In a Path Breaking Step, IGNOU Decides to Waive off Fees for Transgender Candidates

For the eligibility, either the certificate issued from the central or state government, or a medical officer will have to be submitted by the candidates or they could produce their Aadhaar cards.

In a Path Breaking Step, IGNOU Decides to Waive off Fees for Transgender Candidates

More inclusivity for transgender students in India!
The Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU has taken another progressive decision of wavering fees for transgender students.

The University is India’s largest institute for open and distance learning.

Source: Pixabay.

For the eligibility, either the certificate issued from the central or state government, or a medical officer will have to be submitted by the candidates or they could produce their Aadhaar cards.

Following the notification by the University on Thursday, all the regional centres have been informed through the student registration. Formal announcement is slated for tomorrow.

According to Rakesh Sharma, who is the Assistant Registrar in the Vice Chancellor’s office, a large number of transgender students have been taking admission at the institute this year. The total number of students will be consolidated once admissions close in August.


You may also like: How a Student’s Year-Long Struggle Led Panjab Univ to Build Separate Toilets for Trans Students


This is not the first time IGNOU has taken a path-breaking step for the transgender community.

Even before the legal implementation of ‘third gender’ status for the community by the Supreme Court in 2014, the university had already been offering the option of ‘other’ gender category in their admission forms since 2012.

You can apply for admissions at IGNOU here.

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

We bring stories straight from the heart of India, to inspire millions and create a wave of impact. Our positive movement is growing bigger everyday, and we would love for you to join it.

Please contribute whatever you can, every little penny helps our team in bringing you more stories that support dreams and spread hope.