Indira Gandhi National Open University also known as IGNOU was established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament. It is a Central University that provides Open and Distance learning to its learners and has a learner-centric approach. IGNOU courses are globally recognized by the Commonwealth of Learning(COL). The University’s main vision is to provide education to the marginalised section of society which makes their course fee extremely affordable. IGNOU offers numerous online courses and certifications in diverse disciplines. It focuses on providing quality education, skill enhancement and training with new methods and technologies.
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In 2007, IGNOU was ranked 17th among the top 100 Universities in India. It has embraced the online culture swiftly and launched its online courses on June 7, 2019. In some days, Student enrollment in IGNOU will touch the 3 million mark which in itself is a great achievement. If you are someone looking for online degree courses and IGNOU courses and want to learn from anywhere and anytime then go for the top online courses by IGNOU that provide the best technology, learning experiences and support services. Here Careers360 has enlisted some of the best online courses available in IGNOU.
Also read: List of popular online courses with certificates offered by IGNOU
Here’s the IGNOU online courses list that will help grow your skillset and sharpen your knowledge.
Course | Eligibility | Duration |
Post Graduate Diploma in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PGDGPS) | Graduate from any discipline | 1-3 years |
Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTS) | 10+2 or equivalent or BPP from IGNOU | 1-3 years |
MA in Translation Studies (MATS) | Graduate in any discipline with adequate knowledge of Hindi and English | 2-5 years |
Master of Art in Hindi (MHD) | Bachelor's Degree or a higher degree from a recognised University | 2-4 years |
MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies (MGPS) | Graduation degree or a higher degree in any discipline from a recognised University | 2-4 years |
Post Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Policy (PGCAP) | Graduate in any Discipline | 6 months-2 years |
The Certificate Program in Tribal Studies (CTRBS) | 10+2 or equivalent or BPP from IGNOU | 6 months-2 years |
The Post Graduate Certificate in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PGCGPS) | Graduate from any discipline | 6 months-2 years |
Certificate Program in Peace Studies and Conflict Management (CPSCM) | 10+2 in any stream | 6 months-2 years |
Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS) | 10+2 or equivalent or BPP from IGNOU | 3-6 years |
Certificate Program in Library and Information Science (CLIS) | 10+2 or equivalent OR BPP from IGNOU | 6 months |
Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) | 0th Standard or SSC or IGNOU'S BPP or Microsoft's DLC or equivalent | 6 months-2 years |
Certificate in Tourism Studies (CTS) | 10+2 or equivalent | 6 months |
Certificate in Arabic Language (CAL) | 10+2 or equivalent or minimum 18 years of age | 6 months-2 years |
Certificate in Russian Language (CRUL) | Minimum age 18 years. No formal qualification is required, however, a class 10 level of English proficiency is desirable. | 6 months-2 years |
1. Post Graduate Diploma in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PGDGPS)
This is amongst the IGNOU online programs designed for candidates who have a keen interest in the Gandhian approach to peace from more than one perspective. If you want to have in-depth knowledge about Gandhi’s views and perceptions then this is one of the best online diploma courses from IGNOU University to pursue. You can easily get a job in the education sector, media sector and research. Also, you can work in NGOs after pursuing this course. If you want to further enhance your knowledge then you can also check out IGNOU PG Courses, which have some splendid topics to study that you can major in.
Eligibility: Graduate from any discipline
Duration of Programme: Minimum 1 year and maximum 3 years
2. Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTS)
This course, one of the top online courses by IGNOU University, will provide you with elaborate knowledge on various tourism aspects like operational areas in tourism, case studies are provided so that you have a practical approach towards the subject. Tourism as a subject is not a very popular one, keeping this in mind IGNOU University has kept this course very well structured and easy to comprehend. If you want to build more knowledge in future you can go for IGNOU online programs and later enhance your knowledge more with IGNOU PhD courses in Tourism Sector. After this, you can get into the research field or get a job in the education sector as well as the tourism sector.
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent or BPP from IGNOU
Duration of Programme: Minimum 1 year and maximum 3 years
3. MA in Translation Studies (MATS)
In this one of the top online courses by IGNOU, you will be taught theoretical and practical concepts of translation. If you are someone who is captivated and intrigued by this area of study then you definitely go for this course. Following completion of this best course in IGNOU, you will have ample job opportunities as a translator or you can also go for the academic side of it and become a teacher. If you are interested in further studies then you can get yourself enrolled in the MPhil IGNOU Course in Translational Studies.
Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline with adequate knowledge of Hindi and English
Duration of Programme: Minimum 2 years and maximum 5 years
4. Master of Art in Hindi (MHD)
Fascinated by the Hindi Language? Then you are at the right place. This is another one of the top online courses by IGNOU that provides you with proficiency in Hindi Literature. While studying this best course from IGNOU, you will have a significant amount of knowledge of the history of Hindi Literature and plays in Hindi by some of the talented and legendary Hindi writers. This degree, one of the online degree courses in IGNOU, will open doors for you in the education sector, government sector and even the media sector. If you want to go for further studies then you can pursue IGNOU Ph.D. courses which will give magnify and strengthen your knowledge of Hindi.
Eligibility: Bachelor's Degree or a higher degree from a recognised University
Duration of Programme: Minimum 2 years and maximum 4 years
5. MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies (MGPS)
This is one of the best IGNOU courses. Develop both theoretical and applied research in Gandhian Studies, Peace and Conflict Management with this course. This is amongst the top online courses by IGNOU that will provide you with a specialised area of study for people who are interested in studying and applying Gandhinian models of development in society. You will gain a good amount of exposure to Gandhinian thoughts and principles while learning this course. You will be able to land a career in fields such as teaching, NGOs in Peacemaking peacebuilding and research after completing the course.
Eligibility: A graduation degree or a higher degree in any discipline from a recognised University.
Duration of Programme: Minimum 2 years and maximum 4 years
6. Post Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Policy (PGCAP)
If Agriculture is something that interests you and you want to have knowledge about National Agriculture Policies and want to study how to plan and develop those policies then this course is for you. This is one of the top online courses by IGNOU that will not only teach you to plan and develop those policies but also implement and formulate those strategies.
Eligibility: Graduate in any Discipline
Duration of Programme: Minimum 6 Months and maximum 2 years
7. The Certificate Program in Tribal Studies (CTRBS)
If you want to get IGNOU admission to learn tribal studies, this course is for you. This is another one of the top online courses by IGNOU that will give you a well-structured and detailed study of Tribal people and their Issues. You will learn about the welfare of tribal people, educating them and giving opportunities to them so that they can be financially independent and professionally stable. This in return will help them solve their own community issues more logically and sensitively.
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent or BPP from IGNOU
Duration of Programme: Minimum 6 Months and Maximum 2 years
8. The Post Graduate Certificate in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PGCGPS)
This is one of the top online courses by IGNOU and will give you enough knowledge to educate yourself in Gandhinian principles and philosophy. After completing this course, you will be able to identify and apply peaceful solutions to real-life problems. You can further grow your knowledge by going for an MA from IGNOU or if you develop an interest in any other niche while studying this course then you can also go for IGNOU online programs like MA Political Science or MA Sociology IGNOU Course.
Eligibility: Graduate from any discipline
Duration of Programme: Minimum 6 months and maximum 2 years
9. Certificate Program in Peace Studies and Conflict Management (CPSCM)
This is another one of the top online courses by IGNOU that revolves around peace and conflict resolution. This IGNOU free online course with certificate will give you thorough knowledge about applying practical skills and tactics to solve an issue or conflict emerging in society. You will understand the true meaning and significance of non-violence all around the world after pursuing this certification course. Post-completion of this course, you will have a greater impact on society with your knowledge, practical skills and strategies to resolve a conflict and bring peace at large.
Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream (learners who do not have a 10+2 qualification can also be admitted after clearing IGNOU’s Preparatory Programme).
Duration of Programme: Minimum 6 months and maximum 2 years
10) Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS)
If you want to take your knowledge of tourism to the next level and magnify it with concepts like tourism management and perspective of tourism and tourism marketing then you should take another one of the best certificate courses in IGNOU. You will get basic training for imparting tourism services. This course will open immense opportunities in the tourism sector.
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent or BPP from IGNOU
Duration of Programme: Minimum 3 years and maximum 6 years
11. Certificate Program in Library and Information Science (CLIS)
This is one of the top online courses by IGNOU that caters for the need for staff in rural libraries. If you are into books and want to take this to a professional level then enrol in this course. It will provide you with training and education in library management. Also, you will be trained to provide IT services to the library which will help in Library management and information handling. This course will open the door for you to land a job as a librarian.
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent OR BPP from IGNOU
Duration of Programme: 6 months
12. Certificate in Information Technology (CIT)
Are you interested in Technology? Do you want to enhance your subject knowledge in Information Technology? Then this one of the IGNOU online certificate courses is for you. It will provide you with knowledge in a range of topics like the latest trends in IT, and basic principles of the Internet and gives the right amount of basic knowledge in every topic of IT. After completing this course, you can either apply for jobs in the IT sector or go for further studies and pursue the IGNOU BCA course for advanced-level knowledge of the subject.
Eligibility: 10th Standard or SSC or IGNOU'S BPP or Microsoft's DLC or equivalent
Duration of Programme: Minimum 6 months and maximum 2 years
Also read:
13. Certificate in Tourism Studies (CTS)
This is one of the IGNOU certification courses. If you are looking to learn about tourism and want to just experiment whether or not you like it, this course is for you. This is one of the top online courses by IGNOU, which gives you an appropriate amount of introductory knowledge that you can learn and decide whether you want to pursue full-time or not. It is well structured and brief as a foundational course in tourism. You may not get a job after this but you will definitely have good knowledge in this field.
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent
Duration of Programme: 6 months
14. Certificate in Arabic Language (CAL)
Learning a language has its own advantages and surely when that language is not so common in your country then you do have an edge over others. This one of the IGNOU online certificate courses will provide you with essential and basic topics of the Arabic Language. You will also have major job opportunities in the education sector after completing this course.
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent or minimum 18 years of age
Duration of Programme: Minimum 6 months and maximum 2 years
15. Certificate in Russian Language (CRUL)
This is one of the IGNOU best courses. Do you want to go to Russia to pursue higher studies or are passionate about the Russian language? Then go for this course. This is amongst the top online courses by IGNOU that aims at providing beginners with basic knowledge of the Russian Language to read, write, listen and speak in the correct Russian manner. After pursuing this course, you will have job opportunities in tourism, hospitality, BPOs, KPOs and the education sector.
Eligibility: Minimum age 18 years. No formal qualification is required, however, a class 10 level of English proficiency is desirable.
Duration of Programme: Minimum 6 months and maximum 2 years
Pursuing the top online courses by IGNOU can open up a plethora of opportunities for you, given the stature of this university and the kind of industrial network it has. Below mentioned are three major reasons why you should go for IGNOU admission right now:
Affordable - Affordability of any course plays a vital role in enrolling in that course. IGNOU has one of the very few online courses that are economical and learners don’t need to pay a hefty fee for pursuing them. The fee for the top online courses by IGNOU ranges from Rs 900 to Rs 12,000 (exclusive of examination fees). IGNOU Distance Education has been a boon, especially to the economically weaker section of the society and this makes IGNOU stand out among all the other online courses provided by many other Universities. There are also many IGNOU free online courses that you can pursue without paying any charge. You can even make an online course comparison to choose and pursue the best IGNOU online programs.
Recognition - While getting admission to any university or online courses and certifications from top providers, recognition is an important factor to consider before enrolling because recognition gives you an assurance that the University at least meets the basic minimum requirement to be an educational institute and the degree or certificate it gives is legal and acceptable in Indian organisations. IGNOU being a Central University recognized by the University Grants Commission of India (UGC) meets the minimum criteria. Not only does it meet minimum criteria but it is acknowledged globally and perhaps designated by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) as its first Centre of Excellence for Distance Education. This not only proves IGNOU’s stature but also the Quality of Education. Courses like IGNOU MCA and IGNOU MBA are recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
Quality of Education - It is the most significant factor for enrolling in any University. The above-mentioned recognition speaks for the quality of education provided by the University. IGNOU is widely famous for its methods and practices of teaching. Also, the University has exams that are tough to qualify for, keeping the standards high for passing the exam. Keeping in mind the standard of exams, IGNOU regularly gives assignments to keep a check on the learnings of the students. Hence, giving outstanding quality of education.
Explore more: What is the Admission Process and Documents Required for Online Programmes at IGNOU
We hope that this IGNOU online courses list will help you get started and achieve your goal. These IGNOU online programs are a great way to grow and sharpen your skills in your own flexible time and place. You can easily be ahead of your peers by pursuing these courses. Not only IGNOU online programs but Bachelor’s and Master’s courses are there along with IGNOU PhD courses and MPhil courses that will advance your career. So, what are you waiting for?
The benefits of pursuing the top online courses by IGNOU are that there is no age limitation to pursue a course and affordable courses. Also, they provide the latest technologies and methodologies of teaching and globally recognized certificates.
If you only want to enter the IT industry then you can go for the certificate course mentioned above but if you want to have a good position and get good money then you can pursue a professional degree such as IGNOU BCA Course.
There is no perfect time but if I have to say then Right Now! Is the perfect time to kick start your learning and boost up your skills. These courses are flexible in nature and give you immense time to carry on with your day-to-day activities.
Yes, IGNOU does have courses for Commerce students. IGNOU offers a bachelor's (IGNOU Bcom) as well as a master's programme( IGNOU Mcom). You can check these courses out on their website.
IGNOU has 2 ways of providing study material to their learners, either they send it by post to your address or they give you access to their e-learning app.
IGNOU, on an average, has a 60% rate of placement.
Application Date:05 September,2024 - 25 November,2024
Application Date:15 October,2024 - 15 January,2025
Application Date:10 November,2024 - 08 April,2025