The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has invited online applications for 43 teaching positions of Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor across 14 Schools of Studies, vide Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD dated 19 September 2026, issued by the Director, Academic Coordination Division, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068. The online application portal opened on 20 September 2026 and will close on 20 October 2026 (or 30 days from publication of the advertisement in Employment News, whichever is later). After submitting the online application, candidates must also send a signed hard copy with self-attested documents by registered or speed post to the ACD office, to be received by 30 October 2026. Applications are accepted only through the online mode; downloaded or offline forms are not accepted.
Important Note: Four things every applicant must know before applying. First, data once entered in the online application cannot be changed, so review every field carefully before final submission. Second, the application has two compulsory parts: the online submission and the hard copy sent by post. Both are mandatory; only online submission without the corresponding hard copy is not treated as a complete application. Third, candidates who applied earlier against IGNOU Advertisement No. 02/2022/ACD or 02/2023/ACD for the same post must re-apply afresh with updated information but are exempt from the fee if they submit proof of earlier payment. Fourth, the eligibility cut-off date is the last date of receipt of online applications, not the date of the notification.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Recruiting Office | Academic Coordination Division (ACD), Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068 |
| Advertisement No. | 01/2026/ACD |
| Notification Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Posts | Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor |
| Total Vacancies | 43 across 14 Schools of Studies |
| Application Mode | Online at ignou.ac.in + mandatory hard copy by post |
| Online Portal Opens | 20 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 20 October 2026 (or 30 days from Employment News publication, whichever is later) |
| Hard Copy Last Date | 30 October 2026 (received at ACD office) |
| Selection Process | Screening + Interview (no written exam) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 500 (UR/OBC/EWS); Nil (SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Job Location | New Delhi (IGNOU Headquarters and Schools of Studies) |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Portal Opens | 20 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 20 October 2026 (or 30 days from Employment News publication, whichever is later) |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date | Last date of receipt of online application |
| Hard Copy Last Date (by post at ACD office) | 30 October 2026 |
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Summary
| Post | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Professor | 21 |
| Associate Professor | 16 |
| Assistant Professor | 6 |
| Total | 43 |
Category-wise Distribution (All Levels Combined)
| Category | Posts |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 12 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 15 |
| SC | 8 |
| ST | 5 |
| PwBD (Benchmark Disability) | 3 |
| Total | 43 |
Note: The posts include backlog vacancies of SC/ST/OBC from previously advertised years. No EWS posts are separately reserved in this notification.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: School-wise and Discipline-wise Vacancy Breakdown
| School | Professor | Associate Professor | Assistant Professor |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Humanities | English-01 (PwBD-a), Urdu-01 (ST) | English-01 (UR), Urdu-01 (SC), 01 (OBC) | – |
| School of Social Sciences | Anthropology-01 (SC), Sociology-01 (OBC) | Anthropology-01 (PwBD-a) | – |
| School of Sciences | Biochemistry-01 (ST), Chemistry-01 (OBC), Physics-01 (SC), Statistics-01 (OBC) | Biochemistry-01 (ST) | Geology-01 (PwBD-a) |
| School of Continuing Education | Child Development-01 (UR), Home Science-01 (UR), Nutritional Science-01 (OBC) | Child Development-01 (ST), Nutritional Science-01 (SC), 01 (UR), Home Science-01 (OBC) | – |
| School of Management Studies | Commerce-01 (OBC) | – | – |
| School of Health Sciences | Health Science-01 (UR), Nursing-01 (SC) | Health Science-01 (OBC), Nursing-01 (UR) | Health Science-01 (OBC) |
| School of Law | Law-01 (UR) | – | – |
| School of Journalism and New Media Studies | Journalism and New Media Studies-01 (UR) | – | Journalism and New Media Studies-01 (SC), 01 (OBC) |
| School of Tourism, Hospitality Service Sectoral Management | Tourism and Hospitality Service-01 (ST) | Tourism and Hospitality Service-01 (OBC) | – |
| School of InterDisciplinary and TransDisciplinary Studies | Environment Studies-01 (OBC) | InterDisciplinary and TransDisciplinary Studies-01 (UR) (Specialisation: Philosophy) | Environment Studies-01 (SC) |
| School of Social Work | Social Work-01 (UR) | Social Work-01 (OBC) | – |
| School of Foreign Languages | Foreign Languages-01 (UR) (Arabic/French/Russian/Spanish) | Foreign Languages-01 (SC), 01 (UR) (Arabic/French/Russian/Spanish) | – |
| School of Translation Studies and Training | Translation Studies and Training-01 (OBC) | – | – |
| School of Performing and Visual Arts | – | – | Visual Arts (Painting)-01 (OBC) |
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: Pay Scale (7th CPC)
| Post | Academic Level | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Level 14 | Rs. 1,44,200 to Rs. 2,18,200 |
| Associate Professor | Level 13A | Rs. 1,31,400 to Rs. 2,17,100 |
| Assistant Professor | Level 10 | Rs. 57,700 to Rs. 1,82,400 |
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS | Rs. 500 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil |
| Candidates re-applying from Advt No. 02/2022/ACD or 02/2023/ACD | Exempt on submitting proof of earlier payment |
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: Eligibility
Minimum Marks at Master’s Level
A minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade in the UGC 7-point scale) at the Master’s degree level is mandatory for all teaching positions.
A relaxation of 5% in marks (from 55% to 50%) at Bachelor’s and Master’s level applies for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/PwBD candidates applying against reserved posts, and also to those who obtained their Ph.D. before 19 September 1991.
All posts follow UGC Regulations 2018 (and subsequent amendments including the 2023 Amendment Regulations) and norms of relevant regulatory bodies (NCTE, MCI, etc.).
Professor Eligibility (Standard Academic Route)
Candidates must fulfil either Eligibility Route A or B:
Route A: An eminent scholar with a Ph.D. in the concerned/allied/relevant discipline, actively engaged in research, with a minimum of 10 research publications in peer-reviewed/UGC-listed journals, a total research score of 120 as per UGC Regulations 2018 (Appendix II, Table 2), and a minimum of 10 years of teaching experience as Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor and/or equivalent research experience, with evidence of having successfully guided a doctoral candidate.
Route B: An outstanding professional with a Ph.D. in the relevant/allied/applied discipline from institutions not covered under Route A, or from industry, with significant documented contribution to the discipline and 10 years of relevant experience.
Professor Eligibility – Health Science (MBBS Route)
- MBBS with MD/MS from an MCI-recognised Medical College as per MCI Teacher Eligibility Qualification Regulations (Preventive and Social Medicine/Community Medicine/Hospital Administration/Community Health Administration)
- Minimum 8 years of post-PG experience
- Minimum 3 years as Associate Professor in an MCI-recognised Medical College/Institution
- Minimum 4 research publications in indexed journals (at least 2 during Associate Professor tenure as first/corresponding author)
Professor Eligibility – Nursing
- Master’s degree in Nursing with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade)
- Minimum 14 years of teaching experience after M.Sc. Nursing as Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor in a College of Nursing or University
- Desirable: independent published work of high standard, or a doctorate/M.Phil.
Associate Professor and Assistant Professor Eligibility
Detailed discipline-wise minimum qualifications for Associate Professor and Assistant Professor posts are as per UGC Regulations 2018 and the norms of relevant regulatory bodies. Candidates must refer to the detailed advertisement on ignou.ac.in for the specific qualification requirements for each post.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
There is no written examination. Selection is through screening and interview by duly constituted Selection Committees.
Professor Selection Process
- All eligible applications are screened and scored by a Screening Committee using a weighted research/academic-credential scale (Appendix I of the official notification).
- Up to 15 candidates per Professor post are shortlisted for interview based on descending screening score.
- Shortlisted candidates appear before the Selection Committee for an interview.
- Screening marks carry no weightage in the final Selection Committee assessment.
Screening Score Key Categories (Professor Posts)
| Activity | Sciences/Medical/CS (marks) | Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences/Management (marks) |
|---|---|---|
| Research paper in peer-reviewed/UGC-listed journal | 8 per paper | 10 per paper |
| Ph.D. guidance (degree awarded) | 10 per degree | 10 per degree |
| Research project completed (over Rs. 10 lakh) | 10 | 10 |
| Patent (International) | 10 | 10 |
| Award/Fellowship (International) | 7 | 7 |
The total research score must come from a minimum of 3 out of 6 eligible categories. Combined score from “Policy Document” and “Invited Lectures/Resource Person” categories is capped at 30% of the candidate’s total research score. Publications under submission or sent to referees are not considered.
How to Apply for IGNOU Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official IGNOU website at ignou.ac.in and access the online Application Proforma for the relevant post and discipline at the Samarth portal link provided in the Important Links section below.
- Read the detailed notification, eligibility conditions, and screening criteria (Appendix I) available on ignou.ac.in before filling the form.
- Fill in all personal, educational and experience details carefully. Data once entered cannot be changed after final submission.
- Upload all required supporting documents (qualification certificates, experience proof, research publications, etc.).
- Pay the applicable application fee online.
- Submit the application on or before 20 October 2026 (or 30 days from Employment News publication, whichever is later).
- Take a printout of the submitted online application.
- Send the printed application signed by the candidate, along with self-attested copies of all required certificates and documents (properly bound/tagged and page-numbered), by registered or speed post to: The Director, Academic Coordination Division, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068, to be received by 30 October 2026.
- Superscribe the envelope clearly with the post name, discipline, School name and Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD.
Documents Required
- Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets (Master’s, Ph.D., M.Phil. as applicable)
- Experience certificates clearly indicating pay scale and gross pay drawn
- Offer of appointment letters, Form 16/passbook/payslip entries showing actual pay drawn
- Copies of promotion orders where applicable
- Copies of research publications with cover page and content page of the research journal
- Category certificate in the format prescribed by the Central Government (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD) valid for the financial year 2026-27
- Disability certificate for PwBD posts (minimum 40% disability)
- No Objection Certificate and Vigilance Clearance Certificate (for candidates in Universities/Colleges/Government/PSUs)
- Proof of earlier fee payment (for candidates re-applying against Advt No. 02/2022/ACD or 02/2023/ACD)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Driving Licence/Passport) for identity verification at the time of interview
Important Conditions
- Mere fulfilment of minimum eligibility does not entitle a candidate to be called for interview; the number of candidates called for interview is determined by the University based on screening scores.
- Canvassing in any form will result in disqualification.
- No TA/DA is paid to candidates for attending the interview.
- Any corrigendum or addendum will be posted only on ignou.ac.in.
- IGNOU reserves the right to amend eligibility conditions, number of posts, or selection criteria, and to not fill any post, without assigning reasons.
- OBC candidates in the creamy layer are treated as unreserved candidates.
- Any dispute falls under the jurisdiction of Delhi courts.
- Candidates serving in Universities/Colleges/Government/PSUs must apply through the proper channel and submit an NOC and Vigilance Clearance Certificate.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Samarth Portal) | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Eligibility and Screening Criteria (Appendix I) | Click Here |
| IGNOU Official Website | Click Here |
IGNOU Recruitment 2026: FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are there in IGNOU Teaching Recruitment 2026?
A total of 43 vacancies across 14 Schools of Studies: 21 Professor, 16 Associate Professor and 6 Assistant Professor posts. This also includes backlog vacancies from previously advertised years.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for IGNOU Recruitment 2026?
The last date for online applications is 20 October 2026, or 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News, whichever is later. The hard copy must reach the ACD office by 30 October 2026.
Q3. What is the application fee for IGNOU Teaching Recruitment 2026?
Rs. 500 for UR/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST/PwBD candidates are exempt. Candidates re-applying from earlier IGNOU advertisements (No. 02/2022/ACD or 02/2023/ACD) are exempt on submitting proof of earlier payment.
Q4. Is there a written exam for IGNOU Teaching Recruitment 2026?
No. Selection is through screening of applications followed by an interview by a duly constituted Selection Committee. There is no written examination.
Q5. What is the salary for IGNOU Professor 2026?
The Professor post carries Academic Level 14 (7th CPC) with a pay range of Rs. 1,44,200 to Rs. 2,18,200.
Q6. What is the salary for IGNOU Assistant Professor 2026?
The Assistant Professor post carries Academic Level 10 (7th CPC) with a pay range of Rs. 57,700 to Rs. 1,82,400.
Q7. Where should the hard copy of the IGNOU application be sent?
To: The Director, Academic Coordination Division, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068. It must be received by 30 October 2026.
Q8. Can data be changed after submitting the online application?
No. Data once entered in the online application cannot be changed after final submission. Review all fields carefully before submitting.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on the official Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD dated 19 September 2026 issued by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. Candidates must read the complete official notification and eligibility annexure on ignou.ac.in before applying. IGNOU reserves the right to amend, cancel or modify any aspect of this recruitment without prior notice. JobShouter is not associated with IGNOU. This article is for informational purposes only.
