IGNOU PGDCJ Admission 2026: Indira Gandhi National Open University accepting application for the January 2026 session from 15 December 2025*. Interested candidates are required to fill out the online application form for Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice before January 31, 2026*. This program covers core subjects like Criminal Justice System, Indian Penal Code Challenges to Criminal Justice System, Criminal Justice Research and Advocacy, Criminal Justice Administration and many more. To be eligible for IGNOU’s PGDCJ program, students need to complete their graduation in any discipline with 45% aggregate marks from any accredited university. Candidates can seek admission on the basis of their academic performance without any entrance exam. The minimum duration of this program is 1 year but it can go 3 years long. For filling the application form, applicants need to visit the official website of IGNOU portal.
IGNOU PGDCJ Admission Latest Updates
- 22 Nov 2025: Indira Gandhi National Open University will soon begin the admission for the Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice program on the tentative date of 15 December 2025. Source
- 27 Nov 2025: Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice TEE examination is going to start on 1 December 2025. Check the reference for extra instructions. Source
IGNOU PGDCJ Admission 2026 Quick Overview
- Program Overview: The PGDCJ offers an in-depth study of criminal justice systems and processes.
- Duration: Minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years for completion.
- Eligibility: Any graduate degree holder can apply, including those with backgrounds in criminology or social work.
- Application Process: Students can apply online for IGNOU PGDCJ admission through the official website. Fill out the form and pay the application fee.
- Curriculum: This course covers these subjects like the indian Penal Code, Criminal Justice Process, Criminal Justice System, Criminal Justice Administration, Criminal Justice Research, and Challenges to the Criminal Justice System.
- Learning Flexibility: Study at your own pace with distance learning materials and optional counseling sessions.
- Fees: Approximately ₹10,800 for the entire program, payable in installments.
- Career Opportunities: If students complete this course, doors open for them to enter law enforcement, legal practice, NGOs, and government organizations.
- Study Plan: A Combination of theoretical courses and practical project work.
- Project: Includes a compulsory project work of 8 credits to gain practical insight.
- Multiple Exit Points: If required, students can exit with a PG Certificate after completing 16 credits.
IGNOU PGDCJ Admission 2026 Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice |
| Course Code | PGDCJ |
| Department | School of Law (SOL) |
| Duration | Min: 1 year, Max: 3 years |
| Medium | English |
| Course Fees | Approx. ₹12,000 |
| Age Requirement | No age limit |
| Eligibility | Any Graduate |
| Admission Sessions | January and July |
| Program Structure | Semester-based |
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU PGDCJ Admission
- Educational Qualification: Any graduate degree from a recognized university.
- Boards Accepted: All Indian university degrees recognized by UGC, AIU, or AICTE.
- Minimum Marks: No specific percentage is required; a pass in graduation is sufficient.
- Age Limit: There are no age restrictions for admission.
- Additional Requirements: None specified for general admission.
- Category 1 Applicants: Fresh graduates interested in criminal justice careers.
- Category 2 Applicants: Working professionals in law enforcement or related fields.
Entrance Exam
- No entrance exam is required for admission to the PGDCJ program.
- Admission is based on fulfilling the eligibility criteria and submitting the application on time.
- The selection is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to verification of documents.
IGNOU PGDCJ Admission Selection Process
- Merit-Based: Admission is granted based on the eligibility criteria.
- No Entrance Test: Selection does not involve any entrance examination.
- Document Verification: Submitted educational documents are verified for authenticity.
- First-Come-First-Served: Applications are processed in the order they are received.
Fee Structure
- Total Program Fee: Approximately Rs 10,800 for the entire duration.
- Project Evaluation Fees: Included in the total program fee.
- Practical Examination: No separate fee for practical examinations.
- Fee Support for SC/ST Students: Special fee concessions are available; check the IGNOU website for details.
- Payment Schedule: Fees can be paid in semester-wise installments.
- Additional Expenses: Students should budget for study materials and exam center charges.
IGNOU PGDCJ Admission Application Process
If you are eligible for the PGDCJ Course in IGNOU, follow the complete procedure outlined below to apply for admission.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to www.ignou.ac.in and find the ‘Admissions‘ section.
- Choose Program: Select ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (PGDCJ)’ from the list.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload the required documents as specified.
- Pay Application Fee: Complete the payment process for the application fee.
- Submit and Print: Submit the form online and take a printout for reference.
- Track Application: Use the provided application number to track your admission status.
Documents Required
- Graduation degree certificate and mark sheet
- 10th and 12th certificates for age proof
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable
- ID proof (Aadhaar card preferred)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
Examination Pattern
The IGNOU PGDCJ program follows a comprehensive evaluation system. Each course is assessed through assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments contribute 30% to the final grade, while term-end exams account for 70%. The examinations are typically held twice a year, in June and December.
Students must submit their assignments before appearing for the term-end exams (TEE). These term-end exams are conducted at various exam centers across the country. The questions are designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application of the concepts learned in the PGDCJ program.
Evaluation System
- Continuous Assessment: Through assignments (30% weightage).
- Term-End Examination: Conducted twice a year (70% weightage).
- Practical Component: Project work evaluation as part of the curriculum.
- Minimum Pass Marks: 40% in both assignments and term-end exams.
- Re-appear Option: Facility to improve scores in subsequent exams.
IGNOU PGDCJ Admission Program Syllabus
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MLE 11 | Criminal Justice System | 4 |
| MLE 12 | Indian Penal Code | 4 |
| MLE 13 | Criminal Justice Processes | 4 |
| MLE 14 | Criminal Justice Administration | 4 |
| MLE 15 | Challenges to the Criminal Justice System | 4 |
| MLE 16 | Criminal Justice Research and Advocacy | 4 |
| MLEP 17 | Project | 8 |
IGNOU Study Material: IGNOU provides study material for various courses, and one of them is provides study material for the GDCJ course. You can download and view the study material for all the subjects, like the Criminal Justice System, Indian Penal Code, Criminal Justice Processes, and Challenges of the Criminal Justice System.
Who should apply for PGDCJ?
- Advocates
- Doctors
- Police officials and staff
- Army personnel
- Professionals from specialized agencies and NGOs
- Any graduate interested in understanding the criminal justice system and criminal laws
IGNOU PGDCJ Assignment
- Purpose: Assignments are crucial for continuous assessment and learning reinforcement.
- Submission Process: Submit assignments online through the IGNOU student portal.
- Deadline: Adhere to assignment submission deadlines for each course.
- Importance: Assignments contribute 30% to the final grade for each course.
- Feedback: Receive valuable feedback from evaluators to improve understanding.
IGNOU PGDCJ Project Handbook
IGNOU offers a handbook for the Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice course. For this book, you can visit the Egyankosh website and see and download the handbook PDF.
Career Opportunities
- Legal Advisor: Provide expert advice on criminal law matters, using knowledge of the Indian Penal Code and criminal justice processes.
- Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop criminal justice policies, applying research skills and understanding of system challenges.
- Probation Officer: Supervise and assist individuals on probation, utilizing knowledge of criminal justice administration and rehabilitation processes.
- Criminal Justice Researcher: Conduct studies on crime trends and justice system effectiveness, applying research methodologies learned in the program.
- NGO Program Manager: Manage programs related to criminal justice reform and advocacy, using skills in criminal justice research and administration.
Placement Information
- Legal Assistant: ₹3-5 lakhs per annum in law firms or corporate legal departments.
- Research Associate: ₹4-6 lakhs per annum in think tanks or research organizations.
- Compliance Officer: ₹5-7 lakhs per annum in corporate or financial institutions.
- Social Worker: ₹3-5 lakhs per annum in NGOs or government social service departments.
- Law Enforcement Analyst: ₹4-6 lakhs per annum in police departments or security agencies.
FAQs
Q1: Is IGNOU PGDCJ recognized by employers?
Ans: Yes, IGNOU’s PGDCJ is recognized by employers across the government and private sectors due to IGNOU’s UGC approval and the program’s comprehensive curriculum.
Q2: Can I pursue PGDCJ while working full-time?
Ans: Absolutely. The program is designed for distance learning, allowing you to balance work and study effectively.
Q 3: What is the duration of the PGDCJ program?
Ans: The minimum duration is 1 year, but you have the flexibility to complete it within 3 years.
Q 4: Are there any age restrictions for IGNOU PGDCJ Admission?
Ans: No, there are no age restrictions. Anyone with a graduate degree can apply.
Q 5: What is the last date for PGDCJ Admission 2026, July Session?
Ans: The last date for admission for IGNOU PGDCJ Admission 2026, July session was 31 January 2026.
Q: What is a 6 Month Course in IGNOU?
Ans: IGNOU offers several 6-month courses, mainly in the form of Post Graduate (PG) Certificate Programmes and various other Certificate Programmes.
Q: Does IGNOU provide free courses?
Ans: IGNOU offers some courses for free through the SWAYAM platform, such as commerce, management and other subjects like cyber security
