IGNOU July 2025: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has released an important notification regarding new admissions and re-registration for the July 2025 session, especially for SC/ST category students. If you’re planning to join or continue your studies with IGNOU, read this article carefully.
What’s the New Update?
IGNOU has updated the fee structure for students belonging to the SC/ST categories in three major programs:
- Bachelor of Arts (BAM)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCOMF)
- Bachelor of Science (BSCM)
Earlier, SC/ST students used to get a 100% waiver on the program fees. But from July 2025 onwards, only 50% of the program fee will be waived off. Still, a few specific requirements must be met beforehand.
Overview of IGNOU July 2025 Fee Update
Here is a quick overview of the updated fee policy:
| Details | New Policy (From July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Eligible Categories | SC and ST students only |
| Courses Covered | BAM, BCOMF, BSCM |
| Fee Waiver | 50% of program fee |
| Example | If program fee is ₹4800 → You pay only ₹2400 |
| Registration Fee | ₹300 (Non-refundable) |
| Development Fee | ₹400 (Non-refundable) |
| Income Limit | Annual family income should be below ₹5 lakh |
| Required Documents | Caste Certificate, Income Certificate, Affidavit |
| Where to Apply for Scholarship | scholarships.gov.in |
Important Conditions to Avail 50% Fee Waiver
- Caste Certificate
- Must belong to SC/ST category.
- Certificate must be issued by Tehsildar/SDM/ADM/DM office.
- It will be digitally verified.
- Income Certificate
- Family’s annual income must be less than ₹5 lakh (previous financial year).
- Must be issued by competent government authority (Tehsildar/SDM/ADM/DM).
- Upload during admission.
- No Prior Scholarship
- You must not have received any scholarship from government or private agency.
- An affidavit must be submitted confirming the same.
- DEB ID is Mandatory
- You need to create a DEB ID before applying for admission.
- Every learner must now follow this recently introduced rule.
For Re-Registration Students
If you are an existing SC/ST student of IGNOU and had earlier received a 100% fee waiver, you now need to pay 50% of the program fee for re-registration under:
- BAM
- BCOMF
- BSCM
All other conditions like income limit, document verification, and no prior scholarship still apply.
Want 100% Fee Waiver? Here’s How
If you’re looking for full fee support, you can apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal:
This portal lists various schemes that may offer 100% tuition coverage based on merit, category, and income.
Key Takeaways
- Only 50% fee waiver for SC/ST students in specific UG programs from July 2025.
- Registration and development fees are non-refundable and must be paid.
- Income proof and caste certificate are essential.
- No other scholarships must be availed to be eligible.
- Existing students must pay 50% of the fee during re-registration too.
₹300 is a non-refundable registration fee. This will also be yours. Also, the ₹400 development fee that was told by IGU will also be yours. This will also be your non-refundable fee. Apart from this, it has also been told that the annual income of your parents, your guardians, should be less than ₹5 lakh last year. Also, you will have to upload the income certificate when you take admission. And the income certificate should be issued by your Tehsildar, SDM, ADM or DM office. And here also you have been told.\