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

Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health 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, psychologists, and learners across India. With a UGC-recognized degree, flexible timelines, and an extensive alumni base, IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across mental health services, counseling, and psychiatric care.

IGNOU PGDMH 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU PGDMH Eligibility Criteria 2026

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

• Educational Qualification: MBBS or Post Graduate degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Nursing from a recognized university, or Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 2 years of experience in mental health-related work.
• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage specified.
• Age Limit: No age limit.
• Entrance Exam (if any): No entrance test required.
• Other Requirements: Relevant work experience in mental health is mandatory for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree.

How To Apply for IGNOU PGDMH Online 2026

Admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health 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 Mental Health 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 PGDMH Fee Structure 2026

The annual fees to study Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health from IGNOU is INR 9,000, and the total fees range between INR 9,000 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the traditional Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health program offered by NIMHANS, TISS, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU PGDMH Syllabus

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health syllabus is designed to equip professionals with knowledge and skills in mental health, covering fundamentals, disorders, services, and applications in various contexts. The program totals 36 credits across four theory courses, focusing on psychological, social, and clinical aspects of mental health, with assignments for practical application.

• Key Features:
  • Covers mental health fundamentals, disorders, and service frameworks.
  • Emphasizes practical application through assignments and case studies.
  • Suitable for professionals in psychology, social work, nursing, and medicine.

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

IGNOU PGDMH Career Opportunities

Completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health from IGNOU equips graduates with specialized skills to work in mental health care, counseling, and psychiatric support roles. It prepares professionals for careers in hospitals, NGOs, and community health programs, addressing the growing demand for mental health expertise.

• Career options: Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Counselor, Psychiatric Social Worker, Rehabilitation Specialist, Community Mental Health Coordinator.
• Top recruiters: NIMHANS, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, NGOs like Sangath, MIND India, Government Health Departments.
• Average salary: INR 3-5 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 5-8 LPA.
• Highest salary packages: Up to INR 10-12 LPA in senior roles or private practice.

FAQs about PGDMH From IGNOU

1. Is PGDMH from IGNOU recognized by UGC?
   Yes, the Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health (PGDMH) 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 PGDMH course?
   The total fee for IGNOU PGDMH is Rs. 9,000 for the full program, plus a one-time registration fee of Rs. 300. Exam fees are Rs. 200 per course.

3. Does IGNOU PGDMH require an entrance exam?
   No, admission to IGNOU PGDMH is merit-based; no entrance exam is required. Eligibility is based on specific academic qualifications or work experience.

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

5. What jobs can I get after completing PGDMH from IGNOU?
   After PGDMH, you can pursue roles like Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Counselor, or Psychiatric Social Worker in hospitals, NGOs, or government sectors.

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