IGNOU PGDHE Admission 2026: Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDHE) admission is commencing from December 15,2025* at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for the academic session 2026- 27. PG Diploma in Higher Education program covers core topics like Instruction in Higher Education, Planning and Management of Higher Education, Extended Contact Programme, Higher Education: Its Context and Linkages and many more. The minimum duration of this program is 12 months (1 Year) and maximum duration is 2 years. This program requires students to complete their post graduate studies in any discipline or working teachers in an institution of higher education, as basic eligibility. An approximate fee range of this program is INR 3,500 for the entire program. Interested candidates are advised to complete the application procedure before 31st January 2026 by paying a registration fee of INR 300. A PG Diploma Higher Education holder can seek various career roles as Administrators, Curriculum Developers, Lecturers and Researcher.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education Admission Latest Update
- 22 Nov 2025: Examination date of the Term End Exam December 2025 session is out, and the exam will start on 1 December 2025. Source
- 27 Nov 2025: Admission for the 2026 session will open soon, and 15 December 2025 is the expected starting date of registration. Source
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education Admission: Important Points
- About the Course: This is a 1-year Post Graduate Diploma Course in Higher Education in distance education. This course provides a deep understanding and skills about teaching in higher education.
- Program Overview: PGDHE equips teachers with skills for higher education teaching.
- Duration: Minimum 1 year, maximum 4 years.
- Eligibility: Postgraduate degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
- Application Process: Students can apply for IGNOU PGDHE admission through an Online application on the official website.
- Curriculum: This program provides in-depth knowledge in subject areas related to higher education, planning, projects, fieldwork in the higher education context, instruction methods, and management.
- How to apply: For the New Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education Admission. You can visit the official website and submit the admission form. Get Study material online.
- Learning Flexibility: Self-paced learning with study materials and contact programs.
- Fees: The total fees for PGDHE are around Rs 3,000.
- Career Opportunities: After completing this course, students can enhance their career prospects in higher education teaching, management, and respected profiles.
- Average Fee: The average fee of the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education is Rs 3,000 for the total course, and the registration fee is Rs 300.
- IGNOU: This university is a popular and well-reputed university; it is run by the central Government, accredited by NAAC A++, and approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
IGNOU PGDHE Admission Highlights 2026:
| Feature | Details |
| Course Name or full form |
Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education
|
| Course Code | PGDHE |
| Learning Mode | Open Distance Learning |
| IGNOU Admission Last Date | —- |
| Department | School of Education (SOE) |
| Duration |
Minimum 1 year, Maximum 4 years
|
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Course Fees | Rs. 3000 (Total course) + Rs. 300 Registration |
| Age Requirements | No age limit |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Postgraduate degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
|
| Admission Sessions | January and July |
| Program Structure | Semester-based |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU PGDHE Admission 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Postgraduate degree in any subject from a recognized university, or teachers currently working in higher education institutions. Teaching experience in higher education institutions can be an alternative to the postgraduate qualification requirements for fresh admission. No upper or lower age limit restrictions apply to candidates. No entrance exam for admission.
- Educational Qualification: postgraduate degree in any subject or a professional degree.
- Minimum Marks: 50% in postgraduate degree (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
- Teaching Experience: Not mandatory, but preferred.
- Age Limit: No age restrictions.
- Category 1 Applicants: In-service teachers in higher education institutions.
- Category 2 Applicants: Aspiring teachers with required educational qualifications.
Entrance Examination
- No separate entrance exam for PGDHE.
- Admission is based on eligibility criteria and on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Apply directly through the IGNOU website.
Selection Criteria for IGNOU PGDHE Admission
- Merit-Based: Selection based on academic qualifications.
- No Entrance Test: Direct admission for eligible candidates.
- First-Come-First-Served: Limited seats filled as applications are received.
Fee Structure 2026
- Total Program Fee: Rs. 3,000
- Registration Fee: Rs. 300 (one-time)
- Course Material Fee: Included in the total fee
- Exam Fee: Included in the total fee
- Project Evaluation Fee: No separate fee
- SC/ST Fee Support: Available as per IGNOU policies
- Payment Options: Online payment through credit/debit cards or net banking
Application Process for IGNOU PGDHE Admission 2026
IGNOU offers two sessions for PGDHE admissions: January and July sessions. Students have to apply to get admission to the PGDHE program. As a first step, they have to fill the application form and all the required steps to register and apply. Students need to follow these steps sequentially:
- Visit IGNOU Website: Go to ignou.ac.in.
- Register: Create an account if you’re a new user.
- Login: Use your credentials to log in.
- Choose Program: Select PGDHE from the list of programs.
- Fill Application: Enter personal and educational details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of the required documents.
- Pay Fee: Complete the payment process online.
- Submit: Review all details and submit the application.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- 10th and 12th mark sheets
- Graduation and Post-graduation certificates and mark sheets
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- ID proof (Aadhaar card/PAN card/Passport)
Examination Pattern
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education program follows a comprehensive evaluation system. It includes two main components: continuous assessment through assignments and term-end examinations. Each course has specific weightage for these components. The assignments help in continuous learning and account for 30% of the total marks. The term-end exam, conducted at the end of each semester, covers 70% of the marks.
Students must submit assignments before appearing for the term-end exam. The exam questions are designed to test the understanding and application of concepts learned during the course. IGNOU conducts these exams twice a year, in June and December, allowing flexibility for students to appear when they feel prepared.
Evaluation System
- Continuous Assessment: 30% weightage through assignments.
- Term-End Examination: 70% weightage in the final assessment.
- Practical Component: Evaluation of project work and the Extended Contact Program.
- Grading System: Uses a 10-point grading scale for final results.
- Minimum Pass Marks: 40% in assignments and the term-end exam separately.
IGNOU PGDHE Program Syllabus
IGNOU PGDHE syllabus is a document that outlines all the necessary information about the PGDHE course. It lists the subjects you will study as well as due dates for any coursework, including tests.
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MES-101 | Higher Education: Its Context and Linkages | 6 |
| MES-102 | Instruction in Higher Education | 6 |
| MES-103 | Higher Education: Socio-Psychological Field | 6 |
| MES-104 | Planning and Management of Higher Education | 6 |
| MES-105 | Project Work | 6 |
| MES-106 | Extended Contact Program | 4 |
Assignments Submission
- Importance: Assignments are crucial for continuous assessment.
- Submission Process: Submit online through the IGNOU website or at your study center.
- Deadline: Strict submission deadlines for each semester.
- Purpose: To assess understanding and application of course concepts.
- Feedback: Helps in self-assessment and improvement.
Career Opportunities After Completing a Graduate Diploma in Higher Education
- Higher Education Instructor: Teach at colleges or universities, applying modern pedagogical techniques learned in the program.
- Education Administrator: Manage educational programs or departments, using knowledge of planning and management in higher education.
- Curriculum Developer: Design and update course curricula, leveraging insights into higher education contexts and student psychology.
- Educational Researcher: Conduct studies on teaching methods and learning outcomes in higher education settings.
- Academic Counselor: Guide students in their academic journey, applying socio-psychological principles learned in the course.
Placement Information
Top recruiters for PGDET include HCL, Verizon, IBM, Google, Yahoo, Cipla, Tech Mahindra, etc. The average salary of a PGDET in India is INR 5-6 LPA.
- Teaching Positions: Opportunities in colleges and universities (Approx. salary: ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 per month).
- Educational Consultants: Work with education firms (Approx. salary: ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month).
- Academic Coordinators: Roles in educational institutions (Approx. salary: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 per month).
- E-learning Content Developers: Create online course materials (Approx. salary: ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 per month).
- Education Policy Analysts: Work with think tanks or government bodies (Approx. salary: ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 per month).
FAQs
Q1: What is the duration of the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education program?
Ans: The minimum duration is 1 year, and the maximum is 4 years.
Q2: Is there an entrance exam for the Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education program Admission in IGNOU?
Ans: No, admission is based on eligibility criteria and is granted on a first-come, first-served basis..
Q3: What is the fee structure for the PGDHE program?
Ans: The total program fee is ₹6,000, which includes registration, course materials, and exam fees.
Q4: Is the IGNOU PGDHE degree recognized?
Ans: Yes, it is recognized by UGC and considered equivalent to Orientation and Refresher Courses for teachers.
Q: How can I access study materials?
Ans: IGNOU provides self-learning material in both print and digital formats, accessible through their online portal.
