The Certificate Programme in Yoga (CPY) is a 6-month open distance learning programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) under its School of Health Sciences (SOHS). The programme is designed to provide learners with a foundational understanding of yoga as a science and practice, covering its history, principles, health benefits, and practical techniques including asanas, pranayama, and shat kriyas. The total programme fee is Rs. 5,000 plus a registration fee of Rs. 300, making it one of the most accessible yoga certification programmes in India. With no entrance exam and a flexible distance learning format, CPY is popular among fitness enthusiasts, yoga practitioners, school teachers, healthcare workers, and anyone seeking to integrate yoga into their personal or professional life.
Admissions to CPY are offered twice a year - in the January and July sessions. For the January 2026 session, the admission portal is currently open with the last date for submission of applications extended to 30th March 2026. Students can apply online through the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
Distance Mode Study Centres for CPY:
The CPY programme is offered exclusively in Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode and has one of the widest networks of study centres among IGNOU certificate programmes, including Government ITIs, Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS), and regional colleges across India. Key regional centres include Hyderabad, Shimla, Bangalore, Bhopal, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Chennai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi, Noida, Trivandrum, Chandigarh, Patna, Mumbai, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Jorhat, Nagpur, Srinagar, Dehradun, Raipur, Jabalpur, Rajkot, Madurai, Koraput, Darbhanga, Aligarh, Varanasi, Agartala, Imphal, Aizawl, Port Blair, Gangtok, Vatakara, Vishakhapatnam, Bijapur, Deoghar, Ahmedabad, and Angul. Students should visit the official IGNOU Samarth portal to check the complete and updated list of study centres in their region.
Key Points
- The CPY programme is offered in English medium and is managed by the School of Health Sciences (SOHS), reflecting its health and wellness orientation.
- The programme has a strong practical component - CPY 3 (Shat Kriyas, Yogic Kriyas, Asanas, Pranayama, Mantra Japa) carries 8 credits out of the total 16 credits, emphasising hands-on practice.
- Students can complete the programme in a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years.
- No entrance examination is required; admission is based on fulfillment of basic eligibility criteria (10+2 pass).
- The programme is aligned with the AYUSH Ministry's protocol yoga programme, making it relevant for government wellness initiatives.
- The certificate is recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
- The programme has an exceptionally wide network of study centres including Government ITIs and Jan Shikshan Sansthans, making it accessible even in rural and semi-urban areas.
Comments