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

Certificate in Sericulture (CIS) 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 Distance Learning (ODL) mode, it’s ideal for working professionals, farmers, and learners across India. With a UGC-recognized degree, flexible timelines, and an extensive alumni base, IGNOU CIS is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across silk farming, silk production, and agricultural entrepreneurship.

IGNOU CIS 2026: Key Highlights

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

IGNOU CIS Eligibility Criteria

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

• Educational Qualification: 10th pass or equivalent from a recognized board (e.g., CBSE, ICSE, State Boards).

• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage required.

• Age Limit: No age limit specified.

• Entrance Exam (if any): None.

• Other Requirements: Non-10th pass candidates with 2 years of experience in sericulture, certified by extension officials from the Department of Sericulture/Agriculture, recognized NGOs, or industry, are also eligible.

IGNOU CIS Admission 2026

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

Admission to CIS at IGNOU takes place twice a year, in January and July sessions. The CIS admission process at IGNOU is straightforward—you’ll apply through the Samarth Portal https://ignouadmission.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 CIS Online 2026

Admission to CIS 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 Sericulture and check:

  • Eligibility criteria

  • Programme fees

  • Duration

  • Study mode (distance)

• 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.

Fees for IGNOU CIS in 2026

The total fees to study CIS from IGNOU is INR 4,200 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than similar programs offered by institutions like the Central Silk Board or private agricultural institutes, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU CIS fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU CIS Syllabus

The syllabus for CIS, offered through the School of Agriculture in collaboration with the Central Silk Board, is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge of mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, and silk production. The program includes 16 credits across four courses, focusing on sericulture practices, crop protection, and extension services. Study materials are provided in print and online via eGyanKosh, supported by counseling sessions and practical training at nearby sericulture centers.

• Total Credits: 16 (4 credits per course; 1 credit = 30 hours of self-study).

• Focus: Covers introduction to sericulture, host plant cultivation, silkworm rearing, and crop protection.

• Practical Component: Includes assignments (30% of marks) and practical training sessions at sericulture centers.

• Delivery: Through printed and digital study materials, with optional counseling sessions at IGNOU study centers.

IGNOU CIS Career Opportunities

Q: What career opportunities are available after completing the Certificate in Sericulture from IGNOU?
A: Completing the CIS from IGNOU equips graduates with skills in silkworm rearing, mulberry cultivation, and silk production, enabling them to work as sericulture technicians, farm supervisors, or entrepreneurs in the silk industry. Graduates can also pursue further studies, such as a Diploma or Bachelor’s in Agriculture, to enhance their expertise. The program’s practical focus prepares students for roles in silk farming, research, and quality control, supported by IGNOU’s collaboration with the Central Silk Board.

• Career Options: Sericulture Technician, Silk Farm Supervisor, Quality Control Assistant, Sericulture Entrepreneur, Extension Officer.

• 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 for senior roles in reputed silk production units or research organizations.

• Recruiters: Central Silk Board, state sericulture departments, silk production units (e.g., Karnataka Silk Industries), NGOs, and agricultural research centers.

FAQs about CIS From IGNOU

1. What is the eligibility for IGNOU CIS 2026?
   Eligibility includes a 10th pass or equivalent, or non-10th pass with 2 years of sericulture experience certified by recognized authorities.

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

3. Can I pursue IGNOU CIS while working full-time?
   Yes, the ODL mode offers flexible study schedules, ideal for working professionals, farmers, and learners with other commitments.

4. What is the total fee for IGNOU CIS?
   The total fee is INR 4,200 for the 6-month program, plus a one-time registration fee of INR 300 and exam fees (INR 200 per course).

5. What subjects are covered in the IGNOU CIS syllabus?
   The syllabus includes Introduction to Sericulture (BLP-001), Host Plant Cultivation (BLPI-002), Silkworm Rearing (BLPI-003), and Crop Protection and Sericulture Extension (BLP-004).

6. What career options are available after completing IGNOU CIS?
   Graduates can work as sericulture technicians, farm supervisors, quality control assistants, or entrepreneurs, earning INR 2–3.5 LPA on average, with potential for higher earnings with experience.