Tentative)May 2026
July 2026 Session - Last Date for Admission (Tentative)August 2026
December 2026 TEE (Tentative)December 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or its equivalent from a recognized board.
  • Knowledge of Hindi or Urdu is required (the programme is meant for those who can speak but cannot read/write Urdu).
  • There is no upper age limit for admission.

Admission Process:

  • Visit the official IGNOU Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and click on New Registration.
  • Fill in personal and academic details, upload scanned documents (photograph, signature, educational certificates, category certificate if applicable).
  • Select preferred Regional Centre and Study Centre from the available list.
  • Pay the programme fee (Rs. 1,500) and registration fee online.
  • Submit the application and download the confirmation for future reference.
  • Study materials are dispatched to the registered address after admission confirmation.
  • Appear in Term-End Examinations (TEE) held in June and December by submitting the exam form separately.

IGNOU CUL Scholarships 2026

IGNOU CUL students are eligible to apply for various Government of India scholarship schemes through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). These scholarships are particularly beneficial for students from SC, ST, OBC, and economically weaker sections. Students are advised to apply on the NSP portal after confirmation of their IGNOU admission.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship NameEligibilityAmountApplication Portal
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC StudentsSC category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumCovers tuition fee + maintenance allowancescholarships.gov.in
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST StudentsST category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumCovers tuition fee + maintenance allowancescholarships.gov.in
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC StudentsOBC category, family income below Rs. 1 lakh per annumCovers tuition feescholarships.gov.in
Maulana Azad National FellowshipMinority community students pursuing higher educationCovers fees + maintenanceugc.ac.in / scholarships.gov.in
  • Students must apply on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of IGNOU admission.
  • Scholarship applications are typically open from October to November each year.
  • Students must ensure their bank account is linked with Aadhaar for direct benefit transfer.
  • IGNOU itself does not offer course-specific scholarships for the CUL programme; all scholarships are routed through government portals.

IGNOU CUL FAQs

Ques. I can speak Urdu but cannot read or write it. Is the CUL programme suitable for me?

Ans. Yes, the CUL programme is specifically designed for Hindi and Urdu speakers who can understand the language but cannot read or write it. The first course (OUL-1) focuses on script and pronunciation, making it ideal for complete beginners in Urdu script.

Ques. Is there any entrance exam or test for admission to the CUL programme?

Ans. No, there is no entrance exam for the CUL programme. Admission is direct based on eligibility (10+2 or equivalent). You simply need to register on the IGNOU Samarth portal and pay the fee.

Ques. Can I pursue the Diploma in Urdu Language (DUL) after completing CUL?

Ans. Yes, completing the CUL programme makes you eligible for the Diploma in Urdu Language (DUL) at IGNOU. The DUL is a 1-year programme that builds on the foundation established in CUL, taking your Urdu language skills to an advanced level.

Ques. Is the CUL programme useful for government employees who need Urdu for official work?

Ans. Absolutely. Many government employees in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh need Urdu proficiency for official correspondence. The CUL certificate from IGNOU is a recognized qualification that can support such requirements.

Ques. How are the examinations conducted for the CUL programme?

Ans. Examinations are conducted in the Term-End Examination (TEE) format, held twice a year in June and December. Students must submit an exam form separately before the TEE. The medium of examination is Hindi or Urdu as per the student's choice.

Ques. I am a school teacher who wants to teach Urdu. Will CUL be sufficient?

Ans. The CUL certificate provides a foundational qualification in Urdu language. For teaching Urdu at the school level, you would typically need a higher qualification such as the Diploma in Urdu Language (DUL) or a B.A. with Urdu as a subject. CUL can be a good starting point, but you should pursue DUL or higher qualifications for a teaching career.

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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.
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  • Document Verification: Check NBA/NAAC accreditation, UGC approval, and affiliations.
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