IGNOU Certificate Environmental Studies: 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 Environmental Studies (CES) is a six-month programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under its School of Social Sciences (SOSS). The programme is designed for the general public at all levels of formal and non-formal education, and is particularly useful for ecologists, hydrologists, environmentalists, foresters, landscape architects, administrators, planners, engineers, industrialists, agriculturists, and NGO professionals. The programme attempts to interface science and social science to advance understanding of ecology and environment. With a total fee of Rs. 2,700, it is one of the most affordable environmental education programmes in India. The programme is available in both English and Hindi medium, and has one of the widest study centre networks at IGNOU, spanning colleges, ITIs, Jan Shikshan Sansthans, and Army centres across all major states.

Admissions to CES are offered in two cycles: January and July. As of March 2026, the January 2026 admission cycle is currently open, with the last date for application submission extended to 30th March 2026. The July 2026 cycle is expected to open tentatively in May 2026, with a last date around August 2026.

Distance Mode Study Centres (CES is offered in ODL mode at a very large network of study centres across India, including colleges, ITIs, Jan Shikshan Sansthans, and Army centres. A representative list by region is given below):

Regional CentreRepresentative Study Centres
HyderabadAurora Degree College; Kavitha Memorial Degree College; Lal Bahadur College; Govt. ITIs (multiple); Jan Shikshan Sansthans (multiple)
ShimlaGovernment Degree Colleges (multiple); Govt. ITIs (30+ centres); Jan Shikshan Sansthans (multiple)
BangaloreBES College; DVS College; Nrupathunga University; Jan Shikshan Sansthans; PMKK Centres
BhopalHolkar Science College; Jiwaji University; Vikram University; Govt. ITIs (50+ centres); Jan Shikshan Sansthans
JaipurDAV College Sriganganagar; Govt. PG Colleges; Govt. ITIs (75+ centres); Jan Shikshan Sansthans
LucknowBareilly College; Lucknow Christian PG College; Govt. PG Colleges; Jan Shikshan Sansthans (multiple)
NoidaHindu College; MMH College Ghaziabad; Meerut College; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
KolkataBanwarilal Bhalotia College; Midnapur College; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
DehradunDAV PG College; HNB Garhwal University; Govt. PG Colleges; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
RanchiBokaro Steel City College; Marwari College; Govt. ITIs; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
VijayawadaKBN College; TJPS College; Govt. ITIs (50+ centres); Jan Shikshan Sansthans
PatnaGaya College; JP University; IGNOU RC Patna; Govt. ITI; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
ChandigarhSGGS College; Govt. Model ITI; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Army CentresWestern Command HRDC; HQ Northern Command; HQ 11 Corps; HQ 15 Corps; HQ 16 Corps (multiple Army centres)
DelhiKalindi College (Delhi 2, Women only); IGNOU RC Delhi 3; ITI Pusa; Jan Shikshan Sansthans

Note: CES has one of the largest study centre networks at IGNOU, with centres in 40+ regional centres across all states and union territories, including dedicated Army study centres. Students can check the complete list on the IGNOU Admission Portal.

Key Points

  • CES is offered under the School of Social Sciences (SOSS) and interfaces science and social science for a holistic understanding of ecology and environment.
  • The programme is available in both English and Hindi medium, making it accessible to a very wide audience.
  • Eligibility is 10+2 or equivalent (or BPP from IGNOU), making it open to fresh 12th pass students as well as working professionals.
  • The programme includes a Project Work component (PES-1, 4 credits) in addition to theory courses, giving students hands-on experience in environmental studies.
  • CES has one of the largest study centre networks at IGNOU, including colleges, ITIs, Jan Shikshan Sansthans, PMKK centres, and Army HRDCs across India.
  • The programme is useful for professionals in ecology, hydrology, forestry, landscape architecture, administration, planning, engineering, industry, agriculture, and NGOs.
  • The programme can also be pursued by candidates who have passed BPP (Beginners Programme in Preparatory) from IGNOU, in lieu of 10+2.
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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 CES Fees

The CES programme has a total fee of Rs. 2,700 for the full programme, making it one of the most affordable environmental education certificates in India. A one-time Registration Fee and Development Fee are also applicable as per IGNOU norms. The total payable amount at the time of admission is approximately Rs. 3,000 (including registration fee). No hostel facility is provided as the programme is in ODL mode.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Programme Fee (Tuition)2,700
Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable)300
Development FeeAs applicable
Total Fees3,000 (excluding development fee)
  • The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable under all circumstances.
  • SC/ST students are eligible for fee support under IGNOU's fee waiver scheme; they pay only the Registration Fee (Rs. 300) and Development Fee (Rs. 200), totalling Rs. 500.
  • 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 the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted.
  • No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
  • No EMI option is available for this programme.

IGNOU CES Admission 2026

Admissions to CES are conducted twice a year in January and July cycles. The January 2026 cycle is currently open with the last date extended to 30th March 2026. The July 2026 cycle is expected to open in May 2026. Candidates must apply online through the IGNOU Admission Portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in) and select an available study centre. There is no entrance exam; admission is based on 10+2 eligibility.

Admission Dates

EventJanuary 2026 CycleJuly 2026 Cycle (Tentative)
Admission Window OpensDecember 2025May 2026
Last Date for Application Submission30 March 2026August 2026
Distribution of Study MaterialJanuary - March 2026July - September 2026
Contact Programmes / Counselling SessionsFebruary - November 2026August 2026 onwards
Assignment SubmissionMarch - September 2026October 2026 onwards
Term-End Examination (TEE)June 2026December 2026
Result DeclarationAugust 2026February 2027

Term-End Examination Dates

ExaminationSessionTentative Dates
IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE)June 20261 June 2026 - 15 July 2026
IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE)December 2026December 2026 (dates to be announced)

Note: CES does not require any external entrance exam. The TEE is the internal university examination conducted by IGNOU. The Project Work (PES-1) is submitted separately and evaluated by IGNOU.

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.
  • Candidates who have passed BPP (Beginners Programme in Preparatory) from IGNOU are also eligible.
  • Medium of instruction: English and Hindi.
  • There is no upper age limit for admission.

Admission Process:

  • Visit the official IGNOU Admission Portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
  • Register as a new user and create a login account.
  • Select the CES programme and choose an available study centre.
  • Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, Class 12 marksheet/certificate, and category certificate (if applicable).
  • Pay the programme fee (Rs. 2,700) and registration fee (Rs. 300) online.
  • Submit the application and save/print the confirmation for future reference.
  • Study material will be dispatched to the registered address after confirmation of admission.

IGNOU CES Scholarships 2026

IGNOU CES students can avail of several government-sponsored scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). SC/ST students benefit from IGNOU's internal fee waiver scheme. Given the very low programme fee of Rs. 2,700, the financial burden is already minimal, but scholarships can further reduce or eliminate the cost for eligible students.

Scholarship Schemes

Scholarship / SchemeEligibilityAmount / BenefitHow to Apply
IGNOU Fee Support for SC/ST StudentsSC/ST students seeking fresh admissionFull programme fee waiver; pay only Registration Fee (Rs. 300) + Development Fee (Rs. 200)Applied at the time of admission by selecting SC/ST category
NSP - Post-Matric Scholarship for SC StudentsSC students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumCovers tuition and other fees as per state normsApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Post-Matric Scholarship for ST StudentsST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumCovers tuition and other fees as per state normsApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Scholarship for OBC StudentsOBC students with family income below Rs. 1 lakh per annumPartial fee reimbursement as per scheme normsApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
Balika Doorasth Shiksha YojanaFemale students enrolled in IGNOU ODL programmesFee reimbursement for eligible female studentsApply through IGNOU Regional Centre
  • SC/ST students must submit their category certificate at the time of admission to avail the fee waiver.
  • NSP scholarships must be applied for after confirmation of admission; the IGNOU enrolment number is required.
  • The Registration Fee (Rs. 300) is non-refundable even for scholarship beneficiaries.

IGNOU CES FAQs

Ques. I am a working professional in an NGO focused on environmental issues. Is CES useful for me?

Ans. Yes, CES is specifically designed for professionals in the NGO sector, as well as ecologists, hydrologists, foresters, engineers, administrators, and planners. The programme provides a structured understanding of ecology, environment, and the interface between science and social science, which is directly relevant to environmental advocacy, project planning, and community outreach work in NGOs.

Ques. What is the Project Work component (PES-1) in CES? How is it evaluated?

Ans. PES-1 (Project Work - Environmental Studies) carries 4 credits and requires students to undertake a project on an environmental topic of their choice. The project report is submitted to the study centre and evaluated by IGNOU-appointed evaluators. The project work is an important component that gives students hands-on experience in applying environmental concepts to real-world situations.

Ques. Can I pursue CES in Hindi medium?

Ans. Yes. CES is available in both English and Hindi medium. You can choose your preferred medium at the time of admission. Study materials and assignments are available in both languages.

Ques. Is CES recognised for government jobs or higher studies in environmental science?

Ans. CES is a certificate-level programme and is recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). It can serve as a foundation for pursuing higher qualifications in environmental science, ecology, or related fields. For government jobs, the relevance depends on the specific job requirements; CES alone may not qualify for most government positions but can supplement existing qualifications.

Ques. Can Army personnel pursue CES through IGNOU?

Ans. Yes. CES has dedicated study centres at multiple Army HRDCs across India, including Western Command HRDC, HQ Northern Command, HQ 11 Corps, HQ 15 Corps, HQ 16 Corps, HQ 3 Corps, and several others. Army personnel can enroll through their respective Army HRDC study centres.

Ques. What are the three courses in CES and how many credits does each carry?

Ans. CES consists of three courses totalling 18 credits: (1) AHE-1: Human Environment (without AHE Project) - 6 credits, covering the relationship between humans and their environment; (2) TS-5: Ecology, Environment and Tourism - 8 credits, covering ecological concepts and their interface with tourism; and (3) PES-1: Project Work - Environmental Studies - 4 credits, a hands-on project component. The programme is completed in a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years.

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