Indira Gandhi National Open University, commonly known as IGNOU in Common Language , is one of the largest open universities in the world. This University offers Simple And Easy learning via distance and online mode, which makes it Easy for students from remote areas To Complete Studies Without Any Obstacles .
Every year, IGNOU opens their admission portals twice so that students will get benifited once in January and once in July. The January 2026 session is currently active, and the last date to apply has been extended to 28 February 2026. So If You Want To Get Enrolled . Complete The Steps Mentioned Beow
IGNOU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and holds an A++ NAAC grade. This means the degree you Obtained from IGNOU Have the same value as a degree from any regular university all Over India.
Important Dates for IGNOU Admission 2026
The key dates For The application Form are Mentioned Below
| Session | Admission Start Date | Last Date to Apply | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | December 16, 2025 | February 28, 2026 | ODL and Online |
| July 2026 | Approx. June 2026 | Approx. October 2026 | ODL and Online |
Note: The July 2026 session dates are tentative and based on the previous year’s pattern. Always confirm the exact dates from the official IGNOU website before applying.
Courses Offered at IGNOU 2026
IGNOU offers more than 333 programmes across different Subjects And Levels . Whether you are a fresh Class 12 pass student You Can Go Via Application Admission Portal And Submit your admission form. Below are the top and main cources offered via IGNOU.
| Programme Level | Popular Courses | Minimum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BLIS | 3 Years |
| Postgraduate (PG) | MA, MBA, MCom, MSc, MCA, MSW, MLiSc | 2 Years |
| Diploma | DECE, DNHE, DNA | 1 Year |
| Certificate | CJL, CCH, CPY, COF, CGDA | 6 Months to 1 Year |
IGNOU recently has also launched fully online programmes like BCA Online and MCA Online for students who prefer digital learning without printed study materials and are connected with the online platform.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility depends on the programme you choose To Apply . Here is a simple detailed guide to know everthing before applying.
For Undergraduate Courses You need to have passed Class 12 or equivalent from any GOVT recognized board. Some courses like BCA may require Mathematics at the 12th level. Most UG programmes Of IGNOU have no upper age limit, which is one of the biggest advantages of studying with IGNOU and pursue dreams .
For Postgraduate Courses A Student Needs bachelor’s degree from any GOVT UGC-recognized university. For Other courses like MBA, you must also clear the OPENMAT entrance test. Minimum marks in graduation are usually around 50%, but this Elgibilty can vary by programme.
For Diploma and Certificate Courses Most diploma and certificate programmes Of IGNOU only require a Class 10 or Class 12 pass Marks Card .
How to Apply for IGNOU Admission 2026
The application process is completely online And Very Easy . You do not need to visit any office or regional centre in person For Admission Formalities . Follow the Below Mentioned steps one by one.
Step 1 Visit to the official IGNOU admission portal Website Mentioned At End . For ODL programmes, use ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. For online-only programmes, use This Website ignouiop.samarth.edu.in.
Step 2 — Register yourself using a valid mobile number and active email ID For Verification.
Step 3 — Fill your All personal details, educational background, and choose your preferred programme and study centre Where You Want To Study .
Step 4 — Upload the required documents including your Class 10 and 12 marksheets, graduation certificate (if applicable), identity proof, address proof, and a passport-size photograph in All Sections Mentioned.
Step 5 — Pay the application Form fee online via UPI . It is Rs. 6000 for most UG, PG, and general diploma programmes. For MBA, MCA, and certain PG Diploma courses, the fee may be Rs. 8000 or higher.
Step 6 — Submit the form and download the confirmation receipt for your records.
Once your documents are verified, you will receive an enrollment number via email and SMS. You can track your admission status anytime by visiting isms.ignou.ac.in.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official IGNOU Website | www.ignou.ac.in |
| ODL Admission Portal Direct | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Online Programme Portal | ignouiop.samarth.edu.in |
| Official Notification / Updates | www.ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/notices |
| Admission Status Check Link | isms.ignou.ac.in |