IGNOU Admission 2026: IGNOU is inviting applications for Admission 2026. The January session has started for various UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, and PhD programmes in online and ODL modes.
Aspirants can apply through the official Samarth portal until the last date of January 31, 2026.
The university offers flexible, affordable, and recognised distance education for students across India and abroad.
This article will provide all key details about application dates, eligibility, fees, and available programmes.
IGNOU Admission 2026 Notification Overview
The IGNOU Admission 2026 notification provides all key details about application dates, eligibility, fees and available programmes.
Students should read the notification carefully before filling the online form. It helps to avoid mistakes and delays during registration.
Notification Overview for IGNOU Admission 2026 (January Session)
| Particulars | Details |
| University | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Academic session | January 2026 |
| Admission modes | ODL (Open and Distance Learning), Online programmes |
| Programmes offered | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, PG Diploma, PhD (selected disciplines) |
| Admission start date | 16 December 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 31 January 2026 |
| Application mode | Online only through Samarth portals |
| Application fee range | Generally around INR 300 (programme-wise variation possible) |
| Selection mode | Mostly merit-based; entrance for BEd, PhD and some professional courses |
| Official website | www.ignou.ac.in |
Important Dates for IGNOU Admission 2026
IGNOU declares the January 2026 admission schedule through official announcements and academic updates.
Candidates must track these dates to submit their forms, documents, and payments on time. Late or incomplete applications can lead to rejection or delay in confirmation.
IGNOU Admission 2026 January Session – Important Dates
| Events | Dates |
| Fresh admission start date (January 2026) | 16 December 2025 |
| Last date for fresh admission | 31 January 2026 |
| Online re-registration start date | 1 December 2025 |
| Online re-registration last date | 15 January 2026 |
| Tentative academic session commencement | January–February 2026 |
| BEd / PhD entrance registration (separate schedule) | As per specific entrance notifications |
IGNOU UG Admission 2026
IGNOU UG Admission 2026 covers programmes like BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BSW, BLIS, BTTM, BTS and BJMC in ODL and online modes.
Applications for the January 2026 session are open till 31 January 2026 through the UG admission portal. Most undergraduate admissions use merit-based selection based on marks in Class 12, except professional courses like BEd, which need an entrance test.
The usual eligibility for UG programmes is 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board.
Some preparatory or bridge programmes may allow learners without formal schooling but with minimum age requirements.
Course duration for most UG degrees ranges between 3 to 6 years, offering flexible completion windows.
Popular IGNOU UG Courses 2026
IGNOU offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes with different specialisations and credit structures.
These courses suit students who want cost-effective degrees without regular classroom attendance.
Major UG Courses under IGNOU Admission 2026
| Course name | Level | Minimum duration | Maximum duration |
| BA (various disciplines) | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
| BCom | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
| BSc (General / specialisations) | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
| BBA (various streams, limited centres) | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
| BCA | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
| BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
| BLIS (Bachelor of Library and Information Science) | Undergraduate professional | 1 year | 4 years |
| BTS (Tourism Studies) | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
| BTTM (Tourism and Travel Management) | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
| BJMC / BAG Journalism (as notified) | Undergraduate | 3 years | 6 years |
IGNOU BA Admission 2026
IGNOU BA Admission 2026 attracts a large number of learners because of multiple disciplines and flexible combinations.
The BA programme includes subjects like English, Hindi, History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Geography and more. Students can select courses as per career goals and interest.
For the January 2026 session, BA admission remains open till 31 January 2026 on the online admission portal.
Eligibility usually requires completion of 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board. Students can study at their own pace using printed or digital self-learning material.
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IGNOU UG Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility conditions vary with specific IGNOU UG courses, but some rules are common. Meeting the eligibility criteria is essential for successful IGNOU Admission 2026 at undergraduate level.
Eligibility for IGNOU UG Admission 2026
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BA, BCom, BSc: 10+2 or equivalent from recognised board.
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BCA: 10+2 with Mathematics as a subject (or as per updated prospectus).
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BLIS: Bachelor’s degree or relevant diploma in Library Science, as notified.
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BSW, BTS, BTTM, BJMC: 10+2 or equivalent, programme-wise variations possible
Eligibility for IGNOU PG Admission 2026
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MA, MSc, MCom: Relevant or any bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, with required percentage where specified.
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MBA: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50 percent marks; category relaxation as per norms.
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MCA: BCA or BSc / BTech / equivalent degree with adequate Mathematics background, as per updated rules.
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MLIS: BLIS or equivalent Library Science qualification.
IGNOU Courses and Duration 2026
IGNOU runs a multi-level programme structure under IGNOU Admission 2026, covering certificates to doctoral degrees. Each course has a defined minimum and maximum duration, which supports flexible learning paths. The university uses self-learning material, assignments and term-end exams to evaluate progress.
IGNOU Courses Levels and Duration (Illustrative)
| Programme level | Examples | Minimum duration | Maximum duration |
| Certificate | CIG, CES, language and skill certificates | 6 months | 2 years |
| Diploma | Diploma in Early Childhood Care, Management diplomas | 1 year | 3 years |
| UG degree | BA, BCom, BSc, BCA, BBA, BSW, BTS, BTTM | 3 years | 6 years |
| PG diploma | PG Diploma in Management and other specialisations | 1 year | 3–4 years |
| PG degree | MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MSW, MLIS, MTTM | 2 years | 4–5 years |
| Professional degree | BEd and similar programmes | 2 years | 5 years |
| PhD | Various disciplines | 3 years | As per ordinance |
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IGNOU Fee Structure 2026
The IGNOU Fee Structure 2026 remains affordable compared with many regular universities.
Fees vary by course level, discipline and mode but generally include registration, tuition and exam components.
There may be different fee concessions or policies for specific categories as per government and university rules.
Indicative IGNOU Course-wise Fee Range 2026
Fee details for IGNOU 2026 Admission should always be checked in the latest prospectus or on official portals.
The table below presents approximate ranges for reference only; actual fees may differ by programme and year.
Approximate IGNOU Fees by Course Type (2026)
| Course type | Indicative total / annual fee range* |
| UG degree programmes (BA, BCom, BSc, BCA etc.) | Around INR 4,500 to INR 49,500, depending on course and duration |
| PG degree programmes (MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA etc.) | Around INR 14,750 to INR 51,750, programme-wise variation |
| Diploma programmes | Around INR 3,000 to INR 15,900 |
| PG diploma programmes | Around INR 2,400 to INR 60,000 |
| Certificate programmes | Around INR 1,800 to INR 9,600 |
| Professional courses like BEd | Around INR 60,000 total (approximate) |
| MBA programme | Around INR 62,000 total (approximate recent figure) |
IGNOU Admission Process 2026
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Visit the official IGNOU website and open the relevant Samarth admission portal for ODL or online programmes.
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Click on “New Registration”, create a user account and verify contact details.
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Log in, choose the desired programme, and fill the online application form with accurate academic and personal details.
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Upload scanned documents such as photograph, signature, mark sheets, identity proof and category certificates in the prescribed formats.
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Pay the application fee and initial programme fee online using available payment options, then submit the form and download the confirmation.
Documents Required for IGNOU Admission 2026
Correct documentation is essential for smooth IGNOU Admission 2026 verification.
Files must match the specified size and format guidelines on the admission portal. Mismatched or unclear documents can delay approval.
Common Documents for IGNOU Admission 2026
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Recent passport-size photograph in required size and format.
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Scanned signature.
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Class 10 mark sheet or certificate as age proof.
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Class 12 mark sheet and certificate for UG admission.
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Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate for PG admission.
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Category certificate (SC / ST / OBC / EWS) if applicable.
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Experience certificate for specific professional programmes, if required.
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BPL or disability certificate where applicable for concessions
| Purpose | Link |
| IGNOU official website | https://www.ignou.ac.in |
| Fresh admission January 2026 (ODL / Online) | https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Online programmes admission portal | https://ignouiop.samarth.edu.in |
| Re-registration portal | https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in |
| Announcements – January 2026 admission notification | https://www.ignou.ac.in/pages/15 |
FAQs – IGNOU Admission 2026
What is the last date for IGNOU Admission 2026 January session?
The last date for IGNOU January 2026 admission is 31 January 2026, as per the official Samarth notification.
How can students apply for IGNOU Admission 2026?
Students must apply online through the official IGNOU Samarth admission portals and complete registration, document upload and fee payment steps.
Is IGNOU MBA Admission 2026 based on an entrance exam?
IGNOU MBA admission now mainly requires a recognised bachelor’s degree with prescribed marks, as per the updated programme guidelines.
Are IGNOU degrees valid for government jobs and higher studies?
IGNOU degrees are recognised by UGC and accepted for government recruitment, competitive exams and advanced education programmes.
Can learners from outside India take IGNOU Admission 2026?
IGNOU offers provisions for international learners through selected overseas partner centres, subject to specific rules and availability