IGNOU PGDAB Admission: 2026
The IGNOU PGDAB Admission portal for the January 2026 session is now open. The Post Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness (PGDAB) is a specialized professional programme offered by the School of Agriculture (SOA). This programme is meticulously designed to transform agriculture into a commercial venture by equipping graduates and professionals with managerial, financial, and marketing skills tailored for the agri-sector. Interested candidates can apply online through the IGNOU Samarth Portal.
Last Updated: January 2026
Securing IGNOU PGDAB Admission provides a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving agricultural economy. The curriculum addresses the needs of marginal farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals by focusing on policy, project management, and qualitative analysis. As the sector shifts toward a diversified and quality-driven product base, this diploma serves as a vital credential for leadership roles in agro-industries and cooperatives.
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IGNOU PGDAB (Post Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness) Highlights
The PGDAB is a 32-credit programme that blends fundamental agricultural knowledge with modern business management strategies.
| Aspect | Details |
| Programme Name | Post Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness |
| Programme Code | PGDAB |
| School | School of Agriculture (SOA) |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Year |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Total Credits | 32 Credits |
Who Should Choose This Programme?
This programme is ideal for graduates in agriculture or allied sciences who want to bridge the gap between technical farming knowledge and corporate management. It also suits working professionals in rural cooperatives or NGOs who need a formal understanding of agri-value chains and supply management.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Many students enroll because it offers a specialized focus on the economic and managerial aspects of agriculture that general MBA courses often overlook. The curriculum provides a deep dive into rural marketing and agro-processing, which are critical for navigating the unique challenges of the Indian rural landscape.
Where Does This Programme Help?
The course content is particularly useful for those looking to improve efficiency in logistics and procurement within the food industry. It helps students understand the regulatory environment and the logistical hurdles involved in moving products from farm gates to urban markets.
What Happens After Completing This Programme?
Completion often leads to roles in agri-input companies, retail chains, or specialized banking sectors that focus on rural credit and microfinance. Graduates find themselves better equipped to handle managerial responsibilities in export-import houses or to start their own ventures in the processed food sector.
Programme Coordinator Details
For academic queries regarding project work (MAMP-058) or course content, students can reach out to the coordinator at the School of Agriculture:
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Phone Number |
| Dr. Praveen Kumar Jain | pkjain@ignou.ac.in | 011-29573091 |
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 PGDAB Admission – Key Requirements
To successfully process your IGNOU PGDAB Admission for 2026, it is mandatory to have an APAAR ID / ABC ID. The programme follows a comprehensive evaluation system consisting of **Assignments (30% weightage)** and a **Term-End Examination (70% weightage)**. Students must also complete a mandatory project (MAMP-058) to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world agribusiness challenges.
IGNOU PGDAB Admission Last Date
The IGNOU PGDAB Admission for the January 2026 cycle is currently active. The last date to submit the application form is 31st January 2026. Late submissions may not be entertained, so candidates are encouraged to complete their registration early to receive study materials on time.
IGNOU PGDAB Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for IGNOU PGDAB Admission is broad, welcoming both freshers and working professionals:
- Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Target Group: Fresh graduates in agriculture, contract farmers, traders, and managers in agro-industries or NGOs.
- Age Limit: There is no age bar for joining this programme.
IGNOU PGDAB Fees Structure
The fee for the PGDAB programme is payable in a single installment during the admission process. Examination fees are separate and charged at the time of exam form submission.
| Fee Component | Amount (for 2026 Session) |
| Full Programme Fee | Rs. 7,100 |
| Registration Fee | Rs. 300 (One-time) |
| University Development Fee | Rs. 200 (One-time) |
| Total Payable at Admission | Rs. 7,600 |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU PGDAB Admission
- Visit the IGNOU Admission Portal.
- Ensure you have your APAAR/ABC ID generated via DigiLocker.
- Register as a new user to create your login credentials.
- Fill in your personal and academic details, selecting PGDAB as your programme.
- Upload scanned copies of your Degree Certificate, Photograph, and Signature (size 100KB–500KB).
- Pay the total admission fee of Rs. 7,600 online.
- Download the application summary for future reference.
PGDAB Course Structure
The PGDAB curriculum consists of seven theory courses and one project component, each worth 4 credits.
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
| MAM-051 | Fundamentals of Agriculture | 4 |
| MAM-052 | Agribusiness Management and Policies | 4 |
| MAM-053 | Managerial Economics and Finance in Agribusiness | 4 |
| MAM-054 | Marketing Management for Agribusiness | 4 |
| MAM-055 | Principles of Agribusiness Management | 4 |
| MAM-056 | Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis for Agribusiness | 4 |
| MAM-057 | Project Management in Agribusiness | 4 |
| MAMP-058 | Project Work | 4 |
Career and Academic Prospects
Completing IGNOU PGDAB Admission opens various doors in the agricultural business landscape:
- Agri-Entrepreneurship: Start and manage your own agro-processing or trading firm.
- Corporate Roles: Management positions in seed, fertilizer, and pesticide companies.
- Financial Services: Agriculture officer roles in banks and microfinance institutions.
- NGOs & Cooperatives: Project coordinator for rural development and farm management.
🔗 Also Read
These related pages provide additional clarity on syllabus structure, study resources, and assignment guidelines associated with this programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a commerce graduate apply for PGDAB?
Yes, graduates from any discipline are eligible for IGNOU PGDAB Admission. The course starts with “Fundamentals of Agriculture” to help non-science students catch up.
Q2: Is the Project Work (MAMP-058) mandatory?
Yes, the project work is a core part of the 32-credit requirement. You must submit a project report based on field research or a business plan.
Q3: Does this programme help in bank jobs?
Highly so. This diploma is valuable for candidates appearing for Specialist Officer (SO) exams in the agricultural sector for nationalized and private banks.