IGNOU M.Sc Information Security: 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

IGNOU's M.Sc. in Information Security (programme code: MSCIS), offered through the School of Vocational Education and Training (SOVET), is a 2-year postgraduate programme delivered via Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The programme spans a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years, structured across 4 semesters with a total of 64 credits. It covers core areas including network security, cyber security, digital forensics, cloud security, IoT security, data science, and web application testing. The total programme fee is Rs. 43,200 (Rs. 22,000 per year plus registration and development fees), making it an affordable option for working IT professionals seeking to specialise in cybersecurity. There is no entrance exam; admission is based on eligibility. The programme is popular among IT graduates, software professionals, and government employees looking to build expertise in information and cyber security.

Admissions for the January 2026 session are currently open. The last date to apply is 31 March 2026. Applications are submitted online at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

Key Points

  • Students can exit after Year 1 (Semesters 1 and 2, 32 credits) with a PG Diploma in Information Security (PGDIS).
  • The programme includes hands-on practical components in Semester 3 (Cyber Attacks, Cloud Security, Data Recovery) and Semester 4 (Web Application Audits, E-commerce Security, IoT).
  • Two project components are included: Project-I (Semester 2, 4 credits) and Project-II (Semester 4, 2 credits).
  • The programme covers emerging areas such as IoT Security, Data Science and Big Data, Cyber Security using Python, and Latest Trends in Information and Cyber Security.
  • Available in English medium only.
  • The programme is offered through SOVET (School of Vocational Education and Training), making it particularly relevant for industry-oriented professionals.

Distance Learning Study Centres

Since this programme is offered exclusively in ODL (Distance/Open) mode, students are allotted a Programme Study Centre (PSC) near their place of residence. Key study centres across India include:

  • Hyderabad: Aurora Degree College; IGNOU Regional Centre Hyderabad; Kavitha Memorial Degree College; Lal Bahadur College
  • Karnal: Chotu Ram College of Education; Gurunanak Khalsa College; IGNOU Regional Centre Karnal
  • Shimla: Government Degree Colleges (multiple); IGNOU Regional Centre Shimla; Regional Computer Centre DOEACC
  • Jammu: IGNOU Regional Centre Jammu; University of Jammu
  • Bangalore: Al-Ameen Arts Science and Commerce College; Bangalore Institute of Technology; Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology; IGNOU Regional Centre Bangalore; St. Aloysius College Mangalore
  • Cochin: International Institute of Information Technology; Sacred Heart College
  • Bhopal: Christian Eminent Academy of Management; IGNOU Regional Centre Bhopal; M.I.T.S.
  • Pune: IGNOU Regional Centre Pune; KTHM College; North Maharashtra University; Vishwakarma Institute of Technology
  • Imphal: D.M. College of Science; IGNOU Regional Centre Imphal
  • Shillong: IGNOU Regional Centre Shillong; North Eastern Hill University
  • Chennai: DDGD Vaishnava College; Don Bosco College Vellore; Guru Nanak College; IGNOU Regional Centre Chennai; Sacred Heart College
  • Lucknow: HBTI Kanpur; IGNOU Regional Centre Lucknow; Institute of Engineering and Technology Lucknow
  • Kolkata: Fakir Chand College; IGNOU Regional Centre Kolkata; St. Xavier's College
  • Delhi: IGNOU Regional Centre Delhi 1; IGNOU Regional Centre Delhi 3 Naraina; Rajdhani College Raja Garden
  • Noida: Hindu College; IGNOU Regional Centre Noida; Maharaja Agarsen College; Meerut College
  • Trivandrum: IGNOU Regional Centre Trivandrum; Mar Ivanios Institute of Advanced Studies
  • Varanasi: IGNOU Regional Centre Varanasi; Microtek College of Management and Technology; MNNIT Allahabad
  • Mumbai: IGNOU Regional Centre Mumbai; Mahatma Education Society; Chandrabhan Sharma College
  • Chandigarh: Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College; IGNOU Regional Centre Chandigarh
  • Ahmedabad: IGNOU Regional Centre Ahmedabad; L.D. Arts College; M.S. University; MTB Arts College
  • Jaipur: D.A.V. College Sriganganagar; IGNOU Regional Centre Jaipur; International School of Informatics and Management
  • Jodhpur: BJS Rampuria Jain College; IGNOU Regional Centre Jodhpur
  • Ranchi: Guru Nanak College Dhanbad; IGNOU Regional Centre Ranchi
  • Madurai: Bishop Heber College; Dr. G.R.D. College of Science; Thiyagarajar College
  • Nagpur: IGNOU Regional Centre Nagpur; G H Raisoni Institute of Engineering and Technology; Rajiv Gandhi Engineering College Chandrapur
  • Army Centres: Western Command HRDC (Chandimandir); HQ 2 Corps HRDC; HQ 3 Corps Kolkata; HQ 14/15/16 Corps (Udhampur); and other Army/Navy study centres across India
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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 Important Events

ODL/Online Programs1
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IGNOU M.Sc. Information Security Fees

The M.Sc. Information Security programme at IGNOU is offered at Rs. 22,000 per year, totalling Rs. 44,000 for the 2-year programme. A one-time registration fee of Rs. 300 is payable at the time of first-year admission, along with applicable development fees. An examination fee of Rs. 200 per course is charged separately at the time of submitting the Term-End Examination (TEE) form. There are no hostel facilities associated with this ODL programme.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Programme Fee - Year 122,000
Programme Fee - Year 222,000
Registration Fee (one-time, at admission)300
Examination Fee (per course, per TEE)200
Total Programme Fee (excluding exam fee)44,300
  • The registration fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable.
  • Programme fee is paid year-wise: Year 1 at the time of admission, Year 2 during re-registration (February to March of the following year).
  • Late re-registration in Year 2 attracts an additional fee of Rs. 200 (permissible up to 20th April).
  • Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances, except if admission is not offered by IGNOU.
  • No EMI or instalment facility is available; fees must be paid in full at the time of admission/re-registration.
  • Examination fee of Rs. 200 per course is payable separately at the time of submitting the TEE form.

IGNOU M.Sc. Information Security Admission 2026

Admissions to IGNOU's M.Sc. Information Security programme are conducted twice a year in January and July sessions. The January 2026 session is currently open. There is no entrance exam; admission is based purely on eligibility. The application process is entirely online through the IGNOU Samarth portal. Students are advised to apply well before the deadline to ensure timely allotment of a Programme Study Centre.

Important Dates

EventDate
Admission Portal Opens (January 2026 Session)17 December 2025
Last Date for Fresh Admission (January 2026)31 March 2026
Re-registration / 2nd Year Admission - Last Date (without late fee)28 February 2026
Re-registration / 2nd Year Admission - Last Date (with late fee of Rs. 200)31 March 2026
Re-registration Extended Deadline20 April 2026
Assignment Submission Deadline (for June 2026 TEE)31 March 2026
Exam Form Submission - Last Date (without late fee, June 2026 TEE)10 April 2026
Term-End Examination (TEE) - June 2026June 2026
Expected Batch Commencement (January 2026 Session)January 2026

Note: No entrance exam is required for this programme. Admission is based on eligibility criteria only.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline or its equivalent from a recognized University/Institute.
  • No minimum percentage requirement is specified; however, candidates must hold a valid UG degree from a UGC-recognized institution.
  • There is no upper age limit for admission.

Admission Process

  • Visit the official IGNOU admission portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
  • Click on New Registration and create login credentials using your name, mobile number, and email ID.
  • Log in and fill out the admission form with personal, programme, and educational details.
  • Upload required documents: qualifying degree certificate, passport-size photograph, and signature.
  • Pay the registration fee (Rs. 300) and Year 1 programme fee (Rs. 22,000) online via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
  • After confirmation of admission, register on the Student Portal at ignou.samarth.edu.in.
  • Study materials will be dispatched within 6-8 weeks of the last date of admission.

IGNOU M.Sc. Information Security Scholarships 2026

IGNOU facilitates scholarship support for students from reserved and economically weaker sections through Government of India schemes and state government welfare departments. Students are advised to apply through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or through their respective IGNOU Regional Centre.

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount / BenefitHow to Apply
SC/ST Scholarship (Govt. of India)SC/ST students enrolled in IGNOU programmesFee reimbursement / financial support as per GoI normsApply via National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or through IGNOU Regional Centre
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBCOBC students with family income below prescribed limitAs per GoI/state government normsApply via National Scholarship Portal
Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)Physically handicapped students enrolled in IGNOUGovernment of India scholarship; amount variesCollect form from Directorate of Social Welfare; submit through IGNOU Regional Director
Merit Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC (Delhi)SC/ST/OBC students (Delhi-based)Up to Rs. 24,000 per yearApply by 31 May 2026 through Delhi government welfare department
Prime Minister's Scholarship SchemeWards of ex-servicemen / defence personnelAs per scheme normsApply via Kendriya Sainik Board / NSP portal
  • SC/ST/PwD students must pay fees at the time of admission; reimbursement is processed subsequently.
  • Scholarship applications must be submitted within the deadlines specified by the respective state/central government schemes.
  • Students are advised to check the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) for updated scheme details and deadlines.

IGNOU M.Sc. Information Security FAQs

Ques. I am a B.A. or B.Com graduate with no IT background. Can I apply for IGNOU M.Sc. Information Security?

Ans. Yes. The eligibility for MSCIS is a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There is no restriction on the stream of the undergraduate degree. However, students without an IT background may find the technical content challenging and are advised to build basic familiarity with computers and networking before starting the programme.

Ques. Is the M.Sc. Information Security from IGNOU recognized for government jobs and industry positions?

Ans. Yes. The MSCIS degree from IGNOU is recognized by UGC and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is treated as equivalent to a corresponding degree from any recognized university in India. It is valid for government jobs, teaching positions, and further research admissions. Many IT and cybersecurity firms also accept IGNOU degrees for relevant roles.

Ques. Does the programme have any practical/lab component? How is it conducted in distance mode?

Ans. Yes. The programme includes two practical courses: MSEL-032 in Semester 3 (covering Cyber Attacks, Cloud Security, and Data Recovery) and MSEL-037 in Semester 4 (covering Web Application Audits, E-commerce Security, and IoT). These practicals are conducted at the allotted Programme Study Centre (PSC). Attendance for practical sessions is compulsory.

Ques. What is the PG Diploma in Information Security (PGDIS) exit option?

Ans. Students who complete the first two semesters (32 credits) of the M.Sc. Information Security programme can exit with a PG Diploma in Information Security (PGDIS). This is useful for students who wish to obtain a qualification quickly. However, once the PGDIS exit is exercised, students cannot continue to complete the full M.Sc. degree.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing M.Sc. Information Security from IGNOU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue roles such as Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, Network Security Engineer, Digital Forensics Analyst, Cloud Security Specialist, IT Auditor, and Ethical Hacker in sectors including IT, banking, government, defence, and telecom. The programme also prepares students for industry certifications such as CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+.

Ques. Can I pursue this programme while working full-time in an IT job?

Ans. Yes, this is one of the primary advantages of the ODL mode. The programme is designed for working professionals. Counselling sessions are typically held on weekends at the PSC. The only mandatory in-person components are the practical sessions and term-end examinations. Students can manage their study schedule flexibly around their work commitments.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What are the eligibility and admission dates for the MEd course at IGNOU?

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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.

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