IGNOU ID Card 2026: How to Download, Student Login & Enrollment Number

The IGNOU student ID card is an essential document that proves your enrollment at Indira Gandhi National Open University. You need it for exam entry, library access, study centre interactions, and various official purposes. This guide covers how to download your IGNOU ID card, how to use the student login portal, and what to do if you face issues.

How to Download IGNOU ID Card 2026

IGNOU provides digital ID cards through the Samarth portal. Here's how to download yours:

1. Visit the IGNOU Samarth portal: Go to ignou.samarth.edu.in
2. Login: Enter your enrollment number and password (the same credentials used during admission)
3. Navigate to ID Card: Look for the "ID Card" or "Student Identity Card" option in the dashboard
4. Download: Click the download button to save the PDF
5. Print: Take a colour printout on A4 paper and laminate it for durability

The digital ID card contains your name, enrollment number, programme details, photograph, and a QR code for verification.

IGNOU Student Login Portal Guide

The IGNOU Samarth portal is the central hub for all student services. Through the student login, you can:

• Download your ID card
• Check admission and re-registration status
• Fill exam forms
• Download hall tickets
• Check results and grade cards
• Update personal details
• Access study materials

How to Login to IGNOU Student Portal

1. Go to ignou.samarth.edu.in
2. Click on "Student Login" or "Login"
3. Enter your enrollment number as the username
4. Enter your password (set during admission registration)
5. Click "Login" to access your dashboard

Forgot IGNOU Student Login Password?

If you've forgotten your password:

1. Click on "Forgot Password" on the login page
2. Enter your enrollment number and registered email or mobile number
3. Receive an OTP or reset link
4. Set a new password and login

How to Find Your IGNOU Enrollment Number

Your IGNOU enrollment number is a 9 or 10-digit number assigned during admission. Here's how to find it:

• Admission confirmation email: Check the email IGNOU sent when your admission was confirmed
• Admission receipt: The enrollment number is printed on your admission fee receipt
• IGNOU Samarth portal: Login with your registered email/mobile to view your enrollment details
• Study centre: Visit your study centre with your admission documents — they can look up your enrollment number

IGNOU ID Card Not Available — What to Do?

If your ID card is not showing on the portal, try these solutions:

• Wait for admission confirmation: ID cards are generated after admission is fully processed. If your admission was recent, wait 1–2 weeks.
• Check admission status: Verify that your admission is confirmed on the Samarth portal. If it's still "under process," the ID card won't be available yet.
• Clear browser cache: Sometimes the portal has caching issues. Try logging in from a different browser or incognito mode.
• Contact your regional centre: If the ID card is still unavailable after a reasonable time, contact your regional centre or the IGNOU student service centre.

Uses of IGNOU ID Card

Your IGNOU ID card is required for:

• Term-End Examinations: Carry it along with your hall ticket to the exam centre
• Study centre visits: Required for attending counselling sessions and practical labs
• Library access: Use it to borrow books from IGNOU or partner libraries
• Student discounts: Some services offer student discounts with a valid ID card
• Identity verification: Used for various IGNOU-related verification processes

IGNOU ID Card for Re-registered Students

Your ID card remains valid throughout your programme duration. You don't need a new ID card each year — the same card works as long as your re-registration is up to date. However, if your programme duration has expired and you've taken an extension, you may need to request a new ID card from your regional centre.

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