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

Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies 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 Women’s and Gender Studies is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across gender advocacy, social work, and policy development. 

IGNOU PGDWGS 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU PGDWGS Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree 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, though interest in gender studies or social work is beneficial but not mandatory.

IGNOU PGDWGS Admission 2026

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers direct admission to the Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies program; you are not required to appear for any entrance examination.

Admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies at IGNOU takes place twice a year, in January and July sessions. The admission process at IGNOU is very 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, marksheets, 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.

 How To Apply for IGNOU PGDWGSs Online 2026

Admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies 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 Women’s and Gender Studies 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.

Check : IGNOU Admission 2026

Fees for IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies in 2026

The annual fees to study Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies from IGNOU is INR 7,200, and the total fees range between INR 7,200 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the traditional Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies program offered by institutions like TISS, Ambedkar University, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU PGDWGS Syllabus

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies syllabus is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge of gender theories, feminist perspectives, and social justice issues. The program totals 34 credits, comprising six courses and a project, focusing on gender dynamics, women’s movements, and research methodologies in gender studies.

• Key Features:
  • Covers feminist theories, gender and development, and women’s movements.
  • Includes a project for practical application of gender studies concepts.
  • Prepares students for advocacy and policy roles in gender-related fields.

The syllabus for Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies covers core and elective subjects to provide comprehensive knowledge.

IGNOU PGDWGS Career Opportunities

Completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies from IGNOU equips graduates with skills to advocate for gender equality, conduct research, and influence policy in social justice areas. The program prepares professionals for careers in NGOs, educational institutions, and government agencies focused on gender and development issues.

• Career options: Gender Consultant, Social Worker, Policy Analyst, NGO Coordinator, Gender Studies Researcher.
• Top recruiters: UN Women, Oxfam, ActionAid, universities, government departments (Ministry of Women and Child Development).
• Average salary: INR 3-5 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 5-8 LPA.
• Highest salary packages: Up to INR 8-12 LPA in senior roles or international organizations.

FAQs about PGDWGS From IGNOU

1. Is PGDWGS from IGNOU recognized by UGC?
   Yes, the Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies (PGDWGS) 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 PGDWGS course?
   The total fee for IGNOU PGDWGS is Rs. 7,200 for the full program, plus a one-time registration fee of Rs. 300. Exam fees are Rs. 200 per course.

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

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

5. What jobs can I get after completing PGDWGS from IGNOU?
   After PGDWGS, you can pursue roles like Gender Consultant, Social Worker, or Policy Analyst in NGOs, educational institutions, or government agencies.

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