What is IGNOU Scholarship / Fee Waiver Scheme 2026?
IGNOU Scholarship 2026, officially referred to as the Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST Students, is a government-supported initiative launched by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) under Notification No. 76. The scheme is designed to provide complete tuition fee exemption to eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students enrolled in undergraduate programmes at IGNOU.
This scheme aims to reduce financial barriers, promote inclusive education, and ensure that students from economically weaker sections can continue their higher education without the burden of tuition fees.
Objective of IGNOU Fee Waiver Scheme
- To provide tuition fee waiver to SC/ST undergraduate students
- To support students whose family income is below ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- To increase access to higher education for marginalized communities
Who Should Apply & Who Should Not Apply?
Eligible Students
- SC/ST students enrolled in IGNOU undergraduate programmes
- Students with annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh
- Students not availing any other similar scholarship or fee waiver
Not Eligible Students
- General / OBC category students
- Postgraduate (PG), Diploma or Certificate programme students
- Students already receiving full fee waiver from another source
IGNOU Courses Eligible for Scholarship 2026
The fee waiver scheme is applicable only to undergraduate programmes. Common eligible courses include:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts)
- BCom (Bachelor of Commerce)
- BSc (Bachelor of Science)
- BSW (Bachelor of Social Work)
- BEd (Bachelor of Education – UG level)
Eligibility Criteria (Official)
- Category: SC or ST
- Income Limit: Less than ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- Programme: Undergraduate programme of IGNOU
- Restriction: No double benefit allowed
IGNOU Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Take admission or re-registration in IGNOU
- Step 2: Obtain valid income certificate
- Step 3: Arrange SC/ST caste certificate
- Step 4: Submit application for fee waiver
- Step 5: Verification by IGNOU
- Step 6: Fee adjustment in IGNOU system
Documents Required
- Income Certificate issued by competent authority
- Valid SC/ST Caste Certificate
- IGNOU Admission / Enrollment Proof
- Any additional documents demanded by IGNOU
Verification & Approval Process
IGNOU verifies all submitted documents including income and caste certificates. A committee may review applications to ensure transparency. Upon successful verification, the fee waiver is approved.
Benefits of IGNOU Fee Waiver
- 100% tuition fee exemption
- Applicable for fresh admission & re-registration
- No need to pay tuition fee manually
Note: Examination fees, late fees and other charges are not covered under this scheme.
IGNOU Fee Waiver vs NSP Scholarship
| Point |
IGNOU Fee Waiver |
NSP Scholarship |
| Type |
Tuition Fee Waiver |
Direct Scholarship Amount |
| Platform |
IGNOU |
National Scholarship Portal |
| Applicable For |
UG SC/ST Students |
Multiple Categories |
Renewal & Continuation
The fee waiver is usually valid for one academic year or semester. Renewal depends on continued eligibility and may require submission of a fresh income certificate.
Grievance Redressal
Students facing rejection or issues may approach IGNOU’s grievance redressal system and submit additional documents or clarifications for review.
Official Reference: IGNOU Planning & Development Division – Notification No. 76 dated 21 April 2025.