If you are planning admission in 2026, the first thing you want to check is the IGNOU Fees Structure. It helps you plan your budget. It also helps you avoid wrong payments and refund problems. In this blog, you will understand the IGNOU Fees Structure in simple words, with course-wise fee examples, how to pay, and what refund rules say.

One important point: IGNOU updates fees and rules from time to time. So, always match this guide with the latest Common Prospectus and official notices on IGNOU’s website. 

What is included in IGNOU Fees Structure?

The IGNOU Fees Structure is not only “course fee”. In many cases, your total payment at admission includes:

• Programme fee (course fee)
• Registration fee (extra, and non-refundable)
• University Development fee (extra)
• Sometimes other charges (like exam fee later)

IGNOU’s Common Prospectus clearly mentions that Registration fee of ₹300 (non-refundable) and University Development fee of ₹400 are paid in addition to the programme fee mentioned in the fee table. 

So, when you calculate your IGNOU Fees Structure, don’t forget these extra fees.

IGNOU Fees Structure 2026: “Course-wise fees” (how to read it)

The best way to understand the IGNOU Fees Structure is to see how IGNOU lists fees in the official table:

• It shows programme code
• minimum and maximum duration
• fee structure (per year or per semester)
• session (January/July)

This fee table is inside the official Common Prospectus. 

Course-wise fee examples (from official prospectus table)

Below are a few official examples to understand the IGNOU Fees Structure format:

• MCOM (Master of Commerce): ₹10,000 per year, total ₹20,000 (shown in the table). 
• MBA: Semester-wise fee is listed (₹16,000 for Semester I, II & IV and ₹18,000 for Semester III, as shown in the table). 

These examples show why the IGNOU Fees Structure can look different for different courses—some are per year, some are per semester.

IGNOU Fees Structure 2026: What else can change your total fee?

Even if the programme fee is fixed, your final IGNOU Fees Structure amount can change due to these points:

1) Digital study material discount (important)

IGNOU has a provision where students can choose soft copy/digital study material instead of printed material and get a 15% discount in Programme Fee (as per the prospectus).

So, if you choose digital material, your IGNOU Fees Structure total may be lower.

2) SC/ST fee support (for eligible learners)

IGNOU also mentions a fee exemption/support scheme for SC/ST students, reviewed each admission cycle. But it has conditions (like income limit and not being employed).

So, for some students, the IGNOU Fees Structure payable amount can reduce.

IGNOU Fees Structure 2026: How to pay fees (step-by-step)

The IGNOU Fees Structure is paid mainly through the official online admission portal for ODL programmes. The prospectus explains the process clearly:

• Submit the admission form online
• Upload documents
• Pay programme fee online using net banking / debit card / credit card / UPI

Step-by-step payment process (simple)

Here is the easy flow for IGNOU Fees Structure payment:

1. Go to the official IGNOU admission portal (ODL or Online, as per your course). 
2. Create your login and fill the form.
3. Upload documents.
4. Reach the payment page and pay using UPI / card / net banking. 
5. Download the payment receipt and keep it safe.

Also, IGNOU has a Student Services → Payments section on the official website for miscellaneous payments (online/offline options), which is useful for other fee payments later. 

IGNOU Fees Structure 2026: Refund rules (very important)

Now let’s talk about refund rules, because many students search “refund” after paying the IGNOU Fees Structure.

1) Registration fee is non-refundable

IGNOU clearly states that the registration fee is non-refundable. 

So even if you cancel, the IGNOU Fees Structure registration part may not come back.

2) Refund depends on the official refund policy notification

The Common Prospectus says: if a student applies for cancellation and refund, it will be considered as per the University policy, and it points to an official notification (dated 12.02.2025). 

3) Key refund rule points (from the official notification text shown on IGNOU regional centre pages)

The notification text (dated 12.02.2025) states important points like:

• Registration fee is non-refundable
• Fee may be refunded before admission confirmation
• If cancellation is after confirmation, a deduction can apply (example shown: 15% of programme fee, subject to a ceiling) 

This is why you should not delay if you want to cancel after paying the IGNOU Fees Structure.

Tip: Always save your payment receipt and submit cancellation request early, because refund rules depend a lot on “before confirmation” vs “after confirmation.”

IGNOU Fees Structure 2026: Common refund situations (easy examples)

Here are simple examples to understand IGNOU Fees Structure refunds:

Case A: You paid fees, but admission is not confirmed yet

As per the refund policy text, refunds can be possible before confirmation (registration fee may still be non-refundable). 

Case B: Admission is confirmed, then you cancel

In such cases, deduction may apply (as per the policy text). 

So, timing matters a lot for IGNOU Fees Structure refunds.

IGNOU Fees Structure 2026: Extra fees students forget

Many learners calculate only course fee and forget the rest of the IGNOU Fees Structure. Common missed items are:

• Registration fee and development fee at admission 
• Exam fee (paid later as per notifications) 
• Re-registration fees for next year/semester (if applicable)

So, when you plan your IGNOU Fees Structure, keep a little buffer.

How to check your exact IGNOU Fees Structure for your course (best method)

Because IGNOU has many courses, it is not practical to list every course fee in one blog. The most accurate way to confirm your IGNOU Fees Structure is:

1. Open the latest IGNOU Common Prospectus and find your programme code in the fee table. 
2. Check if your fee is per year or per semester. 
3. Add the ₹300 registration fee and ₹400 development fee (where applicable). 
4. If you opt for digital study material, check the 15% programme fee discount option. 

This method gives you the correct IGNOU Fees Structure without confusion.

Quick FAQ on IGNOU Fees Structure 2026

Is IGNOU Fees Structure same for January and July session?

Usually, the IGNOU Fees Structure remains the same for a session unless IGNOU updates it. Always confirm with the current prospectus for your admission cycle. 

Can I pay IGNOU Fees Structure through UPI?

Yes. The prospectus mentions fee payment through net banking, debit/credit card, and UPI on the online admission system.

Will IGNOU refund full fees if I cancel?

Not always. The refund depends on the official policy and timing (before or after confirmation), and registration fee is non-refundable. 

Final words

The IGNOU Fees Structure is simple when you break it into parts: programme fee + registration fee + development fee + other charges later. Always pay only on official portals, keep receipts, and read refund rules before you pay the IGNOU Fees Structure amount.

If you tell me your course name (example: BA, BCom, MA, MCA, B.Ed, MBA), I will calculate your exact IGNOU Fees Structure total in one clean breakdown (programme fee + all extra fees) using the official table.