Nagpur: As many as 75 prisoners, including 11 women, are pursuing higher education through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), enabling them to continue their studies while serving their sentences.IGNOU regional director Dr Laxman Kumarwad said at a news conference on Friday that 68 of the inmates admitted for the July 2026 session are from Nagpur Central Jail, while seven are lodged at Central Jail, Amravati.The inmates have enrolled in a range of programmes, including degree, diploma and certificate courses across multiple disciplines. “A significant number have opted for the Certificate in Food and Nutrition programme,” said Kumarwad.Education is being provided free of cost to the inmates, including study material. Additionally, to ensure they can appear for examinations without leaving prison premises, IGNOU has established examination centres at Nagpur Central Jail and Central Jail, Amravati.As per the director, admissions for jail inmates were underway and the number of learners could increase. The deadline for fresh admissions and re-registration for the July 2026 session is July 31.Meanwhile, IGNOU has introduced seven new career-oriented programmes from the July 2026 session. These include an MSc and PG Diploma in Climate Change, MA and PG Diploma in Women’s and Gender Studies, PG Diploma in Environmental Studies, Bachelor’s in Rural Studies and a six-month Certificate in Criminal Justice Social Work.IGNOU currently offers 340 programmes through 58 regional centres and 2,382 learner support centres across the country. Kumarwad said the university had enrolled more than 4.6 million learners through its open and distance learning system.
