IGNOU CAPMER: Admission 2026, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Last Date & How to Apply

Certificate in Apparel Merchandising (CAPMER) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a flexible and affordable 6-month Certificate degree—extendable up to 2 years. Conducted fully through Online mode, it’s ideal for working professionals, homemakers, and learners across India. With a UGC-recognized degree, flexible timelines, and an extensive alumni base, IGNOU CAPMER is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across fashion retail, apparel merchandising, and export sectors.

IGNOU CAPMER  2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Certificate in Apparel Merchandising at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU CAPMER Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU CAPMER program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized board.

• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage required.

• Age Limit: No age limit.

• Entrance Exam (if any): None.

• Other Requirements: None specified.

IGNOU CAPMER Admission 2026

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers direct admission to the CAPMER program; you are not required to appear for any entrance examination.

Admission to CAPMER at IGNOU takes place twice a year, in January and July sessions. The admission process is straightforward—you’ll apply through the Samarth Portal https://ignouiop.samarth.edu.in/, upload your documents, and pay the registration fee online. Past applicants suggest keeping scanned copies of your ID, mark sheets, and a passport-size photo ready to avoid delays. Unlike many universities, IGNOU allows you to complete the entire process online, without the need to visit the campus.

Check : IGNOU Admission 2026

How To Apply for IGNOU CAPMER Online

Admission to CAPMER at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is done entirely online through the IGNOU Online Admission System. Follow the step-by-step process below to successfully submit your application.

Step 1: Review Course Details

• Go to the “Available Programmes” section on the IGNOU admission portal.

• Select Certificate in Apparel Merchandising and check:

  • Eligibility criteria

  • What is the last date for IGNOU CAPMER admission in July 2026?
    The last date for admission in the July 2026 session is September 30, 2026. Apply via the Samarth portal.Programme fees

  • Duration

  • Study mode (online)

• Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus and read the university rules carefully.

Step 2: Register on the IGNOU Admission Portal

• Click “New Registration” in the applicant login area.

• Fill in the required personal details:

  • Username: 8–16 characters

  • Password: Alphanumeric, 8–16 characters

  • Use your own active email address and mobile number.

• Click “Submit”—your username and password will be sent via SMS and email.

• Already registered? Click “Login” to continue.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents

Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready (from originals only):

Step 4: Fill and Submit the Online Application Form

• Log in with your registered credentials.

• Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details accurately.

• Upload the scanned documents in the prescribed format and size.

• Review all details carefully before final submission.

• Download/print the application form for future reference.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

The registration/programme fee can be paid online through:

• Credit Card (Master/Visa)

• Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay)

• Net Banking

Important Fee & Refund Rules

• Registration fee is non-refundable.

• Before admission confirmation: full programme fee refundable.

• After confirmation: 15% of the programme fee (max ₹2,000) will be deducted.

• No refund after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.

• Students with fee exemption will have refund rules applied as per IGNOU policy.

• Note: DEB ID is mandatory for submission of application. Please create your DEB ID before starting the application process.

Tip from past students: Apply early in the cycle (July–August) to avoid last-minute portal slowdowns. IGNOU’s online system works well on desktop but can be slow on mobile devices. Once your documents are verified, you’ll receive an email confirmation along with your student ID.

IGNOU CAPMER Fees in 2026

The total fees to study CAPMER from IGNOU is INR 3,000 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than similar programs offered by institutions like National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) or private fashion institutes, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU CAPMER fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU Certificate in Apparel Merchandising Syllabus

The syllabus for CAPMER is designed to prepare students for employability in the Indian apparel industry, focusing on foundational knowledge and skills in pattern making, sewing techniques, and merchandising. The program, offered through the School of Vocational Education and Training, includes 16 credits and covers core subjects like fashion concepts, merchandising principles, and practical applications in apparel production. It aims to cater to aspiring assistant designers, entrepreneurs, or those seeking to enhance their skills in the apparel sector.

• Total Credits: 16 (8 theory, 8 practical).

• Focus: Develops skills in pattern making, sewing, and merchandising for apparel industry roles.

• Practical Component: Includes hands-on training in garment construction and merchandising visuals.

• Delivery: Through online study materials, with practical sessions at designated study centers.

IGNOU CAPMER Career Opportunities

Q: What career opportunities are available after completing the Certificate in Apparel Merchandising from IGNOU?
A: Completing the CAPMER from IGNOU equips graduates with essential skills for roles in the apparel industry, including fashion retail, merchandising, and export sectors. Graduates can work as assistant designers, merchandisers, or entrepreneurs, applying knowledge of pattern making, sewing, and merchandising principles. The program prepares individuals for careers in fashion retail, apparel production, or starting their own apparel businesses, with support from IGNOU’s placement cell for job opportunities.

• Career Options: Apparel Merchandiser, Assistant Designer, Fashion Retail Associate, Visual Merchandiser, Fashion Entrepreneur, Export Coordinator.

• Average Salary Packages: INR 2–3.5 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 4–6 LPA.

• Highest Salary Packages: Up to INR 8 LPA in specialized roles or with international apparel brands.

• Recruiters: Retail chains (e.g., Reliance Trends, Pantaloons), export houses, apparel brands (e.g., Raymond, Arvind), and e-commerce platforms (e.g., Myntra, Amazon Fashion).

FAQs about CAPMER From IGNOU

1. What is the eligibility for IGNOU CAPMER 2026?
   Eligibility includes 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized board, with no minimum marks or age limit.

2. Is there an entrance exam for IGNOU CAPMER?
   No, admission is direct and merit-based; no entrance exam is required.

3. Can I pursue IGNOU CAPMER while working full-time?
   Yes, the online mode offers flexible study schedules, making it ideal for working professionals and homemakers.

4. What is the total fee for IGNOU CAPMER?
   The total fee is INR 3,000 for the 6-month program, plus a one-time registration fee of INR 300 and exam fees as decided by the university.

5. What subjects are covered in the IGNOU CAPMER syllabus?
   The syllabus includes Introduction to Fashion Concepts (BHC-015), Fundamentals of Apparel Merchandising (BHC-016), and Practical (Pattern Making and Sewing Techniques) (BHCP-017).

6. What career options are available after completing IGNOU CAPMER?
   Graduates can work as apparel merchandisers, assistant designers, or fashion retail associates in retail chains, export houses, or e-commerce platforms, earning INR 2–3.5 LPA on average.