What Is IGNOU's Modified 'Credit Transfer Policy'?

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has approved the modified Credit Transfer Policy on May 19, 2025. The decision was taken in its 83rd meeting of Academic Council held on February 18, 2024. IGNOU has revised its Credit Transfer Policy to align it with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. The newly modified policy changes aim to enhance academic flexibility and mobility.

The credit transfer system in universities allows students to receive credit for coursework completed at another institution. This process enables students to reduce the time and cost required to complete their degree while transitioning between different universities or educational systems.

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As per the notification, the modified Credit Transfer Policy supersedes all the existing earlier notifications in this regard, and the policy will come into force with immediate effect.

Key Highlights of the New Credit Transfer Policy

• • The modified Credit Transfer Policy will apply uniformly to all the university programs.
  • Earlier, a maximum of 50% of the total program credits could be transferred; now, the 50% cap is there, but with enhanced mechanisms for credit recognition.
  • The shelf life of credits earned for transfer shall be 7 years for both internal and external credit transfer.
  • Credit transfer will be allowed for completed courses of an incomplete program only. No Credit Transfer will be done if the programme has already been completed and the degree is given.

Notification of the Modified Credit Transfer Policy pic.twitter.com/d9bh6PpRh0

— IGNOU (@OfficialIGNOU) May 21, 2025

• Students can complete their programme in the minimum possible period after obtaining the credit transfer. They will not have to wait to complete the minimum duration of the programme.
• A change of course will be allowed to students seeking credit transfer for early completion of their programme, if they have already completed the remaining courses to be eligible for the award of degree or certificate.
• No Fee will be charged for credit transfer and change of course associated with credit transfer. Only a one-time non-refundable processing fee will be taken from the students.
• The processing fee for the credit transfer up to 16 credits will be Rs 500, and for more than 16 credits will be Rs 1000. Earlier, students were required to submit Rs 250 per course for Credit transfer.

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