Educads
IG Indira Gandhi National Open University logo

Indira Gandhi National Open University

· Public University

Admissions open
Type
Public University
Founded
Students
International

Indira Gandhi National Open University: the applicant's brief

6 findings
  1. The short answer

    Indira Gandhi National Open University is a public open and distance learning university in Delhi, India. It suits students who want flexible study through a large programme offer and support network rather than a campus-based university experience.

  2. What you can study

    IGNOU offers 333 academic programmes across 21 Schools of Studies. It is an open and distance learning university, so it is built for flexible study rather than full-time campus attendance.

  3. Getting in

    Application details are not specified beyond the university’s official website, so check the admissions pages there for entry requirements, deadlines, document lists, and how international applicants apply. Because it is an open and distance learning university, also confirm any programme-specific conditions and whether your chosen course accepts students from abroad.

  4. What it costs

    The university does not publish a tuition fee range in the information available here; confirm the current fee with its admissions office. Living costs in Delhi will depend on housing, transport, and your study format, so check current local prices before applying.

  5. Coming from abroad

    The language of instruction is not stated, so confirm it on the official site for your chosen programme. Before applying, check whether the programme is open to international students, what documents are needed, how study support works from abroad, and whether you can meet any local administrative or exam requirements.

  6. How it compares

    Among India’s 475 universities, IGNOU stands out less for campus study and more for scale and flexibility. Its position as a public open and distance learning university, with 333 programmes and a wide support network, makes it a practical choice for students who need remote study options rather than a conventional residential university.

Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them — always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.

Questions about Indira Gandhi National Open University

What type of university is Indira Gandhi National Open University?

It is a public open and distance learning university.

Where is IGNOU located?

It is located in Delhi, India.

How many academic programmes does IGNOU offer?

It offers 333 academic programmes.

How many universities are there in India according to the country count given?

There are 475 universities in India.

Overview

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a central open and distance learning university located in Delhi, India. Named after the former prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi, the university was established in 1985 with a budget of ₹20 million, after the Parliament of India passed the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act, 1985. IGNOU, operated by the Government of India is the world's largest university, with enrollment of over 3,000,000 students. It provides 333 academic programs through its 21 Schools of Studies, supported by a network of 67 Regional Centres and 2,257 Learner Support Centres (LSCs).

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

On request

Indicative living cost

Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

How to apply

  1. 1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
  2. 2Confirm you meet the academic requirements (high-school certificate, bachelor’s degree or equivalent) for the programme.
  3. 3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
  4. 4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
  5. 5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for India.

Related universities

AU Ashoka University logo

Ashoka University

India · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
NU NorthCap University logo

NorthCap University

India · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded

Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.

Stay updated

Get admission alerts, scholarship deadlines & university news — free.