IGNOU Change Study Centre 2026: How to Apply, Form & Status

If you've relocated to a different city or your current study centre is inconvenient, you can change your IGNOU study centre. IGNOU allows students to transfer from one study centre to another within the same regional centre or to a different regional centre. This guide covers the complete process for changing your IGNOU study centre in 2026.

Why Change IGNOU Study Centre?

Common reasons students request a study centre change:

• Relocation: Moved to a different city for work or personal reasons
• Inconvenient location: Current study centre is too far from your residence
• Non-functional centre: Study centre not conducting counselling sessions or not accepting assignments
• Better facilities: Another study centre has better library, lab, or faculty
• Practical requirements: Some programmes require a study centre with specific lab facilities

How to Change IGNOU Study Centre — Step by Step

Online Method

1. Visit the IGNOU Samarth portal: Go to ignou.samarth.edu.in
2. Login: Enter your enrollment number and password
3. Navigate to service requests: Look for "Change Study Centre" or "Centre Change" option
4. Select new study centre: Choose from the list of available study centres in your area
5. Provide reason: Enter the reason for the change request
6. Upload documents: Attach proof of relocation (if applicable) — address proof, rental agreement, employer letter, etc.
7. Submit: Submit the application and note the reference number

Offline Method

1. Write a formal application: Address it to your Regional Director
2. Include details: Your name, enrollment number, programme code, current study centre, and requested study centre
3. Attach documents: ID proof, address proof for new location, and IGNOU ID card copy
4. Submit: Submit at your current regional centre or send by post

Documents Required

• Application form or formal letter
• Aadhaar card or address proof with new address
• Rental agreement / employer transfer letter (if relocating for work)
• IGNOU ID card copy
• Enrollment number and programme details

Study Centre Change Within Same Regional Centre

If you want to change to another study centre within the same regional centre, the process is simpler and faster — typically approved within 2–4 weeks. You can continue your studies without interruption.

Study Centre Change to Different Regional Centre

If you're moving to a different city/state, you need to change both your study centre and regional centre. This process takes longer — 4–8 weeks — because it involves coordination between two regional centres. Your academic records and assignment marks are transferred to the new regional centre.

How to Check Study Centre Change Status

After submitting your request:

• Online: Check the Samarth portal for status updates under your service requests
• Call your regional centre: Follow up with your current regional centre if you don't hear back within 4 weeks
• IGram: If the process is delayed, raise a grievance on IGram

Important Points

• Study centre changes are usually processed between academic sessions — avoid requesting during TEE periods
• Your assignment marks and academic records are automatically transferred
• There is no fee for changing your study centre
• You can change your study centre multiple times during your programme
• Ensure your new study centre offers the practical/lab facilities required for your programme (especially for BCA, MCA, BSc)

For more student support guides, check our IGNOU Student Services page.