IGNOU Certification Sericulture: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Maidan Garhi, New DelhiOpen UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A++
Collegedunia Team's profile photo

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Certificate in Sericulture (CIS) is a vocational certificate programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) under its School of Agriculture (SOA), developed in collaboration with the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. India is the second largest silk-producing country in the world and the largest silk consumer, making sericulture a significant livelihood opportunity. The CIS programme is designed to impart scientific and entrepreneurial knowledge in mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, crop protection, and host plant cultivation through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode. It is a 6-month certificate programme with 16 credits, extendable up to 2 years, offered in English and Hindi mediums. The programme fee is Rs. 4,200 for the full duration. The CIS programme is popular among rural youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, and technicians involved in or aspiring to enter the sericulture sector.

Admissions to the CIS programme are conducted in two annual cycles - January and July sessions. The January 2026 admission window is currently open, with the last date for fresh admission extended to 31 March 2026. The July 2026 session is expected to open around May-June 2026, with a tentative last date of 31 July 2026, based on previous year patterns. No entrance exam is required; admission is based on eligibility.

Distance Mode Study Centres:

The CIS programme is offered exclusively in ODL (Distance) mode. Study centres are available at select IGNOU Regional Centres and affiliated institutions. The programme has a limited number of study centres compared to other IGNOU programmes, as it is a specialised vocational course. Key study centres include:

  • Shimla Region: Govt. Degree College Ghumarwin; Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra Govt. College Palampur
  • Bhopal Region: IGNOU Regional Centre Bhopal
  • Srinagar Region: CSR and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Pampore
  • Dehradun Region: IGNOU Regional Centre Dehradun; Zonal Silkworm Seed Organisation
  • Nagpur Region: IGNOU Regional Centre Nagpur
  • Noida Region: Ch. Chhotu Ram PG College
  • Rajkot Region: IGNOU Regional Centre Rajkot
  • Madurai Region: Rani Anna Govt. College for Women; Vivekananda College
  • Delhi Region: Acharya Narendra Dev College
  • Army Centres: HQ Northern Command (Udhampur), HQ 14 Corps, HQ 16 Corps, HQ 19 Inf Div, HQ 25 Inf Div, HQ 39 Mtn Div, HQ 22 Arty Bde (Chandimandir)

For the complete and updated list of study centres, visit: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/

Key Points

  • Developed in collaboration with the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India - a government-backed vocational programme
  • Available in English and Hindi mediums
  • Unique eligibility: non-10th pass candidates with 2 years of sericulture experience are also eligible
  • Flexible duration: minimum 6 months, maximum 2 years to complete
  • Evaluation: Assignments (30%) + Term-End Examination (70%); minimum 40% required in both
  • Study material is included in the programme fee
  • Limited study centres - primarily in sericulture-active states (HP, J&K, Uttarakhand, MP, Maharashtra, TN, UP, Gujarat)
  • Programme follows NEP 2020 guidelines with Multiple Entry and Exit options
49 Views Last Year

IGNOU Latest Updates and News

16 Sep, 2026 IGNOU July 2026 Session re-registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30, 2026, @onlinerr.ignou.ac.in, for all ODL and Online programs. Read News.

16 Sep, 2026 IGNOU July 2026 Session registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30, 2026, @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Read More.

IGNOU CIS Fees

The CIS programme at IGNOU is priced at Rs. 4,200 for the full programme duration. An additional registration fee is payable at the time of admission as per IGNOU norms. Study materials are included in the programme fee. There are no hostel facilities associated with this distance learning programme.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Programme/Tuition Fee4,200
Registration Fee300 (as per IGNOU norms)
Total Fees4,500
  • Registration fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
  • If admission is cancelled before the last date of admission: 100% refund of programme fee (registration fee not refunded).
  • If admission is cancelled within 15 days after closing of admission session: Rs. 500 deducted from programme fee.
  • If admission is cancelled within 30 days after closing of admission session: Rs. 1,000 deducted from programme fee.
  • If admission is cancelled after 30 days from last date: No refund.
  • Re-registration fee is applicable if the student extends beyond the minimum 6-month duration (check IGNOU website for current rates).
  • Fee concessions may be available for SC/ST students; check the IGNOU website for current details.

IGNOU CIS Admission 2026

Admissions to the IGNOU CIS programme are conducted in two annual cycles - January and July. The January 2026 session admission is currently ongoing (last date extended to 31 March 2026). No entrance examination is required; candidates are admitted based on eligibility criteria alone. The July 2026 session is expected to open around May-June 2026 based on previous year patterns.

Important Dates

EventJanuary 2026 SessionJuly 2026 Session (Tentative)
Admission Portal OpensDecember 2025May 2026
Last Date for Fresh Admission31 March 202631 July 2026
Last Date for Re-registration30 March 2026July 2026
Batch CommencementJanuary 2026July 2026
Term-End Exam (TEE)June 2026December 2026
Assignment Submission DeadlineBefore TEE (check IGNOU website)Before TEE (check IGNOU website)

Relevant Exam Dates

Event
No external entrance exam is required or accepted for admission to the CIS programme. Admission is direct based on eligibility.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 10th standard (Class 10) pass from any recognised board; OR
  • Non-10th pass candidates with a minimum of 2 years of experience in the field of sericulture (experience certificate required from extension officials of Dept. of Sericulture/Agriculture/Extension/Recognised NGOs/Industry)
  • No upper age limit

Admission Process

  • Visit the IGNOU admission portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/
  • Register and create a new account on the portal
  • Select the CIS programme and fill in the online application form
  • Upload required documents: 10th pass certificate (or experience certificate for non-10th pass candidates), passport-size photograph, signature, and ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID); caste certificate if applicable
  • Pay the programme fee (Rs. 4,200) and registration fee online
  • Submit the completed application form
  • Receive admission confirmation via email/SMS
  • Select a study centre from the available list at the time of admission (note: study centres are limited for this programme)

IGNOU CIS Scholarships 2026

IGNOU offers limited fee support and concessions for certain categories of students. While there is no dedicated scholarship programme exclusively for the CIS course, students from reserved categories and economically weaker sections may benefit from government scholarship schemes. The programme's affordable fee structure makes it accessible to rural youth and farmers.

Scholarship Schemes

Scholarship / ConcessionEligibilityAmount / BenefitHow to Apply
SC/ST Fee ConcessionSC/ST category studentsFee concession as per IGNOU norms (check official website)Apply through IGNOU admission portal with caste certificate
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) SchemesStudents from EWS, OBC, SC/ST backgroundsVaries by scheme (central/state government scholarships)Apply at scholarships.gov.in
State Government ScholarshipsVaries by state of domicileVaries by stateApply through respective state scholarship portals
Central Silk Board SchemesSericulture farmers and workersVarious skill development and financial support schemesContact nearest CSB office or visit www.csb.gov.in
  • Students must check the IGNOU official website (www.ignou.ac.in) for the latest information on fee concessions and scholarship eligibility.
  • The Central Silk Board also runs separate skill development and financial assistance programmes for sericulture farmers; check www.csb.gov.in for details.
  • The registration fee is non-refundable and not covered under any scholarship/concession scheme.

IGNOU CIS FAQs

Ques. I have not passed Class 10 but have been working in sericulture for 3 years. Am I eligible for the CIS programme?

Ans. Yes, you are eligible. The CIS programme has a special provision for non-10th pass candidates who have at least 2 years of experience in the field of sericulture. You will need to submit an experience certificate from extension officials of the Department of Sericulture, Agriculture, Extension, a recognised NGO, or an industry body at the time of admission.

Ques. The study centres for CIS seem very limited. What if there is no study centre near me?

Ans. The CIS programme currently has study centres in select states including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi. If there is no study centre near you, you may contact the nearest IGNOU Regional Centre to check for any newly added centres or alternative arrangements. You can also check the IGNOU admission portal for the latest list of active study centres.

Ques. Is the CIS programme useful for getting a job in the silk industry or government sericulture departments?

Ans. Yes, the CIS certificate is a nationally recognised vocational qualification from a Central University. It is useful for employment in state sericulture departments, Central Silk Board field offices, silk reeling units, and private sericulture farms. It also supports applications for self-employment loans and government schemes for sericulture development.

Ques. What practical training is involved in the CIS programme?

Ans. The CIS curriculum includes practical components in Host Plant Cultivation (BLPI-002) and Silkworm Rearing (BLPI-003), which together carry 12 out of 16 credits. Students are required to complete practical sessions at their designated study centre, which are typically located at agricultural colleges, CSB training institutes, or government ITIs with sericulture facilities.

Ques. Can I pursue the CIS programme if I am already a sericulture farmer wanting to upgrade my knowledge?

Ans. Absolutely. The CIS programme is specifically designed for practising farmers, rural youth, and technicians already involved in sericulture who want to upgrade their knowledge with scientific and entrepreneurial principles. The ODL format allows you to study at your own pace without disrupting your farming activities.

Ques. How does the CIS programme differ from the training programmes offered by the Central Silk Board?

Ans. The CIS is a formal academic certificate programme from IGNOU (a Central University), which carries national recognition and is part of the formal education system. CSB training programmes are typically short-term skill development workshops. The CIS provides a more comprehensive academic grounding in sericulture and is useful for those seeking formal qualifications for employment or further education.

IGNOU: 47 Answered Questions

I made a mistake while applying for the BEd course at IGNOU. Can I make changes to the application form after the final submission?

Aditi Randhawa

This is a frequently asked question among students navigating higher education decisions.

Important considerations:

  • Research Thoroughly: Verify information through official websites, NIRF rankings, and authentic reviews.
  • Campus Visits: Attend open houses or virtual tours to understand infrastructure and culture.
  • Alumni Insights: Connect with graduates for honest feedback about academics and placements.
  • Document Verification: Check NBA/NAAC accreditation, UGC approval, and affiliations.
  • Career Alignment: Ensure the program aligns with your long-term professional goals.

For the most accurate information, contact the college admission office directly or consult the official prospectus and website.

...Read More
0
0

How to change IGNOU subject/course/medium?

Dev Anand

how to change subject/course/medium at IGNOU:

IGNOU allows changes in certain circumstances:

  • Subject change: possible within the first 30 days of admission for the current session. visit your regional center or apply through ignou.ac.in ? student zone ? program change/subject change
  • Program/course change: if you want to switch to a completely different program (e.g., BA to BCA), you generally cannot transfer — you must re-apply for the new program fresh. some provisions exist within the same school/faculty
  • Medium change: can typically be changed with a written request to your regional study center

the annual window for changes is narrow — usually the first month of each admission cycle (Jan or July). after the window, changes are not generally accepted. visit ignou.ac.in ? student support or your nearest IGNOU regional center. bring your enrollment ID and relevant documents. call your regional center to confirm the current process as IGNOU procedures can vary slightly by center.

...Read More
0
0

Can I get admission into the Early Childhood Course at IGNOU without the entrance exam?

ShreshthaAcademic Counsellor

The Diploma Programme in Early Childhood Care and Education at IGNOU is a 1 year program. It is a very suitable program with no age bar. It is a holistic program that trains the students and helps them develop the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary for working with young children who are up to 6 years of age. Through this course, you will be trained to organize and manage child-care centers like crèches, preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and day-care centers.

Students who are above 18 years old are eligible for the early childhood course at IGNOU. The minimum educational qualification for this course is 10+2 or its equivalent. After fulfilling the eligibility criteria you can fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents. The required documents for this course are proof of high school completion certificate, a criminal background check, and a certain GPA. There are 4 sections of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) course in IGNOU given below:

  • DECE-1 Organizing Child Care Services
  •  DECE-2 Child Health and Nutrition
  •  DECE-3 Services and Programmer for Children
  •  DECE-4 Project Work: Working With Young Children in a Child Care Setting

The admission process to Diploma in Childhood Care and Education at IGNOU does not require any entrance examination. 

...Read More
0
0

How can I apply for a certificate course at IGNOU?

RishitaFormer Student at IGNOU

To enrol in a certificate course at IGNOU, you simply need to go to their official website @https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in./ and submit the online application form.

...Read More
0
0

Why do we have to re-register for IGNOU courses?

Jyoti SinghStudent at IGNOU

IGNOU re-registration is required to allow students to continue taking classes for the upcoming semester or academic year. This applies to both Indian and international students enrolled in IGNOU.

For re-registration, one needs to go to the official website @https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in/, fill up the form and make the online payment. 

IGNOU July 2024 session re-registration will be done from May 1 - June 30, 2024.

...Read More
0
0

Who is eligible for the MSc course at IGNOU?

AyanM.Sc Student at IGNOU

Students who want to be admitted to the M.Sc program at IGNOU must fulfil the eligibility criteria. Students must be science graduates with 50% marks. Students can join the M.Sc program in both Hindi and English language.

...Read More
0
0

How to take admission in IGNOU BSc course?

Varnika Raturi

Students who are willing to be admitted to the B.Sc course must visit the official site of the IGNOU at @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Before applying for the B.SC course you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria that is students must pass class 12th successfully with at least 50% marks with science stream from a recognized board.

...Read More
0
0

Can anyone apply for an MCom course in IGNOU with a supplementary in a subject?

Bhawnastudying BCom from IGNOU

No, according to my knowledge, you cannot apply for an MCom in IGNOU having a supplementary in a subject. To be eligible for MCom in IGNOU, you need a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject. 

So, you first clear your supplement subject then you can apply for MCom in IGNOU.

...Read More
0
0

When can I take admission in IGNOU for MSc course?

Shailesh KhemkaStudies at IGNOU

IGNOU conducts admission in 2 phases, once in January and the next phase in July. The application form release date for the 2nd phase of admission has been released on 15th May 2024. 

The last date for admission to MSc for 2024 is 30th June. The last date for MSc re-registration is 30th June. And, the last date for submission of the exam form is 25th May. The MSc admission form for any specialization at IGNOU is available on the official website. The link to the admission portal is @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

The registration fee is INR 300 for the MSc course. IGNOU offers a total of 16 subjects as MSc specialization and it is a 2-year postgraduate degree.

...Read More
0
0

What are the eligibility and admission dates for the MEd course at IGNOU?

Abhay DagaStudies at IGNOU

IGNOU offers a 1-year MEd course at the postgraduate level. The eligibility criteria for taking admission in this course is that you will have to be a BEd graduate with a minimum of 55% with two years of learning experience from a Government-recognised school/research institution in education/NCTE-recognised teacher education. You will have to appear for the all-India test that is conducted to secure a seat for this course.

...Read More
0
0
View All Questions and Answers

Comments


No Comments To Show