IGNOU Admission 2026 has started for the January session. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is India’s largest open university, offering distance (ODL) and online courses for students across the country.
IGNOU conducts admissions twice a year, in the January and July sessions, for a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes across disciplines such as Arts, Commerce, Science, Management, Engineering, and Education.
In this article, you will find key details on admission dates, fees, eligibility, online application process, ODL vs Online mode, popular courses, and FAQs.
Table of Contents
IGNOU Admission 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| University Name | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Admission Sessions | January 2026 & July 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online (both ODL & Online mode) |
| Learning Mode | Distance (ODL) + Online |
| Programmes Offered | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, PhD |
| Selection Method | Merit-based (No entrance for most courses) |
Important Dates
January 2026 Session Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | 16 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Fresh Admission) | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Re-Registration | 31 January 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | Mid-February 2026 |
| Study Material Dispatch | February – March 2026 |
| Classes/Academic Session Starts | March 2026 |
July 2026 Session Dates (Expected)
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | 6 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Fresh Admission) | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Re-Registration | 15 October 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | Late October 2026 |
| Study Material Dispatch | November 2026 |
| Classes/Academic Session Starts | November/ December 2026 |
Application Fee
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee (All Categories) | ₹300 |
| University Development Fee | ₹200 |
| Total Application Fee | ₹500 |
Note: The course fee varies depending on the programme and its duration, generally ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹25,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU Admission 2026
| Programme Type | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) (BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, etc.) | 10+2 (Class 12) pass from a recognised board. Minimum 45% marks (may vary for some courses). No upper age limit in most programmes. |
| Postgraduate (PG) (MA, MCom, MSc, MBA, MCA, etc.) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). A relevant subject background is required for some courses. |
| Diploma & Certificate | 10th or 12th pass as per programme requirement. Some certificate courses may require graduation. |
| PhD Programmes | Master’s degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD). Entrance test and interview are conducted. |
| B.Ed & M.Ed | Eligibility as per NCTE norms. Admission through IGNOU entrance test (OPENNET). |
Note: Eligibility conditions may vary by programme. Candidates should always check the official prospectus before applying.
IGNOU Learning Modes (ODL vs Online)
IGNOU offers two modes of study.
| Feature | ODL Mode (Open Distance Learning) | Online Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Study Material | Printed books sent by post | Digital material + e-books |
| Classes | Limited classes at the study centre | Regular online live classes |
| Assignment Submission | Physical submission at the centre | Online submission on the portal |
| Exam Mode | Offline (at exam centres) | Online (at home/ centre) |
| Study Centre Visits | Required occasionally | Not required |
| Flexibility | High | Very High |
| Fee Structure | Same for both modes | Same for both modes |
| Validity & Recognition | UGC recognized | UGC recognized |
Which mode to choose?
- Choose ODL if you like printed books, occasional physical interaction, and don’t mind visiting exam centres.
- Choose Online if you are comfortable with digital study, have good internet access, and prefer complete online learning.
Popular IGNOU Courses 2026
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers 333+ programmes across different levels and streams. Below is a list of some popular IGNOU courses preferred by students every year.
Popular UG Courses
| Course Name | Duration | Approx. Fee (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Bachelor of Arts) | 3 years | ₹4,500 – ₹10,600 |
| BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) | 3 years | ₹4,500 – ₹7,500 |
| BSc (Bachelor of Science) | 3 years | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 |
| BBA (Management) | 3 years | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
| BCA (Computer Applications) | 3 years | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
Popular PG Courses
| Course Name | Duration | Approx. Fee (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| MA (Master of Arts) | 2 years | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| MCom (Master of Commerce) | 2 years | ₹5,400 – ₹9,000 |
| MSc (Master of Science) | 2 years | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
| MBA (Management) | 2 years | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 |
| MCA (Computer Applications) | 2 years | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 |
Other Programmes: Diploma, Certificate, Advanced Diploma, B.Ed, M.Ed, and PhD programmes are also available.
How to Apply Online for IGNOU Admission 2026
Follow these simple steps to apply online without mistakes:
- Visit the official IGNOU admission portal
- ODL (Distance) Mode: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
- Online Mode: ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
- Click on New Registration / Apply Online and create your login using your email ID and mobile number.
- Log in with your User ID and Password.
- Select your programme and specialisation, then choose ODL or Online mode.
- For ODL mode, select the Regional Centre and the Study Centre.
- Fill in personal and educational details carefully.
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, and certificates).
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
- Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Links
| Description | Link / Website |
|---|---|
| Apply for ODL Mode (Distance) | Click here |
| Apply for Online Mode | Click here |
| IGNOU Re-Registration | Click Here |
| Available Programmes | check here |
| IGNOU Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU Admission Process
For most programmes, IGNOU follows a merit-based admission process.
- Merit-Based Admission: Admission to most UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate programmes is done based on qualifying marks in Class 10, Class 12, or graduation, as applicable.
- Entrance Test: For some special programmes such as B.Ed, M.Ed, and PhD, IGNOU conducts its own entrance examination (OPENNET).
- No Interview: There is no interview for general programmes.
- Admission Confirmation: After successful submission, candidates receive admission confirmation via email or SMS from the university.
- Study Material: Once admission is confirmed, study material is provided
- ODL mode: Printed books
- Online mode: Digital learning access
FAQs: IGNOU Admission 2026
When does IGNOU admission 2026 start for the January session?
IGNOU Admission 2026 for the January session started on 16 December 2025, and the last date to apply is 31 January 2026.
What is the application fee for IGNOU admission 2026?
The total application fee for IGNOU admission is ₹500 (₹300 registration fee + ₹200 university development fee). This is non-refundable.
What is the eligibility for IGNOU UG admission?
Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board with at least 45% marks to apply for most undergraduate programmes.
What is the difference between IGNOU ODL and Online mode?
ODL (Open Distance Learning) mode provides printed study material and offline exams, while the online mode offers digital study material, online classes, and online exams. Both modes are equally recognised.
Is there any entrance exam for IGNOU admission?
No, most IGNOU programmes (BA, BCom, MA, MCom, MBA, etc.) are merit-based without an entrance exam. Only B.Ed, M.Ed, and PhD require entrance tests.
Can I apply for IGNOU admission from any state?
Yes, IGNOU is a national open university, and students from any state or city in India can apply. International students can also apply for select programmes.
When will the IGNOU July 2026 admission start?
IGNOU July 2026 session admission is expected to start from 6 June 2026, and the last date will be around 15 October 2026.
How long does it take to complete IGNOU courses?
UG courses take 3-4 years, PG courses take 2 years, and diplomas/certificates take 6 months to 2 years. Students can complete courses within minimum to maximum duration limits.
Is the IGNOU degree valid and recognised?
Yes, all IGNOU degrees, diplomas, and certificates are recognised by UGC, AICTE, DEB, and other statutory bodies. They are valid for government and private jobs.
conclusion
IGNOU Admission 2026 is a good opportunity for students who want flexible and affordable higher education through distance (ODL) or online mode. With 333+ programmes, simple eligibility, and a mostly merit-based admission process, IGNOU makes quality education accessible to all.
Candidates should apply online on time, check programme-specific eligibility carefully, and keep visiting our official website for the latest admission updates and announcements.
