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IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for admission to its 2-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The IGNOU BEd programme is recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), making it a valid qualification for government and private teaching positions across India. Every year, thousands of aspiring teachers and in-service educators apply for this entrance exam to pursue their BEd degree from one of India's most prestigious open universities. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam 2026 including notification dates, registration process, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, result, cutoff, counselling, and complete admission procedure.
Table of Contents
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Highlights
The IGNOU BEd programme offers a flexible pathway for graduates and working professionals to obtain a teaching qualification without disrupting their careers. Before proceeding with the detailed information, candidates should understand the key highlights of this entrance examination and the BEd programme offered by IGNOU.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Programme Name | Bachelor of Education (BEd) |
| Programme Duration | Minimum 2 Years, Maximum 5 Years |
| Mode of Education | Open and Distance Learning (ODL) |
| Recognition | NCTE Approved, UGC Recognized |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Offline |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Application Fee | Rs. 1,000/- (Non-refundable) |
| Programme Fee | Rs. 55,000 - 60,000 (Total) |
| Seats per PSC | 50 per Programme Study Centre |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in / ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Important Dates
Indira Gandhi National Open University releases the official notification for BEd Entrance Test in the month of December or January every year. Based on the previous year trends, the expected schedule for IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 is provided below. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for confirmed dates.
| Event | Expected Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | December 2025 / January 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | January 2026 (Third Week) |
| Last Date for Application Submission | February 2026 (Last Week) |
| Last Date with Late Fee | March 2026 (First Week) |
| Application Correction Window | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 (Second Week) |
| IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam Date | March 2026 (Third Week) |
| Answer Key Release | April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Merit List Release | June 2026 |
| Counselling Process | July-August 2026 |
| Session Commencement | July 2026 |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying for IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026. Meeting the eligibility criteria is mandatory for admission to the BEd programme, and documents will be verified during the counselling process.
Educational Qualification
| Category | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Category | Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Science/Social Science/Commerce/Humanities | 50% aggregate |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS | Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Science/Social Science/Commerce/Humanities | 45% aggregate (5% relaxation) |
| B.Tech/B.E Graduates | Bachelor's in Engineering/Technology with Science and Mathematics specialization | 55% aggregate |
Additional Eligibility Requirements
- Teaching Experience: Candidates must be trained in-service teachers in elementary education OR have completed an NCTE-recognized teacher education programme through face-to-face mode
- Age Limit: Minimum 21 years; No upper age limit
- Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible to apply
- NCTE Recognition: Prior teacher training programme (if any) must be NCTE recognized
Reservation Policy
| Category | Marks Relaxation | Reservation Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 5% in minimum eligibility | As per Government norms |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5% in minimum eligibility | As per Government norms |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 5% in minimum eligibility | As per Government norms |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 5% in minimum eligibility | As per Government norms |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 5% in minimum eligibility | As per Government norms |
| Kashmiri Migrants | As per University rules | As per Government norms |
| War Widows | As per University rules | As per Government norms |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Application Process
The application process for IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 is entirely online. Candidates must complete the registration and application submission through the official IGNOU Samarth portal. The step-by-step process is outlined below for easy understanding.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- Step 1: Visit the official portal ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in
- Step 2: Click on "New Registration" and create login credentials
- Step 3: Enter basic details like Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, Email ID
- Step 4: Generate Application Number and Password
- Step 5: Login using the credentials and fill the complete application form
- Step 6: Enter personal, educational, and contact information
- Step 7: Select up to 4 preferred exam cities in order of preference
- Step 8: Upload scanned documents as per specifications
- Step 9: Pay the application fee of Rs. 1,000/- online
- Step 10: Submit the application and download confirmation page
Documents Required for Application
| Document | Format | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Size Photograph | JPEG | 20KB - 100KB |
| Signature | JPEG | 10KB - 50KB |
| Class 10th Certificate | PDF/JPEG | As specified |
| Class 12th Certificate | PDF/JPEG | As specified |
| Graduation Marksheet | PDF/JPEG | As specified |
| Graduation Degree Certificate | PDF/JPEG | As specified |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | PDF/JPEG | As specified |
| NCTE Recognized Teacher Training Certificate | PDF/JPEG | As specified |
| Teaching Experience Certificate | PDF/JPEG | As specified |
Application Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entrance Test Application Fee (All Categories) | Rs. 1,000/- |
| Late Fee (if applicable) | Rs. 200/- |
| Payment Mode | Online (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI) |
| Refund Policy | Non-refundable |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The IGNOU BEd Entrance Test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions divided into two parts. The exam tests candidates on their teaching aptitude, subject knowledge, reasoning ability, and general awareness.
Exam Pattern Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Offline |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Language | English and Hindi (Bilingual) |
| Number of Parts | Part A (Compulsory) + Part B (Subject-specific) |
Section-wise Question Distribution
| Part | Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A (Compulsory) | General English Comprehension | 10 | 10 |
| Logical and Analytical Reasoning | 20 | 20 | |
| Educational and General Awareness | 25 | 25 | |
| Teaching-Learning and the School | 25 | 25 | |
| Part B (Choose One Subject) | Subject Awareness (Science/Mathematics/Social Science/English/Hindi) | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Syllabus
The IGNOU BEd Entrance Test syllabus is divided into two parts. Part A covers general topics that are compulsory for all candidates, while Part B tests subject-specific knowledge based on the candidate's graduation background. Candidates should prepare from Class 12 level textbooks for subject-specific sections.
Part A: Compulsory Sections Syllabus
Section 1: General English Comprehension (10 Marks)
- Reading Comprehension passages
- Basic Grammar (Tenses, Voice, Narration)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
- Idioms and Phrases
- Error Detection and Correction
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Rearrangement
Section 2: Logical and Analytical Reasoning (20 Marks)
- Alphanumeric Series
- Analogy
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense Test
- Calendar Problems
- Number Series
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Statement-based Questions
- Logical Venn Diagrams
Section 3: Educational and General Awareness (25 Marks)
- History of India and World
- Geography of India
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Current Affairs
- Science and Technology
- Sports and Games
- Awards and Honours
- Important Days and Events
- Educational Policies (NEP 2020)
- Right to Education (RTE) Act
- Famous Educationists and their Contributions
Section 4: Teaching-Learning and the School (25 Marks)
- Teaching Aptitude and Attitude
- Child Development and Psychology
- Learning Theories and Principles
- Classroom Management
- Teaching Methods and Techniques
- Educational Evaluation and Assessment
- Inclusive Education
- Role of Teacher in Education
- School Organization and Management
- ICT in Education
Part B: Subject Awareness Syllabus (20 Marks)
Candidates must choose ONE subject from the following based on their graduation background. Questions are based on Class 12 level curriculum.
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology concepts from Class 11-12 NCERT |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Number System |
| Social Science | History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology |
| English | Grammar, Literature, Comprehension, Writing Skills |
| Hindi | Grammar, Literature, Comprehension, Writing Skills |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Admit Card
The IGNOU BEd Admit Card 2026 will be released approximately one week before the examination date on the official portal. The admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the entrance test and must be carried to the examination centre along with a valid photo ID proof.
Steps to Download Admit Card
- Visit the official website ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in
- Click on "Download Admit Card" link
- Enter Enrollment Number and Date of Birth
- Click on Submit button
- Download and print the admit card
- Verify all details mentioned on the admit card
Details Mentioned on Admit Card
- Candidate's Name and Photograph
- Enrollment Number / Application Number
- Date of Birth
- Exam Centre Name and Address
- Exam Centre Code
- Exam Date and Time
- Reporting Time
- Important Instructions
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Result
The IGNOU BEd Entrance Test Result 2026 is expected to be declared in June 2026 on the official website. The result will be available in the form of a scorecard containing the candidate's marks, qualification status, and other relevant details.
Steps to Check Result
- Visit the official IGNOU website ignou.ac.in
- Navigate to "BEd Entrance Result 2026" link
- Enter Enrollment Number and Date of Birth
- Click on Submit button
- View and download the result scorecard
- Take printout for future reference
Details on Result Scorecard
- Candidate's Name and Roll Number
- Marks obtained in each section
- Total marks secured
- Rank (if applicable)
- Qualification Status (Qualified/Not Qualified)
- Category
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2025 Cutoff (Previous Year Reference)
The IGNOU BEd cutoff varies each year based on factors like exam difficulty, number of candidates, and available seats. The cutoff marks from 2025 provide a reference for candidates preparing for 2026 examination.
| Category | Expected Cutoff Marks 2025 | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General | 60-65 | 50% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 55-60 | 45% |
| SC | 50-55 | 45% |
| ST | 50-55 | 45% |
| PwD | 50-55 | 45% |
| EWS | 55-60 | 45% |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Tie-Breaking Criteria
In case two or more candidates secure the same marks in the IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026, the following tie-breaking criteria will be applied to determine the merit rank.
- Step 1: Candidates with Post-Graduate degree scoring above 50% are awarded 2 additional marks
- Step 2: Candidates with Under-Graduate degree scoring above 50% are awarded 1 additional mark
- Step 3: If tie persists, candidates with higher overall scores in the entrance test are given preference
- Step 4: If tie still persists, older candidates are given preference based on date of birth
IGNOU BEd Counselling 2026
Candidates who qualify the IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 and meet the cutoff marks will be called for counselling at designated Programme Study Centres (PSCs). The counselling process involves document verification and seat allotment based on merit.
Counselling Process
- IGNOU releases category-wise merit list after result declaration
- Qualified candidates receive counselling call letters via email/SMS
- Candidates must report to allotted Regional Centre on specified date
- Document verification is conducted at the counselling venue
- Seats are allocated based on merit rank and availability
- Candidates must pay the programme fee to confirm admission
- Maximum 50 candidates are admitted per Programme Study Centre
Documents Required for Counselling
- IGNOU BEd Entrance Test Scorecard (Original and Photocopy)
- Admit Card
- Class 10th and 12th Marksheets and Certificates
- Graduation/Post-Graduation Marksheets and Degree
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) if applicable
- NCTE Recognized Teacher Education Programme Certificate
- Teaching Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Passport)
- Passport Size Photographs (4-6 copies)
- Programme Fee (Demand Draft/Online Payment Receipt)
IGNOU BEd Programme Fee Structure 2026
The IGNOU BEd programme fee is payable in installments across the course duration. Candidates must pay the fee as per the schedule to continue their studies and appear for examinations.
| Fee Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entrance Test Application Fee | Rs. 1,000/- |
| Programme Fee (Total) | Rs. 55,000 - 60,000/- |
| First Year Fee | Rs. 27,500 - 30,000/- |
| Second Year Fee | Rs. 27,500 - 30,000/- |
| Re-registration Fee (per semester) | Rs. 200/- |
| Exam Form Fee (Theory) | Rs. 200/- per subject |
| Exam Form Fee (Practical) | Rs. 300/- per subject |
IGNOU BEd Programme Structure
The IGNOU BEd programme is spread across 4 semesters over a minimum duration of 2 years. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical training to develop competent teaching professionals.
Programme Components
- Theory Courses: Core education subjects covering pedagogy, psychology, and subject knowledge
- Workshop Activities: Practical skill-building sessions including lesson planning, microteaching, and use of teaching aids
- Practice Teaching: School-based internship for real classroom experience
- Assignments: Written assignments carrying 30% weightage in final grading
- Term End Examinations: Final exams conducted by IGNOU at designated centres
- Project Work: Research-based projects on educational topics
IGNOU Regional Centres for BEd Programme
IGNOU operates through a vast network of Regional Centres (RCs) and Programme Study Centres (PSCs) across India. Candidates are allotted study centres based on their location preference and seat availability. IGNOU has 67 Regional Centres and approximately 2000 Learner Support Centres across India.
Major Regional Centres
| Region | Regional Centre | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| North India | Delhi, Karnal, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh | Delhi, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, Punjab |
| South India | Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Madurai | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala |
| East India | Kolkata, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Guwahati | West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam |
| West India | Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bhopal, Nagpur | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh |
| Central India | Raipur, Jabalpur | Chhattisgarh, MP |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly review the official syllabus and exam pattern before starting preparation
- Create Study Plan: Divide study time among all sections based on their weightage
- Focus on High-Weightage Sections: Prioritize Educational Awareness and Teaching-Learning sections (50 marks combined)
- Practice Reasoning Daily: Dedicate 30-45 minutes daily to logical reasoning practice
- Read Current Affairs: Stay updated with educational policies, NEP 2020, and current events
- Study NCERT Books: Refer to Class 11-12 NCERT textbooks for subject-specific preparation
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Practice with past papers to understand question patterns
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
- Revise Teaching Concepts: Focus on child psychology, learning theories, and classroom management
- Time Management: Practice completing 100 questions in 120 minutes
Recommended Books for IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026
| Subject/Section | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Complete Guide | IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam Guide by RPH Editorial Board, Arihant IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam Book |
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
| General English | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi |
| General Awareness | Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook |
| Teaching Aptitude | Educational Psychology by S.K. Mangal |
| Subject Knowledge | NCERT Textbooks (Class 11-12) |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU BEd
The IGNOU BEd degree opens up numerous career opportunities in the education sector. The NCTE-recognized degree is valid for teaching positions in both government and private schools across India.
| Career Option | Expected Salary Range (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Government School Teacher (TGT/PGT) | Rs. 30,000 - 50,000 |
| Private School Teacher | Rs. 20,000 - 40,000 |
| Education NGO Professional | Rs. 25,000 - 45,000 |
| Online Tutor/Educator | Rs. 15,000 - 35,000 |
| Education Content Developer | Rs. 25,000 - 50,000 |
| School Administrator | Rs. 35,000 - 60,000 |
| Education Counsellor | Rs. 25,000 - 45,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- IGNOU BEd Entrance Test is a national-level entrance examination conducted by Indira Gandhi National Open University for admission to its 2-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme offered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The test evaluates candidates on teaching aptitude, subject knowledge, reasoning ability, and general awareness.
- Candidates must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in Science, Social Science, Commerce, or Humanities. Additionally, candidates should be trained in-service teachers or have completed an NCTE-recognized teacher education programme in face-to-face mode. There is no upper age limit for applying.
- The application fee for IGNOU BEd Entrance Test 2026 is Rs. 1,000/- for all categories. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Late fee of Rs. 200/- may be applicable for applications submitted after the regular deadline.
- The IGNOU BEd Entrance Test consists of 100 MCQs of 100 marks to be completed in 2 hours. The exam is divided into Part A (80 marks – compulsory) covering General English, Logical Reasoning, Educational Awareness, and Teaching-Learning, and Part B (20 marks) covering subject-specific questions. There is no negative marking.
- No, there is no negative marking in IGNOU BEd Entrance Test. Candidates are awarded 1 mark for each correct answer, and no marks are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. This allows candidates to attempt all questions without fear of losing marks.
- The total programme fee for IGNOU BEd is approximately Rs. 55,000 – 60,000/- payable in installments over 2 years. This includes tuition fee, study materials, examination fee, and other charges. Additional fees may apply for re-registration and practical examinations.
- Each Programme Study Centre (PSC) of IGNOU has a maximum intake of 50 students for the BEd programme. The total number of seats depends on the number of PSCs offering the programme across India. Seats are allocated based on merit rank and preference during counselling.
- Yes, IGNOU BEd degree is valid for government teaching jobs as it is recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Candidates can apply for TGT/PGT positions in government and private schools after completing the programme.
- No, once the IGNOU BEd Entrance Test application is submitted and exam centre is allotted, it cannot be changed under normal circumstances. Candidates are advised to carefully select their preferred exam cities during the application process. In rare cases, IGNOU may allow changes under specific conditions.
- Required documents include IGNOU BEd Entrance Test scorecard, admit card, Class 10th and 12th certificates, graduation/post-graduation marksheets and degree, category certificate (if applicable), NCTE-recognized teacher training certificate, teaching experience certificate, identity proof, and passport-size photographs. All original documents must be presented for verification.
- Candidates from General category must score minimum 50% marks (50 out of 100) to qualify the entrance test. For reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS), the minimum qualifying marks is 45% (45 out of 100). However, actual admission cutoff is usually higher based on competition.
- Yes, attending counselling sessions (contact classes) at designated Programme Study Centres is mandatory for IGNOU BEd students. These sessions are typically held on Saturdays and Sundays. Without completion of required contact hours, candidates will not be allowed to appear for Term End Examinations.
