Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established in 1985. It is a central public university approved by UGC and AICTE, with NAAC 'A++' accreditation. Its headquarters are in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. It spans over 150 acres and serves as the epicentre for one of the largest open learning systems in the world. IGNOU offers over 200+ certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across arts, commerce, science, education, computer applications, business administration, tourism, and more, through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) modes. Admissions are based on merit, with eligibility ranging from 10+2 for UG programs to relevant bachelor's or master’s degrees for PG and doctoral courses. The fee structure varies from INR 1,200 to INR 60,000 depending on the program.
The university also provides career support through its Campus Placement Cell (CPC), where companies such as ARCIS-E, GLOBIVA, and Aptara recruit for roles in customer service, editing, technical writing, and operations. IGNOU was ranked 1st among Open Universities in India by NIRF (2024), 1st overall by Outlook (2025), and 41st by IIRF in 2025.
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IGNOU Highlights 2026
IGNOU Courses and Fees 2026
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a wide range of programs through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) modes. The university offers over 200 diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and certificate-level courses in various fields, including arts, science, commerce, education, computer applications, business administration, tourism, library science, and social work. Admission is primarily based on merit. Eligibility criteria vary; diploma/certificate programs usually require a 10+2 qualification, undergraduate programs require a 10+2 qualification or equivalent, and postgraduate programs require a relevant bachelor's degree. Fees are highly affordable, ranging from INR 1,200 to INR 60,000 depending on the course.
IGNOU Admission Procedure 2026
Admission to IGNOU’s diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs is conducted online and is primarily based on merit. Admissions take place in two sessions every year: January and July. Foreign nationals residing in India with valid student visas are also eligible to apply for most courses, except those with limited seats.
- Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU website atignou.ac.in and check eligibility criteria, program duration, and fee details for the desired course.
- Step 2: Register on the official admission website as a new candidate.
- Step 3: Enter your personal information, departmental and course preferences, and upload the necessary scanned documents.
- Step 4: Submit the application by paying the application fee and download the acknowledgement or confirmation page.
IGNOU Placement 2025
The official placement data for IGNOU’s 2025 graduating batch hasn’t been published yet. However, based on the 2024 placement drive, many reputed organisations participated and offered roles across industries. Job profiles included Customer Support, Technical Writing, Copy Editing, and Insurance Advisory, among others. Car Dekho, Air India SATS, and, APTARA. A total of 1,35,889 students participated in the placement drive, out of which 23,688 students got placed. Median package (1 Year PG ) was INR 3.5 LPA.
| Particulars | IGNOU Placements 2024 Statistics |
| Total Students | 135,889 |
| Total Students Placed | 23,688 |
| Median Package (1-Year PG) | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Car Dekho, Air India SATS, APTARA |
IGNOU Cutoff 2025
Entry into IGNOU Delhi’s flagship programs typically requires meeting specific cutoffs for relevant entrance exams, particularly for integrated and professional programs. In 2025, the B.Ed. entrance had cutoffs of 50 marks for general candidates, 45 marks for all other categories.
IGNOU Ranking 2025
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) continues to maintain a strong presence in national rankings. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, IGNOU secured the 1st position among Open Universities in India. It was also ranked 1st overall by Outlook India in 2025. According to the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF), IGNOU was ranked 41st out of 50 institutions in 2025, down slightly from its 36th rank in 2024. Additionally, in the NIRF Innovation Ranking 2023, IGNOU stood at 151 out of 312 institutions across India and was ranked 3rd in New Delhi.
| Outlook (Overall Category) 2025 | 1 out of 10 in India |
| IIRF (Overall Category) 2025 | 41 out of 50 in India |
IGNOU Scholarship 2025
IGNOU Delhi offers scholarships to the students. Government of India scholarships support SC, ST, and OBC categories, while IGNOU’s internal scholarships reward merit, financial need, and sports achievements. Additionally, various external bodies like NSP, NCERT, and state governments offer scholarships open to all eligible students.
| Scholarship Type | Details |
| Government of India Scholarships | For SC/ST/OBC; offered by MHRD & UGC. |
| IGNOU Internal Scholarships | Merit, Need-Based & Sports scholarships by IGNOU. |
| Other Organization Scholarships | Provided by NSP, NCERT & State Governments; open to all students. |
IGNOU FAQs
What is the admission process for IGNOU Delhi in 2026?
The admission process for IGNOU Delhi in 2026 is conducted online through the official website. Candidates must register, complete the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee. Admission is primarily merit-based, though some programs, such as B.Ed. and Ph.D., require entrance tests.
What are the eligibility requirements for UG programs at IGNOU Delhi?
Generally, the minimum requirement for most undergraduate courses at IGNOU, Delhi, is that the candidate should have passed their 10+2 or equivalent examination. Programs such as B.Ed. or BCA may require additional prerequisites, including subject knowledge or teaching experience.
What is the fee for studying in IGNOU Delhi?
The annual fee ranges from INR 1,200 to INR 60,000, depending on the program.
Does IGNOU Delhi offer placement support for its students?
Yes, IGNOU Delhi has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC) that assists students in finding job opportunities. Recruiters like ARCIS-E, Aptara, and Insurance Dekho have hired students for roles in customer support, editing, and technical writing.
How is IGNOU Delhi ranked among Indian universities?
IGNOU Delhi is consistently ranked among the top open universities in India. It was ranked 1st in the NIRF Open University category (2024), 1st by Outlook (2025), and 41st overall by IIRF (2025).
Are foreign students eligible to apply for admission to IGNOU Delhi?
Yes, overseas students in India with valid student visas can apply to most programs offered by IGNOU Delhi.
