Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Admission 2026 (January): Last Date, Status, Application Form, Eligibility

About IGNOU Admission 2026

IGNOU admission 2026 January session has started. The last date to apply is January 31, 2026. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) admission 2026 is based on merit in the qualifying examination for most programs, with entrance examinations for select courses like BEd and PhD.

Candidates seeking admission at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) can apply for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Certificate, and Doctoral courses offered across multiple disciplines. The IGNOU admission process involves registration on the official IGNOU admission portal, appearing for entrance exams (if applicable), and seat confirmation via merit-based selection or counselling for specific programs. Based on merit lists or entrance exam scores, candidates are offered admission to their desired course.

IGNOU admission opens twice a year, in January and July cycles. IGNOU registration for the January session starts in December, and the July session registration starts in May or June. Registrations for admission at IGNOU can be done via both online and offline modes. Details like eligibility, selection criteria, entrance exams, application process, and dates for IGNOU admission 2026 are discussed below.

IGNOU Admission Highlights 2026

IGNOU Admission Dates 2026

IGNOU Admission 2026 dates for the January Session to apply for all ODL/Online programs are given in the table below:

IGNOU UG Admission 2026

IGNOU UG admission is merit-based for BCA, BBA, BCom, BSc, BSW, BLIS, and BPP programs, except BEd, which requires the BEd Entrance Test. IGNOU UG courses span 3-6 years. IGNOU operates via Open & Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL). The basic eligibility for IGNOU admission to UG courses is passing the 10+2 examination in relevant subjects. Below are the details for IGNOU UG eligibility & selection criteria 2026: 

IGNOU PG Admission 2026

IGNOU PG admission is merit-based for MA, MCA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MSW, and MLIS programs. IGNOU PG courses span 2-5 years. IGNOU PG courses are offered through regional and study centres via ODL and OL modes. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university. Below is the details for IGNOU PG eligibility & selection criteria 2026: 

IGNOU Diploma Admission 2026

IGNOU Diploma admission 2026 is merit-based, conducted via the IGNOU admission portal. The courses include Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE), Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTS), and Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD) for durations of 1-3 years. Eligibility varies, typically requiring 10+2 or a bachelor’s degree. Below are the details for IGNOU Diploma eligibility & selection criteria 2026: 

IGNOU PhD Admission 2026

IGNOU PhD admission is offered in various disciplines for 3-6 years. Candidates must hold a master’s degree with 55% marks. Selection is based on the PhD Entrance Test followed by an interview. Below is the IGNOU PhD eligibility & selection criteria 2026:

IGNOU Admission Fees 2026

IGNOU admission fees for 2026 vary by program, with additional registration fees of INR 300 for most courses and INR 500 for MBA, MCA, and select programs. Fees are payable per semester or annually, depending on the course structure, and cover tuition, study materials, and examination costs. Scholarships and fee exemptions are available for SC/ST, BPL, and jail inmates. IGNOU Courses & Fees 2026 for the January 2026 session are listed below.

IGNOU Entrance Exam 2026

IGNOU admission 2026 for BEd, and PhD requires entrance exams. The BEd Entrance Test for the BEd program, and the PhD Entrance Test for Doctoral programs. Candidates must register on the IGNOU admission portal and check exam schedules at www.ignou.ac.in. 

IGNOU Admission Process 2026

Step-by-step admission process for IGNOU admission 2026 is as follows:

Step 1: Online Registration

Visit the official website of IGNOU (www.ignou.ac.in). Click on ‘Apply Now’ and register with your email ID and mobile number on the IGNOU admission portal.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

Provide personal details, academic qualifications, and course preferences in the IGNOU admission form. Upload required documents (mark sheets, passport-size photos, etc.).

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The IGNOU admission fees are INR 300 for most courses and INR 500 for MBA, MCA, and select programs. Payment modes: Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI.

Step 4: Appear for the Entrance Exam (if applicable)

IGNOU accepts OPENMAT for MBA, BEd Entrance Test for BEd, and PhD Entrance Test for PhD. Candidates must register and appear for the respective entrance examination.

Step 5: Merit List & Shortlisting

IGNOU releases a merit list based on entrance scores or academic performance. Shortlisted candidates receive email notifications about counseling or admission confirmation.

Step 6: Final Selection

For merit-based programs, IGNOU releases a final list based on academic records. For entrance-based programs, selection involves entrance exam scores and interviews (for PhD).

Step 7: Admission Confirmation & Fee Payment

Selected candidates confirm their seat by paying the admission fee within the deadline. Download the admission letter and contact the regional centre for further instructions.

How to Apply for IGNOU Admission 2026?

IGNOU admissions are merit-based for most UG, PG, diploma, and certificate courses, with no entrance exams required except for specific programs. IGNOU admission process 2026 can be completed in both online and offline modes.

IGNOU Online Admission 2026

IGNOU online admission for ODL and online programs is managed via ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in (ODL) and registration for IGNOU online courses can be done on the official IGNOU online admission portal - ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. or iop.ignouonline.ac.in. Candidates use the IGNOU admission login to access the application form, track IGNOU Admission Status, and complete IGNOU registration.

1. Visit the Official Portal:
   • To apply for IGNOU admission, visit the official IGNOU admission portal. For ODL (Open and Distance Learning) and Online programs.
   • Click on "Register Online" > "Fresh Admission".
2. New Registration:
   • If you're a new user, click "New Registration".
   • Provide basic details: Name, mobile number, email ID, etc.
   • Create a username and password (these will be sent to your email/mobile for login).
3. Login and Fill the IGNOU Admission form:
   • Log in using your new credentials.
   • Select your desired programme (UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, etc.).
   • Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and programme preferences.
   • Choose your regional centre/study centre (based on your location).
4. Upload Required Documents:
   • Upload required scanned documents in specified formats/sizes.
5. Pay the Application/Registration Fee:
   • Pay the IGNOU admission fees online INR 300 for most courses, INR 500 for MBA/MCA (non-refundable) for most programmes.
   • Pay online via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
   • Programme fee is paid after selection/confirmation.
6. Submit the Form:
   • Preview and apply.
   • Download the acknowledgement/confirmation slip for records.
   • No need to send a printed copy to IGNOU—everything is online.
7. Track IGNOU Admission Status:
   • After submission, your application will be verified by the regional centre.
   • Check status on the portal using your login.
   • Confirmation email/SMS will be sent upon approval, including enrolment number and study centre details.

IGNOU Offline Admission 2026

Visit the nearest regional or study centres to collect the IGNOU admission form. Fill it out, attach required documents, and submit with the application fee at the centre.

Documents Required for IGNOU Admission 2026

• 10th & 12th Mark Sheets
• Graduation Degree & Mark Sheets (for PG/PhD)
• Entrance Exam Scorecard (if applicable)
• Aadhar Card or Valid ID Proof
• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Migration Certificate (for non-state students)

IGNOU Admission Status 2026

IGNOU admission status shows whether your application is processed, verified, and confirmed. It applies to UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate courses in Online and ODL mode. It shows details like enrollment number generation, regional centre allotment, and confirmation after document verification and fee payment.

IGNOU registration status usually updates within 10 to 60 days. Delay may happen due to high application volume. Regularly checking your status helps you stay updated.

How to Check IGNOU Admission Status

• Primary Method (Post-Confirmation): Visit https://isms.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/AdmissionStatusNew.ASP Enter your 10-digit Enrollment Number and Programme Code. View details: Confirmation, study centre, validity.
• During Application (Samarth Portal): Log in at https://ignouiop.samarth.edu.in/ (for online programs) or https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/ (ODL). Go to "My Application" to track progress.
• Alternative: Check registered email/SMS for confirmation notifications.

Common Status Messages & Actions

• Confirmed/Enrollment Generated: Admission approved; download ID card from the Samarth portal.
• Pending/Incomplete: Documents/fee issue; re-upload or contact the regional centre.
• Rejected: Eligibility or document mismatch; re-apply next cycle.

IGNOU Scholarships 2026

Indira Gandhi National Open University offers scholarships for reserved and economically disadvantaged students, typically available from October:

Exemptions: Employed SC/ST candidates and certificate/diploma students are ineligible. Apply via ignou.ac.in.

IGNOU vs. Other Universities

• IGNOU vs. Madras University (Distance MPA): IGNOU’s MPA (INR 15,400 total) is more affordable with multilingual resources, unlike Madras University’s INR 15,000/year.
• IGNOU vs. Nalanda Open University: IGNOU’s 2,667 study centres and eGyanKosh outperform Nalanda’s limited digital infrastructure.
• IGNOU vs. VMOU (BA): IGNOU’s BA offers global recognition and diverse specializations, surpassing VMOU’s regional focus.