Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU Courses (2025)
A complete guide to know whether you’re eligible for admission in IGNOU programs
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) offers a wide variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and doctoral courses. Whether you’re a fresh school graduate, working professional, or someone seeking second chances in education, there’s likely a program for you.
Before applying, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria to avoid rejections and delays in admission.
🎓 1. Undergraduate (UG) Programs
✔️ General Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board
📘 Popular Courses & Their Requirements:
| Course Code | Course Name | Eligibility |
| BAG | Bachelor of Arts (General) | 10+2 |
| BCOMG | B.Com (General) | 10+2 |
| BSCG | B.Sc (General) | 10+2 with Science |
| BCA | Bachelor of Computer Applications | 10+2 |
| BLIS | Bachelor of Library & Information Science | Graduation (for BLIS only) |
🎓 2. Postgraduate (PG) Programs
✔️ General Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
📘 Popular Courses & Their Requirements:
| Course Code | Course Name | Eligibility |
| MAH | MA in History | Any Graduation |
| MPS | MA in Political Science | Any Graduation |
| MCOM | Master of Commerce | B.Com or similar |
| MSCDFSM | M.Sc in Dietetics and Food Services Management | B.Sc Home Science or Nutrition-related field |
| MCA | Master of Computer Applications | Graduation + Maths at 10+2 level or during graduation |
📜 3. Diploma Programs
✔️ General Eligibility:
- Varies from 10th pass to Graduation, depending on the course
📘 Popular Courses:
| Course Code | Course Name | Eligibility |
| DECE | Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education | 10+2 |
| DNHE | Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education | 10+2 |
| PGDHRM | PG Diploma in Human Resource Management | Graduation |
| PGDCA | PG Diploma in Computer Applications | Graduation with Maths or bridge course |
📄 4. Certificate Programs
✔️ General Eligibility:
- Usually 10th or 10+2 pass, or just basic literacy in some cases
📘 Popular Courses:
| Course Code | Course Name | Eligibility |
| CFN | Certificate in Food & Nutrition | No formal education required (basic literacy) |
| CIG | Certificate in Guidance | 10+2 |
| CNCC | Certificate in Nutrition and Child Care | 10+2 |
| CLIS | Certificate in Library and Information Science | 10+2 |
🟡 These are short-duration programs (3–6 months) useful for skill-building.
🎓 5. Doctoral Programs (Ph.D./M.Phil)
✔️ General Eligibility:
- Postgraduate degree with minimum 55% marks
- Entrance exam conducted by IGNOU is mandatory
🟡 Relaxation of 5% marks for SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories as per UGC norms.
👥 6. Special Eligibility Cases
- Working Professionals: Most IGNOU programs are open to those working full-time or part-time
- Age Limit: No age bar for most programs
- Foreign Nationals: Allowed if they meet eligibility and pay international fees
❗ Important Notes:
- Always read the official prospectus or check the program page before applying
- Some courses have limited seats or regional restrictions
- Bridge courses are offered if you don’t meet subject-specific eligibility (e.g., Maths for MCA)
🙋 Need Help?
If you’re unsure which program you’re eligible for, visit our website — IGNOU All Solutions — for:
- 💬 Personal Course Counseling
- 📚 Study Material & Assignments
- ❓ Most Probable Exam Questions
- 🛒 Buy Solved Assignments (course-wise)
We’re here to guide you at every step of your IGNOU journey!
🔚 Final Words
IGNOU’s flexible eligibility system ensures that everyone from students to working professionals can access higher education. Whether you’re resuming your studies after a break or starting afresh, IGNOU provides a learning path suited to your level.
👉 Bookmark IGNOU All Solutions for regular updates, student guides, and exam resources.
