Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) has a total BA fee starting at INR 6,700 for the full 3-year course, placing its fees among the lowest at Indian Central Universities. Based in Amarkantak, Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, it was established under the IGNTU Act 2007. It is India's only Central University devoted exclusively to tribal education.

For undergraduate admission, IGNTU uses CUET UG scores, while postgraduate admission uses CUET PG scores. Applications and counselling are handled through the university's Samarth portal. As a Central University created by an Act of Parliament, IGNTU has no management quota or NRI seats. Admission depends on entrance scores and university counselling merit; direct admission is not available.

  • UG counselling 2026: Registration and programme choices are submitted through igntucuet.samarth.edu.in using CUET UG scores. The official admission page now states that UG admissions for 2026-27 have closed.
  • PG admission 2026: First-round document verification has been completed. Verification forms part of the seat-allotment process. The university's admission notice states that PG admissions for 2026-27 have closed.
  • PhD admission 2026: Applicants are considered through CUET PG or the IGNTU entrance examination, followed by an interview. Visit igntu.ac.in/admission for the PhD notification.
  • Students can choose from more than 50 programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral study. The subjects cover humanities, science, commerce, management, pharmacy, education, journalism and tribal studies.
  • The Central Government reservation pattern applies: OBC-NCL 27%, SC 15%, ST 7.5%, EWS 10% and PwD 5%.
  • Across all programmes, SC and ST applicants get a 5% relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks.
  • Preserving and promoting tribal knowledge and traditional knowledge systems is part of IGNTU's purpose. Research options include tribal studies and tribal languages.
  • Every enrolled PG student receives the IGNTU PG Scholarship of INR 10,000 per year.

Admission portal: igntucuet.samarth.edu.in | University website: igntu.ac.in

IGNTU Important Dates

IGNTU PhD Admission 2026

EventDate
PhD admission confirmationOctober 2026 (Tentative)

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

UGC-NET December 2026

EventDate
UGC-NET December 2026 online application window8 to 28 October 2026, until 11:50 PM
UGC-NET December 2026 examination-fee payment deadline28 October 2026, until 11:50 PM
UGC-NET December 2026 application window with late fee29 to 31 October 2026, until 11:50 PM
UGC-NET December 2026 payment deadline with late fee31 October 2026, until 11:50 PM
UGC-NET December 2026 application correction window2 to 4 November 2026, until 11:50 PM
UGC-NET December 2026 examination-city information23 November 2026
UGC-NET December 2026 admit-card download7 December 2026
UGC-NET December 2026 examination14 to 18 December 2026 and 21 December 2026

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

Schedule: UGC-NET December 2026 revised information bulletin.

GATE 2027

EventDate
GATE 2027 deadline to correct application defects identified during scrutiny31 October 2026
GATE 2027 examination-city allotment notification4 January 2027
GATE 2027 examination6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027
GATE 2027 result announcement19 March 2027

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

Schedule: GATE 2027 official important dates.

IGNTU Undergraduate Admission 2026

A CUET UG score forms the basis of undergraduate selection at IGNTU. Students must also complete the university's counselling registration through Samarth. The application fee is INR 600 for General, OBC-NCL and EWS applicants, and INR 300 for SC, ST and PwBD applicants.

UG Programmes: Duration and Entry Requirements

ProgrammeDurationEntry Requirements
BA Hons in multiple disciplines3 yearsPass Class 12 with the relevant subjects and have a CUET UG score. SC/ST applicants get a 5% relaxation in qualifying marks.
B.Sc in Mathematics, Life Sciences and other subjects3 yearsComplete Class 12 in the Science stream and qualify through CUET UG. A 5% marks relaxation applies to SC/ST applicants.
B.Com3 yearsA Class 12 pass and a CUET UG score are needed. SC/ST applicants receive a 5% relaxation in qualifying marks.
BBA3 yearsApplicants need to pass Class 12 and have a CUET UG score. The qualifying-marks requirement is relaxed by 5% for SC/ST applicants.
BCA3 yearsMathematics must be a Class 12 subject, and a CUET UG score is needed. SC/ST applicants get a 5% relaxation in qualifying marks.
B.Ed2 yearsA bachelor's degree with 50% marks and a CUET UG score are needed. The degree requirement is 45% for SC/ST/PwD applicants.
B.Pharma4 yearsPass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics, and have a CUET UG score.
BJMC3 yearsPass Class 12 and have a CUET UG score. SC/ST applicants receive a 5% relaxation in qualifying marks.

UG Fees for the Complete Course

Programme and DurationFull-Course Fee
BA Hons, 3 yearsINR 6,700 to INR 10,200
B.Com / BBA, 3 yearsINR 8,000 to INR 12,000, indicative; confirm during admission
BCA, 3 yearsINR 15,150
BJMC, 3 yearsINR 9,000 to INR 13,500, indicative; confirm during admission
B.Pharma, 4 yearsINR 40,000 to INR 60,000, indicative; confirm during admission

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

How UG Seats Are Allotted

The university ranks applicants using their CUET UG subject scores. Counselling rounds on igntucuet.samarth.edu.in are then used to allot seats.

  • Seat reservation follows Central Government rules: OBC-NCL 27%, SC 15%, ST 7.5%, EWS 10% and PwD 5%.
  • For every UG programme, the minimum eligibility marks are relaxed by 5% for SC and ST applicants.
  • If applicants have equal CUET scores, the older applicant receives the higher rank.
  • Students must complete document verification at the university or follow the reporting instructions in their allotment letter.

UG Application Steps

  • Create a registration on IGNTU's Samarth portal within the notified counselling window.
  • Use the CUET UG 2026 Application Number to sign in, then fill in personal information and entrance scores.
  • Make the online counselling-fee payment: INR 600 for General/OBC-NCL/EWS or INR 300 for SC/ST/PwBD.
  • Arrange programme choices from most preferred to least preferred. Attach category and income certificates where applicable.
  • After allotment, download the allotment letter and take the original documents to IGNTU, Amarkantak for reporting.

IGNTU Postgraduate Admission 2026

Postgraduate applicants are selected using CUET PG scores. The first allotment round's document verification has been completed. Registration costs INR 600 for General/OBC-NCL/EWS applicants and INR 300 for SC/ST/PwBD applicants. Every PG student also receives institutional scholarship support of INR 10,000 each year.

PG Programmes: Duration and Entry Requirements

ProgrammeDurationEntry Requirements
MA in Hindi, English, History, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Tribal Studies and other subjects2 yearsA relevant bachelor's degree with at least 45% marks and a CUET PG score. SC/ST/PwD applicants need 40%.
M.Sc in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Computer Science and other subjects2 yearsA B.Sc in the relevant subject with at least 45% marks, plus a CUET PG score. The minimum for SC/ST/PwD applicants is 40%.
MBA in Business Management / Tourism2 yearsA bachelor's degree in any subject with 45% marks and a CUET PG score. SC/ST/PwD applicants qualify with 40%.
MCA2 yearsA bachelor's degree with 45% marks, or 40% for SC/ST/PwD applicants. Mathematics must have been studied at Class 12 or undergraduate level. A CUET PG score is also needed.
M.Pharma2 yearsA B.Pharma with at least 55% marks and a CUET PG score. SC/ST/PwD applicants need 50%.
MSW2 yearsA bachelor's degree with 45% marks and a CUET PG score. The qualifying-marks requirement is 40% for SC/ST/PwD applicants.

PG Fees for the Complete Course

Programme and DurationFull-Course Fee
MA / M.Sc / M.Com / MSW / MCA, 2 yearsINR 6,000 to INR 18,000, depending on the discipline
MBA, 2 yearsINR 12,600
M.Pharma, 2 yearsINR 64,500

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

The PG scholarship provides INR 10,000 annually. For most enrolled students, this support offsets most or all PG tuition costs, keeping IGNTU among the most affordable Central University options for postgraduate study.

How PG Selection Works

CUET PG subject scores determine the merit list. Final seat allotment takes place after document verification. Reserved seats follow the Central Government pattern: OBC-NCL 27%, SC 15%, ST 7.5%, EWS 10% and PwD 5%.

PG Application Steps

  • Take CUET PG 2026, which is conducted by NTA. This examination is mandatory for all IGNTU postgraduate programmes.
  • Complete registration at igntucuet.samarth.edu.in and pay the application fee.
  • Enter course preferences and upload the required records, including the CUET PG scorecard, undergraduate marksheet and category certificate.
  • Report to IGNTU for document verification on the assigned date. Pay the semester fee to confirm the admission.

IGNTU Doctoral Admission 2026

Doctoral study at IGNTU covers 19+ disciplines. These include Tribal Studies, Hindi, English, History, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Education, Social Work, Journalism, Commerce, Management and Computer Science. Selection combines an interview with either a CUET PG score or the university's own entrance examination.

PhD Eligibility and Entrance-Test Exemptions

  • Applicants need a master's degree in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks. The minimum is 50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD applicants.
  • A valid UGC-NET/JRF or GATE score may allow an applicant to skip the IGNTU entrance examination. The PhD notification sets out the exact exemption conditions.
  • SC and ST applicants receive a 5% relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks.
  • IGNTU's PhD in Tribal Studies is unique in India. It is a principal option for humanities and social-science graduates who want to study tribal issues across different subjects.

PhD Application and Interview Process

  • Check the university admission page for the PhD 2026 notification.
  • Fill in the online application through IGNTU's Samarth portal. Submit academic records along with a research proposal.
  • Take the university entrance examination if it applies to you, then attend the departmental interview at IGNTU, Amarkantak.

IGNTU Scholarships 2026

Several scholarships help IGNTU students meet their study costs, with particular support for SC and ST students. Together, the available benefits can reduce eligible students' education costs to nearly zero.

  • IGNTU PG Scholarship: Every enrolled postgraduate student gets INR 10,000 per year. Students do not need to submit a separate application; the university transfers the amount to their accounts after enrolment. It covers most or all annual PG tuition charges.
  • SC/ST Full Fee Refund: SC and ST students enrolled at IGNTU receive full fee reimbursement through their home state's Tribal Welfare or Social Welfare department. Applications go through the relevant state scholarship portal. For example, students domiciled in Madhya Pradesh use the MP Scholarship Portal.
  • Top Class Education Scheme for ST Students: ST students whose annual family income is below INR 6 lakh can receive support for tuition, books, hostel accommodation and living costs. Applications are made through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs portal. The scheme is among the Central Government's most comprehensive scholarships for ST students.
  • National Overseas Scholarship for ST: After graduation, ST students seeking a master's degree or PhD abroad can apply through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Support of up to USD 15,600 is available for tuition and living expenses.
  • Post Matric Scholarship for SC and ST: This scholarship supports tuition and maintenance expenses. Apply through the National Scholarship Portal during its application period, which typically falls in October to November each year.
  • Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) for SC and ST: SC and ST doctoral scholars can apply through the UGC portal for a JRF fellowship of INR 31,000 per month. At IGNTU, this support can meet study costs while also providing the scholar with an income.

IGNTU Admission FAQs

Ques. Which entrance scores does IGNTU use for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral selection?

Ans. For UG courses, applicants need CUET UG 2026; for PG courses, they need CUET PG 2026. Neither level has a direct-admission route without the relevant CUET score. Doctoral applicants are considered through CUET PG or a separate university entrance examination, followed by an interview.

Ques. Where are UG counselling registration and course choices submitted?

Ans. Students use igntucuet.samarth.edu.in to register and enter their programme preferences. A valid CUET UG 2026 score and registration within the announced window are needed for seat consideration. The university's admission page now confirms that UG admissions for 2026-27 have closed.

Ques. How does IGNTU's purpose connect with its location and academic programmes?

Ans. Created under the IGNTU Act 2007, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University is India's only Central University established specifically to advance tribal education, culture and traditional knowledge. Its Amarkantak campus in Madhya Pradesh lies in an area with cultural importance for Gond and Baiga communities. Its distinctive Tribal Studies programmes are unavailable at other Central Universities, giving it a central role in tribal scholarship and research in India.

Ques. What full-course budget should students plan for BA Hons and MBA?

Ans. The complete 3-year BA Hons fee ranges from INR 6,700 to INR 10,200. For the 2-year MBA, the indicative total is INR 12,600. These fees place IGNTU among the country's most affordable Central Universities. PG students also receive INR 10,000 annually through the university scholarship, covering most MBA and MA fees.

Ques. Does the university's PG scholarship depend on income or reservation category?

Ans. No category or family-income restriction applies to the institutional PG Scholarship. Every enrolled PG student receives INR 10,000 each year, transferred automatically after enrolment. This benefit is separate from government SC/ST or OBC scholarships, which students may receive in addition.

Ques. Which admission concessions and financial benefits apply to SC and ST students?

Ans. The minimum eligibility marks are lowered by 5% for SC and ST applicants in every programme. Their application fee is INR 300, compared with INR 600 for General/OBC-NCL/EWS applicants. State welfare departments also provide full fee reimbursement to SC and ST students. Eligible ST students can receive support through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' Top Class Education Scheme, which can make their study costs effectively zero.

Ques. What qualifications and selection stages should a PhD applicant prepare for?

Ans. Check igntu.ac.in/admission for the PhD 2026 notification and application instructions. Applicants need a master's degree with 55% marks; SC and ST applicants need 50%. A UGC-NET/JRF or GATE score may provide exemption from the university entrance examination. Otherwise, selection includes a written examination where applicable, followed by a departmental interview at IGNTU, Amarkantak.

Ques. How can incoming students arrange accommodation at the Amarkantak campus?

Ans. On-campus hostels are available for both boys and girls, with allotment handled during admission. Many students from outside the area choose hostel accommodation because the main campus is in a remote part of Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh. For hostel charges and room availability in the 2026-27 session, contact the university hostel office through igntu.ac.in.