IGNOU Admission 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Courses

Admissions for the January 2026 session are now open for notified programmes in ODL and Online modes. The last date has been officially extended to 15 February 2026 (both fresh admission and re-registration). IGNOU admission take place twice a year- January and July. The University also conducts entrance exams for courses like B.Ed, BSc Nursing and PhD.

IGNOU Admission 2026: Highlights

IGNOU operates on a bi-annual admission cycle, with fresh admissions opening in January and July each year. Registration for the January 2026 session begins on October 15, 2025, and for the July 2026 session, it begins on April 15, 2026. The entire admission process is digitized through the Samarth portal. This unified platform handles registration, document upload, fee payment, and enrollment verification. Students receive complete study materials, access digital resources, and appear for examinations at designated center. The following table outlines the requirements for prospective students looking for IGNOU admission 2026:

IGNOU Eligibility Criteria 2026

For Diploma or Certificate courses, students need 10+2 or equivalent (varies by programme) to be eligible for IGNOU admission 2026. The selection in UG courses demand 10+2 pass, whereas, Bachelor’s degree (3 years) with minimum marks as specified (e.g., 50% for MBA, 45% for reserved categories) for PG admissions. Specific programmes may require entrance tests, work experience, or professional qualifications (e.g., B.Ed., PGDMCH, MBA variants).

For professional programmes like IGNOU B.Ed, students must qualify for the IGNOU B.Ed. Entrance Test conducted at designated centers. The NTT (Nursery Teacher Training) programme requires 10+2 qualification with proficiency in English and participation in practical training.

The following table represents the eligibility criteria for popular IGNOU courses:

The university has expanded its digital offerings, introducing online proctored examinations and enhanced e-content for programmes like MBA and MCA. Evaluate your career trajectory carefully. Technical programmes such as MCA demand mathematical proficiency, while humanities options like MA (English) offer broader accessibility.

IGNOU Admission Dates 2026

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) operates on a biannual admission cycle, offering two enrollment windows each year. The January session caters to students seeking early-year commencement, while the July session accommodates those who need additional preparation time. Official notifications are essential for confirming any changes to published schedules. The following table outlines the IGNOU admission calendar for 2026, including tentative dates for both cycles and applicable late fees:

NOTE: These dates are subject to change based on administrative decisions, examination schedules, or unforeseen circumstances.

The ₹500 late fee applies uniformly across all programmes and is non-refundable. If you're targeting competitive programmes like MBA or MCA, note that merit lists are published separately from general admissions. Monitor the official IGNOU website to receive real-time updates and avoid penalties. Complete your applications well before standard deadlines to secure your preferred study and regional center allocation.

IGNOU Admission and Application Process 2026

The Samarth portal is IGNOU's digital gateway for all admission-related activities. This platform handles everything from new registrations to fee payments. The admission windows opens twice yearly (January and July cycles). The IGNOU application process is completely online. Follow these steps to complete your IGNOU admission through the Samarth portal:

1. Portal Access: Go to ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and find the "New Registration" tab. Avoid third-party websites that may phish for personal data.
2. Initial Registration: Enter your full name, email address, and mobile number. This information becomes your permanent record.
3. Credential Creation: Create a username and a password containing uppercase, lowercase, numeric, and special characters. Store these securely.
4. Dual Verification: Complete OTP verification for both email and mobile number immediately. The portal allows only 3 attempts per OTP.
5. Programme Selection: Browse the catalogue using filters for level, discipline, and medium of instruction. Verify eligibility criteria before proceeding.
6. Detailed Form Completion: Input personal particulars, academic history, and address details. The system cross-references your entries with uploaded documents.
7. Document : Prepare scanned files in JPG/JPEG format under 200 KB each. Upload your photograph, signature, mark sheets, and category certificates.
8. Fee Payment Gateway: Access the integrated payment section offering secure payment methods. Save transaction receipts for 12 months minimum.
9. Comprehensive Review: Use the preview function to examine every field before final submission. The portal permits editing only until payment completion.
10. Final Submission: Click the declaration checkbox, then submit. The system generates a unique application number.
11. Acknowledgement Management: Download and print the confirmation slip containing your application number, programme details, and fee transaction ID.
12. Status Monitoring: Return to the portal to track application progress.

Successful applicants typically receive enrollment numbers within 15-20 days of document verification. If technical glitches occur, the portal offers chat support and a helpline (011-29571301). The January 2026 cycle generally opens October 15, 2025, with December 31, 2025 as the final deadline. Late submissions attract ₹500 additional charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the last date for IGNOU admission in 2026?

Submit your application by December 31, 2025, for the January 2026 session and by June 30, 2026, for the July 2026 session. IGNOU charges a late fee if you apply after these deadlines.

Q2. Can I apply for IGNOU MBA without work experience?

You need a Bachelor's Degree with 50% marks to apply for the MBA programme in 2026. IGNOU does not require work experience for MBA admission, though you should check the 2026 prospectus for any programme-specific updates.

Q3. How do I check my IGNOU admission status online?

Check your status by visiting the official IGNOU website, navigating to the "Admission" section, and clicking "Check Admission Status." Enter your enrollment number or application number along with your date of birth.

Q4. What documents do I need to upload for IGNOU admission?

Upload scanned copies of your 10+2 mark sheets and passing certificate for undergraduate programmes, or your Bachelor's Degree certificate for postgraduate programmes. You also need a passport-size photograph, scanned signature, and valid ID proof such as Aadhaar Card or PAN Card.

Q5. Is there any age limit for IGNOU courses?

IGNOU imposes no age bar for any programme in 2026. You can apply for Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor's, or Master's programmes at any age.