Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has released Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD for the recruitment of 43 teaching posts of Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor across 14 Schools of Studies.
The official advertisement is dated 19 September 2026. The online application process will start on 20 September 2026. The last date for online application is 20 October 2026, or 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News, whichever is later. A printed copy of the submitted online application, along with self-attested documents, must also reach IGNOU by 30 October 2026.
Important: Candidates should check the official IGNOU website for any corrigendum, addendum or change in the closing date before submitting the application.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organization Name | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Advertisement No. | 01/2026/ACD |
| Post Name | Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor |
| Total Vacancies | 43 Posts |
| Schools of Studies | 14 |
| Qualification | Any Masters Degree, M.Phil/Ph.D, MS/MD |
| Application Mode | Online + Postal Hard Copy |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
The official advertisement says the online closing date is 20 October 2026 or 30 days from publication in Employment News, whichever is later.
Important Dates
Advertisement Date
19 September 2026
Start Date to Apply
20 September 2026
Last Date to Apply
20 October 2026
Hard Copy Reaching IGNOU
30 October 2026
Eligibility Cut-off Date
Last date of online application
IGNOU Vacancy 2026 – Post-wise Details
IGNOU has notified a total of 43 teaching vacancies:
| Post | Number of Posts | Academic Level |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | 21 | Level 14 |
| Associate Professor | 16 | Level 13A |
| Assistant Professor | 06 | Level 10 |
| Total | 43 |
The vacancies are distributed across 14 Schools of Studies and include reserved vacancies for UR, OBC, SC, ST and PwBD categories. The official advertisement also states that some vacancies include backlog vacancies of SC/ST/OBC from previous years.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details – School-wise
1. School of Humanities
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | English | 1 – PwBD(a) |
| Professor | Urdu | 1 – ST |
| Associate Professor | English | 1 – UR |
| Associate Professor | Urdu | 1 – SC |
| Associate Professor | Urdu | 1 – OBC |
2. School of Social Sciences
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Anthropology | 1 – SC |
| Professor | Sociology | 1 – OBC |
| Associate Professor | Anthropology | 1 – PwBD(a) |
3. School of Sciences
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Biochemistry | 1 – ST |
| Professor | Chemistry | 1 – OBC |
| Professor | Physics | 1 – SC |
| Professor | Statistics | 1 – OBC |
| Associate Professor | Biochemistry | 1 – ST |
| Assistant Professor | Geology | 1 – PwBD(a) |
4. School of Continuing Education
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Child Development | 1 – UR |
| Professor | Home Science | 1 – UR |
| Professor | Nutritional Science | 1 – OBC |
| Associate Professor | Child Development | 1 – ST |
| Associate Professor | Nutritional Science | 1 – SC |
| Associate Professor | Nutritional Science | 1 – UR |
| Associate Professor | Home Science | 1 – OBC |
5. School of Management Studies
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Commerce | 1 – OBC |
6. School of Law
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Law | 1 – UR |
7. School of Health Sciences
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Health Science | 1 – UR |
| Professor | Nursing | 1 – SC |
| Associate Professor | Health Science | 1 – OBC |
| Associate Professor | Nursing | 1 – UR |
| Assistant Professor | Health Science | 1 – OBC |
8. School of Journalism & New Media Studies
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Journalism & New Media Studies | 1 – UR |
| Assistant Professor | Journalism & New Media Studies | 1 – SC |
| Assistant Professor | Journalism & New Media Studies | 1 – OBC |
9. School of Tourism, Hospitality Service Sectoral Management
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Tourism and Hospitality Service | 1 – ST |
| Associate Professor | Tourism and Hospitality Service | 1 – OBC |
10. School of InterDisciplinary & TransDisciplinary Studies
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Environment Studies | 1 – OBC |
| Associate Professor | InterDisciplinary & TransDisciplinary Studies | 1 – UR |
| Assistant Professor | Environment Studies | 1 – SC |
Specialization for Associate Professor: Philosophy.
11. School of Social Work
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Social Work | 1 – UR |
| Associate Professor | Social Work | 1 – OBC |
12. School of Foreign Languages
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Foreign Languages | 1 – UR |
| Associate Professor | Foreign Languages | 1 – SC |
| Associate Professor | Foreign Languages | 1 – UR |
Specializations: Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish.
13. School of Translation Studies & Training
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Translation Studies & Training | 1 – OBC |
14. School of Performing & Visual Arts
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | Visual Arts (Painting) | 1 – OBC |
The official vacancy table confirms the distribution across these 14 Schools of Studies.
Category-wise Vacancy Details
| Category | Posts |
|---|---|
| UR | 12 |
| OBC | 15 |
| SC | 08 |
| ST | 05 |
| PwBD | 03 |
| Total | 43 |
Note: The advertisement states that the vacancies also include backlog vacancies of SC, ST and OBC categories from previous years. Candidates claiming reservation must upload the required valid certificates in the prescribed format.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026 Salary / Pay Scale
The teaching posts carry the following 7th CPC academic levels:
| Post | Academic Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Associate Professor | Level 13A | ₹1,31,400 – ₹2,17,100 |
| Assistant Professor | Level 10 | ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400 |
These pay levels and ranges are specified in the official advertisement.
Eligibility Criteria
Important Eligibility Note
The detailed eligibility document supplied with Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD specifically sets out the minimum qualifications and eligibility conditions for Professor posts. It states that minimum eligibility conditions are governed by the UGC Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments, along with the applicable norms of regulatory bodies such as NCTE or MCI wherever relevant.
Candidates applying for Associate Professor or Assistant Professor posts should therefore carefully check the applicable qualification and discipline-specific requirements in the detailed IGNOU recruitment documents before applying.
Professor Eligibility – General Disciplines
For disciplines under the Schools of Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Continuing Education, Management Studies, Law, Journalism and New Media Studies, Tourism, InterDisciplinary & TransDisciplinary Studies, Social Work, Foreign Languages and Translation Studies, the eligibility document provides Route A or Route B.
Route A
Candidates should have:
- A Ph.D. degree in the concerned/allied/relevant discipline.
- Published work of high quality.
- Evidence of active research.
- At least 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals.
- A total research score of 120 according to the prescribed criteria.
- At least 10 years of teaching experience as Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor and/or equivalent research experience.
- Evidence of successfully guiding a doctoral candidate.
Route B
An outstanding professional may also be considered where the candidate:
- Holds a Ph.D. in a relevant/allied/applied discipline.
- Has made a significant documented contribution to the concerned discipline.
- Has 10 years of experience.
The detailed eligibility document should be read carefully because discipline-specific conditions and evidence requirements apply.
Professor Eligibility – Health Science
For Professor in Health Science under the School of Health Sciences, the notification specifies:
- M.B.B.S. with M.D./M.S. from an MCI-recognized medical college.
- Relevant specialization such as preventive and social medicine, community medicine, hospital administration or community health administration.
- 8 years of post-PG experience.
- At least 3 years as Associate Professor in the subject in an MCI permitted/approved/recognized medical college/institution.
- Four research publications in indexed journals on a cumulative basis, including at least two publications during the Associate Professor tenure as first or corresponding author.
Professor Eligibility – Nursing
For Professor in 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.
- Doctorate/M.Phil. or independent published work of high standard is desirable.
General Eligibility Conditions
According to the detailed eligibility document:
- Minimum eligibility conditions are based on UGC Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments.
- Applicable regulatory-body requirements must also be satisfied.
- A minimum of 55% marks at Master’s level, or the equivalent grade, is generally required for direct recruitment of teachers unless otherwise specified.
- A 5% relaxation, from 55% to 50%, is provided at Bachelor’s and Master’s level for eligible SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwBD candidates in the relevant advertised category.
- A 5% relaxation is also provided to Ph.D. holders who obtained their Master’s degree before 19 September 1991.
- Candidates applying against PwBD-reserved posts must have 40% or more disability and provide a valid disability certificate.
- The eligibility cut-off date is the last date for submission of the online application.
OBC-NCL Certificate
OBC candidates applying for reserved posts must provide an OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate for financial year 2026–27, issued between 1 April 2026 and the last date of online application and valid for Union of India/Central Government jobs.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
No specific minimum or maximum age limit is stated in the advertisement or detailed eligibility document for these teaching posts.
Candidates should nevertheless check the latest IGNOU recruitment notice and any corrigendum before submitting an application.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS | ₹500 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil |
The fee must be paid online through the prescribed payment facility. The notification states that fees once paid will not be refunded or adjusted. Candidates applying for more than one post/department must submit separate applications and pay the applicable fee separately.
Previous IGNOU Applicants
Candidates who previously applied for the same post under Advertisement No. 02/2022/ACD or 02/2023/ACD must apply afresh with updated information. They may claim exemption from the current application fee by submitting proof of their earlier fee payment.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment is through screening/shortlisting followed by interview.
For Professor posts, IGNOU has prescribed screening criteria based on academic and research credentials. Candidates may be shortlisted based on evidence such as:
- Research publications
- Ph.D. guidance
- Research projects
- Patents
- Books and other academic contributions
- E-content/MOOCs
- Curriculum development
- Policy documents
- Awards/fellowships
- Invited lectures and resource-person activities
The detailed screening criteria are provided in Appendix I of the eligibility document.
Important Shortlisting Rules
Candidates should note:
- Mere possession of the minimum qualification does not automatically guarantee an interview call.
- Applications are screened according to the prescribed criteria.
- Specializations mentioned against a vacancy may be considered during shortlisting.
- Publications that are merely under submission or submitted to referees are not counted for publication marks.
- Applicants claiming research/publication marks must provide the required supporting evidence.
- Screening and shortlisting criteria should be checked carefully before claiming points in the application.
How to Apply for IGNOU Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply through the online application system.
Step 1 – Read the Notification
Before applying, carefully read the official advertisement, eligibility conditions, discipline-specific requirements and screening criteria.
Step 2 – Complete the Online Form
Enter personal, educational, experience and research details accurately.
Important: IGNOU states that information entered in the application cannot be changed after submission. Candidates should therefore verify all details before final submission.
Step 3 – Upload Documents
Upload the required certificates and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
Step 4 – Pay the Application Fee
Pay ₹500 where applicable. SC/ST/PwBD candidates are exempt from the application fee.
Step 5 – Submit the Application
Complete the online application before the applicable closing date.
Step 6 – Download the Application
Take a printout of the submitted/confirmed application for your records.
Step 7 – Send the Hard Copy
Send the printed application along with self-attested copies of the required documents to.
Documents Required for IGNOU Application
Candidates should keep the following documents ready, as applicable:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates
- Marksheets
- Ph.D./M.Phil. certificates
- Experience certificates
- Appointment/offer letters
- Documents showing pay scale and gross pay drawn
- Form 16, payslips or relevant passbook entries where required
- Promotion orders
- Research publications
- Cover page and contents page of research journals
- SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Valid disability certificate for PwBD candidates
- No Objection Certificate, where applicable
- Vigilance Clearance Certificate, where applicable
- Proof of previous application-fee payment for eligible candidates claiming fee exemption
The detailed notification specifically requires documentary evidence for claimed experience and research credentials.
Send the printed application along with self-attested copies of the required documents to:
The Director
Academic Coordination Division
Indira Gandhi National Open University
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068
The hard copy should be sent through Registered Post/Speed Post and should reach IGNOU by 30 October 2026. The envelope should clearly mention the post, discipline, School and Advertisement No.
Do not wait until the last day. IGNOU advises applicants to apply early and states that it will not be responsible for postal delays.
Hard Copy Application: Important Instructions
The printed application and documents must be:
- Properly arranged according to the application form.
- Self-attested where required.
- Properly bound/tagged.
- Page-numbered.
- Sent through Registered Post or Speed Post.
Loose sheets of documents will not be entertained, according to the detailed instructions.
Important Instructions for Serving Candidates
Candidates currently working in:
- Universities
- Colleges
- Government organizations
- Public Sector Undertakings
- Boards
- Autonomous bodies
must apply through the proper channel where applicable.
They may also be required to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and Vigilance Clearance Certificate from their employer.
IGNOU Recruitment 2026 Important Points
Before submitting the application, candidates should remember:
- Applications must be submitted online in the prescribed format.
- Offline/downloaded applications alone will not be accepted.
- A corresponding hard copy with supporting documents is mandatory.
- Check all information carefully before final submission because entered data cannot be changed.
- Mere eligibility does not guarantee an interview call.
- Publications under submission are not counted for publication marks.
- Candidates must provide documentary evidence for experience and research claims.
- OBC-NCL certificates must satisfy the specified date and Central Government validity requirements.
- PwBD candidates applying for reserved posts must satisfy the prescribed disability requirement.
- Any corrigendum/addendum will be published on the IGNOU website.
- Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | View & Download |
| Eligibility & Screening Criteria | IGNOU Eligibility & Screening PDF |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
IGNOU has advertised 43 teaching vacancies: 21 Professor, 16 Associate Professor and 6 Assistant Professor posts.
The stated online deadline is 20 October 2026 or 30 days from publication of the advertisement in Employment News, whichever is later. The hard copy must reach IGNOU by 30 October 2026.
The fee is ₹500 for UR/OBC/EWS candidates. There is no application fee for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
The recruitment process described in the notification involves screening/shortlisting and interview. The detailed Professor screening criteria are provided in Appendix I.
Yes. Candidates must send the printed online application along with self-attested supporting documents to IGNOU by the prescribed postal deadline.
