IGNOU Admission Guide 2026: Eligibility, Dates & Steps

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is probably already on your radar if you’re planning on obtaining a higher degree by online education in 2026. It is very affordable and is also known as India’s largest university, with campuses all over India. To assist you and provide a clear, complete understanding of the IGNOU Admission Process for 2026, this guide outlines everything you need. This blog has been created to help both new and existing students, along with people who wish to pursue further or different qualifications, to have the confidence to complete their IGNOU applications accurately.

Overview of IGNOU Admissions

Established in September 1985, IGNOU is India’s Largest Open University and is a dependable source for many hundreds and thousands of students from all across India.This University has gained the endorsement from UGC, AICTE and DEB as they are the regulating authorities at this level of University education. Therefore, for the many students who focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3, IGNOU is a trusted name.With various admission cycles each year, as well as an intricate procedure for determining an applicant's program eligibility, and a admission application process that is conducted solely online. 

The process will be explained in a simple manner without any complicated technical information. If you want to apply in Indira Gandhi National Open University, go through the information below and know how to apply for admission, here is the step by step instructions:  

How to Apply to IGNOU? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Before moving to the full-fledged application procedure, here’s something that you might not know or be confused about – Admissions in IGNOU happen twice a year: January and July Cycle

In this section we will focus on january month process. Here is the guide: 

• First, go to the official website of IGNOU, https://www.ignou.ac.in/.
• Click on ‘New Registration’ 
• Complete the form with information and Documents. 
• Student need to pay INR 300 to INR 100. 
• Last, Submit and download the confirmation. 

Documents Required for IGNOU Admissions

Before filling the forms, you should have these documents mention below: 

• Recent passport-size professional photograph
• Scanned signature
• Class 10 mark sheet/certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet/certificate (for UG programs)
• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificates (for PG programs)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
• PwD (Person with Disability) certificate, if applicable
• Experience certificate (for select professional programs)
• Date of Birth proof (usually Class 10 certificate)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport, if required)

IGNOU Admission Important Dates & Admission Cycles

IGNOU offer the admission in two cycle and we have the attach the reference: 

IGNOU Admission 2026 January Session Highlights

The IGNOU Re-Registration has already started.It is for candidates enrolled in a course who are retaking it for any reason. On the contrary, new admissions are for people who are fresh and have never engaged with any of the IGNOU degree programs.

The registration for new admission 2026 is yet to begin, so stick with us for updated information!

Details	Expected Date
IGNOU Re-Registration Start Date	December 1, 2025
IGNOU Re-Registration Last Date	December 15, 2026
January 2026 New Admission Start Date	Expected to begin soon
Official Admission Portal Link	https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
IGNOU Admission Login Page	https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/login

General Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU Admissions

To enroll in any IGNOU course, you need to meet some requirements: 

Undergraduate Degree Program

Undergraduate Degree Program
Basic General Degree	10+2 qualification from a recognized board, such as CBSE or ICSE.
Bachelor of Science	10+2 with science as your mandatory subject/stream.
Bachelor of Computer	10+2 with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.

Postgraduate Degree Program

Postgraduate Degree Program
Basic General Degree	An undergraduate degree from a recognized university/college.
MBA Degree	Bachelor with at least 50% of weightage.

Diploma and Certifications Courses

The general basic requirements for diploma and certification courses vary by different programs, so the general requirements are 10th/12th pass with relevant degrees.

IGNOU Fees Structure for Both (UG and PG)

IGNOU is primarily famous for making education accessible to everyone with its online and distance learning modes, and with much cheaper fees than the regular degrees.

For Undergraduate Programs:

UG Program	Total Fees
Bachelor of Arts (BA)	₹9,600 – ₹12,000
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)	₹9,600 – ₹12,000
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)	₹12,000 – ₹18,000
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)	₹40,000 – ₹45,000
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)	₹18,000 – ₹20,000
Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLIS)	₹8,700
Bachelor of Tourism Studies (BTS)	₹15,000 – ₹16,000

For Postgraduate Programs:

PG Program	Total Fees
Master of Arts (MA)	₹12,000 – ₹16,000
Master of Commerce (M.Com)	₹14,000 – ₹16,000
Master of Science (M.Sc)	₹25,000 – ₹43,000
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	₹62,000 – ₹64,000
Master of Computer Applications (MCA)	₹48,000 – ₹54,000
Master of Social Work (MSW)	₹36,000
Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS)	₹11,000 – ₹12,000

Extended List of IGNOU Online Diplomas & Certificates

Other than the graduation level and post-graduation level, here’s a list of the different diploma courses that are very much in trend and offered by IGNOU.

IGNOU Diploma Programs

IGNOU offers diploma programs in various categories, get your hands on them one by one:

Education & Teaching

• Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
• Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE)
• Diploma in Value Education
• Diploma in Adult Education
• Management & Business
• Diploma in Management (DIM)
• Diploma in Retailing
• Diploma in Marketing Management
• Diploma in Financial Management
• Diploma in Human Resource Management
• Diploma in Operations Management

Health, Nutrition & Wellness

• Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE)
• Diploma in HIV and Family Education
• Diploma in Maternal and Child Health
• Diploma in Community Health
• Tourism, Hospitality & Aviation
• Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTS)
• Diploma in Hotel Operations

Travel & Tourism Management

• Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Environment, Sustainability & Agriculture
• Diploma in Environmental Studies
• Diploma in Watershed Management
• Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture
• Diploma in Rural Development
• Library & Information Science
• Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS)

Journalism, Media & Communication

• Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC)
• Diploma in Creative Writing
• Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations

Social Work & Development

• Diploma in Women’s Empowerment & Development
• Diploma in Panchayat Level Administration
• Diploma in Tribal Studies
• Diploma in Youth Development
• Education & Teaching

IGNOU Certificate Programs

IT, Computer & Digital Skills

• Certificate in Information Technology (CIT)

• Certificate in Computer Applications (CCA)
• Certificate in Digital Marketing
• Certificate in Data Analytics
• Certificate in Web Designing
• Certificate in Cybersecurity
• Certificate in Mobile Application Development
• Management & Professional Skills
• Certificate in Business Management
• Certificate in Entrepreneurship
• Certificate in Office Management
• Certificate in Project Management
• Certificate in Human Resource Management

Teaching, Education & Training

• Certificate in Guidance (CIG)
• Certificate in Teaching of English
• Certificate in Primary Education
• Certificate in School Leadership

Health, Nutrition & Fitness

• Certificate in Nutrition and Child Care
• Certificate in Health and Wellness
• Certificate in HIV and AIDS Education
• Certificate in Yoga
• Certificate in Fitness Training

Language & Literature

• Certificate in English Language
• Certificate in Functional English
• Certificate in Urdu Language
• Certificate in Arabic Language
• Certificate in French Language
• Certificate in Spanish Language
• Certificate in Sanskrit
• Certificate in Persian Language
• Certificate in German Language

Journalism, Media & Creative Fields

• Certificate in Journalism
• Certificate in Creative Writing
• Certificate in Photography
• Certificate in Film Appreciation
• Certificate in Media Studies
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Certificate in Tourism Studies (CTS)
• Certificate in Hotel Management
• Certificate in Front Office Operations
• Certificate in Travel Agency Management
• Social Work, Society & Development
• Certificate in Social Work
• Certificate in NGO Management
• Certificate in Disaster Management
• Certificate in Human Rights
• Certificate in Gender Studies
• Certificate in Rural Development

Environment & Sustainability

• Certificate in Environmental Studies
• Certificate in Climate Change
• Certificate in Sustainable Development
• Certificate in Waste Management

Popular Short-Term Skill Certificates

• Certificate in Soft Skills
• Certificate in Communication Skills
• Certificate in Leadership Development
• Certificate in Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Certificate in Business Communication

Why Choose Online Programs in 2026? (Program Benefits)

Are you also wondering why online degree programs are so much in trend these days? Here are some of the primary reasons online degree programs are booming.

• Online programs allow students to set their personal and professional schedule, and still be able to learn something on the other side.
• Furthermore, online programs remove geographic barriers and allow you to learn something meaningful from anywhere. For instance, if you’re from a Tier 2 city, your options are already very limited, so shifting cities just for that can take a toll on your pocket. That’s when online education comes into the picture!
• Beyond traditional degrees, many universities now offer certifications and diploma programs, which is why the online degree market is booming in 2026.

In that scenario, College Vidya stays constant and offers you unbiased counselling, and also helps you with differentiating between the genuine universities and fraudulent universities.

Here’s a quick section on how College Vidya can add value to your career:

Navigating through the online courses can be tough and overwhelming, because there are so many options available in the market – it’s very tough to comprehend what’s genuine and what’s fake.

• Credible Universities Listed: On College Vidya, you'll find only credible universities, so you can be confident your time and energy are invested in the right place. Every institution that is listed on the website is precisely checked and verified, so there’s no threat of unclear approvals and false programs.
• Easy Comparison Tools: Imagine being confused with two or more universities, and wondering what to do next? You can use the comparison feature of College Vidya to compare different universities on the parameters of curriculum structure, program duration, examination methods, flexibility, and more.
• Career-Focused Guidance: College Vidya offers unbiased career-focused guidance where you can talk with the counsellors and get your doubts solved.
• Unbiased Extended Support: Our education advisors provide honest, student-first guidance without promoting or pushing any specific university.
• End-to-End Assistance: From shortlisting to submission, documentation and admission support, we are here to help you. Our goal is to give a proper instruction and stree free steps. 

IGNOU Admission Portal Overview (SAMARTH)

Once logged in, students can use this portal for:

• Viewing admission status
• Fee payments and receipt download
• Assignment submission status
• Examination form submission
• Hall ticket/admit card download
• ID card download
• Grade card/results access
• Profile updates

This portal makes everything seamless and accessible in one place.

Conclusion

By now, you have enough information about the IGNOU admission cycle and the other similar stuff. We have covered almost everything in this blog, from the basics of the admission process to the courses they offer. We’ve made a listicle of everything for the students' reference and accessibility.