Many students at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) wonder, “Can I change my course in IGNOU after admission?” Whether due to shifting career goals, newfound interests, or challenges with the current program, the good news is that IGNOU allows students to change their course or subject under specific conditions. This comprehensive guide for 2025 explains the IGNOU course change process, including eligibility, steps, fees, deadlines, and UGC-recognized guidelines. Plus, we’ve included a collapsible FAQ section for quick answers to common queries.
Can You Change Your Course After Taking Admission in IGNOU?
Yes, IGNOU permits students to change their course or subject, but only within a specific timeframe and under defined rules. This flexibility is a hallmark of IGNOU’s open and distance learning system, ensuring students can align their studies with their goals.
This facility is available primarily to:
- Students of Bachelor’s Degree Programmes (BDP)
- Students of Master’s Degree Programmes (PG courses)
- Students of Diploma and Certificate courses (under certain conditions)
However, restrictions apply, especially for Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) programs like BAG, BCOMG, and BSCG, where programme changes are not permitted.
Types of Changes Allowed in IGNOU
1. Change of Programme / Course
You can switch from one programme to another (e.g., from BA to B.Com or MA History to MA Political Science) within the first year of admission.
Conditions:
- Apply within one year of admission (e.g., by July 2025 for July 2024 admissions).
- Pay the prescribed programme change fee.
- The new programme must be available in the same admission cycle (January or July).
- Credits earned in the previous course may not transfer unless specified.
Example: If you enrolled in BA English in July 2024 but prefer BA Sociology, you can apply for an IGNOU course change in 2025 before July, paying the required fee.
2. Change of Elective / Subject
Students can change one or more elective subjects within the same programme, which is often simpler than changing the entire course.
Rules:
- Allowed only once during the programme.
- Apply within 30 days of receiving study materials.
- Pay the subject change fee.
- The new subject must belong to the same programme structure.
IGNOU Course / Subject Change Fee (2025 Norms)
| Type of Change | Applicable Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Change of Programme (e.g., BA to B.Com) | ₹600 + difference in programme fee |
| Change of Elective / Subject (per subject) | ₹200 (within same group) |
| Change from BA to B.Sc. / B.Com. | ₹600 + difference in programme fee |
| Master’s Degree Courses | ₹500 + difference in programme fee |
Note: Fees may vary slightly. Always verify with the latest IGNOU prospectus or your Regional Centre.
How to Apply for IGNOU Course Change 2025
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth IGNOU course change in 2025:
- Visit Your Regional Centre: Contact your IGNOU Regional Centre (RC) to obtain the “Application Form for Course/Subject Change” or download it from ignou.ac.in under the Student Zone.
- Fill the Form Accurately: Provide your enrolment number, programme code, study centre code, and details of the old and new courses/subjects.
- Attach Necessary Documents:
- Proof of admission (copy of IGNOU ID card or confirmation letter)
- Receipt of fee payment (via Demand Draft or online, if available)
- Pay the Fee: Fees are typically paid via Demand Draft in favour of IGNOU, payable at the city of your Regional Centre. Some centres may accept online payments via the Samarth portal.
- Submit the Form: Submit the completed form, DD, and documents to your Regional Centre within the deadline. Online submissions may be possible via ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
Pro Tip: Track your application status on the Samarth portal and retain all receipts for reference.
Important Deadlines for IGNOU Course Change 2025
- Course/Programme Change: Must be requested within one year of admission (e.g., by October 15, 2025, for July 2024 admissions).
- Subject/Elective Change: Apply within 30 days of receiving study materials.
- Late Submissions: Requests after deadlines are typically rejected.
Processing takes 2-4 weeks, so apply early to align with re-registration deadlines (e.g., September 30, 2025, for July session with late fees).
| Session | Admission Last Date | Change Window | Re-Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | October 15, 2025 | Within 1 year | September 30, 2025 (with late fee) |
| January 2026 | July 15, 2026 (tentative) | Within 1 year | March 31, 2026 (tentative) |
Points to Remember
- Non-Refundable Fees: Fees for the original programme are not refunded once materials are issued.
- Seat Availability: Course changes depend on programme availability and Regional Centre approval.
- CBCS Restrictions: No programme changes for BAG, BCOMG, or BSCG.
- One-Time Change: Typically allowed once per enrollment, with exceptions for valid reasons.
- Official Verification: Always check the latest IGNOU Prospectus (2024–25) or ignou.ac.in for updated rules.
Example Scenario
Ravi enrolled in BA English in July 2024 but realized BA History better suited his career goals. In March 2025, he visited his Regional Centre, filled out the course change form, and paid ₹600 plus the fee difference. His IGNOU course change was approved within a month, allowing him to continue seamlessly.
Official Reference
Verify all rules for IGNOU course change 2025 in the IGNOU Prospectus (2024–25) and Student Handbook at:
👉 ignou.ac.in
Conclusion
Changing your course or subject in IGNOU is entirely possible if you act within the prescribed timelines and follow official guidelines. Whether you’re switching for academic interest or career alignment, a timely and accurate application ensures a smooth IGNOU course change in 2025. Visit ignou.ac.in for the latest prospectus and contact your Regional Centre for personalized guidance. Stay proactive, and make your IGNOU journey hassle-free!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I change my course in IGNOU after admission?
Yes. IGNOU allows students to change their course or programme within one year of admission, subject to eligibility, availability, and payment of the prescribed fee.
Is course change allowed in CBCS programmes like BAG or BCOMG?
No. Programme change is not permitted in CBCS-based programmes such as BAG, BCOMG, and BSCG.
What is the fee for changing a course in IGNOU?
The programme change fee is generally ₹600 plus the difference in programme fees. Subject or elective change usually costs ₹200 per subject.
How can I apply for an IGNOU course or subject change?
You must submit the course/subject change application form along with the required fee and documents to your IGNOU Regional Centre or through the Samarth portal, if available.
What is the deadline for IGNOU course change in 2025?
Programme change requests must be made within one year of admission, while subject or elective changes must be applied for within 30 days of receiving study materials.