About IGNOU PGDAC – Post Graduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
This programme teaches you how to test the quality of chemicals, medicines, and food items using modern laboratory machines. It prepares students for technical roles where they need to measure the exact composition of different substances in a lab setting.
Who Should Choose This Programme?
If you have completed your B.Sc. with Chemistry and want to work in a testing lab, this course is a great fit for you. It is perfect for science graduates who live in smaller towns but want to gain the technical skills required by big pharmaceutical or food companies. Many laboratory assistants who are already working in school or college labs take this course to get a promotion to a senior chemist role.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Most students choose this because it is very affordable and the degree is recognized for government jobs across India. Private coaching for analytical chemistry can be very expensive, but IGNOU provides the same knowledge at a fraction of the cost. The flexibility to study while keeping a full-time job is the main reason why working professionals enroll in this diploma every year.
Where Does This Programme Help?
After completing PGDAC, graduates can find work in various manufacturing and testing sectors. You can apply for jobs like Quality Control Chemist, Lab Analyst, or Water Testing Expert. Specific organizations that hire people with these skills include Sun Pharma, Cipla, Mother Dairy, local water board departments, and environmental testing laboratories. It helps you handle complex machines like Spectrometers and Chromatographs which are used in every modern factory.
IGNOU PGDAC (Post Graduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry) Highlights
The table below provides a quick summary of the Post Graduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. It includes the duration, eligibility, and the language in which the course is taught at IGNOU.
| Programme Name | Post Graduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry |
| Programme Code | PGDAC |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Year |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. degree with Chemistry as one of the subjects |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Offering School | School of Sciences |
IGNOU PGDAC Admission – Important Details
The admission process for this diploma happens twice a year, once for the January cycle and once for the July cycle. When you take IGNOU PGDAC Admission, you must select a Study Centre that has a chemistry laboratory because you will have to attend practical classes. These practical sessions are usually held for 7 to 14 days at a stretch. You will receive printed books at your home address, but you can also download the digital versions from the eGyanKosh website immediately after your admission is confirmed.
IGNOU PGDAC Admission Last Date 2026
For the January 2026 session, the last date for IGNOU PGDAC Admission is typically February 28, 2026. For the July 2026 session, the application deadline is usually July 31, 2026. You should keep checking the Samarth Admission Portal for any official extensions or changes in these dates.
IGNOU PGDAC Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this programme, you must meet the following educational requirements set by the university:
- A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from a recognized university.
- Chemistry must be one of the subjects studied during your B.Sc. degree.
- Graduates in Biochemistry or other related science fields are eligible if Chemistry was a core subject.
- There is no minimum percentage required in graduation to apply.
- There is no minimum or maximum age limit for students.
IGNOU PGDAC Fees Structure 2026
The fee mentioned below is for the complete programme duration. Please note that you have to pay the registration and programme fee together at the time of your first application.
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| Total Programme Fee | Rs. 9,600 |
| Registration Fee | Rs. 300 (Non-refundable) |
| Examination Fee | As per IGNOU norms (Currently Rs. 200 per paper) |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU PGDAC Admission
- Visit IGNOU Admission Portal (Samarth) and click New Registration.
- Create a unique username and password using your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the online application form and carefully select PGDAC from the list of available programmes.
- Select the Regional Centre and a Study Centre near you that offers chemistry lab facilities.
- Upload your digital documents including a passport photo, signature, and your B.Sc. marksheets.
- Pay the total admission fees online using your Credit/Debit card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Save and print your final application form and the payment receipt for future use.
IGNOU PGDAC Curriculum and Course Structure
The PGDAC syllabus is designed to give you both book knowledge and hands-on lab experience. The total 32 credits are divided into four theory papers and four practical lab papers. You must pass both theory and practical exams to get the diploma.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| MCH-001 | Basic Analytical Chemistry | 6 |
| MCH-002 | Separation Methods | 6 |
| MCH-003 | Spectroscopic Methods | 6 |
| MCH-004 | Electroanalytical and Other Methods | 6 |
| MCHL-001 | Basic Analytical Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| MCHL-002 | Separation Methods Lab | 2 |
| MCHL-003 | Spectroscopic Methods Lab | 2 |
| MCHL-004 | Electroanalytical and Other Methods Lab | 2 |
IGNOU PGDAC Programme Coordinator
Students seeking academic guidance or clarification regarding the course structure can reach out to the following faculty members at School of Sciences.
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Department |
| Prof. Lalita S. Kumar | lalitaskumar@ignou.ac.in | School of Sciences (SOS) |
| Dr. Sanjiv Kumar | sanjivkumar@ignou.ac.in | School of Sciences (SOS) |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU PGDAC
Once you complete this diploma, you will be ready to work in the chemical industry. You can join companies like Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, or Asian Paints as an Analytical Chemist or Quality Control Officer. These roles involve checking if the raw materials and final products meet safety standards. Many students also find jobs in government food testing labs or environmental pollution control boards where they test water and air samples. The technical training in using lab instruments makes you a valuable candidate for research assistant roles in universities as well.
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 PGDAC students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU PGDAC 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.
Official IGNOU Links
Join IGNOUED Community
Official IGNOU updates, admissions, assignments, results and guidance.
✔ Last updated: April 2026
