IGNOU ID Card PDF Password 2026: What It Is & How to Open

If you downloaded your IGNOU digital ID card but can't open the PDF, the file is password-protected. This is normal - IGNOU protects ID card PDFs to prevent misuse. Here's exactly what the password is and how to open it.

What Is the IGNOU ID Card PDF Password?

The password is typically one of these:

• Your 10-digit enrollment number (most common), e.g. 2345678901.
• Enrollment number + date of birth in DDMMYYYY format, e.g. 234567890101011999.
• Your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format only, for older cards.

Try your enrollment number first; if that fails, try enrollment number + DOB, then DOB alone.

How to Open the IGNOU ID Card PDF

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader or any PDF viewer.
2. When prompted for a password, enter your 10-digit enrollment number.
3. If it fails, try enrollment number + date of birth (DDMMYYYY) with no spaces.
4. If still failing, re-download the ID card from the Samarth portal - the file may be corrupted.

What to Do If You've Forgotten the Password

1. Your password is never stored separately - it's derived from your enrollment number and DOB, so "forgetting" usually means using the wrong format.
2. Log in to ignou.samarth.edu.in with your enrollment number and password.
3. Go to Student Profile → ID Card → Download. A fresh PDF is generated with the same password rule.
4. If Samarth login fails, use the "Forgot Password" link or contact your regional centre.

Why Is the IGNOU ID Card PDF Password-Protected?

IGNOU protects ID card PDFs to prevent identity theft and misuse of student credentials. The ID card is valid for exam entry, library access, and official identification, so the password ensures only the student can open and print it.

What if my IGNOU ID card PDF still won't open?

Re-download the file from the Samarth portal (the original may be corrupted). Ensure you're using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If the portal itself fails, contact your regional centre - they can regenerate the ID card on request.

Can I remove the password from the IGNOU ID card PDF?

You can save an unprotected copy using Adobe Acrobat's "Remove Security" option (if you know the password), but the official file IGNOU issues remains password-protected. Keep the original for official use.

Key Points to Remember

• Try enrollment number first, then enrollment number + DOB, then DOB alone.
• Re-download from Samarth if the file is corrupted.
• Keep the original password-protected file for official use.

Is the IGNOU ID card valid as government ID?

The IGNOU student ID card is valid for exam entry, library access, and IGNOU-related purposes. It is not a government-issued identity document.

Additional Tips

• Save the ID card PDF in multiple locations (phone, email, cloud).
• Print a physical copy for exam entry and library access.
• Update your photo on the Samarth portal if it is unclear or outdated.

What if my name is misspelled on the ID card?

Request a correction through your regional centre with supporting ID proof. Corrections are processed in 15–30 days.

Related Guides

• IGNOU ID Card 2026: How to Download
• IGNOU Student Login: Samarth Portal
• IGNOU ABC ID

Explore these related guides to deepen your understanding of IGNOU processes and avoid common mistakes.