How to Download Your IGNOU ID Card in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

You have taken a big step in your career by enrolling in the world’s largest open university, IGNOU. As you embark on this journey, one of the first and most crucial documents you need is your student ID card. If you think studying in an open university won’t require an ID card, you are wrong. The IGNOU student ID card is more than just a piece of plastic, it is your official key to the university’s features.

The process to acquire the IGNOU ID card 2025 is fully digitised, faster and efficient. However, the portal can get confusing sometimes for new students. If you are one of the candidates who are wondering how to navigate the IGNOU online portal to get your digital ID, you have landed at the right place. In this blog, we will walk you through the entire process of downloading your IGNOU ID card.

Why is your IGNOU ID Card Important?

Before we delve into the process, let’s understand its importance. Your IGNOU ID card serves multiple functions throughout your course in the university. Here’s why it is needed:

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  It is official proof of your enrolment that validates you as a student of IGNOU.
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  Although IGNOU is an open university, you will need your ID card to access the IGNOU regional centre and its resources. This includes the study centre, library, and other student support services.
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  In term-end examinations, you are asked to carry your IGNOU ID card along with the hall ticket. Without showing the ID card, you cannot enter the exam hall.
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  The primary benefit of having an IGNOU ID card is that you can avail yourself of various student discounts, such as concessions on Indian railways, state roadways, etc.
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  If you have a subject that includes practicals, you will need an ID card to attend the practical sessions, workshops, or submit assignments.

Also Read: How to Apply for IGNOU Online Courses: Step-by-Step Guide

What do you Need Before Starting the Download Process?

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free download experience, you must ensure you are fully prepared with all the prerequisites of the process. Here are a few points you must check:

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  You must complete your course registration and ensure that your details are updated in the IGNOU system.
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  Have your enrolment number prepared, which you must have received. You need this number to download your ID card.
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  A scanned copy of your signature with a white background in the JPEG format.
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  Prepare a recent digital photograph with a light-coloured background in JPG format.

Also Read: How to Check IGNOU Admission Status?

Step-by-Step Guide to Download your IGNOU ID Card 2025

Now, let’s get to the point. To successfully download your IGNOU ID card, follow these steps. 

Step 1: Open the IGNOU Official Website

Be aware of the third-party websites and stick to the official IGNOU portal.

1. On the homepage of the university website, find the ‘student zone’ options. Here you will see links for various student services options.

2. From the dropdown list, click on the ‘download I-card’ option.

Step 2: Enter your Login Credentials

Once you are on the IGNOU ID card login page, there will be a simple form for you.

1. First, add your 9 to 10-digit IGNOU enrolment number.

2. Then mention your date of birth from the given calendar widget in the DD/MM/YYYY format.

3. Click on the Login button.

Step 3: Verification of Personal Details

Once you are logged in, your system will show your personal details linked with your enrolment number.

1. Carefully review all the information displayed on the screen, including your full name, programme name, study centre name and code, regional centre name and code, etc.

2. In case of any discrepancy, wrong details will be printed on your ID card, so be careful.

Step 4: Download the IGNOU ID Card

Before downloading, check if the photo and signature are placed correctly and if all the personal details are correct.

1. Your brand-new ID card will now be displayed on the screen.

2. Click the download button to save the PDF file to your system.

3. To get a physical copy, you will have to take a printout.

4. Print your IGNOU ID card on an A4-size sheet.

See how quick and easy it was to download your IGNOU ID card for 2025.

IGNOU ID Card for Existing Students

While the above steps were specifically for newly enrolled students, the process remains mainly the same for re-registered or existing students. Because your existing enrolment number does not change. If you are someone who has re-registered in July 2025, you don’t need a new ID card, unless you want to change, like:

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  Change in course
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  Updated photo
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  Shifted to a new study centre

If any of this has happened, log in again on the ID card portal, make the changes and download the updated ID card. 

Summing Up

Downloading an ID card is a small but important tool for your academic journey. By following this detailed step-by-step guide to download the IGNOU ID card, you can get an error-free ID. It is important to download your ID card on time, to avail all the facilities of IGNOU and also to appear in your exams and to make various submissions. If you face any issues, you can seek help from your regional centre.