IGNOU Admission 2026 covers Open and Distance Learning (ODL), Online, entrance based and re-registration routes. The July 2026 admission window for ODL and Online programmes closed after the extended deadline, and IGNOU has not yet released the January 2027 Common Prospectus. Students can apply online when the portal is active, and the standard registration fee for fresh admission is INR 300. Popular options include BA and MBA, while most programmes do not need an entrance exam.
- Entrance tests are used only for B.Ed, PhD and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing.
- Most IGNOU programmes do not set any upper age limit.
- For a bachelor's degree, students must have passed 10+2 in five subjects. A four subject Senior Secondary certificate is not accepted.
- Current students must use re-registration to move ahead in the same programme instead of applying as fresh applicants.
- IGNOU does not release a cutoff or merit list because most admissions are not competitive.
IGNOU offers 325 programmes through 69 regional centres and more than 2,000 learner support centres. It also runs 45 academic programmes through its online learning system. Students select their regional centre and learner support centre while filling out the application form. The university also has 25 overseas centres in 15 countries.
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 yet. The January 2027 Common Prospectus has also not been released. The latest governing document mentioned for the current cycle is the Common Prospectus for July 2026.
IGNOU Admission Routes and Eligibility
IGNOU holds two admission sessions every year, one in January and one in July. Students who miss one session can wait for the next cycle. Different routes use different portals, so applicants must choose the correct one before filling the form.
| Admission Route | Portal | Current Status |
| ODL programmes, July 2026 session | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in | Closed after the extended deadline |
| Online programmes, July 2026 session | ignouiop.samarth.edu.in | Closed after the extended deadline |
| Re-registration, July 2026 session | onlinerr.ignou.ac.in | Closed after the extended deadline |
| Foreign students, online programmes | ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in | Separate portal, confirm status |
| PhD through Research Entrance Test | ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in | Annual cycle, separate schedule |
| B.Ed through entrance test | ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in | Annual cycle, separate schedule |
| ODL and Online, January 2027 session | Same portals | Not yet announced |
Most IGNOU programmes follow open admission. This means a student who meets the stated qualification can get admission after document checking. There is no competitive ranking, no seat allotment round and no counselling process for these programmes.
- IGNOU does not publish cutoff scores or percentiles for open admission programmes.
- Merit lists are not released for these programmes.
- Students do not go through a seat allotment or counselling round.
- Admission is confirmed after IGNOU verifies the uploaded documents.
BA, B.Com, BCA, MA, M.Com, MBA and MSW are among the programmes that admit students without an entrance test. Diploma and certificate programmes also follow the same pattern.
| Programme Level | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Duration | Maximum Duration |
| Undergraduate degree | 10+2 or equivalent | 3 years | 6 years |
| Postgraduate degree | Bachelor's degree | 2 years | 4 years |
| Diploma and PG Diploma | As specified per programme | 1 year | 3 years |
| Certificate | As specified per programme | 6 months | 2 years |
NCTE, INC and AICTE approved programmes may have separate duration rules. Applicants must also check the programme page for any minimum age condition, though most programmes have no upper age limit.
The Five Subject Rule
IGNOU accepts 10+2 only if the student has passed in five subjects. A Senior Secondary certificate with four subjects is not valid for admission to higher studies at IGNOU. This rule follows a CBSE communication.
Students who have only four subjects can complete one Senior Secondary level course from NIOS and then apply to IGNOU. IGNOU states that the Bachelor's Preparatory Programme is no longer offered, so BPP is not a current route for students without 10+2.
Diploma Treated as 10+2 Equivalent
Some post-Class 10 diplomas are accepted as equal to 10+2. These include qualifying awards from State Boards of Technical Education, Industrial Training Institutes and polytechnics. A National Trade Certificate from the National Council for Vocational Training also qualifies.
The diploma must include at least five subjects. This 10+2 equivalence does not apply to the B.Sc programme.
Fresh Admission or Re-Registration?
Fresh admission is for new students joining a programme. Re-registration is for existing students moving to the next year or semester of the same programme, provided they remain within the maximum duration.
| 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 |
An existing learner should not apply as a fresh applicant for the same programme. A duplicate record can delay academic updates and results.
IGNOU UG Admission 2026
UG admission at IGNOU is open to students who meet the 10+2 or equivalent requirement. BA, B.Com and BCA are examples of UG options that do not need an entrance exam. The minimum duration for an undergraduate degree is 3 years, and the maximum duration is 6 years.
| UG Route | Selection Method | Portal |
| Most UG degrees | Open admission after eligibility and document verification | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| B.Ed | IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test | ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in |
| Post Basic B.Sc Nursing | All India entrance examination | Announced separately by IGNOU |
B.Ed is regulated by NCTE. Post Basic B.Sc Nursing and B.Ed do not use the main ODL admission portal. Applicants must apply through the dedicated route announced for that programme.
IGNOU PG Admission 2026
PG admission is available to students who hold a bachelor's degree. MA, M.Com, MBA and MSW are among the PG programmes that admit students without an entrance test. A PG degree normally has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years.
| PG Route | Selection Method | Portal |
| Most PG degrees | Open admission after eligibility and document verification | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Online PG programmes | No entrance exam | ignouiop.samarth.edu.in |
| Foreign students for online programmes | No entrance exam | ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in |
Some PG level options are offered online. Recently launched online programmes include Master of Social Work, PG Diploma in Industrial Safety and PG Diploma in Environmental Studies.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026
PhD admission follows an annual cycle and is separate from the January and July admission pattern used for most programmes. Students apply at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in.
| Programme | Selection Route | Portal |
| PhD | Research Entrance Test followed by interview | ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in |
Research scholars can use university library lending services after taking library membership. The membership requires a refundable security deposit of INR 5,000.
IGNOU Diploma and Certificate Admission 2026
Diploma, PG Diploma and certificate programmes usually admit eligible students without an entrance test. Each programme has its own qualification rule, so students must read the programme page before paying the fee.
| Programme Type | Minimum Duration | Maximum Duration | Admission Process |
| Diploma and PG Diploma | 1 year | 3 years | Online application and document verification |
| Certificate | 6 months | 2 years | Online application and document verification |
PGDMCH, PGDGM, PGCMDM, CESEIVI, CESEIHI and CESEIID are Fixed Learning Intake Programmes. These programmes carry a higher registration fee at the time of application.
How to Apply for IGNOU Admission 2026?
IGNOU accepts applications online for these programmes. Offline admission forms are not used.
- Go to the ODL admission portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
- Select the programme tab and check the eligibility, fee and duration.
- Download the Common Prospectus and read the Rules of the University in Section 10.
- Choose New Registration and create a username with 8 to 16 characters.
- Create an alphanumeric password with 8 to 16 characters.
- Submit the registration details and note the username sent by email and SMS.
- Log in and fill out the application form.
- Upload scanned documents within the required size limits.
- Pay the fee through credit card, debit card or net banking.
- Save or print the form preview for later use.
Documents Required for IGNOU Admission 2026
Every uploaded file must stay within the size limit set by the portal. Oversized files are rejected.
| 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 student must correct it within the stated time. If the correction is not made, the form can be rejected.
False or forged documents lead to cancellation of admission with no fee refund. IGNOU can cancel admission even after a 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 applicable programme fee before payment |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
Programme fees differ across 325 programmes. IGNOU may revise fees, so applicants should confirm the amount on the payment screen before submitting the form.
Rules That Get Applications Rejected
Several rules matter after fee payment, so students should check them before choosing a programme.
- Programme change is not allowed. A student who wants another programme must cancel the admission and apply again. Any refund follows the university Refund Policy.
- Direct entry to the second or third year is not available. A student who studied one year elsewhere must join the first year at IGNOU and then apply for credit transfer.
- Lateral entry is available only when a programme allows it. If available, the option appears during form submission.
- Simultaneous registration has limits. A student studying elsewhere may also register for an IGNOU ODL or Online programme at UG or PG level, but exam dates are not adjusted for clashes.
Simultaneous admission is not allowed for programmes regulated by AICTE, NCTE and INC. It is also not allowed for collaborative programmes such as BCOMAF, BCOMFCA, BECOMCAA, BHM, MCOMBPCG, MCOMMAFS, MCOMFT and MHA.
IGNOU Cutoff 2026
IGNOU does not publish a cutoff for open admission programmes. Since admission is based on meeting the eligibility requirement and clearing document verification, there is no merit list, percentile cutoff or seat allotment round for most courses.
IGNOU Scholarship and Fee Exemption
SC and ST students can claim a fee exemption for one programme in one admission cycle. If an applicant submits more than one application while claiming the exemption, all such applications may be rejected.
IGNOU Online Programmes Admission 2026
IGNOU offers 45 academic programmes through its online learning management system. These are separate from ODL programmes and use ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for admission.
| 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 |
IGNOU also offers 268 courses through SWAYAM. Indian applicants use the standard online portal, while foreign students living outside India use the foreign online programmes portal.
IGNOU may revise, restructure, suspend, withdraw or discontinue any programme, course, study centre or academic process. Applicants should verify 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. Has IGNOU announced the January 2027 admission dates?
Ans. No. IGNOU has not released the January 2027 schedule or the January 2027 Common Prospectus. The expected window mentioned for applications is December 2026 to January 2027.
Ques. Do all IGNOU courses need an entrance test?
Ans. No. Most IGNOU programmes use open admission, so eligible students are admitted without a competitive exam. Entrance tests apply only to B.Ed, PhD and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing.
Ques. Does IGNOU release a merit list or cutoff?
Ans. No. Open admission programmes do not have a cutoff, merit list or seat allotment round. IGNOU confirms admission after checking the uploaded documents.
Ques. How much is the IGNOU registration fee?
Ans. The regular registration fee is INR 300 and it is non refundable. Fixed Learning Intake Programmes charge INR 500. Students also pay a University Development fee of INR 400 along with the programme fee.
Ques. Can older learners apply to IGNOU?
Ans. Yes. Most programmes have no upper age limit. Some programmes may set a minimum age, so the programme details should be checked before applying.
Ques. Is a four subject Class 12 certificate valid for IGNOU admission?
Ans. No. IGNOU requires 10+2 with a pass in five subjects. Students with four subjects can complete one Senior Secondary level course from NIOS and then apply.
Ques. Who should use re-registration instead of fresh admission?
Ans. Existing IGNOU students continuing to the next year or semester must use re-registration. Fresh admission is only for new applicants. Re-registration uses a separate portal and does not charge the INR 300 registration fee.
Ques. Is programme change allowed after IGNOU admission?
Ans. No. IGNOU does not allow a student to switch programmes after admission. The student must cancel the admission and apply again, and any refund depends on the university Refund Policy.
Ques. Can a student join the second year directly at IGNOU?
Ans. No. Direct admission to the second or third year is not provided for degree programmes. A student must join from the first year and may then apply for transfer of credits earned elsewhere.
Ques. Is BPP still offered by IGNOU?
Ans. No. IGNOU states that the Bachelor's Preparatory Programme is not on offer. Students without 10+2 should use the NIOS Senior Secondary route instead.
Ques. Can a student study at IGNOU while enrolled somewhere else?
Ans. Yes, a student studying elsewhere may also register in an IGNOU ODL or Online programme at UG or PG level. IGNOU will not change exam schedules for clashes. Simultaneous admission is not allowed for AICTE, NCTE and INC regulated programmes or for several collaborative programmes.
Ques. What is the time limit for completing IGNOU degrees?
Ans. A UG degree has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years. A PG degree has a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. Diploma and PG Diploma programmes allow up to 3 years, while certificate programmes allow up to 2 years.
Ques. Are ITI or polytechnic diplomas accepted as 10+2 by IGNOU?
Ans. Yes, if the conditions are met. IGNOU accepts qualifying diplomas from State Boards of Technical Education, ITIs and polytechnics, along with the National Trade Certificate, as equal to 10+2. The diploma must have at least five subjects, and the rule does not apply to B.Sc.
Ques. Which portal is used for IGNOU online programmes?
Ans. Indian students use ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for online programmes. Foreign students living outside India apply through ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in. These programmes do not need an entrance exam.
Ques. Is fee exemption available for SC and ST students?
Ans. Yes. SC and ST students may claim a fee exemption for one programme in one admission cycle. Claiming the exemption in more than one application can lead to rejection of all applications.
Ques. What should applicants check before paying the IGNOU fee?
Ans. Applicants should check the programme eligibility, fee, duration, medium of instruction and applicable rules before payment. IGNOU does not allow programme change after admission, and the registration fee is non refundable.