IGNOU Admissions | ODL & Online | UGC-DEB Entitled

IGNOU Admissions 2026: July Session Last Date, Process, Eligibility & Fees

IGNOU Admissions for the July 2026 session are open for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate programmes in both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes. With 300+ programmes, two intakes a year and fees well below most regular universities, IGNOU lets you earn a recognised degree while you keep working.

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Important Update

IGNOU Admissions July 2026 Session: Key Dates and Portals

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has opened fresh admissions for the July 2026 session in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes. Applications are accepted for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate programmes until 31 October 2026.

ODL applicants apply on ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, while Online programme applicants use ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. Existing students moving to the next year or semester use the separate re-registration portal, onlinerr.ignou.ac.in.

Item	Details
Session	July 2026
Last date (fresh admission)	31 October 2026
ODL programmes portal	ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Online programmes portal	ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
Mode of payment	Credit card, debit card (incl. RuPay) and net banking
Keep ready	APAAR ID, scanned photo, signature and certificates

Tip: Create your APAAR ID before you start the form. IGNOU asks for it during registration.

About the University

Why Choose IGNOU for Your Admission?

IGNOU was established in 1985 to make higher education reachable for everyone, whatever their location, age or work schedule. It is ranked No. 1 among open universities in NIRF and was the first open university to receive a NAAC A++ grade. Today it offers more than 300 programmes, including skill-based courses and four-year undergraduate programmes.

The university works through 69 Regional Centres, over 2,000 Learner Support Centres in India and around 25 overseas centres. Digital platforms such as SWAYAM MOOCs, SWAYAM Prabha and eGyankosh, along with its online learning management system, let learners study quality content at a low cost.

Recognised Degrees

Every programme is approved by UGC-DEB and accepted for government jobs, higher studies and promotions.

Affordable Fees

Programme fees are a fraction of private university fees, and you can pay per year or per semester.

Flexible Learning

Study through printed or digital material, eGyankosh, GyanDarshan and SWAYAM Prabha at your own pace.

333+ Programmes

Choose from BA, BCom, BCA, MBA, MCA, MA, MCom, MSc, diplomas, certificates and Ph.D.

IGNOU at a Glance

IGNOU Programmes, Admissions and Learning Services

Area	What IGNOU Offers
Programme levels	Master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, PG diplomas and diplomas, PG certificates and certificates, appreciation/awareness programmes and Ph.D.
Online education	Online degree and certificate programmes, SWAYAM and skill-based courses, virtual classes and recorded lectures
Admission routes	ODL (distance) programmes, Online programmes, international students, Ph.D. admissions and re-registration for existing students
Network	Regional Centres across India, Learner Support Centres and overseas study centres

Application Process

How to Apply for IGNOU Admission 2026

Fresh applicants can complete the IGNOU admission form online in about 20–30 minutes. Follow these steps:

Choose your programme: Open the admission portal, select the programme and read its eligibility, duration and fee details. Download the Common Prospectus for full rules.
Register: Click “New Registration” and enter your personal email and mobile number. Both are verified by OTP. Your username must be 8–16 characters and your password must be alphanumeric (8–16 characters).
Log in: Save your username and password. Use them to log in and continue the form at any time.
Fill in the form: Enter personal, academic and programme details carefully. Check spelling of your name and date of birth against your certificates.
Upload documents: Upload clear scans of the originals within the size limits given below, then preview the form.
Pay the fee: Pay online and download the acknowledgement. Keep it safe until your enrolment number is issued.

Detailed Instructions for Filling the IGNOU Online Form

Step 1 – Select your programme: On the admission portal home page, open the programme tab and read the eligibility, duration, fee structure and other key information. Go through the Common Prospectus before you start.

Step 2 – New registration: In the applicant login area, click “New Registration” and fill in the details.

Use your own email ID and mobile number; both are verified through OTP.
Choose a username of 8 to 16 characters.
Set an alphanumeric password of 8 to 16 characters.
Click Submit. Your username is sent to you by email and SMS.

Step 3 – Save your login details: Note down your username and password, as you will need them to log in again.

Step 4 – Log in: If you already have an account, simply click “Login” and continue your form.

Step 5 – Keep scans ready: Scan your photograph, signature and certificates within the size limits shown in the table below.

Step 6 – Upload and preview: Upload scans made from original documents, click Next to preview the form, and save or print a copy.

Step 7 – Pay the fee: Pay online using a credit card (Master/Visa), debit card (Master/Visa/RuPay) or net banking, then download the acknowledgement.

Note: If you fill the form at a cyber café, check every detail yourself before submitting and make sure all documents are uploaded.

Documents Required for IGNOU Admission

Document	Maximum Size
Passport-size photograph	100 KB
Signature	100 KB
Educational qualification certificates	200 KB
Experience certificate (if required)	200 KB
Category / disability certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwD)	200 KB

Quick Checklist for Fresh Applicants

Create a new registration on the correct portal (ODL or Online).
Enter all details exactly as they appear on your certificates.
Pick the programme that fits your academic and career goals.
Read the on-screen instructions before filling each section.
Review the form and confirm all documents are uploaded before you submit.
Keep the confirmation email and fee receipt for future reference.

Specialised Programmes

Medical and Special Education Programme Admissions

Some PG diplomas and certificates in medicine and early childhood special education are applied for through a separate IGNOU portal:

PGDGM – PG Diploma in Geriatric Medicine
PGDMCH – PG Diploma in Maternal and Child Health
PGCMDM – PG Certificate in Medical Management of CBRNE Disasters
CESEIHI – Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education Enabling Inclusion (Hearing Impairment)
CESEIVI – Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education Enabling Inclusion (Visual Impairment)
CESEIID – Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education Enabling Inclusion (Intellectual Disability)

Cancelling an application: You can cancel your application directly from your login without emailing or raising a request on iGRAM. Cancellation is permanent; a cancelled application cannot be restored, and any refund follows the university’s refund rules.

Eligibility

IGNOU Admission Eligibility Criteria (UG, PG, Diploma & Certificate)

IGNOU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate programmes in both distance and online modes. All of them are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), so they are accepted across India and abroad. Here is a quick summary, followed by details for each level.

Level	Minimum Eligibility	Examples
Undergraduate	10+2 from a recognised board. Some courses need specific subjects, e.g. Mathematics for BCA.	BA, BCom, BCA, BSc
Postgraduate	Bachelor’s degree from a UGC-recognised university. Some courses set minimum marks or an entrance test (OPENMAT for MBA).	MA, MCom, MBA, MCA, MSc
PG Diploma	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; specialised diplomas may need a related background.	PGDCA, PGDDRRDM
Diploma	10+2 or equivalent.	Diploma in Tourism Studies
Certificate	10th or 10+2, depending on the programme.	CBS, CRD, CES

1. Undergraduate (UG) Programmes

Open to students who have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board.

Some programmes need specific subjects at the 10+2 level, for example Mathematics for BCA.
Most UG programmes have no upper age limit.
Admission is generally based on your qualifying exam, not an entrance test.
Examples: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Science (BSc).

2. Postgraduate (PG) Programmes

Open to graduates holding a bachelor’s degree from a UGC-recognised university or college.

Some programmes set minimum marks in graduation, such as 50% for certain MA or MBA courses.
Professional programmes like B.Ed, M.Ed and MBA may need an entrance test such as OPENMAT or OPENNET.
Students awaiting final-year results can take provisional admission and submit marks later.
Examples: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Commerce (MCom), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MSc).

3. Certificate Programmes

Short programmes that build foundation knowledge or a specific skill.

Most need 10+2 or equivalent; some advanced certificates need a bachelor’s degree.
Ideal for learners who want to upskill in one focused area.
Examples: Certificate in Business Skills (CBS), Certificate in Rural Development (CRD), Certificate in Environmental Studies (CES).

4. Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma Programmes

Diplomas sit between certificates and degrees and are practical and career-focused.

Diplomas: usually 10+2 or equivalent, with no strict upper age limit.
PG Diplomas: a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university; some specialised PG diplomas need a related subject background or work experience.
Both help improve job readiness and career prospects.

Important Notes on Eligibility

Recognition: All IGNOU UG, PG, diploma and certificate qualifications are recognised by UGC and AIU.
Admission without entrance: Most programmes do not need an entrance exam, except B.Ed and a few professional PG courses.
Document verification: Valid educational certificates must be uploaded at the time of admission.

Programme Details

Complete Details About IGNOU Programmes: ODL and Online Modes

Before applying, check the programme details page for your course on the official IGNOU website. It covers:

Programme type and level (UG, PG, diploma, certificate)
Mode of delivery: ODL or Online
School offering the programme and programme coordinator
Duration and medium of instruction (English, Hindi, etc.)
Specialisations and programme description
Eligibility and fee structure
Regional Centres and study centres offering the programme

Reading these details helps you choose the programme that best fits your academic interests and career plans. Already applied? Check your IGNOU admission status.

New at IGNOU

Newly Launched IGNOU Programmes

Code	Programme	Mode	About the Programme
MAHD	MA in Hindi	ODL	Advanced study of Hindi literature, language and writing for academic and professional growth.
MAEG	MA in English	ODL	Builds knowledge of English literature, critical theory and communication for teaching, research and content careers.
BSCFFAD	B.Sc. Fashion & Apparel Design (FYUP)	ODL	Four-year degree covering fashion design, textiles and industry practice.
BCA_NEW	Bachelor of Computer Applications	ODL	IT degree covering programming, databases, networking and software development.
BCA_NEWOL	Bachelor of Computer Applications	Online	Fully online IT degree focused on coding and modern software tools.
MCA_NEW	Master of Computer Applications	ODL	Advanced computing in software engineering, application development and system design.
PGDCA_NEW	PG Diploma in Computer Applications	ODL	Career-oriented diploma in programming, IT tools and computer applications.
PGDDRRDM	PG Diploma in Disaster Risk Reduction & Management	ODL	Disaster preparedness, risk analysis and emergency management.
PGDTRBS	PG Diploma in Tribal Studies	ODL	Tribal communities, culture, policy and sustainable development.
MFAP	Master of Fine Arts – Painting	ODL	Painting techniques, art theory and professional artistic practice.
MSWOL	Master of Social Work	Online	Community development, welfare policy and social work practice.
QPNM	Qualification Pack – Nurse Manager	ODL	Nursing leadership, hospital administration and patient care management.

Schools of Studies

IGNOU Schools of Studies

IGNOU’s programmes are offered through 21 Schools of Studies, each focused on a field of knowledge:

School	Focus Area
School of Translation Studies and Training (SOTST)	Translation, interpretation and professional language skills.
School of Vocational Education and Training (SOVET)	Skill-based programmes linked to jobs and entrepreneurship.
School of Agriculture (SOA)	Agriculture, rural development and sustainable farming.
School of Continuing Education (SOCE)	Lifelong learning through diplomas, certificates and awareness programmes.
School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS)	Computing, IT and digital technology programmes.
School of Education (SOE)	Teacher education and educational research.
School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS)	Rural development, sustainability and community empowerment.
School of Engineering & Technology (SOET)	Applied technical and engineering education.
School of Foreign Languages (SOFL)	Foreign language learning for global careers.
School of Gender and Development Studies (SOGDS)	Gender equality, social justice and inclusive development.
School of Humanities (SOH)	Literature, philosophy and cultural studies.
School of Health Sciences (SOHS)	Healthcare, nursing and allied health programmes.
School of Inter-Disciplinary and Trans-Disciplinary Studies (SOITS)	Programmes that cross traditional subject boundaries.
School of Journalism and New Media Studies (SOJNMS)	Journalism, media and digital communication.
School of Law (SOL)	Law, justice systems and governance.
School of Management Studies (SOMS)	Business and management: finance, HR, marketing and entrepreneurship.
School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPVA)	Performing arts, fine arts and visual expression.
School of Sciences (SOS)	Physics, chemistry, life sciences and mathematics.
School of Social Sciences (SOSS)	Sociology, political science, economics and related subjects.
School of Social Work (SOSW)	Community service, welfare and social intervention.
School of Tourism and Hospitality Service Management (SOTHSM)	Tourism, travel and hospitality management.

Refund Policy

IGNOU Admission Fee, Cancellation and Refund Rules

The registration fee is non-refundable.
Cancel before admission is confirmed and the programme fee is refunded in full.
After confirmation, 15% of the programme fee (up to ₹2,000) is deducted.
Learners who chose soft-copy study material lose only the registration fee.
Students with a fee exemption who paid only registration and development fees get only the development fee back.
No refund is processed 60 days after admissions close.

You can cancel your application from your own login on the portal. Cancellation is permanent and cannot be reversed. For full rules, see the Common Prospectus.

Student Support

IGNOU Learner Support Services

Service	What It Offers
eGyankosh	IGNOU’s online repository of study material, course books and other academic resources.
GyanDarshan	Educational TV channel broadcasting lectures and subject-based programmes.
IGNOU e-Content	App-based access to course material, videos and learning support.
SWAYAM Prabha	DTH channels with live and recorded curriculum-based classes.
Gyandhara	Internet radio counselling where experts answer learner questions live.
IGNOU Library	Physical and digital access to books, journals, research papers and databases.

Contact IGNOU

Student Service Centre: [email protected] | 011-29572513, 011-29572514
Student Registration Division: [email protected] | 011-29571301, 011-29571528
You can also contact your nearest Regional Centre or Learner Support Centre for help.

FAQs

IGNOU Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date for IGNOU admission 2026?

The last date for fresh IGNOU admission in the July 2026 session is 31 October 2026. Check the official portal for any extension.

How do I apply for IGNOU admission?

Register on ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in (ODL) or ignouiop.samarth.edu.in (Online), fill in the form, upload documents and pay the fee online.

What are the eligibility criteria for IGNOU programmes?

UG programmes need 10+2, PG programmes need a bachelor’s degree, and diplomas and certificates need 10th, 10+2 or a degree depending on the programme.

How much are the IGNOU admission fees?

Fees depend on the programme and mode. Each programme page and the Common Prospectus list the exact fee, and a non-refundable registration fee is charged at the time of applying.

Is there an entrance exam for IGNOU admission?

Most programmes admit students directly. Entrance tests are needed only for a few, such as B.Ed, MBA (OPENMAT) and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing.

Which documents are needed for IGNOU admission?

A photograph and signature (up to 100 KB each), educational certificates, and experience or category certificates if applicable (up to 200 KB each), plus your APAAR ID.

Is an IGNOU degree valid for government jobs?

Yes. IGNOU degrees are recognised by UGC and AIU and are valid for government jobs, higher studies and abroad.

Can I cancel my IGNOU admission and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel from your login. A full programme fee refund is given before confirmation; after confirmation 15% (up to ₹2,000) is deducted, and the registration fee is never refunded.

How can I check my IGNOU admission status?

Log in to the admission portal with your username and password or use the admission status page with your control number.