IGNOU Entrance Exams 2026: Dates, Syllabus, Pattern & Preparation Guide
Your comprehensive roadmap for B.Ed, Ph.D., and B.Sc. Nursing Entrance Success.
Updated: 2 days ago
Categories: Entrance Exams, Distance Education, IGNOU
IGNOU 2026 Entrance Exam Timeline
For the January 2026 session, IGNOU has streamlined its entrance schedule. Most exams are conducted in a proctored environment across designated regional centers.
Entrance Exam
Last Date to Apply
Exam Date (Tentative)
B.Ed Entrance
February 27, 2026
March 2026
Ph.D. Entrance
February 15, 2026
Varies by Discipline
B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic)
February 15, 2026
March 2026
IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Pattern & Syllabus
The B.Ed entrance is a 2-hour test with 100 MCQs. There is no negative marking, making accuracy and time management the two biggest factors for success.
Section
Topics
Questions
Part A: General English
Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary
10
Logical Reasoning
Series, Analogy, Coding-Decoding
20
Educational Awareness
History of Education, Policies, GK
25
Teaching-Learning
Aptitude, Classroom Management
25
Part B: Subject Competence
Science/Maths/Social Science/Hindi/Eng
20
IGNOU Ph.D. Admission: NET-Based
For the 2026 session, IGNOU has largely moved toward a NET-linked selection process for Ph.D. programs.
Category A: JRF-qualified candidates are called directly for the Interview (100% weightage).
Category B: UGC NET-qualified (without JRF) candidates are shortlisted based on 70% NET score and 30% Interview performance.
B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic) Entrance
The entrance test (OPENNET) consists of 120 multiple-choice questions covering subjects taught in GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery).
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Eligibility: 10+2 with GNM and a minimum of 2 years (for 10+2) or 5 years (for 10th) work experience as an RNRM.
To-Do List for Entrance Success
1. Focus on Teaching Aptitude: For B.Ed, the "Teaching-Learning and School" section is the highest weightage area (25%). Focus on learner-centered pedagogy.
2. Solve Previous Papers: IGNOU often repeats question themes. Solve the last 5 years' papers to master the difficulty level.
3. Time Management: Since most exams give roughly 1.2 minutes per question, prioritize the General Awareness sections to save time for Reasoning and Maths.
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