About School of Continuing Education, IGNOU
IGNOU’s School of Continuing Education runs distance programmes in rural development, home science, child development, nutrition and apparel design, from certificates up to PhD.
The School of Continuing Education (SOCE) is one of the schools of study of the Indira Gandhi National Open University and works from Zakir Hussain Bhawan on the Maidan Garhi campus in New Delhi. Its programmes cover rural development, home science, early childhood care, food and nutrition, apparel merchandising and event management. At degree level it offers a BA in Home Science and a four-year B.Sc in Fabric and Apparel Design, while postgraduates can take an MA in Rural Development, also available online, or an M.Sc in Home Science focused on community development and extension management. PhD programmes are listed in rural development, home science, child development and food and nutrition. The school also runs many short certificates and diplomas, such as the Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education and the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education.
Courses and fees
| Course | Mode | Duration | Seats | Fee per year | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Distance | — | — | — | — |
| Bachelor of Science | Distance | 4 yrs | — | — | — |
| Master of Arts | Distance | — | — | — | — |
| Master of Science | Distance | — | — | — | — |
| Doctor of Philosophy | Distance | — | — | — | — |
Tuition fees as published by the college for the fee year shown. Hostel, mess and exam fees are extra unless stated.
Admission
Admission through: Direct
Admission to this school's programmes is handled centrally by IGNOU through open and distance learning. Candidates apply online on the IGNOU Samarth admission portal when the university opens an admission cycle, and most programmes admit learners who meet the stated eligibility. PhD admissions run through a separate IGNOU PhD notification and portal.
Typical eligibility
- Bachelor of Arts: Studying in: Class 12; any stream; universities set their own minimum marks
- Bachelor of Science: Studying in: Class 12; Science stream usually required; universities set subject and minimum mark rules
- Master of Arts: Studying in: UG; At least 50% marks in UG; three- or four-year bachelor's degree; subject requirements vary (e.g. DU M.A. Economics needs Mathematics in Class 12 or 4 credits of Mathematics in the degree)
- Master of Science: Studying in: UG; bachelor's degree in the relevant subject; two-year M.Sc after a three-year bachelor's or one-year M.Sc after a four-year bachelor's; universities set their own marks
- Doctor of Philosophy: Studying in: PG; At least 55% marks in PG
The college may set higher cut-offs. Check its prospectus.
Where these courses lead
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Research Scientist
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Other colleges in New Delhi
University School of Mass Communication, GGSIPU
University School of Automation and Robotics, GGSIPU
Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Delhi
Department of Physics, IIT Delhi
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Delhi
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, IIT Delhi
Frequently asked questions
Does IGNOU offer an MA in Rural Development?
Yes. SOCE lists the MA in Rural Development (MARD) in distance mode and an online version (MARDOL).
Which bachelor's degrees does SOCE offer?
A Bachelor of Arts in Home Science and a four-year B.Sc in Fabric and Apparel Design.
In which subjects can I do a PhD at SOCE?
Rural development, home science, child development, and food and nutrition.
How do I contact the school?
By email at soce@ignou.ac.in, or through IGNOU's general numbers 29572513 and 29572514.
Sources
Information verified on 24 Oct 2026
- Indira Gandhi National Open University · Official site, accessed 24 Oct 2026
- School of Continuing Education - IGNOU · Official site, accessed 24 Oct 2026
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