IGNOU PGDCA Admission 2026 | Overview, Admission Process, Placement Cell

IGNOU PGDCA admission process will start soon for the January 2026 academic session. It is a PG Diploma course with a one-year duration which prepares students for productive careers in the Software Industry. Total course fees are INR 21,600, excluding development and registration charges. PGDCA Programme is approved by University Grant Commission (UGC). The medium of instruction of programme delivery is English only. Students having a bachelor’s degree in any discipline can apply for admission through official IGNOU website. The starting date of admission is expected to be around 15 December 2025*. 

IGNOU PGDCA Admission 2026: Highlights

About IGNOU

IGNOU is one of the most reputed open Universities in India. It is also the world’s largest open University that offers education through OL and ODL modes. It was established through an act of Parliament in 1985.  It is UGC and AIU recognised, NAAC ‘A++’ grade accredited for its good quality education delivery, low fees and accessibility to rural regions. 

IGNOU PGDCA Course Details and Overview

PG Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) is a 1-year diploma programme, consisting of 2 semesters. In this programme, students get theoretical and practical knowledge that is relevant in the field of computer science and latest software development. At IGNOU, the programme emphasizes on the application of software technology to solve computing, commercial, mathematical and networking problems. PGDCA consists of 36 credits. Its curriculum and syllabus aims at skills development among students in various technologies. It prepares students for a successful career. 

IGNOU PGDCA Admissions 2026

IGNOU admission window is opened twice a year for UG, PG, and Diploma courses admission. IGNOU PGDCA admission will start soon for the January 2026 academic year. The admission process follows a complete online procedure with no need to visit University. Students can apply through the official website. IGNOU has a registration processing fee which varies for General and Reserved Category students. The expected date for starting admission is 15 December 2025*, which is subject to change according to the University announcement. 

Eligibility Criteria For IGNOU PGDCA Admission 2026

If any student wants to be eligible for admission in the PGDCA programme of IGNOU, then they must have a bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years from a recognized university with Mathematics as one of the subjects at the 10+2 level or the Graduation level. If any student does not have mathematics as their subject in 10+2 or Graduation, then they are required to successfully complete BCS-012 (Graduate-level Mathematics course) as a Bridge Course. Apart from this, students should also have a DEB ID as it is mandatory for all Online and ODL programmes. 

IGNOU PGDCA Admission Fee Structure

IGNOU has very affordable course fees for almost every programme it offers including PGDCA. Students need to pay the programme fee, registration fee, and development fee. Registration fee is a minimal amount that is non-refundable. Total programme fee excluding development and registration fees is INR 21,600 respectively.

For more information regarding fee structure, students can look at below mentioned table

IGNOU PGDCA Admissions Process 2026

• Step 1: Go to either the official website of IGNOU and apply from there or through its admission portal, www.ignou.samarth.edu.in/.
• Step 2: Now click on ‘New Registration’ and make a new account. Skip this if you’ve already registered and have credentials.
• Step 3: Now login using your credentials. Access application form and select your interested programme.
• Step 4: Fill all necessary fields of personal details and academic qualification details.
• Step 5: Upload scanned documents in JPG or JPEG format as proof of documentation
• Step 6: After everything is completed, check for any corrections. Then, pay the required fees and check for application submission confirmation
• Step 7: After a few days, when IGNOU verifies everything, they will send an admission confirmation mail on your provided email ID. 

Note: It is advised to check for every detail and info before making a final decision in course selection.

Documents Required For IGNOU PGDCA Admission

• 10th & 12th grade Certificate and Marksheet
• Bachelor’s degree/provisional and marksheet
• Applicant’s scanned signature
• Recent photo of applicant
• Government Identity proof (Aadhar card or Passport)
• Work Experience Certificate (if applicable) 
• Caste Category Certificate (if applicable)

IGNOU PGDCA Assignments and Term End Examination

IGNOU has divided evaluation system into two components – Assignments and Term End Examination (TEE). Assignments have 30% marking and TEE have 70% marking. Assignments are necessary for students otherwise they will not be allowed to give term end examination. 

Students can download assignments on official website of IGNOU. They have to complete it within the required time frame and submit it to their allotted regional centre. Assignments not only contribute to final marks but also prepare students for theory and practical examination.

IGNOU Placement Cell & Job Roles 

IGNOU has  a placement cell known as Campus Placement Cell (CPC) located at University headquarters and facilitates it through allotted regional centres. CPC acts as a bridge between students and recruiters. Its main objective is to organize Placement drives, job fairs, and Recruitment drives for students. CPC also offers training and internship opportunities to enhance better experience, job preparation and employability among students.

Students can pursue various job roles after completion of their PGDCA degree. Some popular job roles are Software Developer, IT Support Analyst, IT Consultant, System Administrator, Database Administrator, Web Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, etc. Average offered salary falls between INR 4 .6 lacs to INR 12 lacs per annum.