IGNOU Admission 2026 takes place in January and July for 333 programs offered in Open Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes. IGNOU is India’s largest open university, with more than 4.5 million enrolled learners, 58 Regional Centres, and over 2,382 Learner Support Centres across the country.
- For most UG and PG courses, admission is direct and based on merit, so students do not need to take an entrance exam.
- MBA seats are also filled only through merit.
- B.Ed admission depends on the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test held by IGNOU.
- PhD admission is based on the Research Entrance Test (RET).
Admission Update (July 2026 Session): - UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate (ODL and Online): Applications for the July 2026 session are open. Last date to apply: July 15, 2026.
- B.Ed (January 2026 session): The entrance test result has been declared. Students can check it at studentservices.ignou.ac.in/bed_result.
- PhD (July 2026): Applications closed on July 1, 2026. IGNOU will notify the Research Entrance Test (RET) dates.
- IGNOU conducts only 2 admission sessions every year: January and July. Fresh applicants can apply for most programs in both sessions.
- At admission, students must pay a non-refundable registration fee of INR 300. For Fixed Learner Intake Programs, the registration fee is INR 500. This is paid with the program fee.
- SC and ST students get a full exemption on the program fee for one IGNOU program. Registration fee, examination fee, and late fee are still payable.
- IGNOU’s Four-Year UG Program (FYUP) follows NEP 2020 and gives exit options after 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years as UG Certificate, UG Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, and Bachelor’s Honours Degree.
- Students can take admission in two IGNOU programs at the same time if university rules allow it.
- For most IGNOU programs, there is no upper age limit and no domicile restriction.
IGNOU Admission Portal 2026 (ODL): ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
IGNOU Admission Portal 2026 (Online): ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
Management Quota at IGNOU: IGNOU has no management quota, NRI quota, or donation-based admission in any course. Admission is given only by merit or through a valid entrance test score.
IGNOU Important Dates 2026
| Event | Current Date |
| Next admission session: January 2027 | December 2026 (Tentative) |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
IGNOU UG Admission 2026
At the UG level, IGNOU gives direct admission on merit. Students apply online, and the university checks whether they have passed 10+2 or an equivalent exam. No entrance test is needed for BA, B.Sc, BCA, BBA, or B.Com. The Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP) includes BA, B.Sc, BCA, BBA, and B.Com.
IGNOU UG Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Programs | Minimum Eligibility | Program Fees |
| BA | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board | INR 5,000/year |
| B.Sc | 10+2 with Science subjects | INR 6,500/ year |
| BA Hons. | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 5,500/ year (Total INR 16,500 for 3 years) |
| B.Com Hons. | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 5,000/ year |
| BBA | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 10,500/year (Total INR 31,500 for 3 years) |
| BCA | 10+2 or equivalent, OR Diploma in Commercial Practice | INR 8,300/ semester (Total INR 49,800 for 6 semesters) |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
All fees are in INR. At admission, students also pay a separate non-refundable registration fee of INR 300 and a University Development Fee of INR 400. These charges are not part of the annual program fee shown above.
IGNOU UG Selection Criteria 2026
UG admission is simple at IGNOU. The university accepts applications and checks eligibility as forms are submitted. BA, B.Sc, BCA, BBA, and B.Com do not require a merit cutoff list, written test, or interview. A student who meets the minimum eligibility rule and pays the program fee gets enrolled for the chosen session.
How to Apply for UG at IGNOU?
- Go to ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL courses or ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for Online courses.
- Create a new account using a working email ID and mobile number.
- Choose the program, enter personal and academic details, and upload the required documents: 10th and 12th marksheets, category certificate if needed, and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Pay the program fee with the registration fee of INR 300 and University Development Fee of INR 400 through UPI, net banking, debit card, or credit card.
- Submit the form and keep the fee receipt. After confirmation, IGNOU sends the Enrolment Number, and students can log in at ignou.samarth.edu.in.
IGNOU PG Admission 2026
IGNOU offers PG courses in areas such as arts, commerce, science, management, social work, and library science. Most PG courses, including MBA, use direct admission without a written test. PG fees start from INR 15,000 total for MA over 2 years and go up to INR 66,000 total for MBA over 2 years.
IGNOU PG Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Programs | Minimum Eligibility | Total Program Fee |
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years with 50% marks, or 45% for reserved category students | INR 66,000 (4 semesters) |
| M.COM | Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognised university | INR 20,400 (2 years) |
| MA | Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university | INR 16,400 (2 years) |
| MCA | BCA or BSc/BCom/BA with Maths at 10+2 or graduation level | INR 52,000 (4 semesters) |
| MSW | Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university | INR 37,000 (2 years) |
Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm
All fees are in INR. Students pay a separate registration fee of INR 300 and a University Development Fee of INR 400 at admission. For IGNOU MBA, semesters I, II, and IV cost INR 16,000 each, while semester III costs INR 18,000.
IGNOU PG Selection Criteria 2026
PG admission, including MBA admission, is based on merit. IGNOU does not ask for an entrance test for these courses now. OPENMAT, the earlier MBA admission test, has not been used since 2021 and has not been restarted. Graduation marks decide shortlisting, with the reserved-category eligibility relaxation set at 45%.
How to Apply for PG at IGNOU?
For MA, MCOM, MCA, and MSW, students apply through ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and upload graduation marksheets with the required certificates. MBA applicants follow the same direct-admission process at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The current MBA form does not ask for an OPENMAT scorecard.
IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2026
IGNOU B.Ed is a 2-year Fixed Learner Intake Program (FLIP). It does not follow the regular ODL admission portal process. Students are admitted through the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test, which is conducted by IGNOU. The B.Ed Entrance Test result for the January 2026 session is available at studentservices.ignou.ac.in/bed_result/.
IGNOU B.Ed Eligibility Criteria 2026
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Science, Social Science, Commerce, or Humanities from a recognised university with at least 50% marks. Reserved category students need at least 45% marks in graduation. Every applicant must clear the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test held by IGNOU.
*Students should check the official B.Ed prospectus at ignou.ac.in for subject mapping rules specific to the program.
IGNOU B.Ed Selection Criteria 2026
Admission is decided only through the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test score. The test includes General English, General Hindi, Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability, Educational and General Awareness, and Teaching Aptitude. IGNOU prepares the merit list category-wise. Selected students complete enrolment at the Learner Support Centre allotted to them.
How to Apply for B.Ed at IGNOU?
- Check the official B.Ed entrance portal at ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in for the next application notification.
- Register and fill the entrance test form with personal and academic details.
- Upload graduation marksheets, photograph, signature, and category certificate if applicable.
- Pay the entrance test application fee online and download the admit card after release.
- Take the entrance test and check the result at studentservices.ignou.ac.in/bed_result. Qualified students finish B.Ed enrolment at the allotted Learner Support Centre.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026
IGNOU offers PhD programs in 36 disciplines, covering arts, social sciences, science, commerce, management, education, and health sciences. PhD admission is handled through 4 main categories:
- Category I: UGC-NET with JRF
- Category II: UGC-NET (Eligible for Assistant Professor and Ph.D.)
- Category III: UGC-NET (Eligible for Ph.D. only)
- Category IV: University-level Entrance Test followed by Interview Selection Procedure (Research Entrance Test)
The PhD application fee is INR 2,000.
*Students can check the IGNOU PhD prospectus 2026 for course details, fees, schedule, and reservation rules.
IGNOU PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026
For PhD admission, candidates must have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject from a recognised university with at least 55% marks. SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, and PwD candidates need at least 50% marks at the Master’s level. Applicants must qualify in the subject-wise Research Entrance Test conducted by IGNOU. Candidates with a valid UGC-NET score do not need to take the IGNOU RET.
IGNOU PhD Selection Process 2026
IGNOU conducts Ph.D. admission through these categories:
- Category I: UGC-NET with JRF
- Category II: UGC-NET (Eligible for Assistant Professor and Ph.D.)
- Category III: UGC-NET (Eligible for Ph.D. only)
- Category IV: University-level Entrance Test followed by Interview Selection Procedure (Research Entrance Test)
The written RET carries 70% of the composite score, and the viva-voce interview carries 30%. IGNOU’s concerned School of Studies conducts both stages. Candidates must clear both stages for PhD admission. IGNOU offers PhD in full-time and part-time modes in subjects such as Commerce, Education, Hindi, Political Science, Psychology, and Zoology.
How to Apply for IGNOU PhD?
- Apply online at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in within the announced application dates.
- Enter personal, academic, and research specialisation details in the form.
- Upload the Master’s degree certificate and marksheets, category certificate, and UGC NET scorecard if applicable.
- Pay the application fee of INR 2,000 online and submit the form before the deadline.
- Download the RET admit card from the PhD portal after it is issued and appear for the written test and interview as scheduled.
IGNOU Scholarships and Fee Support 2026
IGNOU gives built-in fee support to SC and ST students. Students can also use central government scholarship schemes and the Vidya Lakshmi Portal for education loans.
| Scheme | Benefit | How to Apply |
| SC/ST Program Fee Exemption (IGNOU) | Full exemption on the program fee for one IGNOU program | Submit an income certificate from a competent authority at admission through ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | Central government pre-matric and post-matric scholarships are available to IGNOU-enrolled students | Apply at scholarships.gov.in |
| Vidya Lakshmi Portal | Education loans from more than 40 scheduled banks through 131 loan schemes | Apply at vidyalakshmi.co.in |
Note: SC/ST fee exemption is not given automatically. To claim it, students must submit a valid income certificate from a revenue authority or competent government authority during admission. All students, including SC/ST students, must pay the registration fee of INR 300, University Development Fee of INR 400, and term-end examination fee of INR 200 per theory course per session.
IGNOU Admission FAQs
Ques. When did IGNOU close applications for the July 2026 admission cycle?
Ans. For most UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate courses in ODL and Online modes, the last date for IGNOU July 2026 admission was July 15, 2026. ODL applications were submitted at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, while Online mode applications were submitted at ignouiop.samarth.edu.in.
Ques. Which IGNOU courses need an entrance exam?
Ans. IGNOU does not conduct an entrance test for UG and PG programs such as BA, B.Sc, BCA, BBA, B.Com, MA, MCA, MCOM, MSW, and MBA. These admissions are merit-based. OPENMAT was stopped in 2021. Entrance tests apply only to courses such as B.Ed through IGNOU’s own entrance test, PhD through the Research Entrance Test, and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing.
Ques. How much does the IGNOU MBA program cost?
Ans. IGNOU MBA has a total program fee of INR 66,000 for 4 semesters, with a minimum duration of 2 years. Semesters I, II, and IV cost INR 16,000 each, and semester III costs INR 18,000. Students also pay a registration fee of INR 300 and a University Development Fee of INR 400 at admission. MBA admission is merit-based and does not need an entrance test.
Ques. What fee relief is available for SC and ST students at IGNOU?
Ans. SC and ST students can get a full waiver of the program fee for one IGNOU program. The waiver is given only after the student submits a valid income certificate from a competent government authority during admission. Registration fee of INR 300, University Development Fee of INR 400, and term-end examination fees are still charged.
Ques. Does IGNOU allow a student to study two programs together?
Ans. Yes. IGNOU allows admission in two programs at the same time, subject to the university’s rules. The student must meet the eligibility conditions for both programs. They should also make sure that the term-end exam dates for the two courses do not clash. Both admissions are done through the regular admission portal.
Ques. What exit options are offered under IGNOU FYUP?
Ans. IGNOU’s Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP) follows NEP 2020 and gives students recognised exit awards. A student who exits after 1 year gets a UG Certificate with 44 credits. After 2 years, the exit award is a UG Diploma with 84 credits. After 3 years, students receive a Bachelor’s Degree with 120 credits. After 4 years, they receive a Bachelor’s Honours Degree with 160 credits. Students can re-enter within 7 years to complete a higher exit level.
Ques. Are IGNOU degrees accepted for UPSC and government recruitment?
Ans. Yes. IGNOU is a Central University created by an Act of Parliament, and its degrees are recognised by the UGC. Students can use IGNOU qualifications for UPSC, state PSC, SSC, bank exams, and other competitive exams. IGNOU also has NAAC A++ accreditation and is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest open university.
Ques. Is OPENMAT still used for IGNOU MBA admission?
Ans. No. OPENMAT, or Open Management Aptitude Test, was earlier used for IGNOU MBA admission and was conducted by NTA. The test had English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, and Reasoning and Intelligence, with 200 questions in 3 hours and no negative marking. IGNOU discontinued OPENMAT in 2021 and has not brought it back. MBA admission is now fully merit-based.
Ques. Which documents should students upload for IGNOU admission 2026?
Ans. Students need 10th and 12th marksheets and certificates, graduation marksheets for PG courses, category certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates if applicable, income certificate for fee exemption claims, a recent passport-size photograph, scanned signature, and a valid Aadhaar card or government-issued photo ID. The documents must be uploaded in the required format at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
Ques. Does IGNOU set an upper age limit for admission?
Ans. Most IGNOU programs have no upper age limit. For UG courses, the minimum age is usually 18 years or as stated for the specific program. IGNOU’s admission system is open to working adults, homemakers, and students returning to studies later in life. Any course-wise age rule is given in the program prospectus at ignou.ac.in.
Ques. Was the IGNOU July 2026 re-registration deadline extended?
Ans. Yes. IGNOU extended the re-registration deadline for the July 2026 session from June 30 to July 15, 2026 for UG and PG programmes in ODL and Online modes. Continuing students who applied after June 30 had to pay a INR 200 late fee through onlinerr.ignou.ac.in.
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