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

IGNOU MBA is a 2-year program offered in 10 specializations via Online Distance Learning (ODL). The maximum duration to complete an MBA from IGNOU can be extended to 4 years. The total fee for the MBA at IGNOU is INR 66,000 for the entire duration of 2 years. The eligibility for admission to MBA at IGNOU is a Bachelor’s Degree of Minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% in case of candidates belonging to reserved category). IGNOU MBA admission takes place twice a year, in January and July cycles. Registrations for admission can be done online on the official admission portal of IGNOU, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, by paying a registration fee of INR 300. More details like fees, admission process, eligibility, syllabus, and how to apply for an MBA at IGNOU are given below.

IGNOU MBA Highlights

A quick overview of the MBA at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU MBA Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU MBA program, candidates must pass at least a Bachelor’s Degree of a Minimum 3 years duration. More specific details about eligibility criteria are discussed below.

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed a Bachelor’s Degree of Minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% in case of candidates belonging to reserved category).
• Age Limit: There is no minimum or maximum age limit for admission to the IGNOU MBA program. Candidates of any age can apply, provided they meet the educational qualification criteria.
• Entrance Exam: IGNOU MBA does not require any entrance exam for admission; selection is based on qualifying degree marks.
• For MBA Specializations: No additional requirements beyond the general eligibility for any specialization (Banking and Finance, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Operations Management, Marketing Management, Construction Management, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness Management, Health Care and Hospital Management).

IGNOU MBA Admission Process

IGNOU MBA admission is based on merit in the qualifying examination. Admission for MBA at IGNOU is conducted twice a year, in January and July cycles. Admission to the MBA is a complete online process done through the IGNOU Online Admission System. Candidates must visit the official IGNOU website, specifically the IGNOU Samarth portal ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Register by creating a Username and password for login, fill out the application form and choose the MBA program, upload necessary documents, and pay the registration fee.

A detailed breakdown of how to get admission in the IGNOU MBA programme is as follows:

1. Online Registration
   Visit the official website of IGNOU.
   Click on ‘Apply Now’ and register with your email ID and mobile number.
2. Fill the Application Form
   Provide personal details, academic qualifications, and course preferences.
   Upload required documents (mark sheets, passport-size photos, etc.).
3. Pay the Application Fee
   The application fee for MBA is INR 300.
   Payment modes: Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI.
4. Appear for the Entrance Exam (if applicable)
   For MBA admission at IGNOU, no entrance exam is required (Direct Merit-Based).
5. Merit List & Shortlisting
   IGNOU releases a merit list based on academic performance after evaluation. Shortlisted candidates receive email notifications about further details.
6. Final Selection
   IGNOU releases a final list of selected candidates based on qualifying degree marks and previous academic records.
7. Admission Confirmation & Fee Payment
   Selected candidates must confirm their seat by paying the admission fee within the deadline. Download the admission letter and report to the campus (if required).

How To Apply for MBA at IGNOU

Admission to the MBA 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.

1. Review Course Details
   Go to the “Available Programmes” section on the IGNOU admission portal.
   Select MBA and check:
   
   • Eligibility criteria
   • Programme fees
   • Duration
   • Study mode (distance)
   Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus and read the university rules carefully.
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 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.
3. Prepare the Required Documents
   Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready (from originals only):
   

   Document	Format	Maximum Size
   Recent Passport-size Photograph	JPG/JPEG	100 KB
   Signature	JPG/JPEG	100 KB
   Educational Certificates	PDF/JPG/JPEG	200 KB
   Experience Certificate (if applicable)	PDF/JPG/JPEG	200 KB
   Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC, if applicable)	PDF/JPG/JPEG	200 KB

4. Fill and Submit the Online 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.
   
   
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 the application. Please create your DEB ID before starting the application process.

IGNOU MBA Admission Dates 2026

Important dates for IGNOU MBA admission 2026 are given below.

Check IGNOU Admissions 2026 for the latest admission updates.

IGNOU MBA Fees 2026

The annual fees to study an MBA from IGNOU are INR 33,000, and the total fees range between INR 66,000 for the entire duration of the program. The total fee for all IGNOU MBA subjects/specializations is as follows:

Additional Fee:

• A non-refundable registration fee of INR 300 is applicable at the time of admission for all specializations. More details are available at the IGNOU Courses & Fees section.
• University development fee of INR 400 is also to be paid at admission.

IGNOU MBA Specializations

IGNOU MBA is offered in 10 specializations, including Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Operations Management, and Marketing Management. All specializations offered under the MBA, along with their codes at IGNOU are as follows:

IGNOU MBA Syllabus

The IGNOU MBA syllabus is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in business management through a modular approach, focusing on core management principles, strategic decision-making, and specialized skills. It follows a credit system where each credit equals 30 hours of study, emphasizing self-instructional materials, assignments, and term-end exams. The program includes foundational courses in management functions, quantitative analysis, and economic environment, along with electives in chosen specializations. Practical components like projects are included in Semester III.

• Total Credits: Typically 102-108 credits across 4 semesters.
• Delivery: Multimedia approach with printed materials, audio-video resources, and counseling sessions.
• Evaluation: Continuous assessment via assignments (30% weightage) and term-end exams (70% weightage).
• Flexibility: Modular structure allows multiple entry/exit points as per NEP 2020.

Here is a detailed table of the IGNOU MBA syllabus (core structure; specializations add elective courses):

IGNOU MBA Career Opportunities

Completing an MBA from IGNOU opens up diverse career paths in management, leadership, and specialized business roles across industries like finance, HR, operations, marketing, and more. The program's flexible ODL mode allows working professionals to upskill while employed, leading to promotions, entrepreneurial ventures, or shifts to high-demand sectors. Graduates benefit from IGNOU's recognition by UGC and AIU, making degrees equivalent to conventional university MBAs for jobs and further studies.

• Job Roles: Manager (HR/Finance/Operations/Marketing), Business Analyst, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Project Manager.
• Industries: Banking, IT, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agribusiness, Logistics, Construction.
• Average Salary: INR 4-8 LPA for entry-level; up to INR 15+ LPA with experience.
• Top Recruiters: Public sector (PSUs), Private firms (TCS, HDFC, Reliance), NGOs, Startups.
• Further Studies: PhD in Management, Executive Programs, Certifications (CFA, PMP).