Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) MBA : Fees, Courses, Eligibility & Admission 2026

IGNOU MBA is a flexible, AICTE-approved postgraduate management courses. It is designed for working professionals and fresh graduates who want an affordable and credible business education through Open & Distance Learning (ODL) and online mode.

This MBA program helps students gain strategic leadership, analytical, and managerial skills needed for careers in finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum combines core management subjects with elective specializations, allowing students to align their learning with industry requirements and career growth goals.

A quick overview for students who want to pursue management qualifications.

IGNOU MBA admissions are open twice a year, in the January and July sessions, giving eligible candidates multiple chances to apply.

IGNOU MBA fees depend on the chosen specialization and fees are paid semester-wise. IGNOU MBA fees include study materials and project work. In addition, students need to pay a registration fee of INR 300 and a development fee. Exam fees of INR 200 per course are separate.

All IGNOU MBA programs require candidates to have a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories as per government norms). There is no age limit to apply.

IGNOU MBA admission 2026 process is fully online, and no entrance exam is required. Admission is given only on the basis of Bachelor’s degree eligibility, which makes the program suitable for working professionals and fresh graduates who are looking for flexible distance learning options. IGNOU conducts admissions twice a year, in the January and July sessions, through the Samarth portal.

Key Dates for 2026 Sessions

• January 2026 Session: Applications are open now (started mid-December 2025). Last date to apply: January 31, 2026.
• July 2026 Session: Applications typically open in May/June 2026, with last date expected around June 30 or July 31, 2026 (confirm on the portal closer to the time).

The step-wise admission process remains identical for both sessions:

• Complete online registration on the admission portal.
• Choose the desired MBA variant.
• Enter details and upload documents.
• Pay registration and semester fees digitally.
• Submit for automatic verification.
• Get enrollment confirmation via email/SMS.
• Receive study materials and access learner support.

Regional centers provide guidance for smooth onboarding.

IGNOU offers MBA admissions twice a year, in the January and July sessions, through its fully online Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode and online(OL). No entrance exam is required for admission. Candidates are selected directly based on their Bachelor’s degree eligibility. The admission process is the same for both sessions and is completed through the IGNOU Samarth portal. However, the application dates and deadlines may differ for the January and July admission cycles.

January 2026 Session

• Applications opened in mid-December 2025.
• Last date to apply: January 31, 2026 (extensions possible but apply early).

July 2026 Session

• Applications typically open in May 2026.
• Last date to apply: Expected June 30 or July 31, 2026 (confirm on the official portal closer to the date).

Follow these step-by-step instructions to successfully apply:

• Visit the official IGNOU ODL admission portal at https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/.
• Click "New Registration" and enter your name, email, mobile number, and a valid APAAR ID or DEB ID (mandatory—generate one via the portal link if needed).
• Create a username and password; you will receive login credentials via email and SMS.
• Log in with your credentials.
• Select your desired MBA program (e.g., General MBA or specialization like MBAHM for Human Resource Management).
• Fill in personal, educational, employment (if applicable), and contact details accurately.
• Upload scanned documents in the required format and size (e.g., photo under 100 KB, JPG).
• Select your preferred regional center for study material and support.
• Pay the registration fee of INR 300 plus the first semester program fee (INR 16,000 or as per specialization) via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
• Review all information carefully before final submission.
• Submit the form and download the confirmation/acknowledgment.

After submission, track your application status on the portal dashboard. You will receive confirmation via email/SMS upon verification, followed by study materials. For queries, contact the helpline or your nearest regional center.

For IGNOU MBA admission, candidates must upload scanned copies of required documents during the online application process on the Samarth portal. All uploaded files should be clear, taken from original documents, and must follow the prescribed file size limits to ensure easy verification and approval. Please prepare the following mandatory documents in digital format (JPG or PDF recommended):

• Scanned Photograph: Recent passport-size color photo (less than 100 KB).
• Scanned Signature: Your full signature on white paper (less than 100 KB).
• Scanned Copy of Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree certificate and marksheets proving minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) (less than 200 KB).
• Scanned Copy of Category Certificate (if applicable): Valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate for reservation or relaxation claims (less than 200 KB).
• Scanned Copy of Experience Certificate (if any): Relevant work proof, though not mandatory for most MBA variants (less than 200 KB).

During the verification process, IGNOU may ask for additional documents, such as age proof (Class 10 certificate) or identity proof (Aadhaar), if there are any details that do not match. At the initial stage, no physical document submission is required, as the entire process is completed online. Upload during the application step for both January and July sessions. Incorrect or oversized files can delay processing.