The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has officially launched the admission process for the upcoming academic cycle. The university commenced fresh registration for the January 2026 session on December 16, 2025, inviting applications for a wide range of Online Distance Learning (ODL) and online programs.
Key Dates and Application Portal
Prospective students have a window of over a month to complete their applications. The last date to submit the IGNOU admission form is January 31, 2026. All fresh admissions for the notified programs are being processed exclusively through the university's Samarth portal. The complete list of programs offered for this session is available for candidates to review on the official website at iop.ignouonline.ac.in.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling the IGNOU Form
The application process is designed to be completed online. Applicants are advised to keep necessary documents scanned and ready before starting. Here is a simplified guide:
- Visit the official IGNOU website: ignou.ac.in or ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
- Navigate to the 'Register Online' tab and select 'Fresh Admissions'.
- Click on 'New Registrations' and fill in the required details to create an account.
- Set a secure username and password.
- Log in using the credentials received via email and SMS to complete the application.
- Select your desired program from the list, upload documents, and submit the form.
Essential documents include a recent photograph, signature, educational certificates, category certificate (if applicable), and experience certificate. Each file must be within specified size limits (e.g., photo under 100 KB).
Scholarship Opportunity and Fee Policy
An important highlight for eligible students is the access to government scholarships. After securing admission confirmation, students can apply for scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
The university has a clear policy regarding fees. The registration fee is non-refundable, but the program fee will be refunded if a cancellation request is made before admission confirmation. For cancellations after confirmation, a deduction of 15% of the program fee (up to a maximum of Rs. 2,000) will apply. It is crucial to note that no refunds will be processed 60 days after the admission closure date.
Pre-Application Checklist
Before beginning the application, ensure you have your APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ready, as it is a mandatory requirement. This initiative streamlines student identification across educational institutions.
With its flexible learning model and extensive program offerings, IGNOU continues to be a pivotal institution for higher education in India. Aspiring learners aiming for the January 2026 intake should act promptly to meet the January 31 deadline and explore financial aid options to support their academic journey.
