About IGNOU BAGS – BA (Gender Studies)
This course teaches you how gender roles are created by society and how they affect politics, work, and family life. It prepares you to work in fields like social welfare, human rights, and corporate offices that focus on making sure all employees are treated fairly regardless of their gender.
Who Should Choose This Programme?
If you have finished your school and want to work for the rights of women or marginalized groups in your local community, this course is a great fit. It is also perfect for people already working in small NGOs who want a proper degree to get promotions or better jobs in bigger organizations like Child Rights and You (CRY) or HelpAge India. If you enjoy reading about history and society from a new perspective, you will find this very interesting.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Most students choose this because it is much cheaper than doing a similar course at a private city college. You can stay in your home town, continue your current job or chores, and study using the books IGNOU sends to your house. The BA (Gender Studies) degree is also recognized by the government, so you can use it to apply for various government jobs or even sit for the UPSC and State PSC exams.
Where Does This Programme Help?
After completing BAGS, graduates typically work as Social Workers, Project Assistants in NGOs, or Diversity Officers in large companies. You can find jobs in organizations like the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Pratham, or international groups like CARE India. It also helps if you want to become a teacher or researcher after doing a Master’s degree later on.
IGNOU BAGS (BA (Gender Studies)) Highlights
The following table provides a quick overview of the BAGS course details for the 2026 academic session. It includes the duration, language options, and the school responsible for the curriculum.
| Programme Name | BA (Gender Studies) |
| Programme Code | BAGS |
| Minimum Duration | 3 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 6 Years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent |
| Medium of Instruction | English & Hindi |
| Offering School | School of Gender and Development Studies |
IGNOU BAGS Admission – Important Details
To successfully complete the admission process, you must choose a Study Centre (LSC) that is convenient for you to visit. Even though the course is distance learning, you will need to go to your Study Centre to submit your handwritten assignments and attend weekend counseling classes. Every year, you will need to re-register for the next set of subjects. Make sure to keep your mobile number and email ID active because the university sends all exam and assignment alerts there. The programme follows a credit system where you need to earn 132 credits to get your degree certificate.
IGNOU BAGS Admission Last Date 2026
The university opens the admission portal twice every year. For the January session 2026, the last date is typically February 28. For the July session 2026, the last date is typically July 31. Students are advised to complete their registration early on the Samarth Portal to avoid last-minute server issues and ensure their study material is dispatched on time.
IGNOU BAGS Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility rules for this programme are very simple to ensure that anyone who wants to learn can join without stress.
- Applicants must have completed 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or its equivalent from a recognized Board.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement for the general or reserved categories.
- No age limit applies, making it accessible for freshers and working professionals alike.
IGNOU BAGS Fees Structure 2026
The fees are divided into yearly payments. Below are the approximate amounts you need to pay during your first-year registration.
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| Annual Programme Fee | Rs. 4,000 – 4,300 per year |
| Registration Fee | Rs. 300 (Payable only in 1st year) |
| Development Fee | Rs. 200 (One-time) |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU BAGS Admission
- Visit IGNOU Admission Portal (Samarth) and click New Registration.
- Create a unique username and a strong password using your email and mobile number.
- Log in and fill the application form carefully—make sure to select BAGS from the programme list.
- Select a Regional Centre and a Study Centre near you for submitting assignments and attending classes.
- Upload required documents: your recent photo, signature, and 10th and 12th-grade certificates.
- Pay the admission fees online via Credit/Debit card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Save and print your application form and payment receipt for future reference.
IGNOU BAGS Curriculum and Course Structure
The BA (Gender Studies) programme is spread across six semesters. You will study core subjects that build your foundation and elective subjects that allow you to specialize in certain areas. You need to complete 132 credits in total.
| Course Code | Title of the Course |
| BGDG-172 | Gender Sensitization: Society and Culture |
| BGS-012 | Gender-Based Violence |
| BGS-002 | Gender, Science, Technology and Society |
| BGS-005 | Issues of Gender and Development |
IGNOU BAGS Programme Coordinator
Students seeking academic guidance or clarification regarding the course structure can reach out to the following faculty members at School of Gender and Development Studies.
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Contact Number |
| Prof. Himadri Roy | himadriroy@ignou.ac.in | 011-29571614 |
| Prof. Nilima Srivastava | nilimasrivastav@ignou.ac.in | 011-29571620 |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU BAGS
Graduating from this course allows you to apply for many roles in the social sector. You can work as a Gender Consultant for international groups like UN Women or UNESCO. Many students join as Social Workers in local NGOs or work in Human Resources (HR) departments of private companies where they manage Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) programs. You can also become a Policy Researcher or a Community Organizer helping people understand their rights. The degree is useful for those who want to enter the media as journalists focusing on social issues.
The degree is recognised by the
University Grants Commission (UGC)
and is equivalent to any regular university degree of the same level.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ Admission details for the 2026 session will be updated after IGNOU releases the official notification. Always verify fees, dates, and eligibility at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in before applying.
Also Read
More resources for BAGS students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU BAGS Admission
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). All information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Fee amounts, eligibility criteria, and admission dates are subject to change. Always verify current details at ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
