IGNOU Admission 2026 for the July session was open till 15 September 2026 for both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online programmes. Students had to apply online at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and pay a non-refundable registration fee of INR 300. IGNOU conducts no entrance exam for most of its programmes. Students who meet the required qualification can take admission.
- B.Ed, PhD and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing are the only three routes that need an entrance test.
- Most IGNOU programmes do not have an upper age limit.
- For a bachelor's degree, students must have passed 10+2 in five subjects. Four subjects are not accepted.
- Students already enrolled at IGNOU must complete re-registration to move ahead in the same programme. They should not apply as fresh applicants.
- IGNOU does not release a cutoff or merit list because most admissions are not competitive.
IGNOU has 325 programmes, 69 regional centres and more than 2,000 learner support centres. It also runs 45 academic programmes through its online learning system and has overseas study centres in 15 countries. During admission, applicants select their regional centre and learner support centre.
IGNOU Admission Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
| January 2027 session, application opens | December 2026 (tentative) |
| January 2027 session, last date to apply | January 2027 (tentative) |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
IGNOU has not announced the January 2027 admission schedule or released the January 2027 Common Prospectus. The dates above are based on previous admission cycles. The Common Prospectus for July 2026 is the current governing document.
IGNOU UG Admission 2026
IGNOU offers undergraduate programmes such as BA, B.Com and BCA without an entrance test. A student who has the required qualification can apply, and admission is confirmed after document verification.
| Programme Level | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Duration | Maximum Duration |
| Undergraduate degree | 10+2 or equivalent | 3 years | 6 years |
For UG degree admission, IGNOU accepts 10+2 only when the student has passed in five subjects. A Senior Secondary certificate with four subjects is not accepted for higher studies at IGNOU. This rule follows a Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) communication.
Students who do not meet the five-subject condition can complete one Senior Secondary level course from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and then apply to IGNOU. IGNOU also recognises some post-Class 10 diplomas as 10+2 equivalent. These include qualifying awards from State Boards of Technical Education, Industrial Training Institutes and polytechnics, along with the National Trade Certificate from the National Council for Vocational Training. The diploma must include at least five subjects. This equivalence does not apply to the B.Sc programme.
Most UG programmes have no upper age limit. Some programmes may mention a minimum age on the programme page.
UG admission is not based on cutoff marks, a merit list, seat allotment or counselling. Students apply through the ODL or Online portal, upload documents and pay the required fee. IGNOU verifies the uploaded documents before confirming admission.
IGNOU PG Admission 2026
IGNOU admits students to postgraduate courses such as MA, M.Com, MBA and MSW without an entrance exam. Applicants need a bachelor's degree for PG degree programmes.
| Programme Level | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Duration | Maximum Duration |
| Postgraduate degree | Bachelor's degree | 2 years | 4 years |
Programmes approved by bodies such as the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Indian Nursing Council (INC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) follow their own duration and admission rules.
Fresh admission and re-registration are different processes. New students use fresh admission at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Existing students continuing to the next year or semester use onlinerr.ignou.ac.in. Re-registration does not require the INR 300 registration fee or a fresh document upload.
| Particulars | Fresh Admission | Re-Registration |
| Who applies | New applicants joining a programme | Existing students continuing a programme |
| Portal | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in | onlinerr.ignou.ac.in |
| Registration fee | INR 300, non-refundable | Not charged |
| Documents | Full set uploaded | Not required again |
| What is paid | Registration fee and programme fee | Programme fee for the next year or semester |
Existing students who apply again as fresh applicants may create duplicate records. This can affect academic records and delay results. Re-registration is allowed when the previous year or semester is complete and the programme is still within its maximum duration.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026
IGNOU PhD admission does not follow the regular open admission process. Selection is through the Research Entrance Test and an interview. Applications are submitted at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in.
| Programme | Selection Route | Portal |
| PhD | Research Entrance Test followed by interview | ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in |
The PhD admission cycle follows an annual schedule instead of the January and July session pattern. Research scholars can use university library lending services by taking library membership and paying a refundable security deposit of INR 5,000.
IGNOU Certificate and Diploma Admission 2026
IGNOU certificate, diploma and PG diploma programmes generally admit students without an entrance test. The qualification requirement changes by programme, so applicants should read the programme page before applying.
| Programme Level | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Duration | Maximum Duration |
| Diploma and PG Diploma | As specified per programme | 1 year | 3 years |
| Certificate | As specified per programme | 6 months | 2 years |
Diploma and certificate admission is confirmed after the application, fee payment and document verification steps are completed. The same open admission rule applies unless a programme states a separate selection process.
How to Apply for IGNOU Admission 2026?
IGNOU admission forms for these programmes are submitted online. Offline forms are not accepted.
- Go to the ODL admission portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
- Check the programme tab for eligibility, fees and duration.
- Download the Common Prospectus and read Section 10, Rules of the University.
- Select New Registration and create a username with 8 to 16 characters.
- Create an alphanumeric password with 8 to 16 characters.
- Submit the registration form and note the username received through email and SMS.
- Log in to fill out the application form.
- Upload scanned documents within the allowed size.
- Pay the fee through credit card, debit card or net banking.
- Keep the form preview saved or printed for later use.
Documents Required for IGNOU Admission 2026
The portal accepts documents only within the file size limit given for each upload.
| Document | Maximum File Size |
| Scanned photograph | 100 KB |
| Scanned signature | 100 KB |
| Age proof | 200 KB |
| Relevant educational qualification | 200 KB |
| Experience certificate, where applicable | 200 KB |
| Category certificate for SC, ST or OBC | 200 KB |
| Below Poverty Line certificate, where applicable | 200 KB |
Applicants should scan documents from the originals. If IGNOU finds a mismatch, the applicant must correct it within the given time. If the correction is not made, the admission form is rejected.
If a document is false or forged, IGNOU cancels the admission and does not refund the fee. This cancellation can happen even after the degree has been awarded.
Fees Payable at Admission
| Fee Head | Amount | Notes |
| Registration fee | INR 300 | Non-refundable, paid with the programme fee |
| Registration fee for Fixed Learning Intake Programmes | INR 500 | Non-refundable, paid at application |
| University Development fee | INR 400 | Paid at admission, additional to programme fee |
| Programme fee | Varies by programme | See the fee page for the applicable amount |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
The Fixed Learning Intake Programmes with the higher registration fee are PGDMCH, PGDGM, PGCMDM, CESEIVI, CESEIHI and CESEIID. Programme fees are different across 325 programmes. Fees can be revised by the university.
SC and ST students may claim a fee exemption for one programme in an admission cycle. If an applicant submits more than one application using the exemption, all applications may be rejected.
Rules That Get Applications Rejected
Applicants should check these rules before paying the fee.
- Programme change is not allowed. A student who wants another programme must ask for cancellation and apply again. Refunds follow the university Refund Policy.
- Direct admission to second or third year is not available. A student who has completed one year elsewhere must join the first year and then apply for transfer of credits.
- Lateral entry is available only in programmes that offer it. The option appears in the form when the programme allows it.
- Simultaneous registration has conditions. A student studying elsewhere may also join an IGNOU ODL or Online UG or PG programme. IGNOU does not change examination schedules for clashes.
Simultaneous admission is not allowed for AICTE, NCTE and INC regulated programmes. It is also not allowed for collaborative programmes such as BCOMAF, BCOMFCA, BECOMCAA, BHM, MCOMBPCG, MCOMMAFS, MCOMFT and MHA.
IGNOU B.Ed and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Admission
B.Ed admission is based on the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test. Applications are submitted at ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in, and IGNOU uploads hall tickets on its main website before the exam. B.Ed is regulated by NCTE, so the rules on duration and simultaneous admission apply.
Post Basic B.Sc Nursing admission is through an All India entrance examination. IGNOU announces the process separately.
IGNOU Online Programmes Admission 2026
IGNOU has 45 academic programmes on its own online learning management system. These are separate from ODL programmes and use ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for admission.
The July 2026 deadline of 15 September 2026 also applied to online programmes.
| Particulars | Details |
| Admission portal | ignouiop.samarth.edu.in |
| Portal for foreign students | ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in |
| Entrance exam | Not required |
| Programmes offered | 45 academic programmes |
| Session | January and July |
| Study material | Delivered digitally through the learning system |
BCA, Master of Social Work, PG Diploma in Industrial Safety and PG Diploma in Environmental Studies are among the recently launched online programmes. IGNOU also offers 268 courses through SWAYAM.
Indian students apply through the regular online portal. Foreign students living outside India use the foreign online programmes portal.
Why Choose IGNOU?
- Most programmes use open admission, so eligible students do not need an entrance exam.
- IGNOU has two admission sessions each year, January and July.
- Most programmes do not set an upper age limit.
- The regular registration fee is INR 300.
- Lateral entry is available in programmes that provide that option.
- The network includes 69 regional centres, more than 2,000 learner support centres and 25 overseas centres in 15 countries.
- A three-year degree can be completed within a maximum period of 6 years.
Why to Not Choose IGNOU?
- Students cannot change their programme after admission.
- Direct entry to the second or third year is not allowed.
- The five-subject 10+2 rule can stop some Senior Secondary certificate holders from applying.
- Distance and online study need self-discipline because there is no daily classroom routine.
- Deadline extensions happen often, which can make planning difficult and may lead students to delay.
- Simultaneous admission is not allowed for many regulated and collaborative programmes.
IGNOU Contact Details
IGNOU can revise, restructure, suspend, withdraw or discontinue any programme, course, study centre or academic process at any time. Students should confirm details before taking action.
- Student queries: vcostudents@ignou.ac.in
- Student grievances: igram.ignou.ac.in
- Address: IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110068
- Phone: 29572513, 29572514
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What was the July 2026 IGNOU admission deadline?
Ans. The extended deadline for the July 2026 session was 15 September 2026. It applied to ODL and Online programmes. IGNOU has extended deadlines in earlier sessions, but students should not depend on another extension.
Ques. Do all IGNOU programmes need an entrance test?
Ans. No. Most IGNOU programmes follow open admission, so students who meet the eligibility rules can join without a competitive exam. Entrance tests are used only for B.Ed, PhD and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing.
Ques. Does IGNOU release admission cutoff marks?
Ans. IGNOU does not publish cutoffs for open admission programmes. These programmes do not have a merit list or seat allotment round. Admission is confirmed after IGNOU checks the uploaded documents.
Ques. How much is the IGNOU registration fee?
Ans. The registration fee is INR 300 and is not refundable. Fixed Learning Intake Programmes have a registration fee of INR 500. Students also pay a University Development fee of INR 400 at admission, apart from the programme fee.
Ques. Is there any upper age limit for IGNOU courses?
Ans. Most IGNOU programmes do not have an upper age limit. Learners of any age may apply. Some courses may mention a minimum age, so students should check the programme page.
Ques. Can a student with four subjects in Class 12 apply to IGNOU?
Ans. No. IGNOU accepts 10+2 only if the student has passed in five subjects. A four-subject Senior Secondary certificate is not accepted for higher studies at IGNOU. Such students can complete one Senior Secondary level course from NIOS and then apply.
Ques. Who should use re-registration instead of fresh admission?
Ans. Fresh admission is for students joining a programme for the first time. Re-registration is for enrolled students moving to the next year or semester. It uses a separate portal and does not include the INR 300 registration fee.
Ques. Is programme change allowed after IGNOU admission?
Ans. No. IGNOU does not allow a programme change after admission. A student who wants to leave the programme must request cancellation and apply again. Any refund is handled under the university Refund Policy.
Ques. Does IGNOU allow direct entry into the second year?
Ans. No. Students cannot take direct admission to the second or third year of a degree programme. They must join the first year and may later apply for transfer of credits earned elsewhere.
Ques. Is BPP available as an IGNOU admission route?
Ans. No. IGNOU says the Bachelor's Preparatory Programme is not on offer. Although older guides may mention BPP, students without 10+2 should use the current NIOS Senior Secondary route.
Ques. Can a student study at IGNOU while enrolled elsewhere?
Ans. A student studying elsewhere may also register in an IGNOU ODL or Online programme at UG or PG level. IGNOU does not adjust exam dates for timetable clashes. Simultaneous admission is barred for AICTE, NCTE and INC regulated programmes and for several collaborative programmes.
Ques. What is the maximum time allowed for IGNOU degrees?
Ans. An undergraduate degree has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum duration of 6 years. A postgraduate degree has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. Diploma and PG Diploma programmes allow up to 3 years, while certificate programmes allow up to 2 years.
Ques. Are ITI and polytechnic diplomas accepted as 10+2 at IGNOU?
Ans. Yes, but conditions apply. IGNOU recognises qualifying diplomas from State Boards of Technical Education, ITIs and polytechnics, along with the National Trade Certificate, as 10+2 equivalent. The diploma must cover at least five subjects. This rule does not apply to B.Sc admission.
Ques. Which portal is used for IGNOU online programmes?
Ans. Students applying for online programmes use ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. Foreign students living outside India use ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in. These programmes do not require an entrance exam.
Ques. Is there a fee exemption for SC and ST students?
Ans. Yes. SC and ST students may claim the exemption for one programme in one admission cycle. If an applicant files more than one application using the exemption, every application may be rejected.
Ques. Has IGNOU announced January 2027 admission dates?
Ans. No. IGNOU has not released the January 2027 schedule or the January 2027 Common Prospectus. Based on earlier cycles, applications usually begin in December and close in January.