Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

IGNOU BA (Hons.) Economics (BAECH) - Distance Learning

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics (BAECH) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a 3-year undergraduate honours programme offered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under the School of Social Sciences. Launched under the UGC Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) from January 2020, the programme is a comprehensive 148-credit course covering Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Mathematical Methods for Economics, Statistical Methods, Econometrics, Indian Economy, Development Economics, and elective areas such as Environmental Economics, Financial Economics, and Applied Econometrics. The total programme fee is Rs. 15,900 for 3 years (Rs. 5,300 per year), making it one of the most affordable honours-level economics programmes in India. No entrance exam is required, and admission is open to any student who has passed 10+2 from a recognised board. The programme is highly popular among students aspiring for careers in banking, finance, civil services, research, and academia, and is valued for its rigorous curriculum and flexible study mode.

Admission for the January 2026 session is currently ongoing. The last date for fresh admission has been extended to 30th March 2026. Students can apply online at the IGNOU Admission Portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in). The July 2026 session admissions are expected to open tentatively in May 2026, with a last date around July-August 2026, based on the previous year's schedule.

Distance Mode Study Centres:

IGNOU's BAECH programme is offered through a wide network of Regional Centres and Study Centres (LSCs) across India. Key Regional Centres offering this programme include:

Hyderabad (RC Code: 01)
Karnal (RC Code: 10)
Shimla (RC Code: 11)
Jammu (RC Code: 12)
Bangalore (RC Code: 13)
Cochin (RC Code: 14)
Bhopal (RC Code: 15)
Pune (RC Code: 16)
Imphal (RC Code: 17)
Shillong (RC Code: 18)
Aizawl (RC Code: 19)
Port Blair (RC Code: 02)
Kohima (RC Code: 20)
Bhubaneswar (RC Code: 21)
Khanna (RC Code: 22)
Jaipur (RC Code: 23)
Gangtok (RC Code: 24)
Chennai (RC Code: 25)
Agartala (RC Code: 26)
Lucknow (RC Code: 27)
Kolkata (RC Code: 28)
Delhi 1, Delhi 2, Delhi 3 (RC Codes: 07, 29, 38)
Itanagar (RC Code: 03)
Srinagar (RC Code: 30)
Dehradun (RC Code: 31)
Ranchi (RC Code: 32)
Vijayawada (RC Code: 33)
Raipur (RC Code: 35)
Nagpur (RC Code: 36)
Jorhat (RC Code: 37)
Noida (RC Code: 39)
Guwahati (RC Code: 04)
Trivandrum (RC Code: 40)
Jabalpur (RC Code: 41)
Rajkot (RC Code: 42)
Madurai (RC Code: 43)
Koraput (RC Code: 44)
Siliguri (RC Code: 45)
Darbhanga (RC Code: 46)
Aligarh (RC Code: 47)
Varanasi (RC Code: 48)
Mumbai (RC Code: 49)
Patna (RC Code: 05)
Chandigarh (RC Code: 06)
Vatakara (RC Code: 83)
Visakhapatnam (RC Code: 84)
Bijapur (RC Code: 85)
Deoghar (RC Code: 87)
Jodhpur (RC Code: 88)
Ahmedabad (RC Code: 09)

Students can locate their nearest study centre using the IGNOU Study Centre Locator on the official website.

Key Points

The BAECH is a 148-credit honours programme under UGC-CBCS, covering 14 Core Courses, 4 Discipline Specific Electives, 2 Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses, 2 Skill Enhancement Courses, and 4 Generic Electives.
The programme includes quantitative courses like Mathematical Methods for Economics (I and II), Statistical Methods, and Introductory Econometrics, making it analytically rigorous.
Offered in both English and Hindi medium, making it accessible to learners across India.
No entrance exam is required; admission is based purely on eligibility.
There is no age bar, making it suitable for working professionals and adult learners.
The programme uses a 10-point grading system under CBCS, which is widely accepted by universities for higher education admissions.
Term-End Examinations (TEE) are conducted twice a year - in June and December.
The programme is particularly popular among UPSC aspirants, as Economics is a sought-after optional subject.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IGNOU BAECH Fees

The BAECH programme at IGNOU is priced at Rs. 5,300 per year, payable annually for 3 years. A one-time non-refundable Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is charged at the time of fresh admission. Examination fees are charged separately at the time of TEE registration and are not included in the programme fee. The total programme cost (excluding exam fees) comes to Rs. 16,200 over 3 years.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Per Year)	Total (3 Years)
Programme/Tuition Fee	Rs. 5,300	Rs. 15,900
Registration Fee (one-time)	Rs. 300	Rs. 300
University Development Fee	As applicable	As applicable
Examination Fee (per course per exam)	Rs. 120 per course	Varies
Total Fees (excluding exam fee)	Rs. 5,600 (Year 1)	Rs. 16,200

The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable.
Examination fees are paid separately at the time of filling the exam form and are not included in the programme fee.
SC/ST students may be eligible for fee concession on programme fee, subject to family income not exceeding Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum and other conditions as per IGNOU notification.
Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay), or Net Banking.
In case of cancellation after confirmation of admission, 15% of programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted. No refund is admissible after 60 days of the closing date of admissions.

IGNOU BAECH Admission 2026

IGNOU conducts admissions for the BAECH programme twice a year - in the January session (admissions open November-February/March) and the July session (admissions open May-August). The admission process is entirely online through the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal. There is no entrance exam; admission is granted based on eligibility. The January 2026 session is currently open with the last date extended to 30th March 2026.

IGNOU BAECH Admission Dates

Event	January 2026 Session	July 2026 Session (Tentative)
Admission Portal Opens	December 16, 2025	May 2026
Last Date for Fresh Admission	March 30, 2026	July/August 2026
Re-registration Start Date	December 1, 2025	May 2026
Last Date for Re-registration	March 30, 2026	July 2026
Distribution of Study Material (SLM)	January - March 2026	July - September 2026
Contact Programmes / Counselling	February - November 2026	August 2026 onwards
Assignment Submission	March - September 2026	October 2026 - March 2027
Term-End Examination (TEE)	June 2026	December 2026
Declaration of Results	August 2026	February 2027

Entrance Exam Dates

Entrance Exam Dates
No entrance exam is required for IGNOU BAECH admission. Admission is open to all eligible candidates on a merit-neutral basis.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent from a recognised board.
No specific subject requirement at 10+2 level; the programme is open to students from any stream.
There is no minimum percentage requirement and no age bar.

Admission Process

Visit the IGNOU Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and click on New Registration.
Create a username and password, then log in and select the BAECH programme.
Fill in personal and academic details, and upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, 10th and 12th marksheets, and category certificate (if applicable).
Pay the programme fee and registration fee online via Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking.
Download and save the application form and payment receipt for future reference.
Await confirmation of admission via email/SMS; check status on the admission portal.

IGNOU: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 4 Reviews

The university boasts a highly qualified and supportive faculty, facilitating open communication through platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp. They are involved in both teaching and research, contributing to a strong educational environment. However, students face challenges with exam difficulty and unpredictable results. The distance education program offers affordable fees that vary by course. The annual fee for honors in arts is approximately 3000 INR, a Bachelor of Science is around 6000 INR, a Bachelor in English costs about 4500 INR, while a B.Com in Financial and Cost Accounting is about 2000 INR.

Skill-related courses range from 25000 to 30000 INR annually. Structured fees include three registrations at 5600 INR each and assignment/exam fees of 200 INR per subject, totaling around 25000 INR per year for a student at Indira Gandhi National Open University. Scholarships and financial aid details can be obtained from the university office. While the program is credible for further education or employment, inconsistencies in class attendance due to teacher shortages are noted, though assignment submissions are managed at the center.

Fees are subject to annual increases.

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IGNOU BAECH Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students enrolled in BAECH are eligible for a range of scholarships from both the university and the Government of India. SC/ST students can avail fee concessions directly from IGNOU, subject to income criteria. Additionally, students can apply for Central and State Government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of admission.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Benefit	How to Apply
IGNOU SC/ST Fee Concession	SC/ST students with family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh/year	Fee concession on programme fee (as per IGNOU notification)	Apply at the time of admission through IGNOU portal; upload caste and income certificate
NSP - Post Matric Scholarship (SC)	SC students; family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh/year	Full/partial fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance	Apply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Post Matric Scholarship (ST)	ST students; family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh/year	Full/partial fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance	Apply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - OBC Post Matric Scholarship	OBC students; family income up to Rs. 1 lakh/year	Partial fee reimbursement	Apply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Minority Post Matric Scholarship	Minority community students; family income up to Rs. 2 lakh/year	Partial fee reimbursement	Apply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
State Government Scholarships	Varies by state; based on category and income	Varies	Apply through respective State Scholarship Portal

IGNOU's SC/ST fee concession is applicable only if the student is not availing any other scholarship from Central/State Government.
An affidavit to this effect must be submitted at the time of applying for the IGNOU fee concession.
DEB-ID is mandatory for availing IGNOU fee concession.
Students are advised to apply for NSP scholarships immediately after confirmation of admission, as deadlines are typically in October-November each year.

IGNOU BAECH FAQs

Ques. I am from a Science background. Can I apply for IGNOU BAECH (BA Hons. Economics)?

Ans. Yes. The BAECH programme at IGNOU requires only 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board, with no specific stream requirement. Students from Science, Commerce, or Arts backgrounds are all eligible to apply. Many science students choose Economics for its analytical and quantitative nature.

Ques. Is IGNOU BAECH equivalent to a regular BA (Hons.) Economics from Delhi University or other central universities?

Ans. Yes. IGNOU is a Central University established by an Act of Parliament, and its degrees are recognised by the UGC and Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The BAECH degree is equivalent to a BA (Hons.) Economics from any other recognised university and is accepted for higher education admissions, government jobs, and competitive exams.

Ques. The BAECH has courses like Mathematical Methods and Econometrics. Is it difficult for students without a strong Maths background?

Ans. The Mathematical Methods for Economics courses (BECC-102 and BECC-104) are designed for economics students and cover topics like calculus, linear algebra, and optimisation at an introductory level. Students with basic 10+2 Mathematics should be able to manage. IGNOU provides comprehensive self-learning materials, and students can attend counselling sessions at their study centres for additional support.

Ques. Can I use IGNOU BAECH as a qualification for UPSC Civil Services with Economics as an optional subject?

Ans. Yes. The BAECH curriculum covers many topics that overlap with the UPSC Economics optional syllabus, including Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Indian Economy, Development Economics, and Econometrics. However, UPSC preparation requires additional study beyond the IGNOU curriculum, and students are advised to supplement with standard reference books.

Ques. How does the grading system work in BAECH? Will my CGPA be accepted for M.A. Economics admissions?

Ans. BAECH uses a 10-point grading system under CBCS. Your performance is evaluated through Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Term-End Examinations (TEEs). The CGPA awarded is widely accepted by universities for M.A. Economics admissions. Most universities have a conversion formula to convert CGPA to percentage for admission purposes.

Ques. I enrolled in BAECH but am struggling with the Econometrics course. What support does IGNOU provide?

Ans. IGNOU provides multiple support mechanisms: comprehensive self-learning materials (SLMs), academic counselling sessions at your study centre (usually on weekends), audio-video programmes, and online resources through eGyanKosh. You can also contact your Programme Coordinator (Prof. BS Prakash, baech@ignou.ac.in) for academic guidance. If you fail a course, you can re-appear in the next TEE without repeating the entire year.

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Rahul Jauhari

4.0

BA {Hons.}, Economics

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2025(Enrolled 2022)

My Journey with IGNOU

Fees and Financial Aid:

i have to pay fee this year 4800 ruees. this is my last and final year who is called 3rd year . i have my good experience in last 3 years . but the main issue is the classes is not at time because of some reason. reason i dont know but may be the sotarge of teachers. but thier is good point is the we have write our assigment and submit at centre. fees is increasing by year by year

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Review Rebel

3.8

BA {Hons.}, Economics

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2025(Enrolled 2021)

My college life

Fees and Financial Aid:

They have a simple fee structure As they having a correspondence learning so they provide fees in a specific manner 3 times you need to do registrations Every time you need to pay 5600 after that they have assignements fees and other charges so then examination fees of each semester 200 per subject So the all over amount which you need to pay is approx 25000 in Indira Gandhi National Open University

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Saurabh singh

4.1Helpful

BA {Hons.}, Economics

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2024(Enrolled 2018)

My college life at IGNOU

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The university provides best study material which will be not only for your academic use but also from other aspect of life. Like study material of arts are best for UPSC or any state PCS preparation.

Fees and Financial Aid:

The fee structure varies from hons. to hons. But not a huge variation is there. If you have opted any of the hons. In arts it will be around 3000 per annum which will include all your academic fees including exam fee and all. I am giving here some rough idea of few other hons. Fee structure per year :- for bachelor of science it is about 6000 per year, for bachelor in english it is about 4500 per year, for b.com in financial and cost accounting it is about 2000 per annum. Whereas if you opt for some skill related course it can go up to 25000 to 30000 per annum. For scholarship and financial aid one must contact to the university office since the scholarship programmes keeps changing over time.

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Uma Maheswary

3.0

BA {Hons.}, Economics

Reviewed on Dec 25, 2023(Enrolled 2021)

Reasons why a degree from IGNOU is worthy

Fees and Financial Aid:

Cost of study is minimal as this is a distance education program. Scholarship, internship and other opportunities can be availed via our profile dashboard. The course provides considerable credibility to any student pursuing it, be it in enrolling for masters or for finding jobs.

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