IGNOU Admission 2026 is open twice a year, in January and July, across 333 programs in Open Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes. India’s largest open university, IGNOU, serves over 4.5 million enrolled learners across 58 Regional Centres and more than 2,382 Learner Support Centres nationwide.
- Most UG and PG programs admit students directly on merit without an entrance test.
- MBA admission is fully merit-based
- B.Ed admission is through the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test conducted by IGNOU.
- PhD admission is through the Research Entrance Test (RET).
Admission Update (July 2026 Session):
- UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate (ODL and Online): The July 2026 session is open. Last date to apply: July 15, 2026.
- B.Ed (January 2026 session): Entrance test result released; check at studentservices.ignou.ac.in/bed_result.
- PhD (July 2026): Application window closed July 1, 2026. Research Entrance Test (RET) dates are to be notified by IGNOU.
- IGNOU runs only 2 admission sessions annually: January and July. Both are open to fresh candidates for most programs.
- A non-refundable registration fee of INR 300 (INR 500 for Fixed Learner Intake Programs) is payable with the program fee at admission.
- SC and ST candidates receive a full exemption on the program fee for one enrolled IGNOU program. Registration, examination, and late fees are not exempt.
- IGNOU’s Four-Year UG Program (FYUP) offers multiple exit points per NEP 2020: UG Certificate (1 year), UG Diploma (2 years), Bachelor’s Degree (3 years), or Bachelor’s Honours Degree (4 years).
- Students may simultaneously enrol in two IGNOU programs subject to university regulations.
- No upper age limit or domicile restriction applies to most IGNOU programs.
IGNOU Admission Portal 2026 (ODL): ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
IGNOU Admission Portal 2026 (Online): ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
Management Quota at IGNOU: IGNOU does not operate a management quota, NRI quota, or donation-based seat in any program. All seats are filled through merit or a valid entrance test score.
IGNOU UG Admission 2026
IGNOU’s undergraduate programs follow a direct, merit-based admission process with no entrance test. Candidates apply online, and eligibility is verified against 10+2 (or equivalent) qualifications. The Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP) covers BA, B.Sc, BCA, BBA, and B.Com.
IGNOU UG Admission Dates 2026
| Event |
Date |
| July 2026 Session: Application Opens |
June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (July 2026) |
July 15, 2026 |
| Academic Session Begins |
July 2026 |
| Re-Registration for Continuing Students (Extended) |
July 15, 2026 |
| Next Session: January 2027 |
December 2026 (Tentative) |
Update: IGNOU has extended the July 2026 re-registration deadline to July 15 for all UG and PG programmes in ODL and Online mode. Continuing students can apply at onlinerr.ignou.ac.in with a ₹200 late fee for submissions after June 30.
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) |
All fees are in INR. A non-refundable registration fee of INR 300 and a University Development Fee of INR 400 are charged separately at the time of admission and are not included in the annual program fee above.
IGNOU UG Selection Criteria 2026
UG admission at IGNOU is direct. Applications are accepted, and eligibility is verified in the order of submission. No merit cutoff list, written test, or interview applies for BA, B.Sc, BCA, BBA, or B.Com. Students who meet the minimum eligibility criteria and pay the program fee are enrolled in the applied session.
How to Apply for UG at IGNOU?
- Visit ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL mode or ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for Online mode.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number to create a new user account on the portal.
- Select the program, fill in personal and academic details, and upload required documents: 10th and 12th marksheets, category certificate (if applicable), and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Pay the program fee along with the registration fee (INR 300) and the University Development Fee (INR 400) online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.
- Submit the form and save the fee receipt. IGNOU sends the Enrolment Number after admission confirmation. Students then log in to the student portal at ignou.samarth.edu.in.
IGNOU Admission 2026
IGNOU PG Admission 2026
IGNOU’s postgraduate programs span arts, commerce, science, management, social work, and library science. Most PG programs including MBA admit students directly without a written test. PG program fees range from INR 15,000 total (MA, 2 years) to INR 66,000 total (MBA, 2 years).
IGNOU PG Admission Dates 2026
| Event |
Date |
| July 2026 Session: Application Opens |
June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (July 2026) |
July 15, 2026 |
| Academic Session Begins |
July 2026 |
| Next Session: January 2027 |
December 2026 (Tentative) |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
IGNOU PG Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Programs |
Minimum Eligibility |
Total Program Fee |
| MBA |
Bachelor’s degree (min. 3 years) with 50% marks (45% for reserved) |
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) |
All fees are in INR. A registration fee of INR 300 and a University Development Fee of INR 400 are charged separately at admission. IGNOU MBA semesters I, II, and IV cost INR 16,000 each. Semester III costs INR 18,000.
IGNOU PG Selection Criteria 2026
All PG programs, including MBA, follow direct merit-based admission; no entrance test is currently required for any of them. OPENMAT (Open Management Aptitude Test), which was previously conducted for MBA admission, has been discontinued since 2021, and IGNOU has not reintroduced it. Candidates are shortlisted purely on graduation marks, in line with the reserved-category relaxation of 45%.
How to Apply for PG at IGNOU?
For direct-admission PG programs (MA, MCOM, MCA, MSW), apply at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in with graduation marksheets and relevant certificates. For MBA, the application process is identical to other direct-admission PG programs; apply at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in with graduation marksheets and relevant certificates. No OPENMAT scorecard is required or requested anywhere in the current application form.
IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2026
IGNOU’s Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) is a 2-year program offered under the Fixed Learner Intake Program (FLIP). Admission is through the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test, conducted by IGNOU itself, and follows a separate process from the standard ODL admission portal. The B.Ed Entrance Test result for the January 2026 session has been released and can be checked at studentservices.ignou.ac.in/bed_result/.
IGNOU B.Ed Admission Dates 2026
| Event |
Status |
| B.Ed Entrance Test (January 2026 Session) |
March 29, 2026 |
| B.Ed Merit List (Released) |
July 3, 2026 |
| B.Ed Counselling / Seat Allotment (at Regional Centres) |
July 2026 (Tentative) |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
IGNOU B.Ed Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or Master’s degree) in Science, Social Science, Commerce, or Humanities with at least 50% marks from a recognised university. Reserved category candidates require a minimum of 45% marks at graduation. All candidates must qualify in the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test conducted by IGNOU.
*Refer to the official B.Ed prospectus at ignou.ac.in for program-specific subject mapping rules. [Download PDF]
IGNOU B.Ed Selection Criteria 2026
Selection is purely based on performance in the IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Test. The test covers General English, General Hindi, Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability, Educational and General Awareness, and Teaching Aptitude. A merit list is prepared separately for each category. Shortlisted candidates complete program enrolment at their allotted Learner Support Centre.
How to Apply for B.Ed at IGNOU?
- Monitor the official B.Ed entrance portal at ignou-bed.samarth.edu.in for the next cycle application notification.
- Register and complete the entrance test application 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 it is released.
- Appear for the entrance test and check results at studentservices.ignou.ac.in/bed_result. Qualified candidates complete B.Ed enrolment at the allotted Learner Support Centre.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026
IGNOU offers doctoral programs in 36 disciplines across arts, social sciences, science, commerce, management, education, and health sciences. PhD admission is conducted under the 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.
IGNOU PhD Admission Dates 2026
| Event |
Date |
| PhD Application Window (July 2026 cycle) |
June 10, 2026 to July 1, 2026 |
| Research Entrance Test (RET) and Viva-Voce |
July to August 2026 (Tentative) |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
*Candidates can refer to the IGNOU PhD prospectus 2026 for detailed information on the course, fees, schedule, and reservation. [Download PDF]
IGNOU PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognised university. SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), and PwD candidates require a minimum of 50% marks at the Master’s level. The applicant must qualify in the discipline-specific Research Entrance Test conducted by IGNOU. Candidates with a valid UGC-NET score are exempted from the IGNOU RET.
IGNOU PhD Selection Process 2026
IGNOU Admission to the Ph.D. The programme is conducted under the following 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 RET written test accounts for 70% of the composite score. The viva-voce interview accounts for 30%. Both stages are conducted by IGNOU’s respective School of Studies. Candidates must clear both stages to secure PhD admission. IGNOU PhD is available in full-time and part-time modes across disciplines including Commerce, Education, Hindi, Political Science, Psychology, and Zoology.
How to Apply for IGNOU PhD?
- Apply online at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in during the notified application window.
- Fill in personal, academic, and research specialisation details in the online form.
- Upload Master’s degree certificate and marksheets along with category certificate and UGC NET scorecard if applicable.
- Pay the application fee of INR 2,000 via online payment and submit the form before the deadline.
- Download the RET admit card from the PhD portal after it is released and appear for the written test and interview as scheduled.
IGNOU Scholarships and Fee Support 2026
IGNOU provides in-built fee support for SC and ST students. Additional scholarship avenues are available through central government 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 via ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
Central government pre-matric and post-matric scholarships apply to IGNOU-enrolled students |
Apply at scholarships.gov.in |
| Vidya Lakshmi Portal |
Education loans from over 40 scheduled banks across 131 loan schemes |
Apply at vidyalakshmi.co.in |
Note: The SC/ST fee exemption is not automatically applied. Students must submit a valid income certificate from a revenue or competent government authority at the time of admission to claim it. Registration fee (INR 300), University Development Fee (INR 400), and term-end examination fees (INR 200 per theory course per session) remain payable by all students regardless of category.
IGNOU Admission FAQs
Ques. What is the last date for IGNOU admission in July 2026?
Ans. The last date to apply for IGNOU July 2026 admission is July 15, 2026, for most UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate programs in ODL and Online modes. Applications are submitted at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL programs and ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for Online mode programs.
Ques. Is an entrance test required for IGNOU UG and PG admission?
Ans. No entrance test is required for UG and PG programs at IGNOU, including MBA. Admission to BA, B.Sc, BCA, BBA, B.Com, MA, MCA, MCOM, MSW, and MBA is all direct and merit-based, since OPENMAT was discontinued in 2021. The only entrance-test-based programs are B.Ed (IGNOU's own entrance test), PhD (Research Entrance Test), and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing.
Ques. What is the total fee for IGNOU MBA?
Ans. The total program fee for IGNOU MBA is INR 66,000 over 4 semesters (2-year minimum duration). Semesters I, II, and IV cost INR 16,000 each. Semester III costs INR 18,000. A registration fee of INR 300 and a University Development Fee of INR 400 are additionally charged at admission. No entrance test is required; admission is based on graduation merit.
Ques. Do SC and ST students get a fee exemption at IGNOU?
Ans. Yes. SC and ST students are eligible for full exemption on the program fee for one enrolled IGNOU program. The exemption is not automatic and requires submission of a valid income certificate from a competent government authority at admission. Registration fee (INR 300), University Development Fee (INR 400), and term-end examination fees remain payable by all students.
Ques. Can I enrol in two IGNOU programs at the same time?
Ans. Yes. IGNOU permits simultaneous enrolment in two programs subject to its applicable regulations. Students must independently meet the eligibility criteria for both programs and must ensure that term-end examination schedules for the two programs do not conflict. Both programs are enrolled through the standard admission portal.
Ques. What is the IGNOU FYUP, and how does Multiple Exit work?
Ans. IGNOU’s Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP) aligns with NEP 2020 and provides multiple exit points with recognised credentials. Exiting after 1 year earns a UG Certificate (44 credits). Exiting after 2 years earns a UG Diploma (84 credits). Completing 3 years earns a Bachelor’s Degree (120 credits). Completing 4 years earns a Bachelor’s Honours Degree (160 credits). Students may re-enter the program within 7 years to complete a higher exit level.
Ques. Is the IGNOU degree valid for government jobs and UPSC?
Ans. Yes. IGNOU is a Central University established by an Act of Parliament, and its degrees are UGC-recognised. IGNOU qualifications are accepted for UPSC, state PSC, SSC, bank, and other competitive examinations. IGNOU holds an A++ accreditation from NAAC and is recognised as the world’s largest open university by the Guinness World Records.
Ques. What is OPENMAT and who needs it for IGNOU admission?
Ans. OPENMAT (Open Management Aptitude Test) was previously an NTA-conducted national management aptitude test used for IGNOU MBA admission. It covered English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, and Reasoning and Intelligence across 200 questions in 3 hours with no negative marking. However, IGNOU discontinued OPENMAT in 2021, and it has not been reintroduced. MBA admission is now entirely merit-based, with no entrance test required.
Ques. What documents are required for IGNOU admission 2026?
Ans. Documents required for IGNOU admission include: 10th and 12th marksheets and certificates, graduation marksheets (for PG programs), category certificate (SC/ST/OBC if applicable), income certificate (if claiming fee exemption), a recent passport-size photograph, scanned signature, and a valid Aadhaar card or government-issued photo ID. All documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
Ques. Is there an age limit for IGNOU admission?
Ans. Most IGNOU programs have no upper age limit. The minimum age for UG programs is typically 18 years or as specified per program. IGNOU’s open-admission model is designed to serve working adults, homemakers, and those returning to education at any life stage. Program-specific age norms, where applicable, are listed in the respective program prospectus at ignou.ac.in.
Ques. Has the IGNOU re-registration deadline for July 2026 been extended?
Ans. Yes. IGNOU extended the re-registration deadline for the July 2026 session from June 30 to July 15, 2026, for all UG and PG programmes in ODL and online modes. Continuing students applying after June 30 must pay a ₹200 late fee via onlinerr.ignou.ac.in.
![Indira Gandhi National Open University - [IGNOU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1491826680logo.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
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