Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced a new recruitment opportunity for candidates seeking teaching and academic careers in higher education. The university has invited applications for Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor positions, with a total of 43 vacancies included in the recruitment drive.

According to the recruitment details, eligible candidates can submit their online applications between September 20 and October 20, 2026. The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD.

Candidates interested in applying should pay particular attention to the subject-wise eligibility requirements because educational qualifications, teaching or research experience and other conditions may differ depending on the academic position and discipline.

IGNOU Recruitment 2026: 43 Faculty Vacancies

The recruitment drive includes vacancies at three academic levels. Out of the 43 positions, the highest number of vacancies has been announced for Professor posts.

The reported post-wise distribution is:

The recruitment information also mentions 12 General, 15 OBC, 8 SC, 5 ST and 3 PwBD vacancies.

Candidates should check the official advertisement for subject-wise and post-wise reservation details before deciding which position to apply for.

Who Can Apply for IGNOU Faculty Recruitment?

The eligibility criteria are not identical for all 43 vacancies. Applicants must possess the educational qualifications and experience prescribed for the particular faculty position and academic discipline they select.

Requirements for a Professor position can differ significantly from those for Associate Professor or Assistant Professor posts. Teaching experience, research experience, academic qualifications, publications and other requirements may also be relevant depending on the post.

Candidates should therefore avoid applying solely on the basis of the general vacancy information. They should first locate their relevant School of Studies, discipline and post in the detailed recruitment advertisement and confirm that they satisfy all applicable conditions.

IGNOU Professor Salary: Check Academic Pay Levels

The advertised faculty positions carry different academic pay levels.

A Professor will be placed in Academic Level 14, with a pay range of ₹1,44,200 to ₹2,18,200 per month.

For an Associate Professor, the recruitment details mention Academic Level 13A, with a pay range of ₹1,31,400 to ₹2,17,100 per month.

An Assistant Professor will come under Academic Level 10, carrying a pay range of ₹57,700 to ₹1,82,400 per month.

Eligible employees may also receive applicable allowances and other benefits in accordance with university and government rules. The actual monthly amount received will depend on the applicable pay, allowances and deductions.

How Will Candidates Be Selected?

The 43 faculty positions are being filled through direct recruitment.

After applications are received, IGNOU will conduct a screening process to identify candidates who satisfy the prescribed requirements. Candidates shortlisted through the applicable process may then be called for an interview before a duly constituted Selection Committee.

The final appointment will be made according to the university's recruitment rules and the selection procedure specified for the respective posts.

Simply submitting an application does not guarantee that a candidate will be called for an interview. Applicants must meet the eligibility and screening requirements applicable to their post.

How to Apply for IGNOU Recruitment 2026

Candidates should begin by visiting IGNOU's official website and locating the recruitment or advertisement section. They should find Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD and carefully read the detailed notification.

After confirming eligibility, candidates can proceed with the online application. They will need to provide the requested personal, academic and professional information and upload scanned copies of the required documents.

Applicants should pay the prescribed application fee, wherever applicable, through the available online payment facility.

Before final submission, all information entered in the application should be reviewed carefully. Details regarding academic qualifications, employment history, research experience and category should match the supporting documents.

After successfully submitting the form, candidates should save and print a copy of their completed online application.

Hard Copy of Application Must Also Be Sent

Candidates should note that completing the online application is not the only step mentioned in the recruitment information.

A printed copy of the submitted online application, along with the required self-attested copies of supporting documents, needs to be sent to the prescribed address.

The address provided is:

Academic Coordination Division
IGNOU, Maidan Garhi
New Delhi – 110068

According to the available recruitment details, the hard copy and supporting documents should reach the designated office by October 30, 2026.

Applicants should check the official notification for instructions regarding the envelope, supporting documents and acceptable mode of dispatch.

Important Dates for IGNOU Recruitment 2026

The online application process began on September 20, 2026, and the deadline for submitting the online form is October 20, 2026.

The last date mentioned for receipt of the hard copy is October 30, 2026.

The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. 01/2026/ACD.

Check Subject-Wise Eligibility Before Applying

Candidates should remember that these vacancies are spread across different Schools of Studies and academic disciplines at IGNOU. The qualification required for one subject may not necessarily apply to another.

Applicants should therefore check the official recruitment advertisement for their specific post, subject, category, academic qualifications, teaching or research experience and any additional eligibility conditions.

With 43 Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor positions available, interested candidates have until October 20, 2026 to complete the online application process. Those required to submit a physical copy should also ensure that their application documents reach IGNOU by the prescribed deadline.