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IGNOU Admission 2026: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is the largest open university in India and one of the biggest distance learning institutions in the world. Established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament, IGNOU offers affordable, flexible, and UGC-recognised education to millions of students across India and abroad.

Every year, IGNOU conducts admissions in two sessions – January and July for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Certificate and Online programs. IGNOU is especially popular among working professionals, government job aspirants, and students who want to study along with work.

IGNOU Admission 2026 – Important Dates

Online Admission Start

• January 2026 Session: December 2025
• July 2026 Session: May–June 2026

Last Date to Apply

• January 2026 Session: 31 January 2026
• July 2026 Session: 31 July 2026

Last Date with Late Fee

• January 2026 Session: Mid-February 2026
• July 2026 Session: Mid-August 2026

Session Begins

• January 2026 Session: February 2026
• July 2026 Session: August 2026

Students should always check the official IGNOU website for the latest notifications.

Courses Offered by IGNOU

IGNOU offers more than 200 programs in different categories:

1. Undergraduate (UG) Programs

• BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BLIS, etc.

2. Postgraduate (PG) Programs

• MA, MCom, MSc, MBA, MCA, MSW, etc.

3. Diploma & PG Diploma

• Tourism, Journalism, Management, Nutrition, Education, Computer Applications, etc.

4. Certificate Courses

• Short-term skill-based programs in various fields.

5. Entrance Based Programs

• B.Ed, PhD, and some specialized courses require an entrance test.
• IGNOU offers programs in ODL (Open & Distance Learning) and Online Mode.

IGNOU Eligibility Criteria

For UG Courses

• Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• No age limit for most courses.

For PG Courses

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

For Diploma & Certificate

• Eligibility varies from course to course (some need 10th, some 12th, some graduation).

For B.Ed & PhD

• Graduation/Post-Graduation with required percentage + Entrance Test qualification.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit Official Portal

• For ODL Programs: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
• For Online Programs: https://ignouiop.samarth.edu.in

Step 2: Register

• Create account using Email ID and Mobile Number.

Step 3: Fill Application Form

• Enter personal, academic, and contact details carefully.

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Photo, Signature, Certificates, Mark sheets, ID proof.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

• Payment through Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI.

Step 6: Submit Form

• Download and save the confirmation receipt for future reference.

Documents Required for IGNOU Admission

1. Passport-size photograph Identity
2. Signature Verification
3. 10th / 12th Marksheet Educational proof
4. Graduation Marksheet (for PG) Qualification proof
5. ID Proof (Aadhaar / PAN) Identity
6. Category Certificate (if applicable) Reservation benefit

IGNOU Fee Structure (Approximate)

UG Programmes: Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 15,000 per year
PG Programmes: Rs. 7,000 – Rs. 25,000 (MBA may go higher)
Diploma: Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 20,000
Certificate: Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 10,000

Exact fees depend on the selected course and are shown on the admission portal.

Scholarships Available for IGNOU Students

IGNOU students can apply for government scholarships and fee support schemes to reduce their education cost. The most popular option is the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), where students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Minority, and PwD categories can apply for Post-Matric and Merit-Cum-Means scholarships. These scholarships help in paying tuition fees and study expenses.

Apart from this, SC/ST students can get fee exemption or reimbursement under government schemes. Many state governments also provide scholarships for IGNOU students. Research students (PhD) can apply for UGC JRF and other fellowships. To apply, students must register on scholarships.gov.in using their IGNOU enrollment number.

Why Choose IGNOU? (Benefits)

• UGC & Government of India Recognized Degree
• No Age Limit in most courses
• Low & Affordable Fees
• Flexible Study Schedule
• Accepted for Government Jobs & Higher Studies
• Huge Network of Study Centres across India
• Best for Working Professionals & Competitive Exam Aspirants

IGNOU Study System

1. Self-Learning Study Material (Printed + Online)
2. Academic Counselling Sessions at Study Centres
3. Assignments (Compulsory)
4. Term End Examination (TEE) twice a year (June & December)

Common Mistakes to Avoid During IGNOU Admission

• Uploading wrong documents
• Spelling mistakes in name or DOB
• Selecting wrong program
• Not checking eligibility
• Not saving payment receipt

FAQs

Q1. Is IGNOU degree valid for government jobs? Yes, IGNOU is a Central University and its degrees are UGC recognized and valid for all government and private jobs.
Q2. Is there any age limit for IGNOU admission? No, most IGNOU courses have no age limit.
Q3. Can I do a job along with IGNOU study? Yes, IGNOU is specially designed for working professionals and distance learners.
Q4. Does IGNOU conduct entrance exam? Only for some courses like B.Ed and PhD. Most courses are direct admission.
Q5. How many times IGNOU admission opens in a year? IGNOU opens admission twice a year – January and July.

Conclusion

IGNOU Admission 2026 is a golden opportunity for students who want to pursue higher education with flexibility, low cost, and government-recognized degrees. Whether you are a working professional, a competitive exam aspirant, or a student who wants to study from home, IGNOU offers a reliable and trusted education system.

The online admission process is simple, transparent, and accessible from anywhere in India. If you want quality education without attending regular college, IGNOU is one of the best choices in India.

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