Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Amarkantak Campus Life

About Indira Gandhi National Tribal University - [IGNTU] Anuppur

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) is a central university established in 2007 at Amarkantak, in Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, to promote higher education among tribal communities. Headquartered at village Lalpur near Amarkantak, it functions under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, with recognition under the UGC Act.

IGNTU offers a mix of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across arts, science, commerce, management, education and tribal studies, with a main campus at Amarkantak and a regional campus in Manipur. The university has submitted category-wise NIRF 2025 data and has been featured among the top universities in India by IIRF in 2025, reflecting growing academic and research activity focused on tribal-centric development and inclusive education.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) Amarkantak admits students to its UG and Diploma programmes through CUET-UG, followed by online registration and university-level counselling. Admissions for 2026 will follow the central CUET schedule and a short Samarth registration-counselling window, with CUET-UG scores compulsory for most undergraduate entries.

Admission Process

IGNTU Anuppur admits students to most UG programmes through CUET UG and to PG/M.Com and other postgraduate programmes through CUET PG, followed by IGNTU online counselling on the Samarth portal. Some certificate/diploma and a few UG courses use merit of the qualifying examination with university-level counselling.

BBA / B.Com (Hons) / Other UG (CUET-UG Based) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Check CUET-UG based eligibility for your chosen UG course on IGNTU admission portal (Samarth) and IGNTU website.
2. Register and apply for CUET UG on the NTA CUET-UG Samarth portal for IGNTU-listed programmes.
3. Appear in CUET UG in the required subject combination and retain your scorecard.
4. Register on IGNTU Samarth admission portal for UG counselling using CUET-UG 2025 application and score details.
5. Fill programme choices, lock preferences and submit for IGNTU UG counselling.
6. Check provisional selection/seat allotment lists on IGNTU Samarth and university admission notices.
7. Upload documents, pay first-year fee online within the given deadline to confirm the seat.
8. Report to IGNTU Anuppur campus with originals for physical verification and orientation as scheduled.

M.Com / Other PG (CUET-PG Based) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Verify PG eligibility (subject and percentage) for your chosen programme in the IGNTU PG admission notification.
2. Apply for CUET PG on the NTA CUET-PG Samarth portal selecting IGNTU and relevant PG programme.
3. Download CUET PG admit card, appear in the exam and keep the scorecard safely.
4. Complete online registration on IGNTU Samarth PG counselling portal within the notified dates.
5. Fill and lock PG programme preferences and submit the counselling form.
6. Track IGNTU PG/B.Ed provisional selection lists and seat allotment notices.
7. Upload required documents, pay PG first-year fee online to accept the allotted seat.
8. Report at the concerned IGNTU department with originals for verification and final enrolment.

Ph.D Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Confirm subject-wise Ph.D eligibility (minimum marks and qualifying exam) in IGNTU Ph.D admission notification.
2. Ensure you hold valid JRF/NET/GATE/CUET Ph.D score, if required by the department.
3. Fill the online Ph.D application form on IGNTU website within the prescribed deadline.
4. Upload academic records, research proposal/area and valid test score details.
5. Pay the Ph.D application fee online and submit the form.
6. Download call letter and attend written test / interview at IGNTU as scheduled.
7. Check the department-wise Ph.D merit/selection list on the official website.
8. Complete fee payment and document verification to register for Ph.D coursework.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet and certificate
• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (for PG/MBA/M.Com/Ph.D)
• Postgraduate mark sheets and degree certificate (for Ph.D)
• CUET UG / CUET PG / JRF-NET / GATE scorecard, as applicable
• Transfer Certificate (TC) and Character Certificate from last institution
• Caste/Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) in central format after 1 April 2025, if applicable
• Domicile certificate, if claimed
• PwD certificate, if applicable
• Aadhaar card or other government photo ID
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Fee payment receipt and IGNTU application/counselling form printout

Cutoff 2025

IGNTU Anuppur admissions in 2025 are based on CUET UG and CUET PG scores, with competitive cutoffs for programmes like B.Sc Biotechnology, B.Pharm, and MCA. General category UG cutoffs range roughly from single-digit marks for less demanded BA (Hons.) and B.Voc courses up to above 350 marks for B.Sc Biotechnology and B.Pharm, while PG cutoffs for M.Sc and MCA span low to mid double digits.

Rankings & Accreditations

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) Anuppur is not listed in the published NIRF 2025 or 2024 ranking tables, though it has submitted NIRF data for evaluation. It features in IIRF’s national university rankings with a top‑10 position in 2025 and holds a NAAC ‘B’ grade accreditation.

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Grade B (status shown as accredited on university information)
• NBA: No programme-wise NBA accreditation listed in the NBA official database

Comparison

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) Amarkantak is a central university focused on tribal and rural-inclusive higher education. It is typically compared with other central universities in central India such as Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGU) Bilaspur and Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) Ranchi, which share similar mandates, locations in tribal-dominated regions, and multidisciplinary programmes at relatively affordable public-sector fee levels.

Key Strengths

• Indira Gandhi National Tribal University - [IGNTU] Anuppur: Strong focus on tribal-inclusive education with low fees, reservation and outreach for ST students, and growing multidisciplinary offerings in a residential rural campus.
• Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGU), Bilaspur: Older and larger central university with NAAC A grade, wider range of professional and vocational programmes, and relatively stronger NIRF performance and placement outcomes.
• Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ), Ranchi: Thematic schools-based structure, programmes aligned to environment, tribal studies and applied sciences, with emerging research focus relevant to Jharkhand’s resource and tribal context.

Campus & Infrastructure

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) is located at Village Lalpur near Amarkantak in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, amidst the forested Maikal hills at an elevation of about 1,048 metres. The campus lies close to the Narmada and Son river origins, giving it a scenic and relatively secluded academic environment.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 60,000+ print books, 6,000+ e-journals (through e-resources consortia)

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Multipurpose indoor stadium with 1 basketball court and 2 badminton courts
• 400-metre athletics track with football ground
• Auditorium with 600-seat capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility criteria for undergraduate admission at IGNTU?

Candidates must have completed 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks. For engineering programs, JEE Main or state-level exams are required; for medical courses, NEET is mandatory. Other programs may have college-specific entrance tests or rely on merit-based selection.

Does IGNTU accept CUET scores for admission?

Yes, IGNTU conducts admissions through CUET (Common University Entrance Test). Online registration for CUET typically opens in July, with candidates required to submit valid Gen-EWS and OBC-NCL certificates in the central format issued after April 1st of the admission year.

What is the annual hostel fee at IGNTU?

Hostel fees range from ₹3,250 to ₹5,000 per year for OBC and General category students, with additional mess charges of approximately ₹3,000 per month. Fees are submitted once annually through the online portal, making accommodation highly affordable compared to other central universities.

Are scholarships available for tribal and non-tribal students?

IGNTU offers scholarships based on academic merit and special categories including reserved quotas and financial need. Eligibility criteria vary by scholarship type. Students should check the official website or contact the admissions office for current scholarship availability and application deadlines.

What is the placement rate and average package at IGNTU?

Specific placement statistics are not publicly detailed, but the university facilitates campus placements through its placement cell. Students are encouraged to contact the official admissions office or visit the IGNTU website for current placement data and recruiter information.

Which companies recruit from IGNTU?

The university attracts recruiters across various sectors, though a comprehensive list of recruiting companies is not publicly available. Students should connect with the placement cell or senior students for detailed information about companies that visit campus during recruitment drives.

Does IGNTU offer research opportunities and Ph.D programs?

Yes, IGNTU offers Ph.D programs across multiple disciplines. The university has a Regional Campus in Manipur (established 2009) that specifically offers PG and Ph.D programs in five disciplines, making it the only regional campus of IGNTU.

What is the campus size and how many acres does IGNTU occupy?

IGNTU's main campus spans over 300 acres in Amarkantak, Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh. The sprawling green campus is situated in a peaceful, pollution-free environment surrounded by natural beauty and mountains, ideal for focused academic pursuits.

Are separate hostels available for boys and girls?

Yes, IGNTU has three hostels: two boys' hostels (Govind Guru Boys Hostel and Sone Hostel) and one girls' hostel (Rani Durgawati Girls Hostel). All hostels provide shared rooms with basic amenities including cot, table, chair, and cupboard, with Wi-Fi access throughout campus.

What is the quality of food in the hostel mess?

Food quality in the mess receives mixed reviews from students—some report good quality while others mention it could be improved. The mess operates at affordable rates (₹3,000/month), and students also have access to on-campus canteens for alternative dining options.

Is the campus Wi-Fi accessible 24/7 in hostels and classrooms?

Yes, the entire campus including hostels, classrooms, labs, and library has 24/7 Wi-Fi connectivity. This enables seamless access to digital resources and online learning materials across all academic and residential areas.

What sports facilities are available on campus?

IGNTU has a comprehensive sports complex featuring badminton courts, basketball courts, cricket ground, football field, swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball court, hockey ground, and kabaddi ground. Gym facilities with modern equipment are available in both boys' and girls' hostels.

How active are student clubs and cultural activities at IGNTU?

The campus hosts numerous student organizations including NCC, NSS, sports clubs, and cultural societies. Fests and cultural events occur at least monthly, often aligned with festivals like Onam, Hanuman Jayanti, and Holi, providing platforms for student engagement and talent showcase.

What is the library collection and study hours at IGNTU?

Prof Ram Dayal Munda Central Library houses an extensive collection of books and digital resources. The library offers 12-hour access daily, making it suitable for competitive exam preparation with a wide variety of academic and reference materials available.

Is transportation provided from nearby towns to campus?

Yes, IGNTU operates shuttle services from nearby towns situated over 25 km away, including Pendra Road, Gabriella, Karanjiya, and Rajendra Gram. Regular buses also ply between campus and Amarkantak town, facilitating easy commute for students.

What documents are required for the admission application?

Required documents include 10th and 12th mark sheets, graduation certificates (for postgraduate), entrance exam scorecards, proof of identity (Aadhar/passport), passport-size photographs, category certificates if applicable, transfer certificate, and character certificate from the previous institution.

Does IGNTU have banking and postal facilities on campus?

Yes, the campus has bank and ATM facilities, a post office, and a convenience store for student use. These services eliminate the need for students to travel to town for basic financial and postal transactions.

What is the academic structure—semesters or annual system?

IGNTU follows a semester-based academic system for most programs. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across multiple disciplines with regular semester examinations and continuous evaluation methods.

Can international students apply to IGNTU?

International students can apply to IGNTU. Required documents for international applicants include a valid passport copy along with standard admission documents. Interested candidates should contact the admissions office at igntuhelpdesk@igntu.ac.in for specific international admission guidelines.