Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) began operating in July 2008, following its creation as a Central University through an Act of Parliament in 2007. Its address is Village Lalpur, Amarkantak, in Madhya Pradesh's Anuppur district. The Central Government provides its full funding through the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the President of India serves as its Visitor.

Access to quality higher education for Scheduled Tribe communities is the university's central purpose. Its jurisdiction covers every Indian state and Union Territory. More than 3,000 students study across 13 schools and 37+ departments, with particular attention to tribal studies, humanities, social sciences and sciences.

IGNTU has NAAC Grade B accreditation and placed in the 151-200 band of the NIRF University Rankings in 2022. Its Amarkantak campus occupies 673 acres at a sacred meeting place of tribal cultures where the Narmada, Son and Johila rivers originate. The regional campus in Manipur covers another 301 acres. Its programmes span the following fields:

  • Social Sciences and Humanities: BA Hons and MA study options cover Hindi, Linguistics, Applied Psychology, Geography, Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, Sociology and Social Anthropology, History, and Tribal Studies.
  • Sciences: Students can pursue B.Sc and M.Sc programmes in Geology, Environmental Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany and Biotechnology.
  • Management and Commerce: The choices include M.Com, B.Com, BBA, BBA in Travel and Tourism Management, and MBA specialisations in Business Management and Travel and Tourism.
  • Education: Alongside B.Ed and M.Ed, the university runs integrated BA plus B.Ed and B.Sc plus B.Ed programmes.
  • Media and Culture: Options comprise BJMC, MJMC, B.Voc in Film Production, Stagecraft and Theatre, MA in Museology, and BA programmes in Museology and Performing Arts.
  • Pharmacy: D.Pharma and B.Pharm are available, along with M.Pharm specialisations in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutics.
  • Research: PhD study covers 18 disciplines, including Environmental Science, Regional Development, Biotechnology, Anthropology and Tribal Studies.

IGNTU Admission Dates 2027

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET), organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the entrance route for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. For CUET PG 2027, the NTA examination calendar lists the following tentative examination days.

EventDate
CUET PG 2027 examination for postgraduate admission, tentative scheduleMarch 1 to 5, March 8, March 12 to 20, and March 24 to 25, 2027
CUET PG 2027 buffer days, reserved as backup examination datesMarch 30 and 31, 2027

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

IGNTU Courses and Fees

Central Government subsidies keep programme charges low at IGNTU. Students can choose from more than 150 programmes across 37+ departments, particularly in tribal studies, social sciences, humanities and sciences. The table gives total programme fees, duration and entry requirements. Here, 10+2 means Class 12; PCB means Physics, Chemistry and Biology, while PCM means Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

CourseFeeDurationEligibility
BA Hons in core disciplinesINR 7,000 total3 years10+2 and CUET UG
BA Hons in Linguistics, Psychology, Performing Arts and other such disciplinesINR 45,000 total3 years10+2 and CUET UG
B.Sc in core science subjectsINR 9,000 total3 years10+2 with PCB or PCM and CUET UG
B.ComINR 7,000 total3 years10+2 in Commerce and CUET UG
BCA / BJMCINR 12,000 total3 years10+2 and CUET UG
BBAINR 8,000 total3 years10+2 and CUET UG
B.PharmINR 1.00 Lakh total4 years10+2 with PCB or PCM and CUET UG
MA in all disciplinesINR 8,000 total2 yearsGraduation and CUET PG
M.Sc in all disciplinesINR 10,000 total2 yearsB.Sc and CUET PG
MBAINR 10,000 to INR 15,000 total2 yearsGraduation and CUET PG
M.EdINR 51,000 total2 yearsB.Ed and CUET PG
M.PharmINR 2.20 Lakhs total2 yearsB.Pharm and CUET PG
PhD in 18 disciplinesINR 46,000 total3 to 5 yearsPostgraduate degree with 55% marks and CUET PhD

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Tribal and indigenous studies form a distinct part of the university's teaching. Its MA in Tribal Studies attracts students from different parts of India and is among the country's few university programmes devoted to this field. For practical skills linked to employment in tribal communities, IGNTU also runs B.Voc programmes in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Stagecraft, Theatre and Film Production.

IGNTU Admission Process

Admission depends on the entrance route for the chosen degree. Undergraduate (UG) courses use CUET UG, while postgraduate (PG) courses use CUET PG. Merit determines selection for these programmes, followed by university counselling and completion of admission formalities. Research applicants take an entrance examination and attend an interview.

Entrance Routes by Programme

Programme GroupEntrance RequirementExamination Mode or Focus
BA / BA Hons / B.Sc / BCA / B.Com / BBA / BJMCCUET UGOnline examination conducted by NTA
MA / M.Sc / MBA / MCA / M.Com / M.Ed / MJMCCUET PGOnline examination conducted by NTA
B.Ed / B.Sc plus B.Ed / BA plus B.EdCUET UG, B.Ed domainOnline examination conducted by NTA
B.Pharm / D.PharmaCUET UG / IGNTU entrance examinationNTA or university-level examination
PhD across all disciplinesCUET PhD or IGNTU entrance testSubject knowledge and research aptitude

Undergraduate Admission

NTA conducts CUET UG each year, and IGNTU uses a centralised merit process for undergraduate selection. Applicants need Class 12 from a recognised board. Under the CUET framework, most programmes do not specify a minimum percentage. Reservation for SC, ST, OBC and PwD applicants follows UGC guidelines and constitutional provisions.

  1. Take the CUET UG domain paper relevant to the programme you want to study.
  2. Use the CUET UG score to participate in IGNTU's centralised counselling.
  3. Fill in programme choices and take part in seat allotment.
  4. Complete document verification and pay the admission fee.

Postgraduate Admission

For MA, M.Sc, MBA, M.Com, MCA and M.Ed, the university selects students solely on merit using CUET PG scores. A relevant bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks is needed; the requirement is 45% for SC, ST and PwD applicants.

  1. Appear for CUET PG in the subject domain required for the chosen course.
  2. Join university counselling using the entrance score.
  3. Have the required documents verified.
  4. Pay the fee to complete admission.

Doctoral Admission

Research degrees are available in 18 disciplines. Applicants must hold a master's degree with at least 55% marks, reduced to 50% for SC, ST and PwD applicants.

  1. Qualify through CUET PhD or IGNTU's Research Entrance Test (RET).
  2. Attend the interview that follows the entrance examination.

IGNTU Cutoffs

The marks needed for admission differ across programmes. In the 2024 admission cycle, the General Category cutoff for B.Pharm through CUET UG was 250 marks. Arts and social science programmes typically have cutoffs between 120 and 180 marks.

ProgrammeEntrance ExaminationCategory or CycleCutoff
B.PharmCUET UGGeneral Category, 2024250 marks
Arts and social science programmesCUET UGTypical range120 to 180 marks

Annual cutoffs can change with the number of applicants and the seats available.

IGNTU Career Outcomes

Civil services, teaching, research and government administration are among the career routes open to IGNTU graduates. These include both state and Central Government jobs, as well as social sector work connected with tribal community development. The university does not organise conventional campus placement drives.

DegreeEmployment or Further Study RoutesExamples of Roles
MA Tribal Studies / SociologyResearch, civil services and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)Researcher, social worker, UPSC/MPSC officer
MA Economics / Political SciencePolicy work, teaching and civil servicesGovernment analyst, lecturer, IAS/IPS officer
M.Sc in science subjectsPhD study, research and government laboratoriesLecturer, scientist, laboratory officer
MBATravel businesses, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and government public sector undertakings (PSUs)Entrepreneur, manager, analyst
B.Pharm / M.PharmHospital pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industryPharmacist, medical representative, quality control (QC) analyst
B.Ed / M.EdState education services and school teachingEducation officer, Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT), Postgraduate Teacher (PGT)
BJMC / MJMCGovernment communications, media and public relations (PR)Content producer, journalist, Public Relations Officer (PRO)

For B.Pharm graduates working in Central India, typical starting pay is INR 2.5 LPA to INR 4 LPA, where LPA means lakh per annum. This is a regional salary range. SC/ST students preparing for UPSC, MPSC and other competitive examinations can receive free coaching and study materials through IGNTU's Dr. Ambedkar Centre for Excellence.

Career IndicatorDetails
Conventional campus placement drives at IGNTUNot conducted
Typical starting salary for B.Pharm graduates in Central IndiaINR 2.5 LPA to INR 4 LPA

IGNTU Rankings

IGNTU takes part in NIRF rankings as a Central University. Its University category result for 2022 was the 151-200 band. It also holds Grade B accreditation from NAAC.

Assessment BodyAssessment CategoryResult
NIRFUniversity151-200 band, 2022
NAACAccreditationGrade B

The university's role in tribal education is central to how its work is assessed. Across India, only two Central Universities were established specifically with this educational purpose, and IGNTU is one of them.

IGNTU Campus and Infrastructure

A forested plateau in the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges forms the setting for IGNTU's 673-acre Amarkantak campus. At an elevation of 1,048 metres, Amarkantak has cultural and spiritual importance for tribal communities, especially because the Narmada River begins here.

Facilities serving the university's 13 schools include science laboratories, computer centres and a central library. The campus also contains a Model Tribal School and a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), which supports agricultural extension work. Students have access to basic healthcare at the medical centre. Separate hostels for men and women provide subsidised accommodation costing up to INR 4,000 per semester.

IGNTU publishes Mekal Insight, a research journal, and houses the Dr. Ambedkar Centre for Excellence for SC/ST students. Its 301-acre Manipur regional campus serves tribal communities in the Northeast. For travel to the Amarkantak campus, Pendra Road station on the South East Central Railway (SECR) line is 55 km away, while Jabalpur Airport is 175 km away. Bilaspur, the nearest major city, is 90 km from the campus.

IGNTU Scholarships

Several government scholarship schemes support students at IGNTU, reflecting its role as a Central University focused on tribal education. Assistance can cover tuition, living expenses and preparation for competitive examinations, depending on the scheme.

Scholarship or Support SchemeWho Can ApplyFinancial or Other Support
Central Sector Scholarship for ST studentsScheduled Tribe students who meet the merit conditionsINR 10,000 per annum at UG level to INR 20,000 per annum at PG level
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST studentsST students whose family income is below INR 2.5 LakhsFull tuition coverage and a maintenance allowance
Dr. Ambedkar Centre for ExcellenceSC/ST students preparing for civil servicesFree coaching, study materials and accommodation support
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemesStudents with 80%+ in Class XII and family income below INR 4.5 LakhsINR 20,000 to INR 82,000 per annum

For most UG and PG programmes, fees fall between INR 7,000 and INR 51,000. After scholarships are paid, many ST students therefore meet almost none of the study cost themselves. Students should complete NSP registration before the November deadline each academic year.

IGNTU, GGU and Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya Comparison

Students considering universities in the tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh often assess IGNTU alongside Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGU) in Bilaspur and Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya in Durg. Each mainly serves tribal and semi-urban populations in the Mahakaushal-Chhattisgarh region.

FeatureIGNTU, AmarkantakGGU, Bilaspur, ChhattisgarhHemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya
University statusCentral UniversityCentral UniversityState University
Year established20071983; Central University status since 20091956
NAAC accreditationBAB+
NIRF position151-200 band, 2022101-150 band, recent rankingNot ranked
Campus size and location673 acres, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh492 acres, Bilaspur, ChhattisgarhLarge campus in Durg, Chhattisgarh
Funding sourceCentral Government through UGCCentral Government through UGCChhattisgarh State Government
Academic focusSpecial emphasis on tribal studiesGeneral education across multiple disciplinesGeneral education across multiple disciplines
Undergraduate BA feeINR 7,000 totalINR 15,000 to INR 20,000INR 10,000 to INR 15,000

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

IGNTU's dedicated tribal education purpose and subsidised fees make it a preferred option for students seeking specialised tribal studies programmes. GGU has stronger overall rankings and a wider selection of programmes aimed at urban careers. Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya affiliates colleges throughout Durg, while direct admission at its main campus involves a smaller intake.

IGNTU FAQs

Ques. Who funds IGNTU, and what kind of university is it?

Ans. Parliament established IGNTU as a Central University in 2007. All of its funding comes from the Central Government through UGC. Its Visitor is the President of India.

Ques. Which accreditation and NIRF result does IGNTU hold?

Ans. NAAC has accredited IGNTU with Grade B. In the 2022 NIRF University Rankings, it was placed in the 151-200 band.

Ques. Which entrance route should an IGNTU applicant follow for each degree level?

Ans. For undergraduate study, applicants take NTA's CUET UG; postgraduate applicants use CUET PG. Doctoral selection involves CUET PhD or IGNTU's Research Entrance Test, with an interview held after the examination.

Ques. How much should a student budget for core BA Hons study and hostel accommodation?

Ans. A 3-year BA Hons in a core subject, including History, Economics or Political Science, has a total programme fee of INR 7,000. Hostel charges can be up to INR 4,000 per semester.

Ques. What financial help can Scheduled Tribe students access at IGNTU?

Ans. ST students can receive support through Central Sector Scholarships, NSP schemes and the Post-Matric Scholarship. The Post-Matric scheme pays full tuition and a maintenance allowance. SC/ST students can also attend free civil services coaching at the university's Dr. Ambedkar Centre for Excellence.

Ques. What General Category score was needed for B.Pharm admission in 2024?

Ans. IGNTU's B.Pharm CUET UG cutoff in 2024 was 250 marks for the General Category. The number of applicants and available seats can cause the cutoff to change from one admission year to another.

Ques. What makes IGNTU suitable for research on tribal communities?

Ans. A dedicated Tribal Studies department runs MA and PhD programmes at IGNTU, an option available at few Indian universities. Amarkantak's importance as a tribal cultural site also supports field research in anthropology and ethnography, the study of communities and cultures through direct observation.

Ques. Which railway station serves the Amarkantak campus, and how far is it?

Ans. Pendra Road station, on the South East Central Railway (SECR) line, is 55 km from IGNTU's Amarkantak campus. The nearest major city, Bilaspur, is 90 km away.