IGNOU Admission 2026: Online Process, Last Date, Eligibility, Documents & Fees

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is the world's largest open university, offering over 200 programmes to more than 4 million students. Whether you're applying for a Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma, or Certificate programme, this guide covers the complete IGNOU admission process for 2026 — eligibility, documents, fees, and step-by-step online application instructions.

IGNOU Admission Sessions 2026

IGNOU admits students twice a year through its January and July sessions:

• January 2026 session: Applications typically open in November 2025 and close by January 2026 (extended to February–March in some years)
• July 2026 session: Applications typically open in May–June 2026 and close by August–September 2026

Some programmes like B.Ed, MBA, and PhD have separate entrance tests with different timelines.

IGNOU Admission Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility varies by programme level:

• Certificate programmes: 10+2 or equivalent (some accept 10th pass)
• Diploma programmes: 10+2 or graduation depending on the programme
• Bachelor's programmes (BAG, BCA, BCOMG, BSW): 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board
• Master's programmes (MEG, MBA, MCA, MPS): Bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline
• PhD programmes: Master's degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)

Documents Required for IGNOU Admission

Keep these documents ready before starting your application:

• Scanned photograph (less than 100 KB, JPG format)
• Scanned signature (less than 100 KB, JPG format)
• Age proof (10th mark sheet or birth certificate)
• Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable
• BPL certificate (for fee concession) if applicable
• Aadhaar card (for Indian nationals)

How to Apply for IGNOU Admission Online — Step by Step

1. Visit the admission portal: Go to ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
2. Register: Create a new account with your email and mobile number
3. Fill the application form: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and programme preferences
4. Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and certificates
5. Pay the fee: Complete the payment online. IGNOU admission fees range from ₹2,000 to ₹20,000+ per year depending on the programme
6. Submit and download: Submit the application and download the confirmation page

IGNOU Admission Fee Structure 2026

Fees vary significantly by programme. Here are approximate ranges for popular programmes:

• BAG (Bachelor of Arts): ₹4,000–₹8,000 per year
• BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications): ₹15,000–₹20,000 per semester
• MEG (Master of English): ₹7,000–₹12,000 per year
• MBA: ₹15,000–₹20,000 per semester
• Certificate programmes: ₹2,000–₹5,000 total

Check the official IGNOU prospectus for exact fees for your programme.

After Admission: What's Next?

Once your admission is confirmed:

1. Download your study materials from eGyanKosh or collect printed books from your study centre
2. Join your programme's Telegram study group for peer support
3. Download assignment PDFs from the Assignments Hub
4. Submit assignments before the deadline — check assignment submission guidelines
5. Fill the exam form when the TEE window opens — see our exam form guide