About Us
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a premier public central university in India, specializing in open and distance learning (ODL) and online education. Established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament, it is named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and aims to democratize higher education by making it accessible, affordable, and flexible for diverse learners, including working professionals and those in remote areas. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited with an A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), IGNOU is the world's largest university by enrollment, with over 3 million active students. It offers programs across 19 streams, including arts, sciences, commerce, management, and vocational fields, through a credit-based system where one credit equals 30 hours of study.
IGNOU operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and promotes lifelong learning with no age restrictions. It was the first to launch a virtual campus in India (1999) and provides global access via overseas centers.
History and Establishment
- Founding: Established on September 20, 1985, with an initial budget of ₹20 million under the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act, 1985.
- Key Milestones:
- 1989: First convocation with over 1,000 graduates.
- 1990: Pioneered audio-video courses via radio and TV.
- 1992: Degrees recognized as equivalent to conventional universities by UGC.
- 1996: International Division launched for global collaborations.
- 1999: Introduced India's first virtual campus for online courses.
- 2025: Ranked #1 in NIRF's Open University category; extended NAAC A++ accreditation.
The university's vision emphasizes equity, innovation, and value-based education, grooming professionals who are ethical leaders.
Campuses and Facilities
IGNOU's headquarters is in New Delhi, with a network of 67 regional centers, over 2,000 learner support centers, and 21 overseas centers (e.g., in Nepal, UAE). It supports hybrid learning without mandatory physical attendance.
Facilities include:
- Digital Resources: eGyanKosh (digital repository), Swayam MOOCs (268 courses), GyanVani FM radio, GyanDarshan TV, virtual classes, and e-content portals.
- Support Services: Online counseling, audio-video labs, libraries, and practical labs for select programs.
- Accessibility: Wi-Fi-enabled study centers, DTH channels, and mobile apps for assignments/exams.
| Category |
Details |
| Headquarters |
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi - 110068 |
| Regional Centers |
67 across India |
| Learner Support Centers |
~2,000 (urban/rural) |
| Overseas Centers |
21 (e.g., Kathmandu, Dubai) |
Academics and Programs
IGNOU offers over 350 programs in ODL and online modes, from certificate to doctoral levels. Admissions are merit-based for most (no entrance for UG/PG except B.Ed, PhD, etc.). Duration is flexible (min-max years). Key programs:
| Category |
Examples |
Eligibility |
Duration |
Approx. Fees (INR) |
| UG |
BA (various specs like English, Economics), BCom, BBA, BSc, BCA, BSW |
10+2 pass (50% for some) |
3-6 years |
4,400-15,000/year |
| PG |
MA (English, History, Political Science), MCom, MBA, MSc, MCA, MSW |
Bachelor's degree (50% aggregate) |
2-4 years |
6,000-20,000/year |
| Diploma/PG Diploma |
PG Diploma in Journalism, Geriatric Care, HIV Management |
Varies (UG for PG Diplomas) |
1-2 years |
2,000-10,000 total |
| Certificate |
In Nutrition, Library Science, Disaster Management |
10+2 or equivalent |
6 months-1 year |
1,000-5,000 total |
| Doctoral |
PhD (various disciplines) |
PG degree + entrance |
3-6 years |
16,000-33,000/year |
New for 2025-26: Enhanced online programs in AI, sustainability, and vocational skills; dual certifications with international partners.
Admissions for 2025-26
Admissions occur twice yearly (January and July cycles). For July 2025 (now closed/extended to Oct 15, 2025 for most ODL/online), focus shifts to January 2026 (starts Dec 2025). Process is online via ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in; requires DEB ID (free registration at deb.ignou.ac.in). Non-refundable registration fee: INR 300 (UG/PG), INR 1,000 (B.Ed/BPP).
- Key Dates (January 2026):
- Start: Dec 25, 2025 (tentative).
- Last Date: Jan 31, 2026 (may extend).
- Re-registration: Dec 10, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026.
- Eligibility: Merit-based; SC/ST fee exemption available with docs.
- Selection: Direct for most; entrance for B.Ed (Jul 2025: closed), PhD (Jan 5, 2026).
- Documents: Scanned photo, signature, marksheets, category certificate.
- Exams: Term-End Exams (TEE) Dec 2025 (Dec 1, 2025 - Jan 8, 2026); hall tickets in May/Jun.
Apply early to avoid glitches; scholarships via National Scholarship Portal post-admission.
Placements and Rankings
- Placements 2024-25: Campus Placement Cell (CPC) placed 23,600+ students; median package INR 2.85-3.5 LPA (PG: 3.5 LPA). Recruiters: TCS, Wipro, SBI, NGOs. Focus on skill training, grooming.
- Rankings: NIRF 2025: #1 Open University; NAAC A++; UGC-recognized for global validity.
