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

Certificate in Water Harvesting and Management (CWHM) 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, homemakers, and learners across India. With a UGC-recognized degree, flexible timelines, and an extensive alumni base, IGNOU CWHM is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across water resource management, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.

IGNOU CWHM 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Certificate in Water Harvesting and Management at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU CWHM Eligibility Criteria 2026

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

• Educational Qualification: 10th pass or equivalent from a recognized board.

• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage required.

• Age Limit: No age limit.

• Entrance Exam (if any): None.

• Other Requirements: Basic understanding of English and Hindi recommended but not mandatory.

IGNOU CWHM Admission 2026

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

Admission to CWHM at IGNOU takes place twice a year, in January and July sessions. The CWHM 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 CWHM Online 2026

Admission to CWHM 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 Water Harvesting and Management 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.

IGNOU CWHM Fees 2026

The total fees to study CWHM from IGNOU is INR 2,700 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than similar programs offered by institutions like TERI School of Advanced Studies or private institutes offering water management courses, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU CWHM fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU CWHM Syllabus 2026

The syllabus for CWHM is designed to create awareness and impart skills in rainwater harvesting and management for efficient water resource utilization. Offered through the School of Agriculture, the program includes 16 credits across four courses, covering water harvesting principles, watershed management, and practical applications. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical training to address water conservation challenges, particularly in urban and rural settings.

• Total Credits: 16 (4 credits per course).

• Focus: Develops skills in rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and sustainable water use.

• Practical Component: Includes assignments and practical tasks to reinforce learning.

• Delivery: Through printed and online study materials via eGyanKosh, with counseling sessions at study centers.

IGNOU CWHM Career Opportunities

Q: What career opportunities are available after completing the Certificate in Water Harvesting and Management from IGNOU?
A: Completing the CWHM from IGNOU equips graduates with skills in rainwater harvesting and watershed management, enabling them to work as water harvesting assistants or consultants in government and non-governmental organizations. Graduates can contribute to water conservation projects, urban planning, or agricultural initiatives, or pursue further studies in environmental science or water management. The program’s practical focus prepares students for roles in sustainable development and resource management.

• Career Options: Water Harvesting Assistant, Watershed Management Consultant, Environmental Project Coordinator, NGO Worker, Soil Conservation Assistant.

• Average Salary Packages: INR 2–4 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 5–7 LPA.

• Highest Salary Packages: Up to INR 8 LPA in reputed organizations or government projects.

• Recruiters: Government agencies (e.g., Soil Conservation Departments, Urban Housing Boards), NGOs (e.g., CSE, TERI), private real estate builders, and groundwater boards.

FAQs about CWHM From IGNOU 2026

1. What is the eligibility for IGNOU CWHM 2026?
   Eligibility includes a 10th pass or equivalent from a recognized board, with no minimum marks or age limit.

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

3. Can I pursue IGNOU CWHM while working full-time?
   Yes, the ODL mode offers flexible study schedules, ideal for working professionals, homemakers, and volunteers.

4. What is the total fee for IGNOU CWHM?
   The total fee is INR 2,700 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 CWHM syllabus?
   The syllabus includes Introduction to Water Harvesting (ONR-001), Basics of Watershed Management (ONR-002), Water Harvesting, Conservation and Utilization (ONR-003), and Project Work/Field Work (ONRP-001).

6. What career options are available after completing IGNOU CWHM?
   Graduates can work as water harvesting assistants, watershed management consultants, or environmental project coordinators in government agencies, NGOs, or private firms, earning INR 2–4 LPA on average.