Did you know that NIRF releases open university ranking every year? It ranked only three universities in 2025. Among them, IGNOU ranked 1 as the best open university in India. IGNOU is one of the few institutes whose credibility isn’t doubted,  neither by scholars nor by employers. Since its inception in 1985, it has consistently reshaped the world of online education in India. Learners from all over the world, wait for IGNOU admissions to pursue their distance learning here. 

If you are seeking distance learning courses at IGNOU, you are at the right place. This blog shall provide you with the best IGNOU online and distance learning courses. Discover the IGNOU courses duration, fees, and curriculum. Learn about IGNOU’s exceptional student support services that you would receive during your learning. So, let’s get into it.

---

IGNOU Distance Course List: Discover the Best Courses at IGNOU

IGNOU offers you a plethora of online and distance learning courses. Here we have covered the most popular UG and PG programmes at IGNOU. Take a look:

IGNOU UG Courses	IGNOU PG Courses
Bachelor of Arts (BA)	Master of Arts (MA)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)	Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
Bachelor of Science (BSc)	Master of Science (MSc)
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)	Master of Commerce (MCom)

---

IGNOU UG Admission 2026: Online & Distance Learning UG Courses

IGNOU mainly offers courses in a distance learning mode. However, IGNOU also launched various programmes in online mode as well. Some of the following courses are also available in online as well as distance learning mode. Take a more thorough look at IGNOU UG admission 2026 to learn about the details. Check out:

---

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The BA programme at IGNOU is available in distance learning modes. The IGNOU BA course has approvals from UGC-DEB. It is a three-year course, comprising 6 semesters. History, sociology, political science, literature, and psychology, among others, are popular BA specialisations at IGNOU. The programme is a stellar choice for working professionals and aspirants who want to study without attending campus. It is also available in honours and language specialisations. 

• Duration: 3 Years
• Total Fees: INR 13,500 /-
• Minimum Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board.

---

2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Distance BBA at IGNOU is a 3-year course. It follows a distance learning mode and a flexible learning curriculum. Recognition from UGC-DEB makes this programme widely recognised. IGNOU distance BBA covers the areas of retail, service management, and business administration. Upskill yourself with the programme and indulge in campus placement cells to receive opportunities. 

• Duration: 3 Years 
• Total Fees: INR 30,000 + registration and development fees.
• Minimum Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board.

---

3. Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)

The BCA course at IGNOU is approved by UGC-DEB and has recognition from AICTE. You can pursue a BCA online or in a distance mode, depending on your requirements. It is a three-year course. However, IGNOU offers you an extendable duration of 6 years to maximise flexibility in its online BCA. As part of the IGNOU distance learning courses BCA, you would learn at your pace. Opting for IGNOU admissions online BCA gives you access to discussion forums, video lectures, tutorials, and other support services.

• Duration: 3 Years
• Total Fees: INR 48,000 + registration and development fees.
• Minimum Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board OR a passed diploma in commercial practice or equivalent.

---

4. Bachelor of Science (BSc)

IGNOU distance BSc is a three-year undergraduate course. It offers various specialisation subjects: chemistry, botany, physics, geology, mathematics, zoology, and geography. Some additional specialisations include chemistry-geology-botany, and physics-mathematics-geology. Distance BSc at IGNOU are ideal course for freshers and working executives. You could enhance your qualifications at your pace. Moreover, the programme is recognised by UGC-DEB.

• Duration: 3 Years 
• Total Fees: INR 18,000 + registration and development fees.
• Minimum Eligibility: 10+2 with science subjects or equivalent qualifications.

---

5. Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

The BCom course is available in both distance and online modes at IGNOU. Both follow a duration of 3 years. However, the duration of the online BCom duration can be maximised up to 6 years. IGNOU distance BCom covers business management, accounting, and economics as primary subjects. Online BCom IGNOU is a cost-effective course, available in diverse specialisations. This includes corporate affairs and administration, general business administration, and financial and cost accounting. 

• Duration: 3 Years 
• Total Fees: INR 13,500 (distance BCom) / INR 12,000 (online BCom) +  registration and development fees.
• Minimum Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent.

---

IGNOU PG Admission 2026: Best Online & Distance PG Courses

IGNOU offers various PG programmes. Depending on your preferences, you can enroll in any of your desired master’s degree programmes. Here are the best IGNOU PG admission 2026 courses. Check out:

---

1. Master of Arts (MA)

MA at IGNOU is a two-year postgraduate course. Available in distance and online mode, you can maximise its duration for an online MA to 4 years. Furthermore, distance MA at IGNOU offers you various specialisations such as social sciences, arts and humanities. Meanwhile, IGNOU online MA covers areas of languages, translation, rural development, and journalism. Moreover, distance and online MA programmes are open for everyone from students to professionals.

• Duration: 2 Years 
• Total Fees: INR 13,000 + registration fees.
• Minimum Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.

---

2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

You can pursue an MBA at IGNOU in either distance or online mode. Both are two-year programmes. However, an online MBA is extendable for up to 4 years. Previously, both modes of admission to MBA required an entrance. However, IGNOU admissions now provides direct admission to its distance and online MBA courses, solely based on eligibility. Besides, an MBA at IGNOU covers a range of versatile subjects. The popular ones include marketing, finance, business analytics, HRM, and project management. Besides, IGNOU distance learning MBA fees vary by mode, here are the details:

• Duration: 2 Years 
• Total Fees: INR 64,000 (distance MBA) / INR 58,000 (online MBA) + registration and development fees.
• Minimum Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks from a recognised institute. Reserved category candidates can enroll with 45% in graduation.

---

3. Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

Distance and online MCA are available at IGNOU, with 2 years of duration. The IGNOU admissions online MCA is extendable for up to 4 years. The programme covers a variety of IT and artificial intelligence-like advanced topics. Data structures, software engineering, and programming are the primary focus here. Pursuing IGNOU online MCA provides you with access to LMS, digital learning material, assignments, and lectures. Enhance your technical skill set and pave your way to high-impact roles in IT.

• Duration: 2 Years
• Total Fees: INR 50,000 + registration fees.
• Minimum Eligibility: BCA or bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent. Passed BCom/BA/BSc degree holders with mathematics in 10+2 or graduation with additional bridge courses can also apply.

---

4. Master of Science (MSc)

Distance MSc at IGNOU is a UGC-DEB-approved programme. IGNOU distance MSc is a two-year course, spanning 4 semesters. Moreover, the programme covers versatile MSc specialisations. Popular ones here include mathematics, physics, zoology, biology, and chemistry. Besides, if you are seeking a career in IT, you could opt for information security, or mathematics with applications in computer science specialisation.

• Duration: 2 Years 
• Total Fees: INR 40,400 for specialisation in chemistry + registration and development fees. 
• Minimum Eligibility: Graduates with BSc in Chemistry or equivalent. 

---

5. Master of Commerce (MCom)

MCom is a two-year course at IGNOU, available in distance and online mode. It covers the major areas of finance, accounting, economics, and business communication. IGNOU MCom is a widely recognised programme. It ensures you have the flexibility to balance your family and work commitments. If you are seeking a career in finance, the programme is ideal. You get to develop analytical and logical skills to pursue managerial roles.

• Duration: 2 Years 
• Total Fees: INR 19,400 + registration and development fees.
• Minimum Eligibility: Anyone with a graduation degree or equivalent is eligible.

Please Note:

• For the courses with multiple specialisations, the IGNOU fee structure varies significantly.
• Eligibility may also slightly vary by specialisation.
• Fee structure may change. It is advisable to check official website.

---

IGNOU Admission Process 2026: Quick Steps

IGNOU usually conducts admissions twice a year. You could apply for IGNOU admission sessions in January or July, at your convenience. Here is the quick step-by-step process to IGNOU admissions 2026. Take a look:

• Create your DEB-ID, which is mandatory, to begin with the IGNOU application process.
• Visit the official website of IGNOU.
• Navigate to your desired programme and click on “New Registration”.
• Set username and password via email or SMS verification.
• If you are an existing user, click “Login” to open your applicant account.
• Next, complete the application form with your personal and academic details.
• Upload the scanned copies of essential documents for verification.
• Click “Next” to preview your form after completion.
• Pay the IGNOU admission fee (registration fee INR 300 /-) to submit the form.
• Download the form for future reference.

---

Why Choose IGNOU? Perks of Enrolling at Distance & Online Learning Courses

IGNOU is the most prestigious and leading open university in India. Founded in 1985, IGNOU admissions has a legacy of more than 40 years. Here is why choosing courses at IGNOU for your career is the right choice. Understand in a glance:

• No. open university in India, according to NIRF 2025.
• Institute accredited by NAAC A++ grade.
• Distance courses recognised by UGC-DEB.
• Multiple career support services.
• On-campus placement cells for job opportunities.
• 67 regional centres, encompassing the nation.
• Widely recognised degree among employers.

---

Logging Out

IGNOU’s online and distance learning courses are widely recognised. The university incorporates an industry-oriented curriculum to provide you with the latest and job-relevant insights. It offers you various specialisations in different courses. You receive a variety of options to choose your career based on your preferences. IGNOU admissions generally take place twice a year, for most courses: January and July sessions. Explore the courses and choose your desired one based on your preferences.

---

FAQs

Q1. Which degree is best in IGNOU?
IGNOU is a renowned institute and each of its courses follows a robust curriculum. Choosing the best degree entirely depends on your career goals and requirements. However, distance and online BA and MBA are popular degrees at IGNOU.

Q2. Is IGNOU online course valid?
Yes, IGNOU online courses are approved by UGC and are valid and recognised widely.

Q3. Is IGNOU good for distance learning?
IGNOU is among the top-best choices for distance learning in India. The university is ranked 1 among NIRF open universities ranking 2025.

Q4. How much time does IGNOU take to confirm admission?
The document submission and verification process at IGNOU-assigned study centres takes some time. It typically confirms admissions within 2 months of document submission.