Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), India’s premier open university established by an Act of Parliament in 1985, has released a major direct recruitment drive for teaching positions. Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD, dated 19 September 2026, invites online applications for the posts of Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor across various Schools of Studies.
This is a direct recruitment process (not through promotion or CAS) based on an all-India advertisement and selection by duly constituted committees, following UGC Regulations 2018 and subsequent amendments (plus norms of bodies like NCTE or MCI where applicable).
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Advertisement No. | 01/2026/ACD, dated 19.09.2026 |
| Posts | Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor |
| Total Vacancies | Around 38–42 (including backlog SC/ST/OBC vacancies from earlier cycles) |
| Application Mode | Online + Hard copy submission |
| Online Portal Opens | 20 September 2026 |
| Last Date (Online) | 20 October 2026 (or 30 days from Employment News publication, whichever is later) |
| Hard Copy Deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Official Website | www.ignou.ac.in |
Vacancies are spread across 14 Schools of Studies, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Continuing Education, Management Studies, Health Sciences, Law, Journalism & New Media Studies, Tourism & Hospitality, Interdisciplinary & Transdisciplinary Studies, Social Work, Foreign Languages, Translation Studies & Training, and Performing & Visual Arts.
Pay Scales (7th CPC)
- Professor: Academic Level 14 – ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200
- Associate Professor: Academic Level 13A – ₹1,31,400 – ₹2,17,100
- Assistant Professor: Academic Level 10 – ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400
These are attractive central university scales with the usual allowances and benefits applicable to IGNOU faculty.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is governed by the UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education, 2018 (and amendments), as well as any additional requirements of regulatory bodies.
Professor
- Ph.D. in the concerned/allied/relevant discipline.
- High-quality published work with a minimum of 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals.
- Total research score of at least 120 (as per UGC Appendix).
- Evidence of active engagement in research.
- Alternative pathway (B) also available for candidates with equivalent achievements as per UGC norms.
- Special provisions apply for certain disciplines (e.g., Health Sciences, Nursing).
Associate Professor
- Ph.D. in the concerned/allied/relevant discipline.
- Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade).
- Minimum 8 years of teaching and/or research experience in an academic/research position equivalent to that of Assistant Professor in a university, college, or accredited research institution.
- Research score and publications as prescribed by UGC.
Assistant Professor
- Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (or equivalent) in the relevant subject + NET/SLET/SET (or Ph.D. as per UGC exemption rules).
- Specific requirements vary by discipline.
The cut-off date for determining eligibility is the last date of online application submission. Candidates who applied against earlier unfilled posts (Advt. 02/2022/ACD or 02/2023/ACD) must apply afresh but are exempt from the application fee on providing proof of earlier payment.
How to Apply
- Visit the official IGNOU website (www.ignou.ac.in) and go to the recruitment/academic coordination section.
- Register and fill in the prescribed online Application Proforma carefully.
- Upload required documents (certificates, publications list, research score details, category certificates, etc.).
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the online form and take a printout.
- Send the hard copy of the application along with self-attested copies of all necessary certificates/documents by Registered/Speed Post to:
The Director, Academic Coordination Division,
Indira Gandhi National Open University,
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068
so as to reach on or before 30 October 2026.