IGNOU Certificate Applied Arts: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Maidan Garhi, New DelhiOpen UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A++
Collegedunia Team's profile photo

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Certificate in Visual Arts - Applied Arts (CVAA) is a 6-month distance learning programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through its School of Performing and Visual Arts. The programme carries 16 credits comprising both theory and practical components, and is designed to develop basic applied and design skills with creative and aesthetic understanding. It covers Indian cultural heritage, Indian art forms, graphic design, geometrical design, and direct study from objects. The total programme fee is Rs. 4,300 (Rs. 4,000 programme fee + Rs. 300 registration fee), making it an affordable entry point into the world of applied arts and graphic design. The programme is open to anyone who has passed Class 10 (no upper age limit), and is delivered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode. It is particularly popular among aspiring graphic designers, artists, and those interested in Indian art traditions.

As of March 2026, the January 2026 admission cycle is currently ongoing. The last date for fresh admissions for the January 2026 session has been extended to March 30, 2026. Students can apply online at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The next admission cycle (July 2026) is expected to open in May 2026, with a tentative last date in August 2026.

Distance Mode Centres:

The CVAA programme is offered through IGNOU's ODL mode. Currently, it is available at Study Centres under the following Regional Centres: Dehradun, Nagpur, Noida, and Patna. Students outside these regions should check the IGNOU admission portal for updated centre availability.

Key Points

  • The programme includes both theory courses (Indian Cultural Heritage, Understanding Indian Art Forms, Introduction to Indian Arts) and practical courses (Direct Study from Simple Objects, Geometrical Design, Graphic Design).
  • Practical components require students to submit artwork/portfolio as part of their assessment.
  • The minimum eligibility is Class 10 pass, making it accessible to a very wide audience including school dropouts and working adults.
  • There is no upper age limit for admission.
  • The programme can be completed in a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years.
  • It is one of the few formal certificate programmes in applied arts and graphic design offered through distance mode in India.
67 Views Last Year
7 Studentsshown interest in the last 30 days

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 CVAA Fees

The CVAA programme has a total fee of Rs. 4,300, comprising a programme fee of Rs. 4,000 and a registration fee of Rs. 300. The examination fee is Rs. 120 per paper, payable separately when submitting the examination form. There are no hostel facilities as this is a distance learning programme.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Programme Fee (Tuition)4,000
Registration Fee300
Examination Fee (per paper)120
Total Programme Fee4,300 + exam fee
  • The programme fee of Rs. 4,000 covers all theory and practical courses.
  • Registration fee of Rs. 300 is mandatory and payable at the time of admission.
  • Examination fee of Rs. 120 per paper is payable separately when submitting the exam form.
  • In case a student fails in any paper, they need to re-appear by paying Rs. 120 per paper again.
  • Late fee for examination form submission: Rs. 1,000 (if submitted after the regular deadline).
  • No hostel facility is available as this is a distance learning programme.
  • Fees once paid are generally non-refundable as per IGNOU policy.

IGNOU CVAA Admission 2026

Admissions to the CVAA programme are open twice a year - in January and July sessions. The January 2026 session admission is currently ongoing with the last date extended to March 30, 2026. The admission process is entirely online through IGNOU's official admission portal. No entrance examination is required; admission is granted on the basis of eligibility criteria.

IGNOU CVAA Admission Dates

EventDate
January 2026 Session Admission OpensDecember 2025
Last Date for Fresh Admission (January 2026)March 30, 2026 (Extended)
Distribution of Study MaterialJanuary - March 2026
Counselling / Contact SessionsFebruary - May 2026
Assignment / Practical Submission DeadlineMarch - September 2026
Term-End Examination (TEE) - June 2026June 1 - July 15, 2026
Declaration of ResultsAugust 2026 (Tentative)
July 2026 Session Admission OpensMay 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date for Fresh Admission (July 2026)August 2026 (Tentative)

IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE) Key Dates

EventDate
Exam Form Submission (June 2026 TEE)March 1 - March 31, 2026
Exam Form Submission with Late Fee (June 2026 TEE)April 1 - May 15, 2026
June 2026 TEE CommencementJune 1, 2026
June 2026 TEE Last DateJuly 15, 2026
Hall Ticket / Admit Card Release2 weeks before exam

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board.
  • No upper age limit.
  • No prior art training required; the programme is designed for beginners.

Admission Process:

  • Visit the official IGNOU admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
  • Register and fill in the online application form for the CVAA programme.
  • Upload required documents: Class 10 marksheet/certificate, identity proof, and passport-size photograph.
  • Pay the programme fee of Rs. 4,000 and registration fee of Rs. 300 online.
  • Select your preferred Regional Centre and Study Centre (Dehradun, Nagpur, Noida, or Patna) from the available list.
  • Submit the application and note down the enrollment number for future reference.
  • Study material will be dispatched to the registered address after enrollment confirmation.
  • Attend counselling sessions and submit practical assignments at the designated Study Centre.

IGNOU CVAA Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students can avail of various government scholarships and financial assistance schemes. The university itself does not offer exclusive scholarships for the CVAA programme, but students can apply for national and state-level scholarships.

Available Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmountDetails
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) ScholarshipsSC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS studentsVariesAvailable via scholarships.gov.in
Post-Matric Scholarship (State Government)SC/ST studentsVaries by stateApplied through respective state government portals
IGNOU Fee ConcessionBPL studentsUp to 100% fee waiverApply at the time of admission with BPL certificate
Pragati Scholarship (AICTE)Girl students in technical programmesRs. 50,000/yearCheck eligibility at aicte-india.org
  • Students must apply for scholarships separately through the respective portals.
  • Scholarship deadlines vary; students should check the NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) for current deadlines.
  • BPL students should contact their Regional Centre for fee concession details.

IGNOU CVAA FAQs

Ques. Do I need any prior art experience to enroll in the CVAA programme?

Ans. No prior art experience is required. The CVAA programme is designed for beginners and introduces students to the fundamentals of applied arts, graphic design, and Indian art traditions from scratch. The minimum eligibility is just Class 10 pass.

Ques. How are the practical components assessed in the CVAA programme?

Ans. The practical courses (OVAL 4, OVAL 7, OVAL 8) require students to create and submit artwork, design projects, and portfolios. These are assessed by academic counsellors at the Study Centre. Students must attend counselling sessions where practical guidance and assessment take place.

Ques. Is the CVAA certificate useful for getting into graphic design or advertising careers?

Ans. Yes, the CVAA programme covers graphic design and advertising as part of its curriculum. While it is a certificate-level programme and may not replace a full degree for senior positions, it provides a solid foundation and can help in entry-level roles in graphic design, advertising agencies, print media, and digital design studios.

Ques. Can I pursue higher studies in visual arts after completing CVAA?

Ans. Yes. After completing CVAA, students can pursue the Certificate in Visual Arts - Painting (CVAP) or explore diploma and degree programmes in fine arts or design from other institutions. IGNOU also offers a Bachelor of Arts with visual arts electives that can be pursued alongside or after CVAA.

Ques. Why is the CVAA programme available only at 4 Regional Centres?

Ans. The CVAA programme requires practical assessment by trained art faculty, which limits its availability to centres with qualified academic counsellors in visual arts. Students from other regions should check the IGNOU admission portal regularly as new centres may be added in future sessions.

Ques. What materials and tools will I need for the practical courses in CVAA?

Ans. Students will need basic art supplies such as drawing sheets, pencils, colours (watercolour/poster colour), brushes, geometry instruments, and design tools. The study material provided by IGNOU will guide you on the specific requirements for each practical course. The Study Centre counsellors will also advise on materials needed.

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.

...Read More
0
0

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.

...Read More
0
0

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. 

...Read More
0
0

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.

...Read More
0
0

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.

...Read More
0
0

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.

...Read More
0
0

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.

...Read More
0
0

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.

...Read More
0
0

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.

...Read More
0
0

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.

...Read More
0
0
View All Questions and Answers

Comments


No Comments To Show