IGNOU Re Admission: Complete Guide to Re-Registration, Eligibility, Process, Fees, and Important Instructions
IGNOU Re Admission: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers flexible and inclusive education to students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Due to this flexibility, many students are unable to complete their programs within the minimum duration because of personal, professional, or financial reasons. To support such learners, IGNOU provides the facility of re-admission, also commonly referred to as re-registration after expiry of maximum duration.
IGNOU re-admission allows students to continue and complete their program even after their maximum registration period has expired. This facility ensures that students do not lose their academic progress and can still earn their degree by fulfilling the remaining requirements.

This article provides a detailed and comprehensive explanation of IGNOU re-admission, including eligibility criteria, application process, fee structure, important rules, common mistakes, and post re-admission steps.
What Is IGNOU Re-Admission?
IGNOU re-admission is a special provision for students who were unable to complete their program within the maximum permissible duration. Through re-admission, students can rejoin the same program and complete pending courses without taking fresh admission.
Re-admission is different from re-registration. While re-registration is done for continuing students within the maximum duration, re-admission is meant for students whose registration validity has expired.
Difference Between IGNOU Re-Admission and Re-Registration
| Aspect | Re-Admission | Re-Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable For | Expired registration | Ongoing registration |
| Academic Status | Lapsed | Active |
| Purpose | Continue incomplete program | Move to next year/semester |
| Fees | Based on remaining courses | Based on year/semester |
| Mode | Online | Online |
Understanding this difference is crucial before applying.
Why Do Students Need IGNOU Re-Admission?
Students may require re-admission due to several reasons:
- Unable to clear all courses within maximum duration
- Missed examinations due to personal reasons
- Delays in assignment or project submission
- Employment or health-related issues
- Academic gaps caused by unforeseen circumstances
IGNOU’s re-admission policy ensures that such students get a second opportunity.
Maximum Duration of IGNOU Programs
Each IGNOU program has a defined maximum duration. If a student fails to complete the program within this period, their registration expires.
Some general examples:
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Up to 6 years
- Master’s Degree Programs: Up to 4 years
- Diploma Programs: Up to 4 years
- Certificate Programs: Up to 2 years
Students must apply for re-admission only after the expiry of maximum duration.
Who Is Eligible for IGNOU Re-Admission?
A student is eligible for IGNOU re-admission if:
- Their program registration has expired
- They have not completed all required courses
- The program is still offered by IGNOU
- They were previously enrolled in the same program
Students who have completed the program are not eligible for re-admission.
When Can Students Apply for IGNOU Re-Admission?
IGNOU generally allows re-admission applications throughout the year, but students are advised to apply well before:
- Filling examination forms
- Submitting assignments
- Registering for courses
Early application helps avoid academic delays.
How to Apply for IGNOU Re-Admission Online
Students can apply for IGNOU re-admission or re-registration through the official portal:
https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/login
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Re-Admission
- Visit the official IGNOU Samarth portal using the link above.
- Log in using your Enrollment Number and password.
- Select the option for Re-Admission or Re-Registration.
- Choose the pending courses or semesters.
- Upload required documents if asked.
- Pay the applicable re-admission fee online.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation receipt.
Students should carefully review all details before final submission.
IGNOU Re-Admission Fee Structure
The re-admission fee depends on:
- Program type
- Number of pending courses
- Duration of re-admission
Fees are generally calculated per course and may vary across programs. Students should ensure that the correct fee is paid to avoid rejection.
What Happens After IGNOU Re-Admission?
Once re-admission is approved:
- Student registration is reactivated
- Access to assignments, exams, and results is restored
- Student can appear in Term-End Examinations
- Grade card updates resume
Re-admission does not guarantee automatic course completion. Students must fulfill all academic requirements.
Assignment Submission After Re-Admission
After re-admission:
- Fresh assignments must be submitted
- Old assignments may not be considered valid
- Assignment marks will be evaluated as per current session
Students should download the latest assignment questions.
Examination Rules After Re-Admission
- Students must fill the examination form separately
- They can appear only for registered courses
- Exam attempts are allowed within the re-admission validity
Missing exam forms may result in further delays.
Common Mistakes Students Make During Re-Admission
Applying Before Expiry of Maximum Duration
Re-admission is not applicable if the registration is still valid.
Selecting Wrong Program or Courses
Incorrect selection may lead to application rejection.
Not Keeping Payment Proof
Always save the fee receipt for future reference.
Assuming Automatic Approval
Re-admission approval takes time and requires verification.
How to Check Re-Admission Status?
After applying, students should regularly check:
- Student status portal
- Registered course details
- Grade card updates
Any discrepancy should be reported to the regional centre immediately.
Important Links and Information
| Purpose | Link / Information |
|---|---|
| Apply for IGNOU Re-Admission / Re-Registration | https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/login |
| Student Status Check | IGNOU Student Services |
| Assignment Submission | Study Centre |
| Exam Form Filling | IGNOU Exam Portals |
| Grade Card Update | IGNOU Academic Records |
| Regional Centre Support | Respective Regional Centre |
FAQ about IGNOU Re Admission
What is IGNOU re-admission?
IGNOU re-admission allows students to continue a program after their registration has expired.
Is re-admission the same as re-registration?
No, re-registration is for active students, while re-admission is for expired registrations.
Can I apply for re-admission online?
Yes, IGNOU provides an online application facility through the Samarth portal.
Do I need to submit assignments again after re-admission?
Yes, students usually need to submit fresh assignments.
How long does re-admission approval take?
Approval may take a few weeks, depending on verification.
Can I complete my degree after re-admission?
Yes, provided you fulfill all academic requirements within the allowed time.
Is the degree valid after re-admission?
Yes, the degree awarded after re-admission is fully valid.
Conclusion
IGNOU re-admission is a valuable opportunity for students who were unable to complete their academic program within the stipulated time. It reflects IGNOU’s commitment to flexible and inclusive education by allowing learners to resume their studies without starting over.
Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, fee structure, and academic responsibilities after re-admission is essential for a smooth experience. Students are advised to apply carefully, maintain proper records, and stay in regular contact with their study and regional centres.
With proper planning and timely action, re-admission can help students successfully complete their IGNOU program and achieve their academic goals without unnecessary delays.