IGNOU Degree Apply: Complete Guide to Applying for IGNOU Original Degree Certificate

IGNOU Degree Apply: Every year, thousands of students complete their academic programmes from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). After successfully completing all required coursework, assignments, examinations, and project components, students become eligible to receive their official degree certificate from the university. To obtain this degree or certificate, they must apply for it through the official IGNOU Convocation portal.

For 2026, IGNOU is organizing the 39th Convocation, and all students who completed their programmes during the December 2024 and June 2025 Term-End Examinations are eligible to apply for their degree. It is crucial for students to submit their degree application on time to receive their certificate at the convocation or through post.

IGNOU has provided an online portal where students can easily apply for the original degree. Below is the official link:

Apply for IGNOU Degree (Convocation Portal): https://onlineservices.ignou.ac.in/convocation/

This article provides a complete guide on how to apply for IGNOU degree, eligibility criteria, fee structure, important documents, steps to apply, status check, FAQs, and other important details. This guide is written in simple language to help every IGNOU student understand the process clearly.

Overview of IGNOU Convocation and Degree Application

The Convocation is an official ceremony conducted by IGNOU where eligible students are awarded:

• Degree
• Diploma
• Certificate
• Postgraduate certificate
• Postgraduate diploma

The Convocation is held once every year. Students can receive their degree either:

• In-person (by attending the convocation ceremony), or
• In-absentia (by post, if they do not attend the event)

IGNOU issues original certificates during the convocation for students who have completed their programmes successfully.

Important Note for 2026 Convocation

• The 39th Convocation is likely to be held in February/March 2026.
• Students who completed their programme in December 2024 TEE or June 2025 TEE are eligible to apply.
• IGNOU advises students to keep visiting the official website regularly for any updates.

Who Can Apply for IGNOU Degree in 2026?

Eligibility to apply for the degree during the 39th Convocation depends on programme completion. According to the university:

Students who completed their programme of study in:

• December 2024 Term-End Examination, and
• June 2025 Term-End Examination

are eligible to apply for their original degree at the 39th Convocation.

Eligibility includes:

1. Completion of All Academic Components

The candidate must have completed:

• All courses of the programme
• All assignments
• Term-End Examinations
• Projects, internships, dissertations (if applicable)
• Practical exams (if applicable)

2. Successful Clearance of All Subjects

All subject marks must be updated in the IGNOU Grade Card.

3. No Pending Fees or Dues

All programme-related fees must be cleared.

4. Registration Validity

The student must be enrolled within the valid registration period based on programme rules.

If all these conditions are met, the student may apply for the original degree from IGNOU.

Why Applying for IGNOU Degree Is Important?

Many students mistakenly believe they can use their mark sheets or grade cards as proof of completion. However, the original degree certificate is essential for:

• Employment applications
• Higher education admissions
• Government job requirements
• Verification for professional opportunities
• Migration and international studies
• Document verification processes
• Professional licensing and registrations

The degree certificate is a permanent, official document issued by IGNOU validating that the student has completed the programme.

Steps to Apply for IGNOU Degree (Convocation Application Process)

IGNOU has made the application process entirely online. Follow the steps below carefully:

Step 1: Visit the Convocation Portal

Go to the official IGNOU Convocation portal:
https://onlineservices.ignou.ac.in/convocation/

Step 2: Enter Enrollment Number

Enter your valid IGNOU enrollment number.

Step 3: Verify Your Programme

Select your programme from the list (BAG, BCOMG, MEG, MPA, MBA, MCA, BLIS, MLIS, BCA, etc.)

Step 4: Check Your Eligibility

The portal will display:

• Your name
• Programme
• Completion year
• Eligibility for the convocation

If you are eligible, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Pay Convocation Fees

You will need to pay the required fee for your programme.

Step 6: Select Mode – In-person or In-absentia

Choose whether you want to attend the convocation or receive your degree by post.

Step 7: Submit Application

After verifying details, submit the online application. Download the confirmation receipt.

Step 8: Track Status

You can track your convocation application status through the same portal.

IGNOU Degree Application Fees (Convocation Fees)

IGNOU charges a registration fee for the degree certificate, which varies based on programme type. Although the fee structure may change, the typical range includes:

• For Certificate/Diploma: Usually lower fees
• For Undergraduate Degrees: Moderate fees
• For Postgraduate Degrees: Slightly higher fees
• For Professional Programmes: Fees may vary

Students must check the exact fee displayed on the convocation portal during application.

Modes of Receiving IGNOU Degree

IGNOU provides two methods for delivering degree certificates:

1. In-Person

Students can attend the convocation event physically at the designated IGNOU regional centre or headquarters.

2. In-Absentia

If a student does not attend the event, the degree will be sent via:

• Registered Post
• Speed Post

This ensures every student receives their certificate.

Important Links and Information

Here is a complete table with all important IGNOU links related to degree application, convocation, and programme verification:

These links help students track their academic progress and check eligibility before applying for the degree.

How to Check IGNOU Degree Application Status?

After applying for the degree, follow these steps to track the status:

1. Visit the IGNOU Convocation portal.
2. Enter your enrollment number.
3. Select your programme.
4. Click on “Check Status”.
5. The portal shows whether:
   • Your application is accepted
   • Payment is confirmed
   • Your certificate has been issued
   • Your certificate has been dispatched (if in-absentia)

If your status is pending, wait for updates.

Documents Required for IGNOU Degree Application

Students may need the following documents while applying or checking eligibility:

• Enrollment number
• Registered mobile number
• Email ID
• Grade card copy
• Marksheet copy
• Identity proof (for verification during convocation)
• Payment receipt

Keep these documents ready.

Important Instructions Before Applying for IGNOU Degree

1. Ensure Programme Completion

Check your grade card before applying.

2. Check Your Name Spelling

IGNOU will print the name as per their records.

3. Keep Payment Details Safe

Download and save the payment confirmation.

4. Monitor Official Updates

The university may update convocation dates or procedures.

5. Ensure Address Accuracy

If applying in-absentia, ensure your postal address is correct.

Common Problems Students Face While Applying for Degree

1. Enrollment Number Not Found

This happens when:

• Marks are not updated
• Programme is not fully completed
• Regional centre has not finalised records

2. Payment Failure

Try again after some time or use another payment method.

3. Name Mismatch

Students must contact their regional centre to correct such issues.

4. Programme Not Showing

Your mark sheet may not yet be uploaded.

IGNOU Degree Dispatch Process

IGNOU dispatches degrees only after:

• Payment confirmation
• Final verification
• Convocation completion

For in-absentia mode, students receive the degree via post. The delivery time depends on the location of the student.

Difference Between IGNOU Provisional Certificate and Degree Certificate

Many students misunderstand the difference between these two documents.

A provisional certificate may help in job applications temporarily, but the original degree is mandatory for final verification.

What to Do If There Is an Error in the Degree Certificate?

If your degree contains any of the following errors:

• Name spelling error
• Wrong programme code
• Incorrect completion year
• Printing mistakes

Contact your Regional Centre immediately. Provide:

• A copy of your degree
• ID proof
• Mark sheet copy
• Application details

IGNOU will issue a corrected certificate if required.

FAQ about IGNOU Degree Apply

Conclusion

Applying for your IGNOU degree is an important step in validating your academic achievement. The IGNOU Convocation process is straightforward, and all eligible students from December 2024 and June 2025 examination cycles should complete their application for the 39th Convocation 2026. By following the steps and guidelines provided in this article, students can easily apply for and receive their original degree certificate.

Make sure to check your eligibility, verify your marks, keep necessary documents ready, and regularly visit the official website for updates.

You can apply for the IGNOU degree using the official link below:
https://onlineservices.ignou.ac.in/convocation/