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

Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice 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 Criminal Justice is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across law enforcement, legal practice, corrections, and NGOs.

IGNOU PGDCJ 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU PGDCJ Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice 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, though some sources suggest 45-50% depending on university requirements.
• Age Limit: No age limit.
• Entrance Exam (if any): No entrance test required.
• Other Requirements: Preference given to graduates in Law, Criminology, or Social Work, and professionals working in Criminal Justice Administration.

How To Apply for IGNOU PGDCJ Online 2026

Admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice 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 Criminal Justice 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

IGNOU PGDCJ Fee Structure  2026

The annual fees to study Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice from IGNOU is INR 10,800, and the total fees range between INR 10,800 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the traditional Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice program offered by institutions like National Law University, TISS, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU PGDCJ Syllabus

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice syllabus is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, covering legal frameworks, processes, and practical applications. The program totals 32 credits, including theory courses and an 8-credit project, focusing on the Indian Penal Code, criminal justice administration, and research-oriented skills for professionals in law enforcement and legal fields.

• Key Features:
  • Covers Indian Penal Code, criminal justice processes, and administration.
  • Includes an 8-credit project for practical insights.
  • Emphasizes research-oriented skills for criminal justice applications.

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

IGNOU PGDCJ Career Opportunities

Completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice from IGNOU equips graduates with skills to excel in law enforcement, legal practice, corrections, and advocacy roles. The program prepares professionals for careers in government organizations, NGOs, and private sectors, addressing the demand for expertise in criminal justice systems.

• Career options: Police Officer, Private Investigator, Forensic Scientist, Legal Advisor, Crime Intelligence Analyst.
• Top recruiters: Police Departments, CBI, IB, NGOs like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, law firms.
• Average salary: INR 4-6 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 6-10 LPA.
• Highest salary packages: Up to INR 12-15 LPA in senior roles or specialized agencies.

FAQs about PGDCJ From IGNOU

1. Is PGDCJ from IGNOU recognized by UGC?
   Yes, the Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (PGDCJ) 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 PGDCJ course?
   The total fee for IGNOU PGDCJ is Rs. 10,800 for the full program, plus a one-time registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development Fee of Rs. 200. Exam fees are Rs. 200 per course.

3. Does IGNOU PGDCJ require an entrance exam?
   No, admission to IGNOU PGDCJ 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 PGDCJ at IGNOU?
   The minimum duration for IGNOU PGDCJ is 1 year, extendable up to 3 years, offering flexibility for working professionals.

5. What jobs can I get after completing PGDCJ from IGNOU?
   After PGDCJ, you can pursue roles like Police Officer, Private Investigator, or Legal Advisor in law enforcement, government organizations, or NGOs.

6. How can I download the IGNOU PGDCJ syllabus PDF?
   Download the detailed PGDCJ syllabus from the IGNOU website under the School of Law or in the Common Prospectus 2026 at ignou.ac.in.