IGNOU Announces Direct Faculty Recruitment 2026 for 38 Teaching Positions
Latest Update (September 2026): Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), a premier Central University established by an Act of Parliament, has officially released Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD for direct recruitment of 38 faculty positions across 14 Schools of Studies. The vacancies comprise 16 Professor, 16 Associate Professor, and 6 Assistant Professor posts. The online application window is open on the CU-Samarth portal from 20 September 2026 until 20 October 2026 (or 30 days from publication in Employment News, whichever is later). Hard copies of submitted forms along with self-attested credentials must reach the Academic Coordination Division, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi by 30 October 2026.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has invited applications from accomplished academicians, researchers, and higher education professionals under Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD. As the world's largest open university, IGNOU offers an expansive academic environment spanning multiple disciplines in distance, digital, and blended higher learning.
The current faculty recruitment drive covers 38 teaching posts distributed across 14 Schools of Studies. Positions are open across disciplines such as English, Urdu, Anthropology, Sociology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Geology, Child Development, Nutritional Science, Commerce, Health Sciences, Nursing, Law, Journalism, Tourism, Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Work, Foreign Languages (Arabic, French, Russian, Spanish), Translation Studies, and Visual Arts. Eligible candidates can register online through the centralized university portal at cuignourec.samarth.edu.in.
IGNOU Faculty Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting University | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Institution Status | Central University (Established by Act of Parliament, 1985) |
| Advertisement Number | 01/2026/ACD |
| Advertisement Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 38 Faculty Posts (Direct Recruitment) |
| Posts Advertised | Professor (16), Associate Professor (16), Assistant Professor (6) |
| Number of Schools Covered | 14 Schools of Studies |
| Application Mode | Online (Samarth Portal) + Hard Copy Submission |
| Online Registration Start Date | 20 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 20 October 2026 (or 30 days from Employment News, whichever is later) |
| Hard Copy Receipt Last Date | 30 October 2026 (by Registered / Speed Post) |
| Application Fee | ₹500 for UR/OBC/EWS; Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/Women |
| Selection Methodology | Screening / Academic Shortlisting + Selection Committee Interview |
| Pay Matrix Levels (7th CPC) | Academic Level 10 (₹57,700) to Academic Level 14 (₹2,18,200) |
| Application Portal | cuignourec.samarth.edu.in |
What is IGNOU Faculty Recruitment 2026?
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) functions through 21 Schools of Studies designed to develop, design, and deliver high-quality modular curricula, self-learning course materials (SLM), interactive multimedia broadcasts (Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha), and massive open online courses (MOOCs on SWAYAM).
Core Characteristics of This Faculty Hiring:
- Direct Recruitment Cadre: All 38 vacancies are filled on a direct recruitment basis under statutes and ordinances of IGNOU in alignment with UGC Regulations 2018.
- Dual-Step Application Process: Candidates must submit their application online through the Samarth portal AND send a physically signed, bound printout along with self-attested certificates to reach IGNOU Headquarters by 30 October 2026.
- Strict Discipline Specializations: Eligibility is tailored to the specific needs of open and distance learning, including curriculum design, instructional media production, and research guidance.
IGNOU Faculty Vacancy 2026 – Post-Wise Distribution
Academic Level 14 (₹1,44,200–₹2,18,200)
Academic Level 13A (₹1,31,400–₹2,17,100)
Academic Level 10 (₹57,700–₹1,82,400)
School-Wise Vacancy Breakdown Across 14 Schools of Studies
| S.No. | School of Studies | Professor | Associate Professor | Assistant Professor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | School of Humanities (SOH) | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | School of Social Sciences (SOSS) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | School of Sciences (SOS) | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
| 4 | School of Continuing Education (SOCE) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 5 | School of Management Studies (SOMS) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 6 | School of Health Sciences (SOHS) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 7 | School of Law (SOL) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | School of Journalism & New Media Studies (SOJNMS) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | School of Tourism, Hospitality & Service Sectoral Management (SOTHSSM) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 10 | School of InterDisciplinary & TransDisciplinary Studies (SOITS) | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 11 | School of Social Work (SOSW) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 12 | School of Foreign Languages (SOFL) | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 13 | School of Translation Studies & Training (SOTST) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 14 | School of Performing & Visual Arts (SOPVA) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total Vacancies Reconciled | 16 | 16 | 6 | 38 | |
Discipline-Wise Details & Reservation Classifications
The official advertisement encompasses unreserved positions as well as reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwBD). Crucially, backlog vacancies of SC, ST, and OBC from earlier recruitment cycles are incorporated within the total count of 38 posts.
• English (SOH): Professor & Associate Professor
• Urdu (SOH): Associate Professor
• Anthropology (SOSS): Professor & Associate Professor
• Sociology (SOSS): Professor
• Biochemistry: Professor & Assistant Professor
• Chemistry: Associate Professor
• Physics: Professor & Assistant Professor
• Statistics: Associate Professor
• Geology: Professor
• Child Development & Nutritional Science (SOCE): Professor & Assoc. Professor
• Commerce (SOMS): Professor & Associate Professor
• Tourism & Hospitality (SOTHSSM): Professor & Associate Professor
• Health Science (SOHS): Professor (Medical Doctor cadre)
• Nursing (SOHS): Professor, Assoc. Professor & Asst. Professor
• Law (SOL): Professor
• Journalism & New Media (SOJNMS): Associate Professor
• InterDisciplinary & TransDisciplinary Studies (SOITS): Environmental Studies & Philosophy (Prof & Assoc. Prof)
• Social Work (SOSW): Professor & Associate Professor
• Foreign Languages (SOFL): Arabic (Assoc. Prof), French (Asst. Prof), Russian (Assoc. Prof), Spanish (Asst. Prof)
• Translation Studies & Training (SOTST): Professor & Assistant Professor
• Performing & Visual Arts (SOPVA): Visual Arts / Painting (Associate Professor)
Post-Wise Eligibility Criteria (UGC Regulations 2018 & Regulatory Body Norms)
Cadre: Professor Professor Eligibility (Academic Level 14: ₹1,44,200–₹2,18,200)
Route A (Academic Track):
- An eminent scholar with a Ph.D. degree in the concerned/allied/relevant discipline.
- High-quality published work with active engagement in research, substantiated by a minimum of 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed CARE journals.
- A cumulative Research Score of at least 120 calculated in accordance with Appendix II, Table 2 of the UGC Regulations 2018.
- A minimum of 10 years of teaching experience in university/college as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor, and/or equivalent research experience in an accredited research institution or industry.
- Documented evidence of having successfully guided doctoral candidates (Ph.D. supervision).
Route B (Outstanding Professional Track):
An outstanding professional possessing a Ph.D. degree in the relevant/allied discipline from an academic or research institution or industry who has made significant contributions to knowledge in the concerned discipline, supported by documentary proof.
Special Discipline Requirements for Professor Posts:
- Health Sciences (Medical): Recognized MBBS qualification included in the First/Second Schedule to IMC Act 1956 + Post-Graduate qualification (MD/MS) in the relevant medical specialty + 10 years of teaching/research experience post-PG (with minimum 3 years as Associate Professor) and required indexed research publications.
- Nursing: Master's Degree in Nursing with a minimum of 55% marks from an INC-recognized institution + Ph.D. in Nursing + minimum 10 years of total collegiate nursing teaching experience (with at least 5 years post-M.Sc. Nursing teaching experience).
Cadre: Associate Professor Associate Professor Eligibility (Academic Level 13A: ₹1,31,400–₹2,17,100)
- A good academic record with a Ph.D. Degree in the concerned/allied/relevant disciplines (Ph.D. is mandatory).
- A Master's Degree with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade on a point scale).
- A minimum of 8 years of experience of teaching and/or research in an academic/research position equivalent to that of Assistant Professor in a University, College, or Accredited Research Institution.
- A minimum of 7 publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals.
- A total Research Score of at least 75 as per the criteria given in Appendix II, Table 2 of UGC Regulations 2018.
Cadre: Assistant Professor Assistant Professor Eligibility (Academic Level 10: ₹57,700–₹1,82,400)
Standard Eligibility Criteria:
- A Master's degree with 55% marks (or an equivalent grade on a point-scale) in a concerned/relevant/allied subject from an Indian University, or an equivalent degree from an accredited foreign university.
- Cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the UGC or the CSIR, or a similar test accredited by the UGC.
- Ph.D. Exemption: Candidates who have been awarded a Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2009 or 2016 and their amendments are exempted from NET.
- NET Non-Conduct Exception: NET is not required for disciplines in which NET is not conducted by UGC or CSIR.
Marks Relaxation & Experience Calculation Guidelines
5% Marks Relaxation Policy
A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%) is permissible at the Master's level for candidates belonging to:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non-Creamy Layer)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
- Ph.D. Degree holders who obtained their Master's Degree prior to 19 September 1991
How Teaching Experience is Calculated
- Exclusion of Degree Tenure: The period of active study taken to acquire M.Phil. and/or Ph.D. degree is not counted as teaching or research experience.
- Concurrent Employment: Faculty who pursued research degrees simultaneously with teaching without taking any study leave can count such active service tenure.
- Documentary Proof: Must be substantiated with formal Appointment Letters, Joining & Relieving Reports, Service Certificates, and authenticated salary slips or Form 16.
IGNOU Faculty Screening & Shortlisting Framework
Mere possession of minimum qualifying requirements does not entitle an applicant to an interview call. All applications are screened by University Screening Committees:
Assistant Professor Shortlisting (100-Point UGC Framework):
*For Professor and Associate Professor, shortlisting is determined by the verified API Research Score under Table 2 of UGC Regulations 2018 and domain relevance.
Age Limit & Application Fee Structure
Upper Age Limit
The recruitment advertisement and UGC Regulations do not prescribe a specific upper-age ceiling for direct recruitment of teaching posts. Age of superannuation (retirement) follows central university norms (typically 65 years).
Application Fee (Online Payment)
*Fee once paid is non-refundable. Candidates of previous Advt. 02/2022/ACD & 02/2023/ACD are exempted upon submitting earlier payment proof.
Selection Process & Interview Guidelines
Stage 1: Screening of Online & Hard-Copy Submissions
Verification of UGC eligibility, Research Score, and documentary evidence. Incomplete applications or loose unbound hard copies are rejected.
Stage 2: Personal Interview before Statutory Selection Committee
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi. Official interview call letters are transmitted via registered email.
Mandatory Dual-Step Submission: Online Form & Hard Copy Dispatch
⚠️ Critical Notice on Hard Copy Requirement
Submitting the online form alone DOES NOT complete the application process. Candidates must download the final submitted application form, sign each page, bind/tag it securely with numbered pages, and enclose self-attested copies of all testimonials.
Postal Address for Hard Copy Dispatch:
The Director, Academic Coordination Division (ACD),
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU),
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068
Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy: 30 October 2026 (via Speed Post or Registered Post only).
IGNOU Faculty Salary Structure (7th Central Pay Commission)
| Designation | Academic Pay Level | Pay Scale (Basic Pay Range) | Initial Basic Entry Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor | Academic Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 | ₹1,44,200 |
| Associate Professor | Academic Level 13A | ₹1,31,400 – ₹2,17,100 | ₹1,31,400 |
| Assistant Professor | Academic Level 10 | ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400 | ₹57,700 |
*Salaries carry Central Government allowances including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA at Delhi rates or campus accommodation), Transport Allowance, and National Pension System (NPS) benefits.
How to Apply for IGNOU Faculty Recruitment 2026
- Navigate to the official online recruitment portal at cuignourec.samarth.edu.in.
- Click on “New Registration” and create your user profile using an active email address and mobile number.
- Log in to your dashboard and select Advt. No. 01/2026/ACD.
- Select the relevant Post (Professor / Associate Professor / Assistant Professor) and the designated School of Studies & Discipline.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, research degrees (M.Phil / Ph.D.), and NET/JRF credentials.
- Enter research publication details (UGC CARE / Peer-reviewed journals), authored books, sponsored projects, and awards to compile your Research Score.
- Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, marksheets, degree certificates, research proof, and category certificates.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of ₹500 (if applicable) through digital payment channels.
- Review all entered data thoroughly (data cannot be altered after final submission) and submit the form.
- Download and print the complete application form. Sign each page, bind/tag with numbered supporting documents, and dispatch via Speed Post to the Director, Academic Coordination Division, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068 to arrive by 30 October 2026.
IGNOU Faculty Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Resource / Official Portal | Direct Action Link |
|---|---|
| IGNOU Samarth Application Portal (Apply Online) | Apply Online (cuignourec.samarth.edu.in) |
| IGNOU Official University Portal | ignou.ac.in Home Portal |
| Central University & Teaching Jobs Hub | Explore More Teaching Jobs |