IGNOU ACPSD Admission: 2026
The Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development (ACPSD) is a specialized 8-credit certificate programme offered by IGNOU, focusing on the critical linkage between population dynamics, environmental health, and achieving sustainable development goals. This comprehensive guide provides all essential information for securing IGNOU ACPSD Admission for the current session.
Last Updated: January 2026
The course is jointly offered by the School of Social Sciences (SOSS) and the School of Continuing Education (SOCE). It is crucial for students, researchers, policymakers, and NGO workers to understand the fees, eligibility criteria, and last date for application. Start your journey by checking the official guidelines on the IGNOU Official Website.
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IGNOU ACPSD (Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development) Highlights
The IGNOU ACPSD is a short-duration programme designed to impart appreciation-level knowledge of demographic trends and their impact on resource management and development planning. This course is ideal for those seeking a foundational understanding without committing to a long-term degree. The process for IGNOU ACPSD Admission is non-competitive and open to a wide range of candidates.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development |
| Programme Code | ACPSD |
| Programme Level | Appreciation Course / Certificate |
| Minimum Duration | 3 Months |
| Maximum Duration | 1 Year |
| Admission Sessions | January & July Cycles |
| Medium | English |
| Total Credits | 8 Credits |
Who Should Choose This Programme?
This course is ideal for individuals working in public health, social work, or urban planning who need a deeper understanding of how human numbers impact resources. It also suits researchers and students who want to explore the intersection of demography and environmental science beyond basic statistics.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Many students enroll because it provides a holistic perspective on global challenges like food security and climate change through the lens of population growth. The curriculum helps learners move past surface-level discussions to understand the socio-economic drivers behind sustainable development goals.
Where Does This Programme Help?
The knowledge gained is particularly useful during fieldwork or community assessments where understanding local population dynamics is essential for project success. It provides the necessary context for drafting policy recommendations or participating in international dialogues regarding resource management and reproductive health.
What Happens After Completing This Programme?
Graduates often find themselves better prepared for roles in non-governmental organizations or governmental agencies focused on social welfare and sustainability. The certificate serves as a thematic specialization that complements degrees in sociology, economics, or environmental studies for better career positioning.
Programme Coordinator Details
Academic oversight and guidance for the Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development are managed by the School of Social Sciences (SOSS) and the School of Continuing Education (SOCE). Students should contact the designated coordinator for any academic clarification after successfully completing IGNOU ACPSD Admission.
| Role | Name | Contact (Official) |
|---|---|---|
| Programme Coordinator (SOSS) | Dr. J. M. Juneja | 011-29572714 |
| Programme Coordinator (SOCE) | Dr. G. Mahesh | 011-29573033 |
Programme Coordinator details mentioned above are based on information published in the official IGNOU Prospectus and are provided here only for general reference. IGNOUED is an independent educational information platform and does not represent Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, students are encouraged to refer directly to the official IGNOU prospectus or website.
IGNOU ACPSD Admission – Important Details
The ACPSD is an online mode only program (currently offered through the Online Admission Portal). This makes the program highly flexible and accessible to learners globally. The entire procedure for IGNOU ACPSD Admission, from application submission to fee payment, is exclusively digital via the Samarth portal. Applicants must ensure they use the correct online portal when applying.
IGNOU ACPSD Admission Last Date
Applicants must strictly adhere to the final deadline for the Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development. The IGNOU ACPSD Admission last date is frequently extended, but depending on extensions is strongly discouraged. Prospective students should aim to complete their application well in advance of the scheduled deadline.
- January Session Last Date: The deadline is expected to be **January 31, [IGNOU_YEAR]** (subject to university notifications).
- July Session Last Date: The deadline usually falls at the end of July or beginning of August.
- Deadline Reminder: Always check the official IGNOU Online Admission Portal for the most accurate and current information regarding the final date for IGNOU ACPSD Admission.
IGNOU ACPSD Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development are simple and open to ensure broad participation across different fields of study:
- Educational Qualification: Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or its equivalent from a recognized Board/University.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age restriction for applying for IGNOU ACPSD Admission.
- Target Audience: The course is particularly useful for those working in social development, planning, and environmental conservation.
IGNOU ACPSD Fees Structure
The total fee for the Appreciation Course is structured to be highly affordable, consistent with IGNOU’s mandate for accessible education. The fee is payable in full at the time of confirming IGNOU ACPSD Admission.
| Fee Component | Amount (Approx.) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | ₹300 | One-time (at admission) |
| Programme Fee | ₹1,000 | For the complete 3-month course |
| Total Fee Payable at Admission | ₹1,300 | (Excluding Exam Fee) |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU ACPSD Admission
The online application process for ACPSD is streamlined for efficiency. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly before the final deadline.
- Visit the IGNOU Online Admission Portal: Access the official Samarth portal link: IGNOU Admission Portal.
- New Registration: Register as a new applicant by providing necessary personal details and creating your unique login ID and password.
- Select the ACPSD Programme: Log in and choose the **Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development (ACPSD)** program.
- Fill Details: Accurately input all required personal, educational (10+2 details), and contact information.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload all mandatory documents, including your 10+2 certificate, photograph, and signature, in the specified digital format.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the non-refundable registration fee (₹300) and the Programme Fee (₹1,000) online using the available digital payment options.
- Submit & Download: Finalize the submission and download the acknowledgment slip for confirmation of your application for IGNOU ACPSD Admission.
ACPSD Curriculum and Course Structure
The ACPSD is an 8-credit course composed of a single core module, which covers the entire syllabus. The learning materials are structured to be comprehensive yet concise, allowing for completion within the minimum three-month period.
| Course Code | Course Name (Focus Area) | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACPSD-01 | Population and Sustainable Development | 8 |
| Total | 8 |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU ACPSD Admission
The Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development is designed to enhance awareness rather than provide direct, high-level employment qualifications. However, the certificate adds valuable knowledge and credibility to professionals working in related sectors.
It is particularly beneficial for professionals in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and government departments focused on public health, family planning, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation. The certification validates an individual’s understanding of key sustainable development concepts and their linkage to population dynamics, aiding in research and grassroots work.
🔗 Also Read
These related pages provide additional clarity on syllabus structure, study resources, and assignment guidelines associated with this programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the focus of the Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development?
The course focuses on educating learners about the complex interrelationship between demographic change, natural resource use, environmental impacts, and the strategies required to achieve sustainable development goals. Securing IGNOU ACPSD Admission is a step toward specializing in this area.
2. Is the IGNOU ACPSD Admission process conducted online or offline?
The IGNOU ACPSD Admission process is exclusively conducted online through the IGNOU Online Admission Portal (Samarth). There is no offline application process for this specific appreciation course.
3. What is the minimum educational requirement for the ACPSD course?
The minimum eligibility requirement for the ACPSD course is passing the 10+2 (Intermediate) examination or its equivalent from a recognized board or university.
4. What is the total fee payable for the ACPSD course?
The total fee payable at the time of admission is approximately ₹1,300, which covers the one-time registration fee (₹300) and the program fee (₹1,000) for the complete course duration.
5. Is the ACPSD certificate accepted for credit transfer to other IGNOU programs?
As an appreciation course, the credits earned are primarily for knowledge enhancement. While specific credit transfer policies vary, the course can strengthen the academic profile of students applying for further studies in related fields within IGNOU.
Official IGNOU Links
For accurate, verified information and to proceed with your application for IGNOU ACPSD Admission, use the following official university links:
