IGNOU BAM Admission January 2026 – Your Complete Guide

Thinking of starting your graduation journey with IGNOU this year? If you love flexibility in choosing subjects and want a degree that covers a mix of arts, humanities, and social sciences, the Bachelor of Arts (BAM) programme might be perfect for you. Apply for IGNOU BAM admission January 2026 now.

The January 2026 session is open, and in this post, we’ll go through everything — eligibility, subjects, credit system, exit options, fees, and how to apply. Grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive in. To know the admission details, read our IGNOU admission blog.

What is IGNOU BAM?

The Bachelor of Arts (BAM) is a 3-year multidisciplinary programme offered by IGNOU under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. That means you’re not stuck with just one subject — you actually get to choose three disciplines from a wide list, mixing and matching as per your interests.

It’s run by the School of Social Sciences (SOSS) and follows the UGC’s Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) structure. The focus is on giving you not just academic knowledge but also skill-based learning.

IGNOU BAM Eligibility Criteria

Good news — the eligibility is quite simple.

• You just need 10+2 or an equivalent qualification from a recognised board.
• The programme is available in both English and Hindi medium.

So whether you’re a fresh school pass-out or someone returning to studies after a break, BAM is open for you.

How to Choose IGNOU BAM Subjects (Disciplines)

Here’s where it gets interesting — you get to pick three disciplines, but there’s a small rule: you can only choose one subject from each group.

Groups for BAM:

• Group 1: English, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit
• Group 2: Sociology, Education
• Group 3: Political Science, Public Administration, Mathematics, Philosophy
• Group 4: Economics, Anthropology
• Group 5: History, Psychology

Example: You could go for English (Group 1) + Sociology (Group 2) + History (Group 5) — perfect for someone aiming at civil services or teaching.

(And yes, there are many more combinations — you can tailor your degree the way you like.)

How the Credit System Works

IGNOU follows a credit-based system — one credit equals 30 hours of learning (study, assignments, etc.). To get your BAM degree, you’ll need 120 credits over 3 years.

Here’s how it’s spread out:

Exit Options (Flexibility at its Best)

Thanks to NEP 2020, you don’t have to commit to all 3 years if life takes you in another direction:

• Exit after 1 year: UG Certificate (40 + 4 VOC credits)
• Exit after 2 years: UG Diploma (80 + 4 VOC credits)
• Complete 3 years: UG Degree (120 credits)

So yes, you can pause, work, and come back to complete your degree later.

IGNOU BAM Fees for January 2026

One of the best parts about pursuing your Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies (BAM) from IGNOU is that it’s extremely affordable compared to most universities in India.

As per the IGNOU Common Prospectus Januay 2026, the fee structure is:

• Year 1: ₹4,800 + ₹300 one-time registration fee (paid only in the first year)
• Year 2: ₹4,800
• Year 3: ₹4,800

Total Programme Cost: ₹14,700 (including the registration fee) for the complete 3-year degree.

💡 A few important points about the fees:

• The registration fee of ₹300 is non-refundable and is charged only in the first year when you take admission.
• The annual fee covers your study material (printed or digital), access to the IGNOU student portal, and support services from your study centre.
• You can pay the fees year-by-year at the time of re-registration for the next academic year, instead of paying for the entire programme upfront.
• Payments are made online through the IGNOU Samarth admission portal using UPI, net banking, debit card, or credit card.

How to Apply for IGNOU BAM January 2026

1. Visit the IGNOU admission portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
2. Register as a new user.
3. Fill out the online form and upload the required documents (photo, signature, 10+2 mark sheet, ID proof).
4. Select BAM from the programme list.
5. Pay the fee online (UPI, net banking, debit/credit card).
6. Save your confirmation page — you’ll need it later.

Final Thoughts

The IGNOU BAM programme for January 2026 is perfect if you want subject flexibility, multiple exit options, and a budget-friendly degree from a nationally recognised university. Whether your goal is a job, further studies, or personal growth, BAM gives you the academic depth and practical skills to move forward.