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Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is India’s largest open university, offering flexible and affordable higher education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes.
This page is a student-focused IGNOU admission guide created to explain how, when, and where to apply for IGNOU admission without confusion. It does not replace official notifications but helps students understand the process clearly in one place.
Last Updated: January 2026
Table of Contents
- When Should Students Apply?
- Important Dates – January 2026
- Admission Modes
- Official IGNOU Admission Portals
- Eligibility Criteria
- DEB ID Requirement
- Admission Process
- Documents Required
- Fees & Refund Policy
- Popular UG Programmes
- Popular PG Programmes
- Entrance-Based Programmes
- Overseas Student Admission
- FAQs
When Should Students Apply for IGNOU Admission?
IGNOU conducts admissions twice every year. Students must apply only during active admission windows.
| Session | Application Period | Who Should Apply |
|---|---|---|
| January Session | November – February | Fresh students, gap-year candidates, working professionals |
| July Session | May – October | Students who missed January intake |
For January 2026, students should start preparing documents and DEB ID by October 2025.
Important Dates – IGNOU Admission January 2026
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Admission Opens | November 2025 |
| Last Date | February 2026 |
| Late Fee Window | As per IGNOU notification |
IGNOU Admission Modes
- ODL Mode: Self-study with printed/digital materials
- Online Mode (IOP): Fully online learning platform
- FLIP Mode: Industry-linked programmes
- International Mode: For overseas students
Official IGNOU Admission Portals
| Programme Type | Official Portal |
|---|---|
| ODL | https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in (Official) |
| Online | https://ignouiop.samarth.edu.in (Official) |
| FLIP | https://ignouflip.samarth.edu.in (Official) |
| International | https://ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in (Official) |
Eligibility Criteria
| Programme Level | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Certificate / Diploma | 10th / 10+2 |
| Undergraduate | 10+2 or equivalent |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s degree |
DEB ID Requirement (Mandatory)
As per UGC guidelines, DEB ID is mandatory for all ODL and Online programmes.
- Create ABC ID at https://deb.ugc.ac.in
- Generate DEB ID
- Use same email & mobile number
Also Read
- What is DEB ID & Why It Is Mandatory?
- How to Create DEB ID – Step by Step
- ABC ID vs DEB ID – Difference Explained
IGNOU Admission Process – Step by Step
- Register on the official portal
- Login and select programme
- Fill personal & academic details
- Upload documents
- Pay fees online
- Submit and download confirmation
Also Read
- IGNOU Admission Process with Screenshots
- Common IGNOU Admission Mistakes
- Documents Required for IGNOU Admission
Documents Required
- Photograph (≤100 KB)
- Signature (≤100 KB)
- Identity proof
- Educational certificates
Fees & Refund Policy
IGNOU has one of the most affordable fee structures among Indian universities.
- Registration fee: ₹300 / ₹500 / ₹800 (non-refundable)
- Programme fees vary by course
- Refunds as per official IGNOU refund policy
Also Read
Popular UG Programmes (Indicative)
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Approx. Fees | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | 3 Years | 10+2 or equivalent | ₹4,500 per year | View |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) | 3 Years | 10+2 (Science) | ₹6,000 per year | View |
| Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) | 3 Years | 10+2 or equivalent | ₹4,500 per year | View |
| Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) | 3 Years | 10+2 with Mathematics | ₹8,000 per semester | View |
Full UG programme list is available on the Programs page.
Popular PG Programmes (Indicative)
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Approx. Fees | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree | ₹7,700 per year | View |
| Master of Commerce (MCom) | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree | ₹9,700 per year | View |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 2 Years | 50% in Graduation | ₹15,500 – ₹17,500 per semester | View |
| Master of Computer Applications (MCA) | 2 Years | BCA / BSc / BE / BTech | ₹12,700 per semester | View |
Entrance-Based Programmes
| Programme | Entrance Test | Duration | Approx. Fees | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Ed | Yes | 2 Years | ₹55,000 (Total) | View |
| Post Basic BSc Nursing | Yes | 3 Years | ₹23,000 per year | View |
| PhD | Yes | Variable | ₹16,800 per year | View |
Overseas Student Admission
Foreign nationals, NRIs, OCI/PIO holders, and FSRI candidates must apply through the international portal only. Visa and fee structures differ from Indian students.
Official Overseas Portal: https://ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in
Also Read
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IGNOU degree valid?
Yes. IGNOU is a UGC-recognized Central University.
Can I apply for two programmes?
Yes, subject to IGNOU rules.