
Narayani
06 January, 2026
Indira Gandhi National Open University, popularly known as IGNOU, is known for providing state-of-the-art distance and online education courses. Among IGNOU popular courses, the distance Bachelor of Arts holds a special spot due to multiple in-demand specialisations. IGNOU admission fees ba 1st year range from INR 4,300 to INR 10,600. The fee structure for IGNOU BA varies by specialisations. Additionally, IGNOU has one of the cheapest distance BA programmes, which are highly credible and worthwhile. This blog uncovers the details of IGNOU BA fees. Dive in and learn about IGNOU BA total fees payment options, specialisations, and admission details.
IGNOU has a distance BA programme of three years. It consists of six semesters focused on core areas of arts and humanities. You shall also study the discipline-specific subjects throughout the course. The university offers you more than twenty specialisations across various niches of the arts. Several popular distance BA specialisations at IGNOU include psychology, English, public administration, sociology, journalism & digital media, and history. Moreover, the IGNOU BA degree is approved by UGC and is widely recognised. Check out the key characteristics of the IGNOU BA course:
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How much fees for BA in IGNOU? Once the admission cycle begins, this is probably the most common concern among learners. IGNOU BA fees range between INR 12,900 and INR 31,800 for the entire curriculum. Candidates are required to pay the exam fees, registration fee, and university development charges separately from the tuition fees. The cheapest IGNOU BA course is IGNOU BA in gender studies, which costs INR 12,900 for the entire three-year programme. On the other hand, IGNOU BA in journalism and digital media costs the highest among all, with a fee of INR 31,800 for the 3 years. Note that IGNOU BA total fees are inclusive of tuition costs, exam fees, registration, and university development charges. Check out the detailed breakdown of IGNOU BA fees structure based on specialisations:

*Note that this same structure is applicable as IGNOU BA fees for general category.
The registration fees of IGNOU BA 1st year course may range between INR 300 and INR 500. You need to pay this application amount at the time of the registration process. IGNOU registration fees for the BA course are non-refundable and are not included in the tuition fees. Take a look at the crucial IGNOU BA admission fees structure, including additional expenses beyond tuition fees:
✅ You are required to pay university development fees along with registration, which may vary from INR 400 to INR 500.
✅ Both registration and university development fees need to be paid, besides tuition fees.
✅ IGNOU BA exam fees are charged based on subjects and the number of attempts. It is a subject to be announced by the university during examination cycles.
Indira Gandhi National Open University accepts fees for the BA course on a yearly basis. Therefore, the official fees per semester for the IGNOU BA course are not available. IGNOU BA total fees, which we have discussed above thoroughly, you may explore to have an understanding. However, IGNOU fees for BA 1st year vary from INR 4,300 to INR 10,600, based on your chosen specialisations. It is advised to connect with IGNOU counsellors to enquire about IGNOU BA fees per semester system, if available or applicable.
Indira Gandhi National Open University supports SC/ST candidates by making amendments to their fee structures. IGNOU admission fees ba 1st year sc category are subject to being exempted as per the latest policies of IGNOU. It is revised every year for each admission cycle. Candidates are advised to consult with IGNOU academic counsellors or visit nearby regional centres to enquire regarding the same. Note that you could receive an exemption for one course only. Here are several crucial guidelines for IGNOU BA fees for SC students who are not allowed to be a part of the IGNOU SC/ST fees schemes:
✅ Anyone who is currently employed and earning their expenses at the time of admission.
✅ Individuals benefitting from scholarship schemes or fee exemptions from other agencies.
✅ Students with a higher family income than INR 2.5 lakhs annually.
Indira Gandhi National Open University has a distance BA programme accessible anywhere, anytime. Similarly, it fosters an easy payment process, making it easier for learners to deposit fees at their convenience. You may explore the vital details of IGNOU BA fee payments:
✅ From registration to tuition and exam fees, all the payments shall be made online.
✅ Candidates are advised to make the IGNOU BA fees payment through the official website only.
✅ You can pay fees via credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, UPI, net banking, etc.
✅ Individuals seeking to make an in-cash payment can enquire at nearby regional centres.
✅ The university shall not hold any responsibility in any case of third-party or unauthorised payments.
To be eligible for IGNOU BA admissions, you must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board or equivalent examination. Candidates wishing to apply for IGNOU BA courses can register for the January or July admission cycle online. Check out how you can apply for IGNOU BA courses:
Step 1: Visit the official website of IGNOU: ignou.ac.in.
Step 2: Create your DEB ID and register yourself on the website.
Step 3: Navigate to the BA course in your desired specialisation & apply.
Step 4: Fill out the application form with the required information.
Step 5: Upload the scanned copies of the necessary personal & academic documents.
Step 6: Pay the registration fee online and submit the form.
Step 7: Wait for the notification from the university upon document verification.
Step 8: Once confirmed, proceed to make the course fee payment online.
Step 9: Receive your learning credentials to begin studying!
IGNOU BA fees are what make the course an ideal fit for learners with different financial conditions. For a range of specialisations, the university has a similar IGNOU BA fees structure revolving around INR 12,000 - INR 16,000. Only the IGNOU BA in journalism and digital media costs INR 31,800, being the most expensive BA course at IGNOU. Understanding the fee structure helps you plan your budget beforehand. This makes the admission process smoother and hassle-free. We have also covered the IGNOU BA admissions details. Choose your desired specialisation, explore fees, and apply for enrollment in the world’s largest open university in terms of student admissions.
The fee structure of the BA course at IGNOU admission fees ba 1st year ranges from INR 4,300 to INR 10,600 per year, making a total of INR 12,900 - INR 31,800 for the entire course. Besides this, you need to separately pay registration fees, exam fees, and university development fees.
No, a distance Bachelor of Arts (BA) in IGNOU is a three-year course that you can finish within an extendable duration of six years at your pace.
Yes, the IGNOU BA degree is recognised by UGC (University Grants Commission), which makes it a valid and recognised course across the nation & legitimate abroad. The university itself is a part of AIU & holds A++ accreditation with NAAC, ensuring quality learning and credibility of distance education degrees.
Indira Gandhi National Open University BA course comprises six semesters focussing on different areas of arts and humanities such as economics, English, history, education, psychology, etc.
The distance BA course at IGNOU is available in 20+ specialisations, including Sanskrit, English, economics, sociology, Hindi, history, gender studies, journalism & digital media, psychology, political science, tourism management, public administration, home science & philosophy. Other popular IGNOU BA subjects include facilities & services management, education, Urdu, and Micro, small & medium enterprises. Note that the fees of IGNOU BA 1st year vary depending on your chosen subjects/specialisations.
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