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12 January, 2026
Indira Gandhi National Open University has extended the IGNOU admission last date 2026 for the January cycle. As per IGNOU registration last date, candidates can apply for admission till February 28, 2026. Interested aspirants have to fill an online application form at the official website before the last date to apply for IGNOU 2026. Extended IGNOU admission last date 2026 has been announced at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. For July cycle, IGNOU admission dates are yet to be announced. However, the registration process is expected to be begin in July, while the last date is likely to lie in August. This blog talks in detail about IGNOU admission and its last date in 2026, along with a few other details. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it.
IGNOU is one of the best open university in India with NIRF ranking of 1. With over 3,000,000 students enrolled across 350+ programmes, IGNOU follows a semester-wise system for all its programmes and it conducts admissions twice a year for its programmes, in January and June/July each year.
IGNOU follows a semester system for its programmes, based on NEP Guidelines 2020, which makes it possible for learners to take admission into IGNOU programmes in any admission cycle. However, Please note that there are a few courses that you can only apply for admission in the July session. IGNOU registration last date for each session is released separately.
Indira Gandhi National Open University is currently accepting applications for the January cycle 2026. The last date to apply for IGNOU admission 2026 is February 28. Aspirants seeking admission to IGNOU courses are required to apply before the deadline.
The authorities are yet to announce the IGNOU admission dates 2026 for the July session. However, if previous year trends are followed, the online registration process is expected to open in July. Further, the IGNOU admission last date for July session is expected in August. Once the IGNOU admission dates are announced officially, the same will be updated on this page as well.
Check: Popular Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Courses
Are you wondering if you can apply after IGNOU admissions last date? Well, the answer is unfortunately, no. IGNOU each year releases the admission dates for its courses prior to the registration opening for January and the session. Many times, IGNOU also extends the last date for IGNOU admission by a week or two so that the late applicants can submit their application for admission into the courses. However, once the registration date closes, students can no longer submit their applications for admissions of course courses.
The authorities rejects the applications submitted after the IGNOU registration last date, automatically cancelling their admission to the courses. Therefore, it is advice for all students to check the official dates for admission cycles listed by IGNOU and keep themselves updated with any changes. You may also look for any extension date offered by IGNOU for admission towards some specific courses. Since IGNOU offers admission into the courses twice a year, you can apply for admission in the next cycle if you have missed out on the current one.
While filling out the admission application form for an IGNOU course, candidates must upload scanned copies of the relevant documents. IGNOU has listed the following documents as mandatory for IGNOU online registration; failing which, admission to the course shall be cancelled. Therefore, candidates are advised to keep the following documents ready before applying for IGNOU admission.
Only those aspirants who apply for admission before the IGNOU registration last date will be offered admission. If you are interested in flexibility, accessibility, and being part of a highly inclusive and advanced learning system, which allows you to study at your own space (unclear word choice), you can take admission into your desired course at Indira Gandhi National Open University. IGNOU registrations are currently open for the January 2026 cycle, and if admissions are open for the course you wish to pursue, you can apply online by following the steps below:
*Please note that IGNOU has different websites for courses offered via ODL and online mode, as given below:
Also, the ABC-ID, also known as the Academic Bank of Credit, is a unique student identification number and is mandatory for students taking admission into courses offered through ODL or online mode, so that all relevant academic information can be stored easily. In case a student fails to generate their ABC-ID, either their admission may be cancelled, or they may face issues while submitting examination forms.
You may also check: How to cancel IGNOU admission and get refund?
At IGNOU, there is no age barrier for applicants applying to programmes at different academic levels. However, candidates must meet the academic requirements to be eligible for admission. Depending upon previous qualifications, applicants can apply for different courses at Indira Gandhi National Open University.
*Please note that this is a general eligibility criterion, and candidates must refer to the specific eligibility requirements of the course they wish to pursue. For example, for admission into MSc Botany, the candidate must have pursued a BSc degree at the undergraduate level, with Botany as one of the subjects. Similarly, for certain diploma programmes, eligibility may be a Class 10th or Class 12th pass, depending on the knowledge and skill level required for the course.
Each year, the admission drive opens twice a year at IGNOU, in January and June/July. In January 2026, the fresh admission drive to the courses shall begin, with the deadline closing on February 15, 2026. Admissions in June/July usually close either in September or October, depending upon what IGNOU decides. There is no age barrier for candidates to take admission into the IGNOU courses.
However, it is important to meet the minimum educational criteria. It is mandatory for each applicant to register themselves on the Samarth portal and create their unique ABC-ID. If interested in pursuing a self-based course from India’s number one open university, with a highly inclusive and flexible learning environment, IGNOU is the best choice. Choose the course you want to pursue and take admission in the IGNOU January 2026 cycle.
At IGNOU, Indira Gandhi National Open University, the admission drive takes place twice a year, in January and June/July, for various UG, PG, PG diploma/certificate and diploma or certificate courses.
Since Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is an open university, there is no age barrier for taking admission into the courses offered by the university. However, for certain courses, candidates need to meet a specific minimum age requirement to be eligible for admission. There is only a minimum age criterion for particular courses.
Since IGNOU is an open university, it offers courses through ODL, that is, Open and Distance Learning mode, as well as online mode of education. Depending upon which mode suits you best, you can take admission and pursue your desired course as per your convenience. All the courses offered provide flexibility and the convenience of studying at your own pace, along with receiving study materials in print or digital form and access to e-learning resources.
Yes, IGNOU courses are valid and at par with any regular programme offered by any other educational institute in India. IGNOU is UGC-recognised, making all of its courses valid and credible for pursuing higher education or professional opportunities.
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