Updated: 2nd November 2026 | Fees verified via Admission portal and official documents on 1st November 2026
This is independent guidance. We are not affiliated with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Official site: ignou.ac.in.
The total fee for the IGNOU MBA (Online) course is ₹66,000. This breaks down into 3 semesters costing ₹16,000 and 1 semester costing ₹18,000 (8 credits for the project). An additional charge will be made for registration and development fees (where applicable) and exams. Verified from the Samarth portal on the IGNOU online admission page, the MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus Jan 2026. Always pay the amount shown on the Samarth portal.
IGNOU MBA (Online) Fees Per Semester
| Semester | Courses covered | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 7 core modules (MMPC-001 to MMPC-007) | ₹16,000 |
| Semester 2 | 7 core modules (MMPC-008 to MMPC-014) | ₹16,000 |
| Semester 3 | 2 core modules, 1 project (MMPP-001 – 8 credits) and 4 specialisation modules | ₹18,000 |
| Semester 4 | 4 core modules and 3 specialisation modules | ₹16,000 |
| Total | 28 modules (116 credits) | ₹66,000 |
Total calculated from the fees charged per semester by IGNOU. Additional registration and development charges.
Payment is made on the first semester when applying. Subsequent semesters will need to be paid during re-registration. Payment can be made online via net banking, debit/credit card. You will not pay the total amount of ₹66,000. There is no specific lump sum fee charged.
Additional Charges
| Charges | Amount | When Paid | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| End of term exams | ₹200 per theory module | Per exam form (June and December) | MBAOL handbook Jan 2026 |
| Project Evaluation (MMPP-001) | ₹500 | On submission of exam form for the semester | MBAOL handbook Jan 2026 |
| Registration and Development Fees | As Applicable | On Admission | Samarth MBAOL page |
| Re-evaluation of script | ₹750 per course | Within 40 days of receiving results | MBAOL handbook Jan 2026 |
| Early Result Declaration | ₹1,000 per course (Indian Learners) | If you require your results early for work/study | MBAOL handbook Jan 2026 |
Exam Fee
“University policy” – Check the amount on the exam form. Once paid, you cannot get a refund.
Registration and Development Fees
Only stated as “As Applicable” on the MBAOL pages. For ODL programmes, there is a non-refundable registration fee of ₹300 and University Development fee of ₹400. The exact amount will be shown on the portal.
What it actually costs to do the IGNOU online MBA
If you pass all courses first time:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Course Fee (4 Semesters) | ₹66,000 |
| Exams (27 theory modules x ₹200) | ₹5,400 |
| Project Evaluation | ₹500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹71,900 + registration and development fees (as applicable). |
Calculated based on there being 20 core theory modules, 7 specialisation theory modules and a project. Any re-sits will incur new exam fees.
Why some pages show ₹58,000 or ₹64,000?
You may find other fees online, some old IGNOU pages will show:
- ₹64,000 (₹15,500 per semester, ₹17,500 for semester 3). This is from the January 2025 version of the MBA (Online) handbook.
- ₹58,000 (₹14,000 per semester, ₹16,000 for semester 3). This is from an old IGNOU page about online programmes.
- Some other sites will show amounts that do not match any official documentation.
The current fee is ₹66,000. This can be found on the Samarth portal under MBAOL and the Jan 2026 MBA (Online) handbook. This is the amount we have used. Our guide to the IGNOU MBA (Online) shows you exactly where the fees come from.
Comparison between Online MBA and ODL MBA
| MBA (Online) | MBA (ODL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Learners | ₹66,000 | ₹66,000 |
| SAARC Learners | Check fee on International portal | ₹72,500 (₹17,500 x3 + ₹20,000) |
| Non-SAARC Learners | Check fee on International portal | US$6,000 (US$1,400 x3 + US$1,800) |
| Soft Copy Discount | N/A | 15% discount on course fee if you opt for digital materials. |
The ODL fees can be found on the MBA page of ignou.ac.in. If you opt for soft copy materials, you will get a discount of ₹9,900 off the course fee (calculated from ₹66,000). If you are unsure whether you wish to do the course in online or ODL mode, see our IGNOU online MBA vs Distance MBA comparison.
International Learners
Those living outside of India can apply for online programmes on the international portal. The fee for your country will be shown. We have not included a fee for SAARC or other countries as different amounts are shown on the official IGNOU pages. Check the portal.
Scholarships and Fee Support
- Government of India Scholarships. IGNOU state that learners are eligible for Government of India Scholarships. Apply via the National Scholarship Portal.
- SC learners can apply for financial support via the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship.
- Check the IGNOU notifications on ignou.ac.in for any schemes offering fee exemptions during the Jan 2027 cycle.
Refunds
This information comes from the Jan 2026 MBAOL handbook (Section 4.6):
- Non-refundable registration fee.
- If cancelled before confirmed – Refund of fees paid.
- If cancelled after confirmation – 15% of course fee will be deducted (Maximum of ₹2,000).
- No refunds after 60 days of the closing date for admissions.
- No refunds on re-registration fees.
Special circumstances are covered in the handbook. View section 4.6 before paying.
Comparison to IGNOU Fees
| Online MBA | Official Course Fee |
|---|---|
| IGNOU MBA (Online) | ₹66,000 |
| LPU Online MBA | ₹2,00,000 (Actual fee of ₹50,000 per semester. Reduced with current Student Grant from LPU.) |
| NMIMS MBA (Online) | ₹1,96,000 (One off plan). |
Verified from official university sites. 1st November 2026. Calculated from the total fee for LPU.
The course fee for IGNOU is around 1/3 of the private online MBAs. In return for the reduced fee you will not get printed books (online mode), more self-study and no guarantee of placement (IGNOU have a Campus Placement Cell – campusplacement@ignou.ac.in).
When to pay
As of 1st November 2026, the online programmes page states that registration for the July 2026 session has closed. The Jan 2027 cycle has not been announced. Once open, you will pay the first semester fee on ignouiop.samarth.edu.in.
FAQs
How much does the IGNOU MBA cost?
The IGNOU MBA (Online) course has a course fee of ₹66,000. This is split into 3 semesters (₹16,000) and 1 semester (₹18,000). Additional fees will be charged for registration and development fees (as applicable) and exams.
How much is the IGNOU Online MBA per semester?
Semester 1, 2 and 4 = ₹16,000. Semester 3 (including 8 credits project) = ₹18,000.
Why do some sites show ₹58,000 or ₹64,000?
₹64,000 is taken from the handbook (Jan 2025). ₹58,000 is taken from the old online programmes information page. The current fee is ₹66,000 (shown on the Samarth portal and handbook Jan 2026).
Are exams included?
No. Exams are charged at ₹200 per theory module. Project evaluation is charged at ₹500.
Are there registration and development fees?
Yes. As applicable. For ODL programmes there is a non-refundable registration fee of ₹300 and development fee of ₹400. The amount will be shown on the portal.
Is the fee different for the Distance (ODL) MBA?
No. The course fee is still ₹66,000. However, ODL learners will receive a 15% discount if they choose to study using soft copy materials.
What is the fee for SAARC and international students?
For the ODL MBA, SAARC learners will pay ₹72,500 and Non-SAARC learners will pay US$6,000. For the online MBA, check the fee on the international portal.
Can I pay the full fee?
No. The fee is paid per semester. The first will be paid when you apply. The rest when you re-register.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes. Before confirmation you will get your money back (excluding registration fee). After confirmation 15% will be deducted from the course fee (Maximum of ₹2,000). No refund can be given after 60 days of the closing date for admissions.
Will the fee change for Jan 2027?
Fees can be changed per cycle. When the Jan 2027 cycle opens, pay the amount shown on the Samarth portal.
Want the full course guide?
See our IGNOU MBA (Online) Guide. This shows you everything you need to know about eligibility, syllabus and recognition. Or see our IGNOU Online vs Distance MBA comparison.
This is independent guidance. We are not affiliated with IGNOU. Fees can change. Always check the fees on the Samarth portal and ignou.ac.in.