IGNOU is among the best open universities for distance education in India. There are several IGNOU diploma courses after the 12th that students can pursue in a variety of fields. Being an open university, attendance at a physical college is not required. This means that the students who are unable to physically attend colleges in person or those prefer studying by themselves can take up an IGNOU diploma after the 12th (Science, Arts, Commerce).
Being recognised and approved by different councils and regulatory bodies such as AICTE, UGC, COL, and AIU; IGNOU courses set a high standard of education. Furthermore, because these are offered at a minimal fee and eligibility criteria; pursuing an IGNOU diploma after the 12th is an option that is available to all students.
Students have the choice of extending the duration of their diploma to the maximum number of years given for each course. IGNOU is recognised internationally as well, providing students with the option of studying overseas later if they want to.
There are different diploma courses after 12th in IGNOU that students can pursue. Among several IGNOU diploma courses, below we have highlighted some of them, along with their eligibility criteria, and duration.
Diploma Courses | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Diploma in Watershed Management | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Paralegal Practice | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Aquaculture | Passed 10+2 or equivalent with science | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Women’s Empowerment and Development | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream. Or 3 years of working experience as a development worker at any level. | 1 - 4 years |
Diploma in Tourism Studies | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream. | 1 - 4 years |
Diploma in Theater Arts | - | - |
(Note: Data has been collated by team Careers360)
As a part of the School of Agriculture, a diploma in Watershed Management aims to develop the basic skills and knowledge of water harvesting and conservation, and soil erosion. It also provides knowledge of other integrated farming systems such as crop husbandry, animal husbandry, and agroforestry.
This diploma course focuses on imparting the need for proper maintenance of natural resources and the skills necessary to be a part of and contribute to the various activities that watershed programmes undertake. Since there are not many trained personnel for the multiple watershed development programmes that the government is undertaking, there is a dire need for individuals qualified in this sector.
Eligibility- Passed 10+2 or equivalent.
Duration- 1 to 3 years
Being the first of its kind course to be offered by a central Indian university, a diploma in Paralegal Practice aims to impart the basic skills required to access the processes and institutions of the law. Through such IGNOU diploma courses after 12th, students will develop a fundamental understanding of the legal and judicial system and the laws that affect individuals in everyday life.
The curriculum is designed to demystify the law and help students develop a functional understanding of the legal system on the whole. A paralegal diploma practise will allow students to work with and assist lawyers and law firms in research, client interviews, and drafting. Paralegals are also employed by NGOs to publicly advocate for individual rights.
Eligibility- Passed 10+2 or equivalent.
Duration- 1 to 3 years
Offered by the School of Sciences, a diploma in aquaculture educates students in the breeding and rearing of aquatic plants and animals in confined spaces. This IGNOU diploma after the 12th provides the technical know-how that one would need to update the knowledge and skills of those employed in aquaculture activities.
Because large swathes of the population depend on fish as their main source of protein, a diploma in aquaculture is important for those who want to engage in aquaculture as well as to promote environment-friendly practices in this sector.
Eligibility- Passed 10+2 or equivalent with science.
Duration- These IGNOU diploma courses after 12th science are one to four years in duration.
Offered by the School of Gender and Development Studies, this diploma course equips students with the theoretical and practical perspectives needed to raise awareness of gender issues at the local and global levels. Students will go through the training necessary to develop strategies for women’s empowerment and take on leadership roles in organisations.
These IGNOU diploma courses after the 12th have become a necessity in today’s society with more and more government and private institutions conducting programmes focused on women’s empowerment and development.
Eligibility-
Duration- 1 to 4 years
For students interested in being a part of the tourism and hospitality sector, pursuing this IGNOU diploma after the 12th is a highly rewarding course. The programme enables students to specialise in their chosen area of tourism studies and equips them with relevant skills.
Through this course, students gain a multicultural perspective while focusing on particular areas of tourism studies, such as environmental tourism, tourism marketing, Indian culture, and management in tourism. Anyone can take up such IGNOU diploma courses after the 12th, art students included.
Eligibility-
Duration- 1 to 4 years
This is one of the newest IGNOU diploma courses after the 12th that a student can undertake. This performing and visual arts course instils an appreciation for the theatre arts and gives students enough opportunities to work on the different crafts involved in a theatre production.
Through acting games and practices, students learn to hone the modalities of movement, voice, and speech to better serve the script in whatever way possible. Those with a theatrical bent would do well to take this IGNOU diploma after 12th, arts students in particular.
Eligibility- Passed 10+2 or equivalent
Duration- 1 to 3 years
The above-mentioned courses are just a few of a long list of diploma courses after 12th IGNOU. Below, we have highlighted more of these courses, along with other relevant information.
| Course Name | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Diploma in Production of Value Added Products from Cereals, Pulses, and Oilseeds | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream. | 1 - 4 years |
Diploma in Fish Products Technology | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 4 years |
Diploma in Dairy Technology | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1- 3 years |
Diploma in Meat Technology | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Business Process and Outsourcing - Finance and Accounting | Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 or equivalent with English as a subject | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Event Management | Passed 10+2 or equivalent with English as a subject | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Modern Office Practice | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Value Education | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in Panchayat Level Administration & Development | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 4 years |
Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 4 years |
Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream | 1 - 4 years |
Diploma in Creative Writing in English | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream. 20 years of age or older for those without 10+2. | 1 - 4 years |
Diploma in Urdu | Passed 10+2 or equivalent with Urdu as a subject. Certificate in Urdu language from IGNOU in lieu of Urdu as a subject | 1 - 3 years |
Diploma in HIV and Family Education | Passed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream. | 1 - 4 years |
The various open and distance learning IGNOU diploma courses after the 12th cater to all eligible students looking to get a headstart in their chosen domain. Students can choose from a diverse range of courses from numerous fields. Note that completing such IGNOU diploma courses after the 12th may not be sufficient for students looking to get employed upon their completion.
However, that varies from one domain to another. A diploma course provides invaluable education and a perspective that goes a long way in paving one’s career path. We hope you find the one that catapults your growth in your chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are dozens of IGNOU diploma courses after 12th that one can opt for. It is best to choose the course that is aligned with your career goals and furthers your understanding of your chosen field.
Yes, students can get admission in IGNOU diploma courses after 12th, arts, commerce, and science included.
Yes, a 12th pass applies for all IGNOU undergraduate diploma courses.
The diploma course that aligns with your interests and career goals will be amongst the best IGNOU diploma courses after 12th to pursue.
Yes, you can apply for 2 courses in IGNOU with the same or different institutions provided that they are in two different fields.
On Question asked by student community
Yes, a B.Com degree is eligible for the IGNOU B.Ed entrance test, but with conditions. You must have a bachelor's or master's degree in Commerce, Science, Social Science, or Humanities with at least 50% marks (or 45% for reserved categories). You also need to be a trained in-service teacher in elementary education or have completed an NCTE-recognized teacher education program through face-to-face mode.
Hello,
Thank you for your question!
IGNOU does not offer MSc Zoology as a regular program.
IGNOU mainly provides MSc in Life Science, Environmental Science, and other distance learning programs, but Zoology (regular specialization) is not available. If you want to pursue MSc Zoology, you’ll have to look at state universities like MDU Rohtak, Kurukshetra University, DU, BHU, AMU, etc.
All the best!
Hello Niharika,
Not qualifying for Delhi’s D.El.Ed. isn’t the end of your teaching career plans. Haryana’s D.El.Ed. is recognized by NCTE and is a valid route to becoming a primary school teacher. Many students from outside Haryana apply and get admission, though you should note that some seats are reserved for Haryana domicile candidates. Your plan to do B.A. from IGNOU alongside D.El.Ed. is very smart—it keeps you academically progressing and later makes you eligible for B.Ed., which will open doors for teaching in higher classes as well. Make sure you check the Haryana Board’s eligibility criteria before applying and confirm if your preferred institute offers quality teaching practice and internships. Good faculty and practical exposure during D.El.Ed. matter a lot for skill development. Overall, this is a good alternative and keeps you on track toward your long-term goal.
Thank you, and I hope this clears your doubt.
Your 10th and 12th certificates have Shaikh at the beginning, but your Aadhaar and bank have it at the end. IGNOU used the Aadhaar name, so your graduation name doesn’t match school records, and even ABC ID isn’t linking.
It's better to match your graduation name with your 10th and 12th, since those are used for most verifications. You can update your Aadhaar later using an affidavit and supporting documents. This will avoid issues in jobs and higher studies.
Hi there!
As you had completed 10th, then BPP from IGNOU, and then B.Com, but don’t have a 12th certificate, many employers may reject you because BPP is not recognized as equivalent to 12th by all sectors. Instead of a diploma, it’s better to do NIOS 12th, which is fully valid across jobs and education. It’s flexible and can be completed in 1–1.5 years. Once done, you’ll be eligible for:Government jobs,Banking/SSC, or PG courses.
Alternatively, you may look into Skill India programs or NSDC-certified vocational diplomas. Some options:
You can check this link for more courses :
https://school.careers360.com/articles/courses-after-10th
Thank you and best wishes for your career restart!
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