IGNOU Diploma Nursing Administration: 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 Diploma in Nursing Administration (DNA) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a one-year continuing education programme offered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under the School of Health Sciences (SOHS). The programme is specifically designed for in-service nurses working in hospitals, community settings, or educational institutions, and aims to upgrade their administrative knowledge and skills to enhance their administrative competence. The programme carries 28 credits (Theory: 16 credits, Practical: 12 credits) and is offered in English medium. The total programme fee is Rs. 10,800. It is important to note that the DNA programme is approved by IGNOU's statutory bodies and UGC, but is not recognised or approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC). The programme is popular among GNM-qualified nurses with work experience and B.Sc. Nursing graduates who wish to move into nursing administration and management roles.

Admission for the January 2026 session is currently ongoing. The last date for fresh admission has been extended to 30 March 2026. Students are advised to apply at the earliest on the official IGNOU admission portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in). The July 2026 session is expected to open for admissions around May-June 2026, based on the previous year's schedule.

The DNA programme is offered in Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode with practical components conducted at designated nursing study centres. The programme is available at the following Regional Centres and their associated nursing institutions:

  • Hyderabad (KIMS College of Nursing)
  • Aizwal (R.I.P.A.N.)
  • Bhubaneshwar (College of Nursing, M.K.C.G. Medical)
  • Jaipur (Government College of Nursing, Jaipur)
  • Lucknow (SGPGI Lucknow)
  • Srinagar (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences)
  • Ranchi (Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences)
  • Patna (All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS Patna)
  • Delhi 1 - Mohan Estate (Rufaida College of Nursing; Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre, Faridabad)
  • Bijapur (B.V.V.S. Sajjalashree Institute of Nursing; Shri B.M. Patil Institute of Nursing Sciences, Vijayapura)
  • Jodhpur (Government College of Nursing, Jodhpur)
  • Ahmedabad (Government Spine Institute)

Key Points

  • The DNA programme is exclusively for in-service nurses -- it is not open to the general public or non-nursing graduates.
  • The programme includes a significant practical component (12 credits out of 28), which must be completed at designated nursing study centres.
  • The programme is approved by IGNOU's statutory bodies and UGC, but is NOT recognised or approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC). Students should be aware of this distinction before enrolling.
  • The programme is managed by the School of Health Sciences (SOHS) at IGNOU.
  • The number of study centres is limited compared to other IGNOU programmes, as it requires specialized nursing institutions for practical training.
  • No entrance examination is required; admission is based on eligibility criteria.
182 Views Last Year
16 Studentsshown interest in the last 30 days

IGNOU DNA Fees

The DNA programme at IGNOU has a total programme fee of Rs. 10,800, payable at the time of admission. This fee covers the full programme including theory and practical components. An examination fee is charged separately per course at the time of submitting the Term-End Examination (TEE) form.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (INR)
Programme Fee (Full Programme)10,800
Examination FeeAs applicable per course per TEE
Total Fees (excluding exam fee)10,800
  • The programme fee of Rs. 10,800 is the total fee for the full programme as per the official IGNOU admission portal.
  • Examination fee is charged separately at the time of filling the TEE form.
  • No hostel facility is applicable as this is a distance learning programme.
  • There is no EMI option; the programme fee is paid in full at the time of admission.
  • Fee once paid is generally non-refundable as per IGNOU norms, except in cases of cancellation before enrolment confirmation.

IGNOU DNA Admission 2026

Admissions to the DNA programme at IGNOU are conducted twice a year -- for the January session and the July session. The January 2026 session admission is currently ongoing with the last date extended to 30 March 2026. Admission is based on eligibility criteria with no entrance examination required. Students must apply online through the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.

Important Dates

EventDate
January 2026 Session -- Admission OpensJanuary 2026
Last Date for January 2026 Fresh Admission (Extended)30 March 2026
Re-registration Last Date (January 2026)30 March 2026
June 2026 TEE Exam Form Submission OpensMarch 10, 2026
Last Date to Submit June 2026 TEE Exam FormApril 10, 2026
June 2026 Term-End Examination (TEE) BeginsJune 1, 2026
June 2026 TEE EndsJuly 15, 2026
July 2026 Session -- Admission Expected to OpenMay-June 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date for July 2026 Fresh AdmissionAugust-September 2026 (Tentative)

Note: IGNOU does not conduct any external entrance exam for the DNA programme. No exam dates from external bodies are applicable for this course.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) qualification with two years of experience in the nursing profession. (For male nurses or nurses who have not done midwifery in the GNM programme, a certificate in any nursing course of 6-9 months duration prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council in lieu of midwifery is required.)
  • OR B.Sc. (Nursing) with no experience required.
  • There is no upper age limit.

Admission Process

  • Visit the official IGNOU admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
  • Register as a new user by providing your name, mobile number, and email address.
  • Log in and select the DNA programme from the list of available programmes.
  • Fill in personal, academic, and professional details in the application form.
  • Upload scanned copies of required documents: GNM/B.Sc. Nursing certificate, experience certificate (if applicable), photograph, signature, and ID proof.
  • Select your preferred Regional Centre and Study Centre (nursing institution).
  • Pay the programme fee (Rs. 10,800) online via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
  • Submit the form and download the application summary for future reference.
  • After document verification, IGNOU will send an enrolment confirmation.

IGNOU DNA Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students pursuing the DNA programme can avail of several government scholarships available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). These scholarships are primarily targeted at students from reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC) and minority communities.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship NameEligibilityAmount (Approx.)Application Portal
Post Matric Scholarship for SC StudentsSC category studentsUp to Rs. 3,000 per annumscholarships.gov.in (NSP)
Post Matric Scholarship for ST StudentsST category studentsUp to Rs. 3,000 per annumscholarships.gov.in (NSP)
Post Matric Scholarship for OBC StudentsOBC category students (income below Rs. 1 lakh)Up to Rs. 1,500 per annumscholarships.gov.in (NSP)
Post Matric Scholarship for MinoritiesMuslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi studentsUp to Rs. 3,000 per annumscholarships.gov.in (NSP)
  • Students must confirm their IGNOU enrolment before applying for NSP scholarships.
  • Applications on NSP typically open between August and November each year.
  • Income certificates and category certificates are mandatory for reserved category scholarships.

IGNOU DNA FAQs

Q1. Is the IGNOU DNA diploma recognised by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) for career advancement?

Ans. No. The DNA programme is explicitly stated to NOT be recognised or approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC). It is approved by IGNOU's statutory bodies and UGC. Nurses seeking INC-recognised qualifications for career advancement should check with the INC directly. The DNA is primarily a continuing education programme for professional development.

Q2. Can a B.Sc. Nursing graduate with no work experience apply for the DNA programme?

Ans. Yes. B.Sc. (Nursing) graduates are eligible to apply for the DNA programme without any work experience requirement. Only GNM-qualified nurses need to have two years of experience.

Q3. What are the practical components in the DNA programme, and where are they conducted?

Ans. The DNA programme includes 12 credits of practical work (Nursing Service Administration Practical Manual-I and II, course codes BNSL 11 and BNSL 12). These practicals are conducted at designated nursing study centres, which are typically hospitals or nursing colleges. Students must attend these sessions at their assigned study centre.

Q4. How many study centres are available for the DNA programme?

Ans. The DNA programme has a limited number of study centres compared to other IGNOU programmes, as it requires specialized nursing institutions for practical training. Currently, study centres are available in Hyderabad, Aizwal, Bhubaneshwar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Srinagar, Ranchi, Patna, Delhi, Bijapur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad. Students should check the official IGNOU portal for the latest list.

Q5. Will completing the DNA programme help me get a promotion in my nursing career?

Ans. The DNA programme is designed to upgrade the administrative knowledge and skills of in-service nurses. While it is not INC-recognised, many hospital administrations and healthcare organizations value the additional qualification for internal promotions to nursing supervisor, nursing officer, or nursing administrator roles. Students should verify with their employer regarding recognition.

Q6. Can male nurses apply for the DNA programme?

Ans. Yes. Male nurses can apply for the DNA programme. However, since GNM programmes for male nurses typically do not include midwifery, male GNM nurses must have a certificate in any nursing course of 6-9 months duration prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council in lieu of midwifery, in addition to two years of work experience.

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