IGNOU M.Ed Admission 2026 process has officially commenced for the January 2026 academic session. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official portal before the last date – 28 February 2026. The Master of Education (M.Ed) programme is designed for trained educators seeking advanced academic knowledge, research expertise, and leadership roles in the education sector.
The M.Ed course at IGNOU is offered in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, making it suitable for working professionals and in-service teachers across India.
IGNOU M.Ed Admission 2026: Latest Updates
Candidates are advised to complete the registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- The admission portal for M.Ed January 2026 session is now live.
- The re-registration process for existing students is also open.
- The last date to apply is 28 February 2026.
- Admission is based on merit and professional experience (no entrance exam).
IGNOU M.Ed 2026 – Highlights
| University Name | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Programme Name | Master of Education (M.Ed) |
| Academic Session | January 2026 |
| Mode of Study | Open and Distance Learning (ODL) |
| Duration | 2 to 4 Years |
| Last Date to Apply | 28 February 2026 |
| Entrance Exam | Not Required |
| Total Course Fee | ₹40,000 (Approx.) |
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 |
| Eligibility | B.Ed with 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) + 2 years teaching experience |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
About IGNOU and M.Ed Programme
IGNOU is one of the largest open universities in the world, recognised by:
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- UGC-Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB)
- National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
- NAAC Accredited with A++ Grade
The M.Ed programme is a postgraduate degree aimed at enhancing professional competencies in:
- Educational Research and Statistics
- Philosophy of Education
- Sociology of Education
- Psychology of Learning and Development
- Curriculum Studies
- Educational Technology
The programme prepares candidates for advanced roles in:
- Higher Education Teaching
- Academic Research
- Educational Administration
- Policy Planning
- Special Education
- Curriculum Development
IGNOU M.Ed 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | B.Ed Degree from recognised university |
| Minimum Marks | 55% aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD) |
| Teaching Experience | Minimum 2 years in a recognised educational institution |
| Recognition | B.Ed must be from NCTE-approved institution |
Applicants not meeting the eligibility norms may face rejection during document verification.
IGNOU M.Ed Admission Process 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official IGNOU admission portal.
- Click on “New Registration”.
- Fill in personal, academic and professional details.
- Upload required documents (self-attested).
- Review the application form carefully.
- Pay the application fee of ₹1,000.
- Submit the form and note down the reference number.
It is advisable to keep a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Documents Required for IGNOU M.Ed Admission
Applicants must upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Class 10th and 12th Mark Sheets
- B.Ed Mark Sheet and Degree Certificate
- Teaching Experience Certificate (Minimum 2 years)
- Aadhaar Card or Valid Photo ID
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
All documents must be clear, valid and self-attested.
IGNOU M.Ed 2026 Fee Structure
The M.Ed programme at IGNOU is considered cost-effective compared to regular universities.
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Course Fee | ₹40,000 (Approx.) |
| Payment Mode | Can be paid in instalments |
| Year-wise Payment | ₹20,000 per year |
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 (Non-refundable) |
| Refund Policy | Refund allowed before 60 days from last admission date (as per IGNOU norms) |
Additional charges may apply for:
- Re-examination
- Re-evaluation
- Repeat courses
Important Links
| IGNOU M.Ed. Admission Portal 2026 |
| IGNOU M.Ed. Registration Portal 2026 |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University |
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IGNOU M.Ed Syllabus Structure
The M.Ed programme is divided into 4 semesters spread across 2 years (extendable up to 4 years). The curriculum focuses on research orientation and professional development.
| Semester | Subjects Covered |
|---|---|
| Semester I | Teacher Education, Education Studies, Research Methodology |
| Semester II | Educational Technology, Curriculum Studies, Dissertation |
| Semester III | Special Education, Educational Management, Elective Paper |
| Semester IV | Open and Distance Learning, Comparative Education, Project Work |
The dissertation component plays a crucial role in developing research aptitude among students.
Why Choose IGNOU for M.Ed?
Here are key advantages:
- Flexible learning schedule
- Affordable fee structure
- Suitable for working professionals
- Nationally recognised degree
- Strong research-oriented curriculum
- Study material provided by university
- Wide network of regional centres across India
IGNOU’s ODL system enables educators to upgrade qualifications without leaving their jobs.
Career Opportunities After IGNOU M.Ed
Graduates can explore opportunities in:
- Assistant Professor (as per UGC norms)
- Academic Coordinator
- School Principal / Vice-Principal
- Curriculum Developer
- Educational Researcher
- Educational Consultant
- Government Education Departments
An M.Ed degree enhances leadership skills and opens avenues for higher academic and administrative positions.
Important Dates for IGNOU M.Ed Admission 2026
| Admission Start Date | Ongoing |
| Last Date to Apply | 28 February 2026 |
| Re-registration Deadline | 28 February 2026 |
Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria should complete the online application process before 28 February 2026 to secure their admission for the January 2026 session.
For the latest updates, applicants should regularly visit the official IGNOU website.
