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

Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a flexible and affordable 1 Year postgraduate diploma degree—extendable up to 3 Years. Conducted fully through Open 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 Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across animal welfare, veterinary services, and wildlife conservation.

IGNOU PGDAW 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU PGDAW Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage specified.
• Age Limit: No age limit.
• Entrance Exam (if any): No entrance test required.
• Other Requirements: None.

How To Apply for IGNOU PGDAW Online 2026

Admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare 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 Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare 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.

Check : IGNOU Admission 2026

IGNOU PGDAW Fee Structure 2026

The annual fees to study Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare from IGNOU is INR 5,400, and the total fees range between INR 5,400 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the traditional Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare program offered by institutions like Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU PGDAW Syllabus

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare syllabus is a multidisciplinary program covering welfare science, ethics, laws, and standards for animals under human care, including farm, companion, working, zoo, and lab animals. The program totals 32 credits across four courses, each worth 8 credits, offered through 22 Learner Support Centres, with the option to choose the School of Extension and Development Studies if no centre is nearby.

• Key Features:
  • Focuses on welfare science, ethics, laws, and practical applications.
  • Covers welfare issues for diverse animal groups, including during slaughter and disasters.
  • Designed for flexible learning with virtual counseling and study materials.

The syllabus for Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare covers core and elective subjects to provide comprehensive knowledge.

IGNOU PGDAW Career Opportunities

Completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare from IGNOU equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to work in animal welfare, conservation, and advocacy. Graduates can pursue roles in NGOs, government organizations, shelters, and research, focusing on improving animal well-being and implementing welfare policies.

• Career options: Animal Welfare Officer, Animal Rescue Coordinator, Veterinary Technician, Animal Rights Advocate, Wildlife Conservationist, Shelter Manager.
• Top recruiters: PETA India, Wildlife SOS, Blue Cross, WWF, Government Veterinary Departments, Animal Shelters.
• Average salary: INR 3-5 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 5-7 LPA.
• Highest salary packages: Up to INR 10 LPA in senior roles or with international NGOs.

FAQs about From IGNOU

1. Is PGDAW from IGNOU recognized by UGC?
   Yes, the Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare (PGDAW) from IGNOU is recognized by UGC and equivalent to conventional diplomas, valid for jobs and further studies.

2. What is the fee for the IGNOU PGDAW course?
   The total fee for IGNOU PGDAW is Rs. 5,400 for the full program, plus a one-time registration fee of Rs. 300. Exam fees are Rs. 200 per course.

3. Does IGNOU PGDAW require an entrance exam?
   No, admission to IGNOU PGDAW is merit-based; no entrance exam is required. Eligibility is based on a graduate degree in any discipline.

4. What is the duration of PGDAW at IGNOU?
   The minimum duration for IGNOU PGDAW is 1 year, extendable up to 3 years, offering flexibility for working professionals.

5. What jobs can I get after completing PGDAW from IGNOU?
   After PGDAW, you can pursue roles like Animal Welfare Officer, Animal Rescue Coordinator, or Wildlife Conservationist in NGOs, shelters, or government organizations.

6. How can I download the IGNOU PGDAW syllabus PDF?
   Download the detailed PGDAW syllabus from the IGNOU website under the School of Extension and Development Studies or in the Common Prospectus 2026 at ignou.ac.in.