IGNOU Registration Details and July 2026 Admission Steps
Part of IGNOU Admission: IGNOU Admission 2026: Courses, Fee Structure, and Samarth Portal Process
IGNOU registration details for the July 2026 session require applicants to upload self-attested documents and pay fees online through Samarth portals. The extended deadline for fresh ODL and Online program admissions is 13 October 2026.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), also known as IGNOU Delhi, offers distance and online undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and research programmes across India. Admissions for the July 2026 cycle are processed digitally through dedicated Samarth admission portals for ODL and Online modes. Candidates must submit scanned certificates, pay non-refundable registration fees, and complete profile verification online before official enrolment confirmation.
IGNOU Admission 2026: July 2026 Session Extension Notice
IGNOU Student Registration Division released an official notification extending the last date for July 2026 fresh admissions. Candidates applying for ODL and Online programmes gained extra time to complete application submission.
The extended deadline of 13 October 2026 applies to all notified diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programmes. Semester-based programmes and short-term certificate programmes were excluded from this extension notification.
IGNOU Admission Overview: ODL and Online Mode Offerings
IGNOU provides academic programmes through two distinct channels, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Web-based Online mode. Both delivery modes follow standard University Grants Commission (UGC) credit structures and evaluation regulations.
Degrees and postgraduate diplomas awarded by IGNOU through ODL or Online modes carry full equivalence to degrees awarded by conventional statutory universities across India. Candidates of any age can enroll if they meet academic eligibility.
IGNOU Admission 2026: Important Highlights
The July 2026 admission cycle operates through web portals managed under the Samarth eGov infrastructure. Key facts, admission links, and operational details are summarized below for prospective applicants.
Applicants must submit registration forms online and pay non-refundable registration fees alongside the first-year or first-semester programme fee during initial form submission.
IGNOU Admission 2026 Key Highlights for July 2026 Session
| Feature / Item | Details / Official Specification |
|---|---|
| Admitting Institution | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Admission Cycle | July 2026 Session |
| ODL Portal URL | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Online Portal URL | ignouiop.samarth.edu.in |
| PhD Portal URL | ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in |
| ODL/Online Last Date | 13 October 2026 (Excluding Semester/Certificate) |
| PhD Application Deadline | 15 July 2026 (Registration Closed) |
| Mandatory Registration | Student Account creation on ignou.samarth.edu.in |
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Courses Offered: Programme List and Delivery Modes
IGNOU offers diverse academic qualifications ranging from undergraduate degrees to specialized postgraduate master’s degrees. Candidates select their specific programme code during registration on the Samarth admission system.
Each academic programme specifies minimum completion durations and entry requirements. Options include arts, science, commerce, management, computer applications, and professional education.
Select Academic Programmes Offered at IGNOU
| Programme Name | Programme Code | Minimum Duration | Basic Entry Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | MBA | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Commerce | MCOM | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Computer Applications | MCA_NEW | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Arts (English) | MAEG | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Arts (History) | MAHI | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Arts (Political Science) | MAPS | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Arts (Sociology) | MASO | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Arts (Economics) | MAEC | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Arts (Public Administration) | MPA | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Master of Library and Information Science | MLIS | 1 Year | Bachelor’s in Library Science |
| Master of Arts (Rural Development) | MARD | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Bachelor of Arts | BAG / BA | 3 Years | 10+2 or Equivalent |
| Bachelor of Commerce | BCOMG / BCOM | 3 Years | 10+2 or Equivalent |
| Bachelor of Science | BSCG / BSC | 3 Years | 10+2 with Science |
| Bachelor of Computer Applications | BCA_NEW | 3 Years | 10+2 or Equivalent |
| Bachelor of Education | BED | 2 Years | NCTE Compliant Qualification |
| Doctor of Philosophy | PHD | 3 to 6 Years | Master’s Degree (55% marks) |
IGNOU Admission Eligibility: Criteria and Academic Rules
Master’s degree eligibility requires a recognized Bachelor’s degree of 3 years duration or a 2-year degree completed up to 1998-99 with a 1-year bridge course. Degrees completed prior to 4 June 1986 are treated at par with 3-year degrees.
Reserved category seats for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, EWS, PwD, Kashmiri Migrants, and War Widows follow Government of India reservation rules. SC and ST candidates may apply for financial assistance under Post Matric Scholarship schemes on the National Scholarship Portal.
How to Apply for IGNOU Admission Online?
Fresh applicants must complete their application online through the IGNOU Samarth ODL admission portal or the Online programme portal. Candidates must ensure personal email and mobile details are correct during form fillup.
Follow these standard steps on the Samarth portal to complete the IGNOU new admission registration process successfully.
- Open the IGNOU Samarth ODL admission portal or the Online mode admission link.
- Click on the ‘Click Here for New Registration’ button to open the IGNOU new registration page.
- Enter username, full applicant name, active email address, mobile number, and set a password.
- Submit the registration form and verify the login credentials sent via SMS and email.
- Log in using the registered username and password on the admission portal dashboard.
- Fill in personal details, academic qualifications, study centre code, and programme choices.
- Upload scanned copies of recent photograph, signature, marksheets, and category certificates.
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee and programme fee using online payment gateways.
- Download and save the completed application form and fee receipt for reference.
IGNOU Registration Details: Required Documents and Form Fields
Applicants must scan original documents before starting the IGNOU form fillup process. All uploaded files must be clearly legible and self-attested by the candidate.
Submitting incorrect certificates or false declarations leads to immediate cancellation of admission without fee refund.
- Recent Passport Size Colour Photograph
- Scanned Signature of Candidate
- Class X Marksheet and Certificate for Age Proof
- Class XII Marksheet and Passing Certificate
- Graduation Marksheet and Degree Certificate (for PG programmes)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), if applicable
- PwD Certificate issued by competent medical authority, if applicable
- Experience Certificate or Employer No Objection Certificate (NOC), if required
What to Do If IGNOU Application Form Details or Courses Are Incorrect?
Incomplete application forms, false information, or wrong course selections lead to summary rejection without prior intimation. Candidates should carefully verify all entries before final online payment.
If an admitted student needs to change an elective or course, a written request must be submitted to the concerned Regional Centre within 30 days of receiving study material, accompanied by a Demand Draft for the applicable fee.
IGNOU Course and Elective Change Fee Structure
| Programme Level | Course Credit Size | Fee Amount (INR) | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | 2 / 4 Credits | Rs. 350 | Demand Draft to Regional Centre |
| Undergraduate (UG) | 6 / 8 Credits | Rs. 700 | Demand Draft to Regional Centre |
| Postgraduate (PG) | 2 / 4 Credits | Rs. 600 | Demand Draft to Regional Centre |
| Postgraduate (PG) | 6 / 8 Credits | Rs. 1,200 | Demand Draft to Regional Centre |
IGNOU PhD Admission 2025: Entrance and Selection Process
IGNOU offers Full-Time and Part-Time PhD programmes compliant with UGC Regulations 2022 through the IGNOU PhD admission portal. Candidates must complete 6 months of regular coursework at the IGNOU Campus in New Delhi with at least 80% attendance.
Eligibility requires a Master’s degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with 75% marks. Candidates with UGC NET JRF (Category A) selection rely 100% on interview performance, while Category B NET qualifiers are assessed on 70% NET score and 30% interview.
IGNOU PhD Discipline Seat Breakdown Summary (Sample)
| Discipline Name | Total Seats | Category Seat Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Library and Information Science (PHDLIS) | 20 Seats | UR 8, SC 3, ST 2, OBC 5, EWS 2 |
| Geology | 7 Seats | UR 2, SC 1, ST 1, OBC 2, EWS 1 |
IGNOU Admission 2026: Next Steps After Submission
After paying admission fees and securing enrolment, students must create a personal account on the IGNOU Samarth student portal.
Admitted candidates should check their admission confirmation status regularly on the IGNOU official admissions page or register student queries on the iGRAM student grievance portal if delays occur.
Where to go on the IGNOU site
- Access IGNOU PhD admission registration portalignou-phd.samarth.edu.in ↗
- Check IGNOU official university admission linksignou.ac.in ↗
- Apply for IGNOU ODL fresh admission onlineignouadmission.samarth.edu.in ↗
- Create new applicant registration on Samarth portalignou.samarth.edu.in ↗
- Submit admission queries to iGRAM grievance portaligram.ignou.ac.in ↗
- Register student account on IGNOU Samarth portalignou.samarth.edu.in ↗
Key facts
- University Name: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- Current Admission Session: July 2026 Admission Cycle
- ODL Fresh Admission Deadline: 13 October 2026 (Extended)
- ODL Admission Portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
- Online Mode Admission Portal: ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
- PhD Application Fee: Rs. 1,000 (Non-refundable)
- Student Registration Portal: ignou.samarth.edu.in
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
- IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026 PDF — Official IGNOU Common Prospectus with fee and programme rules
- IGNOU PhD Entrance Test Information Brochure July 2025 PDF — Information brochure for IGNOU PhD entrance test and eligibility
- IGNOU BEd Programme Prospectus 2025 PDF — IGNOU Bachelor of Education prospectus and admission guidelines
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the last date for IGNOU admission and re-registration?
The extended last date for IGNOU fresh online admission for ODL and Online programmes in the July 2026 session was 13 October 2026. This extension excluded semester-based and short-term certificate programmes, which followed separate schedule notifications. Existing learners complete re-registration for subsequent academic years by logging into the student portal at ignou.samarth.edu.in. If registration fails or confirmation is delayed, applicants can submit a ticket on the iGRAM portal at igram.ignou.ac.in.
Can I pursue a distance degree from IGNOU alongside a regular degree at another university?
Yes, UGC regulations permit students to pursue an IGNOU ODL or Online degree alongside a conventional regular degree simultaneously. IGNOU undergraduate and postgraduate degrees carry full equivalence to degrees awarded through conventional university modes. Learners must satisfy specific programme eligibility rules and register via ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL or ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for Online programmes. If an application is rejected due to eligibility mismatches, applicants can submit clarified documents to their Regional Centre.
Is there an upper age limit for taking admission in IGNOU?
IGNOU has no upper age limit for admission to any of its academic programmes. Applicants of any age can enroll provided they meet the basic educational eligibility criteria for their chosen course. For instance, 74-year-old learner Krishan Kumar Gupta successfully completed a Master’s Degree Programme in Social Work (MSW) from IGNOU. Candidates submit their application online via ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, and can contact their Regional Director if document verification encounters issues.
What are the next steps after paying admission fees and receiving an IGNOU Control Number?
After paying admission fees, candidates must create and register a student account on the IGNOU Samarth portal at ignou.samarth.edu.in. Once the Regional Director approves and confirms admission, the verified student account displays the allotted enrollment number. This portal account provides digital access to course registration, study material details, examination form filling, and term-end results. If account creation fails or login issues occur, students should raise a query through igram.ignou.ac.in.
How to check IGNOU admission status online?
Applicants check IGNOU admission status online by logging into ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in using their registered username and password. Upon successful verification of uploaded documents by the Regional Director, the dashboard updates from provisional status to confirmed admission with an enrollment number. Applicants should regularly log in during the July 2026 session processing period to track verification updates. If admission remains unconfirmed due to discrepancies, candidates must submit query tickets on igram.ignou.ac.in.
What is the application fee for IGNOU PhD admission?
The application fee for IGNOU PhD admission is Rs. 1,000 for all candidates. This non-refundable registration fee must be paid online during application submission on the PhD portal at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in. Candidates applying for the July 2025 or July 2026 sessions must complete user registration, upload self-attested certificates, and finalize payment before the deadline. If payment processing fails or receipt generation fails, candidates should verify payment gateway status or contact coordinators on www.ignou.ac.in.
How can students request a change in IGNOU courses or electives?
Course change requests must be submitted to the concerned Regional Centre within 30 days of receiving study material. Fees are Rs. 350 for 2/4 credit UG courses, Rs. 700 for 6/8 credit UG courses, Rs. 600 for 2/4 credit PG courses, and Rs. 1,200 for 6/8 credit PG courses via Demand Draft.
When and how can students submit the IGNOU exam online form?
IGNOU term-end examination forms are accepted online only through the official university website www.ignou.ac.in. Online examination form submission commences on 1st March for the June Term-End Examination (TEE) and on 1st September for the December TEE. Students must submit the exam online form within the prescribed schedule to appear for theory and practical courses. Hall tickets are uploaded on www.ignou.ac.in 7 to 10 days before the TEE commences.
What documents are required for IGNOU online registration and form fillup?
IGNOU requires applicants to upload clear, self-attested scanned copies of essential documents during the online form fillup process on the Samarth portal. Required files include a recent passport-size photograph, candidate signature, Class 10 age proof certificate, Class 12 marksheets, and graduation certificates for postgraduate applicants. Category certificates for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, EWS, or PwD status must also be uploaded if claiming reservation benefits. If invalid files are submitted, admission will be cancelled without fee refund.
How do candidates apply online for fresh IGNOU ODL admission on the Samarth portal?
Candidates apply for fresh IGNOU ODL admission online through the official portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Applicants must click on new registration, enter personal contact details, create a username and password, and log in to complete their profile. After filling academic qualifications and selecting study centres, candidates upload scanned documents and pay programme fees using online payment gateways. If registration fails or details need correction before payment, candidates must re-check their entries or raise queries on igram.ignou.ac.in.
What is the eligibility criteria for IGNOU PhD admission?
IGNOU PhD admission requires a Master’s degree with at least 55% aggregate marks or 75% marks in a 4-year Bachelor’s degree programme. Reserved categories including SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, EWS, and Differently-Abled receive a 5% mark relaxation in qualifying criteria. Selection relies on UGC NET performance and an interview held at IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi, carrying 100% weightage for JRF Category A candidates. Applicants must submit online forms on ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in with a non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1,000.
How do candidates apply online for IGNOU Online mode programmes on the Samarth portal?
Candidates apply for fresh IGNOU Online mode programmes by visiting the dedicated portal at ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. Applicants complete user registration using an active email and mobile number, log in, and select their chosen web-based course. Scanned copies of photographs, signatures, educational marksheets, and category certificates must be uploaded before paying fees online. If technical issues occur during registration or payment processing, candidates can submit a support ticket on igram.ignou.ac.in.
What is the extended last date for submitting IGNOU assignments for the December 2026 Term-End Examination?
The extended last date to submit assignments for the December 2026 Term-End Examination (TEE) is 31st October 2026. This deadline applies to both hard copy and soft copy assignment submissions across ODL and Online programmes, including GOAL and EVBB. Learners submit completed assignments to their designated Study Centre or portal as instructed by their Regional Centre. If submission confirmation is delayed or missing on the student portal, candidates should raise a ticket on igram.ignou.ac.in.
In this section
- IGNOU Admission 2026: Courses, Fee Structure, and Samarth Portal Process
- IGNOU Admission Status 2026: How to Check Application Status Online?
- IGNOU Registration Date, July 2026 Session Schedule, and Portal Steps
- IGNOU Re-Registration 2026: Portal, Process and Last Date
- IGNOU Exam Fee Structure 2026: Payment Modes, Rules, and Deadlines
- What Is the IGNOU Full Form? University History, NAAC Grade and Programmes