Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) provides a platform for over 200 courses through Distance and Online Distance Mode. Being the largest open university globally, IGNOU aims to cater to a diverse set of students. This commitment goes beyond just the provision of a varied curriculum. It also extends to financial assistance for students hailing from underprivileged backgrounds or those facing various challenges. This financial assistance is provided in the form of scholarships, fee exemptions, and fee remissions. These are offered to students from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and physically challenged categories. Moreover, jail inmates and economically disadvantaged students are also eligible for these benefits. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the various scholarships offered by IGNOU.
Table of Contents
IGNOU Scholarships 2025
The IGNOU Scholarship 2025 is a financial aid program designed to assist students coming from SC, ST, economically weaker sections, jail inmates, transgender individuals, and those from the Weaver community. The selection of students for the scholarship is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. To gain this scholarship, students are required to fill out and submit a form available at their respective regional centres. The application must be accompanied by the necessary documents and validated by the relevant authorities.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
| M.Phil | Enrolled full-time M.Phil program at IGNOU, Less than 35 years old, Good academic record, Belongs to SC/ST category or valid physically handicapped document proof (if applied under this category), No other scholarship in their name | INR 5,000 per month |
| PhD | Pursue a full-time PhD degree at IGNOU, Good academic record, Belongs to SC/ST category, Less than 35 years old, Valid physically handicapped document proof (if applied under this category), No other scholarship in their name | INR 8,000 per month |
IGNOU Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2025
The IGNOU scholarship eligibility criteria are straightforward yet essential. The applicant must not be more than 35 years old and must be an IGNOU student. The scholarship is available to students belonging to Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Weaver communities, and transgender individuals. Additionally, physically handicapped students and jail inmates with a passion for learning are also eligible. However, it is essential to note that once released, the jail inmates must pay the applicable fee. The applicant's family income, combining all sources, must not exceed INR 2.5 lakh per annum.
IGNOU Scholarship Application Process 2025
Applying for an Indira Gandhi National Open University Scholarship involves a series of steps. Students can either visit the official IGNOU website or obtain the application form from the Directorate of Social Welfare or their respective State Social Welfare Office. The form must be filled accurately and accompanied by important documents such as academic mark sheets, income certificate, caste certificate, etc. After getting the form certified by the Regional Director of their program's regional centre, students can submit it to their respective state's social welfare office or directorate of social welfare.
IGNOU Required Documents for Scholarship Application
To apply for an IGNOU scholarship, students need to submit a set of documents. These include their Aadhaar card, a passport-sized photograph, income certificate, caste certificate, proof of date of birth, bank account details in the student's name, academic mark sheets, IGNOU student Identity card, graduation certificate, and a physically challenged certificate (if applicable).
IGNOU Government Scholarship Schemes 2025
Students at Indira Gandhi Open University can also avail various scholarship schemes offered by the government. However, these can only be availed one at a time and require fulfilling specific eligibility criteria. The students can learn more about these scholarships and their eligibility requirements at their regional centre.
| Government Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits | Mode of Applying |
| Merit Cum Means Scholarship For Professional and Technical Courses CS | Family income of the applicant should not exceed INR 2.5 lakh per annum. Student should have at least 50% of marks in the previous final examination | Scholarship worth INR 20,000 every year for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Maintenance allowance up to INR 1000 per month for hostlers and INR 500 per month for the day scholar | Online at www.scholarships.gov.in |
| Scholarships for Top Class Education for students with disabilities | Student should have a valid certificate with more than 40% of physical disability. The family income should be INR 6 lakh or less per annum. Student should pursue an undergraduate or a PG course from any recognized university | Cost for books and stationary will be covered up to INR 5000 per year. Maintenance allowances will be covered. INR 3000 per month for a hostler and INR 1500 per month for a day scholar. Tuition fee will be covered up to 2 lakhs per annum. INR 45,000, a one-time allowance will be given for devices used for studying (laptop/desktop) | Online at scholarships.gov.in |
| Top Class Education Scheme for SC students | Student has to be enrolled in a full-time course in a recognized university. They have to be an Indian citizen. They have gained admission under the general category seats. Their family income should not exceed INR 8 lakh per year. Only two siblings per family are allowed to benefit from this scholarship | Salary per year is INR 3.72 lakh for enrollment in private flying clubs for commercial flight training and rating courses. It pays for up to INR 2,220 per month for living costs. Books and stationery costs are covered up to INR 3,000 per month. Full tuition for up to INR 2 lakh per year for students attending private institutions. One-time financial aid for a computer or laptop up to INR 45,000 | Online at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's official website |