IGNOU Credit Transfer 2026: How to Apply, Eligibility & Fee

IGNOU credit transfer allows students to get their previously completed courses from another recognized university counted towards their IGNOU programme. This means you don't have to study the same subjects again if you've already completed them elsewhere. This guide covers the IGNOU credit transfer process for 2026 — eligibility, application, and required documents.

What is IGNOU Credit Transfer?

Credit transfer (also called credit accumulation or course exemption) allows you to:

• Transfer credits from a previous university programme to your IGNOU programme
• Get exemption from courses you've already completed with equivalent content
• Reduce the number of courses you need to study at IGNOU
• Complete your IGNOU programme faster

Eligibility for IGNOU Credit Transfer

You can apply for credit transfer if:

• You have completed courses at a UGC-recognized university
• The courses you want to transfer are equivalent to IGNOU courses in content and credit value
• You obtained a minimum grade of 50% or equivalent in those courses
• The credits are not older than 5 years from the date of application (for some programmes)
• You are currently enrolled in an IGNOU programme

How to Apply for IGNOU Credit Transfer

1. Obtain the application form: Download from the IGNOU website or collect from your regional centre
2. Fill the form: Provide your IGNOU enrollment details, previous university details, and courses you want transferred
3. Attach documents: Marksheets, syllabus of previous courses, and other required documents
4. Pay the fee: Credit transfer fee of ₹500 per course (subject to change — check latest notification)
5. Submit: Submit at your regional centre or send to the Student Registration Division at IGNOU headquarters

Documents Required for Credit Transfer

• Credit transfer application form
• Original and attested copies of marksheets/transcripts from previous university
• Course syllabus of the courses you want transferred
• Migration certificate from previous university
• IGNOU ID card copy
• Fee payment receipt

Credit Transfer for IGNOU Programmes

Credit transfer is available for most IGNOU programmes including:

• BAG (BA): Transfer credits for elective courses from previous BA
• BCA: Transfer programming and computer science courses
• MBA: Transfer management courses from recognized MBA programmes
• MEG: Transfer English literature courses from previous MA
• B.ComG: Transfer commerce and accounting courses

How Long Does Credit Transfer Take?

The credit transfer process typically takes 4–8 weeks from the date of application. IGNOU evaluates the equivalence of your previous courses and informs you of the decision. You can check the status through your regional centre or the Samarth portal.

Credit Transfer vs Lateral Entry

These are different processes:

• Credit transfer: You get exemption from specific courses based on previous qualifications
• Lateral entry: You join a programme at an advanced stage (e.g., joining BCA in the 3rd semester if you have a relevant diploma)

Both processes require application and approval from IGNOU. Contact your regional centre for specific eligibility.

Important Tips

• Apply for credit transfer at the time of admission or as early as possible in your programme
• Keep attested copies of all documents — IGNOU may not return originals immediately
• The maximum number of credits you can transfer varies by programme — check with your regional centre
• Credit transfer is not guaranteed — IGNOU evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis

For more student support resources, visit our IGNOU Student Services page.