IGNOU MCA Admission 2026: Indira Gandhi National Open University offers the MCA program for those who wish to make their career in the IT field. This course provides great knowledge in computer science, programming, and technologies like AI, cloud computing, and data science.
For the IGNOU MCA course Admission 2026, the university invites applications from eligible candidates. The IGNOU registration portal for MCA Admission will start on 12 December 2025*, and the last date to apply online will be 31 January 2026*.
Admission to this course is based on merit without any entrance test. However, this MCA program is offered as a distance learning option, which allows flexibility for working people and students. Interested candidates must apply online through IGNOU’s official website @ignou.ac.in, and the application fee is INR 300/- per student.
Meanwhile, the application process involves registration, filling out the form, uploading documents, and paying the application fee. Ensure that all information provided is accurate.
IGNOU MCA Admission 2026 Latest Update
- The application form is going to be released soon for the IGNOU MCA program for the January session 2026. The final date to submit the form will be 31 January 2026.
IGNOU MCA Admission 2026 Key Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
| Course Name | MCA |
| Types of Course | Postgraduate |
| Full-Form | Master of Computer Application |
| Course Duration | 2 years |
| Admission Process | Merit-based |
| Approved by | UGC-DEB |
| Study Mode | Distance education |
| Age limit | Not specified |
| Eligibility | UG with 50% to 60% marks from a recognized university |
| Course fee | INR 12,500 all semesters |
| Application form release date | 12 December 2025* |
| Admission last date | 31 January 2026* |
| Official website | www.ignou.ac.in |
| Salary offered | INR 3 LPA to 8 LPA |
IGNOU MCA Admission 2026 January Session
IGNOU follows a simple and merit-based process for MCA admissions. Students are not required to appear for any entrance examination. Instead, admission is granted based on their academic qualifications.
To apply for IGNOU MCA admission, you need to fill out an online application form on IGNOU’s official website, make sure all details are correct, and upload the necessary documents are uploaded. Once the applications are submitted, the university reviews them to verify eligibility. Meanwhileselecteded applicants will be informed through email or SMS to start their MCA course. So, students can register for admission selection from 12 December 2025*, and the last date to apply will be 31 January 2026*.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU MCA Admission 2026
To apply for the Master of Computer Applications (MCA) program at IGNOU, you need to meet the following requirements, which are given below:
- Educational Qualification: You must have a BCA or bachelor’s degree in an equivalent discipline, and you must have a mathematics stream in your 12th degree.
- For Non-Mathematics Students: A Bachelor’s degree in B.Sc., B.Com., or B.A. with Mathematics at the 10+2 or graduation level.
- Bridge Course Requirement: Non-computer science graduates must complete the following courses:
- MCS-201: Programming in C and Python
- MCS-208: Data Structures and Algorithms
- Minimum Marks: Students must have a minimum of 50% marks in their graduation to apply for this course.
- Age Limit: There is no age restriction for admission.
How to Apply for IGNOU MCA Admission 2026
The application process for the IGNOU MCA program is simple and completed through the online process. You need to follow below to register yourself for admission:
Step 1: At firstgoGo to the official IGNOU portal at ignou.ac.in.
Step 2: Then you need to create an account by adding your email address and phone number.
Step 3: After making your account, you have to register for yourself by filling out the online application form with accurate details.
Step 4: Along with uploading the required documents, including your photograph, signature, and academic certificates.
Step 5: After adding up the credentials, you have to pay the application fee of INR 300/- through online payment methods such a net banking, UPI, etc.
Step 6: After reviewing your formapplyon.
Note: Make sure to keep a copy of the application form and payment receipt for future reference.
IGNOU MCA Documents Required
To apply for the MCA program at IGNOU, you must submit some necessary documents, which are listed below:
- Passport-sized Photograph (Scanned).
- Student’s Signature (Scanned).
- Birth Certificate (if required).
- Educational Qualification Certificates – 10th, 12th, and graduation mark sheets/certificates.
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable).
- Address Proof – Aadhar card, voter ID, or any other government-issued document.
- Sports Certificates (if necessary).
Note: Ensure all documents are scanned clearly and uploaded during the application process.
| Course Code | Title |
Credits
|
| Semester I | ||
| I Semester | ||
| MCS 211 | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | 4 |
| MCS 212 | Discrete Mathematics | 4 |
| MCS 213 | Software Engineering | 4 |
| MCS 214 | Professional Skills and Ethics | 2 |
| MCS 215 | Security and Cyber Laws | 2 |
| MCSL 216 | DAA and Web Design Lab | 2 |
| MCSL 217 | Software Engineering Lab | 2 |
| Course Code | Title |
Credits
|
| Semester II | ||
| I Semester | ||
| MCS 218 | Data Communication and Computer Networks | 4 |
| MCS 219 | Object Oriented Analysis and Design | 4 |
| MCS 220 | Web Technologies | 4 |
| MCS 221 | Data Warehousing and Data Mining | 4 |
| MCSL 222 | OOAD and Web Technologies Lab | 2 |
| MCSL 223 | Computer Network and Data Mining Lab | 2 |
| Course Code | Title |
Credits
|
| Semester III | ||
| I Semester | ||
| MCS 224 | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | 4 |
| MCS 225 | Accountancy and Financial Management | 4 |
| MCS 226 | Data Science and Big Data | 4 |
| MCS 227 | Cloud Computing and IoT | 4 |
| MCSL 228 | AI and Machine Learning Lab | 2 |
| MCSL 229 | Cloud and Data Science Lab | 2 |
| Course Code | Title |
Credits
|
| Semester IV | ||
| I Semester | ||
| MCS 230 | Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision | 4 |
| MCS 231 | Mobile Computing | 4 |
| MCSP 232 | Project | 12 |
IGNOU MCA Career Opportunities
After completing the IGNOU MCA program, you will come up with a variety of career opportunities in this fast-growing IT sector. Students who have better knowledge in computer science, programming, and technology can pursue various roles in the field of software developers, data analysts, system administrators, and cybersecurity experts.
In addition, IGNOU MCA students can study in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and others, which are in high demand at this time. Meanwhile, Many graduates find opportunities in multinational companies, tech startups, or government sectors. Also, MCA graduates can start their own tech ventures or pursue higher education like PHD and others.
| Job Role |
Average Salary Range (INR per annum)
|
| Ethical Hacker |
INR 5 LPA to INR 9 LPA
|
| Web Developer |
INR 3 LPA to INR 6 LPA
|
| Product Manager |
INR 8 LPA to INR 12 LPA
|
| Database Administrator |
INR 2.2 LPA to INR 2.8 LPA
|
| Data Scientist |
INR 8 LPA to INR 12 LPA
|
| System Analyst |
INR 2.9 LPA to INR 20 LPA
|
| IT Architect |
INR 8 LPA to INR 12 LPA
|
| Business Analyst |
INR 5 LPA to INR 8 LPA
|
| Software Tester |
INR 2 LPA to INR 5 LPA
|
| Network Engineer |
INR 1.9 LPA to INR 8.7 LPA
|
| Software Developer |
INR 2 LPA to INR 15.4 LPA
|
| Technical Writer |
INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA
|
| Cloud Architect |
INR 8 LPA to INR 12 LPA
|