IGNOU PG Diploma Information Security: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Post Graduate Diploma in Information Security (PGDIS) is a 1-year, semester-based programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through the Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under the School of Vocational Education and Training (SOVET). The programme is designed to bridge the gap in awareness and competency in information security, covering critical areas such as network security, cyber security, digital forensics, policy and law, and business continuity planning. The total programme fee is Rs. 21,600 (Rs. 10,800 per semester), making it one of the more affordable options for a specialised information security qualification. The programme is structured with an exit option - students who complete the first semester (18 credits) can exit with a PG Certificate in Information Security (PGCIS), in alignment with NEP 2020 multiple entry-exit provisions.

Admissions for the January 2026 session are currently ongoing, with the last date extended to 30th March 2026. The July 2026 session is expected to open tentatively in May 2026, based on the previous year's schedule.

Distance Learning Centres

Since PGDIS is offered in ODL mode, IGNOU has designated Study Centres across India. Key centres include:

  • Hyderabad: Aurora Degree College
  • Shimla: Government Degree College; Regional Computer Centre DOEACC
  • Jammu: University of Jammu
  • Bangalore: Bangalore Institute of Technology
  • Bhopal: IGNOU Regional Centre
  • Pune: Vasantraodada Patil Institute of Management; Vishwakarma Institute of Technology
  • Bhubaneshwar: KIIT, Patia
  • Khanna: Nirman Campus of Education Research and Training, Sunam
  • Jaipur: International School of Informatics and Management (ISIM)
  • Agartala: Tripura University
  • Srinagar: NIELIT (formerly DOEACC), Rangreth
  • Dehradun: DAV PG College; DSB Campus Kumaon University, Nainital; MB PG College, Haldwani
  • Ranchi: IGNOU Regional Centre
  • Raipur: IGNOU Regional Centre
  • Nagpur: GH Raisoni Institute of Engineering and Technology
  • Delhi (Naraina): Rajdhani College, Raja Garden
  • Noida: Maharaj Singh College, Saharanpur; SD Post Graduate College
  • Guwahati: IGNOU Regional Centre
  • Trivandrum: Mar Ivanios Institute of Advance Studies
  • Mumbai: Mahatma Education Society
  • Patna: IGNOU Regional Centre
  • Delhi (South): Mohyal Education and Research Institute of Technology (MERIT)
  • Panaji: Sh. Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, Margao
  • Ahmedabad: LD Arts College
  • Army/Navy Study Centres: Available at multiple locations (Pune, Udhampur, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam)

Students should visit the official IGNOU admission portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in) to find the nearest study centre offering PGDIS.

Key Points

  • PGDIS follows a semester-based structure (2 semesters) with an exit option after Semester 1 - students can earn a PG Certificate in Information Security (PGCIS) after completing 18 credits, in line with NEP 2020.
  • The programme covers 8 courses including Introduction to Information Security, Network Security, Cyber Security, Policy Standards and Laws, Application and Business Security Development, BCP/DR Planning and Audit, Digital Forensics, and a Project.
  • Fee is charged semester-wise (Rs. 10,800 per semester), making it manageable for working professionals.
  • The programme is offered in English medium only through ODL mode; no mandatory daily attendance is required.
  • Minimum duration is 1 year; maximum is 3 years, providing flexibility for working professionals.
  • Army and Navy personnel have dedicated study centres, making this programme accessible to defence personnel seeking information security qualifications.
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IGNOU PGDIS Fees

The PGDIS programme at IGNOU is structured on a semester basis, with fees of Rs. 10,800 per semester, totalling Rs. 21,600 for the full programme. This is significantly more affordable than comparable private university programmes in information security. A one-time non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a development fee of Rs. 200 are charged additionally at the time of first admission.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee - Semester 110,800
Tuition Fee - Semester 210,800
Registration Fee (One-time, Non-refundable)300
Development Fee200
Examination Fee (per course, per exam)As decided by IGNOU (approx. Rs. 200 per course)
Study MaterialIncluded (soft copy via eGyanKosh; hard copy on request)
Total Fees (excluding exam fee)22,100
  • The registration fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable under all circumstances.
  • Fee refund policy: An amount equivalent to 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted if cancellation is requested after confirmation of admission.
  • No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
  • Fees are paid semester-wise; Semester 2 fee is paid at the time of re-registration.
  • No EMI option is officially available; semester fee is payable at the start of each semester.
  • Payment can be made via Credit Card (Master/Visa), Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay), or Net Banking.
  • Students may apply for Government of India scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of admission.

IGNOU PGDIS Admission 2026

IGNOU PGDIS admissions are open twice a year - in January and July sessions. The January 2026 session is currently active with the last date extended to 30th March 2026. No entrance exam is required; admission is based on eligibility. The July 2026 session is expected to open tentatively in May 2026, based on the previous year's pattern.

IGNOU PGDIS Admission Dates

EventDate
Start of Fresh Admissions (January 2026)16th December 2025
Last Date for Fresh Admission (Extended)30th March 2026
Re-registration Last Date - Semester 2 (January 2026)30th March 2026
Study Material DistributionJanuary - March 2026
Contact Programmes / CounsellingFebruary - November 2026
Assignment Submission Deadline - Semester 1March 2026
Assignment Submission Deadline - Semester 2September 2026
Term-End Examination - Semester 1 (June cycle)June 2026
Term-End Examination - Semester 2 (December cycle)December 2026
Result DeclarationAugust 2026 (for June TEE)
Tentative Start of July 2026 AdmissionsMay 2026
Tentative Last Date for July 2026 AdmissionsAugust 2026

Entrance Exam Dates

Entrance Exam Dates
No separate entrance exam is required for PGDIS admission at IGNOU. Admission is based on academic eligibility on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Category 1: B.Sc. (Computer Science) / BCA / B.Tech (Computer Science) / B.Tech (IT) or equivalent from a recognised university.
  • Category 2: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university with CIT/CIC/ACISE/CISE from IGNOU, or a Certificate in Computer Science/Computer Application from a government-recognised institute with a minimum duration of 6 months, or studied Computer Course as part of the Bachelor's/PG Degree curriculum.
  • Category 3: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university with 1 year of working experience in Computer Application/IT.
  • No age limit for admission.

Admission Process

  • Visit the official IGNOU admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
  • Click on "New Registration" and create a login account using your email and mobile number.
  • Select PGDIS from the list of available programmes and read the programme details carefully.
  • Fill in the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact details.
  • Upload scanned copies of required documents: passport-size photograph, signature, 10th marksheet, 12th marksheet, graduation certificate and marksheet, category certificate (if applicable), work experience certificate (if applying under Category 3), and ID proof.
  • Pay the Semester 1 fee online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
  • Submit the application and note down the application/enrollment number for future reference.
  • For Semester 2, complete re-registration on the IGNOU re-registration portal (onlinerr.ignou.ac.in) and pay the Semester 2 fee.

IGNOU PGDIS Scholarships 2026

IGNOU PGDIS students can explore scholarship avenues primarily through the National Scholarship Portal and state government schemes. While IGNOU's own fee waiver scheme is restricted to SC/ST undergraduate students, PG Diploma students can benefit from external scholarships. Students are encouraged to apply on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of admission.

Available Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount / BenefitApplication Platform
NSP - Post-Matric Scholarship for SC StudentsSC students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh/yearCovers tuition fee + maintenance allowancescholarships.gov.in
NSP - Post-Matric Scholarship for ST StudentsST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh/yearCovers tuition fee + maintenance allowancescholarships.gov.in
NSP - OBC Post-Matric ScholarshipOBC students with family income below Rs. 1 lakh/yearPartial fee reimbursementscholarships.gov.in
NSP - Minority ScholarshipMinority community students with income below Rs. 2.5 lakh/yearPartial fee supportscholarships.gov.in
State Government ScholarshipsVaries by state; SC/ST/OBC/EWS studentsVaries by stateRespective state scholarship portals
IGNOU Fee Waiver (Notification No. 76)SC/ST UG students only (NOT applicable to PG Diploma)100% tuition fee waiverIGNOU portal (at time of admission)
  • The IGNOU internal fee waiver (Notification No. 76) is applicable only to undergraduate programmes and does NOT cover PGDIS.
  • Students must apply for NSP scholarships only after their IGNOU admission is confirmed and enrollment number is generated.
  • Scholarship application deadlines on NSP typically fall between October and December each year.
  • No double benefit is allowed; students cannot avail two scholarships simultaneously.

IGNOU PGDIS Placement 2026

Job Prospects

RoleSalary Range (LPA)
Information Security Analyst5-8
Cyber Security Specialist6-10
Network Security Administrator4-7
Security Consultant8-15
Digital Forensics Examiner5-9

IGNOU PGDIS FAQs

Ques. I am a B.Com graduate with no IT background. Can I apply for IGNOU PGDIS?

Ans. A B.Com graduate without any IT background does not directly qualify under Category 1 (CS/IT degree). However, you can qualify under Category 2 if you have completed a Certificate in Computer Science/Computer Application from a government-recognised institute (minimum 6 months duration), or under Category 3 if you have 1 year of working experience in Computer Application/IT. If you meet either of these conditions, you are eligible to apply.

Ques. What is the difference between PGDIS and PGCIS at IGNOU?

Ans. PGDIS (Post Graduate Diploma in Information Security) is the full 1-year programme covering both semesters (32 credits). PGCIS (Post Graduate Certificate in Information Security) is an exit option available after completing Semester 1 (18 credits). If you complete only Semester 1 and choose to exit, you receive the PGCIS certificate. You can re-enter later to complete Semester 2 and upgrade to the full PGDIS diploma.

Ques. Is IGNOU PGDIS equivalent to certifications like CEH, CISSP, or CompTIA Security+?

Ans. IGNOU PGDIS is an academic qualification (PG Diploma) recognised by UGC, while CEH, CISSP, and CompTIA Security+ are industry certifications. They serve different purposes - the PGDIS provides academic grounding and is useful for government jobs and higher education, while industry certifications are more valued in the private sector for specific technical roles. Many professionals pursue both for a comprehensive profile.

Ques. Are there any practical lab sessions in PGDIS? Do I need to visit the study centre?

Ans. The PGDIS programme is primarily theory-based with assignments and term-end exams. Some courses may have practical components depending on the study centre. You need to visit the study centre for counselling sessions (optional but recommended) and for term-end examinations. The programme does not require daily attendance.

Ques. What are the job prospects after IGNOU PGDIS? Is it worth doing in 2026?

Ans. With cybersecurity threats growing exponentially, PGDIS graduates are in demand across IT companies, banks, government agencies, and defence organisations. Typical roles include Information Security Analyst (Rs. 5-8 LPA), Cyber Security Specialist (Rs. 6-10 LPA), Network Security Administrator (Rs. 4-7 LPA), Security Consultant (Rs. 8-15 LPA), and Digital Forensics Examiner (Rs. 5-9 LPA). The programme is particularly valuable for government sector aspirants and those seeking to formalise their IT security knowledge with an academic credential.

Ques. Can I pursue IGNOU PGDIS along with a full-time job? How much time does it require per week?

Ans. Yes, PGDIS is specifically designed for working professionals. Since it is in ODL mode, there are no mandatory daily classes. Most students spend 8-12 hours per week on self-study. You need to submit assignments (typically 2-3 per course per semester) and appear for term-end exams in June and December. Counselling sessions at the study centre are optional but helpful for complex topics like network security and digital forensics.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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How can I apply for a certificate course at IGNOU?

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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.

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

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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.

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Who is eligible for the MSc course at IGNOU?

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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When can I take admission in IGNOU for MSc course?

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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.

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