IGNOU Admission January 2026: Complete Guide to Online Registration, Eligibility, Fees, Last Date, and Application Process

The IGNOU Admission January 2026 cycle has officially begun, offering students across India and abroad an opportunity to enroll in a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and doctoral programmes through distance and online learning mode. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the largest open universities in the world, known for its flexible learning system, affordable fee structure, and nationwide study centre network.

If you are planning to apply for the January 2026 session, this comprehensive article will guide you through everything you need to know — important dates, eligibility, step-by-step application process, required documents, fee payment methods, refund rules, scholarship details, and special programme portals.

Overview of IGNOU Admission January 2026

The January 2026 admission cycle is open for various academic programmes offered by IGNOU in distance and online mode.

Important Highlights

• Admission Cycle: January 2026
• Last Date for Submission of Application: 28 February 2026
• Mode of Application: Online
• Official Admission Portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/
• Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in/

Important Links and Information

Below is a consolidated table of all essential links and details for IGNOU January 2026 admission:

What is IGNOU?

Indira Gandhi National Open University was established in 1985 and operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It offers flexible education through:

• Distance Learning Mode
• Online Learning Mode
• Study Centres across India
• Digital learning resources

IGNOU is recognized by UGC and other statutory bodies depending on the programme.

APAAR ID is Mandatory

Before starting your IGNOU January 2026 admission process, you must keep your APAAR ID ready.

APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID helps in maintaining academic records digitally. Without APAAR ID, you may not be able to proceed with the application process.

Programmes Offered in January 2026 Session

IGNOU offers:

1. Undergraduate Programmes

• BA
• BCom
• BSc
• BCA
• BSW
• BBA
• BLIS

2. Postgraduate Programmes

• MA
• MCom
• MSc
• MBA
• MCA
• MSW
• MLIS

3. Diploma and PG Diploma Programmes

4. Certificate Programmes

5. Doctoral Programmes (as per schedule)

Special Programmes Admission Portal

For admission to the following specialized medical and special education programmes, candidates must apply through a separate portal:

Portal: https://ignouflip.samarth.edu.in

Programmes include:

• PGDGM (PG Diploma in Geriatric Medicine)
• PGDMCH (PG Diploma in Maternal and Child Health)
• PGCMDM (PG Certificate in Medical Management of CBRNE Disasters)
• CESEIHI (Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education – Hearing Impairment)
• CESEIVI (Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education – Visual Impairment)
• CESEIID (Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education – Intellectual Disability)

NCAHP Act 2021 Important Notice

Applicants seeking admission in programmes related to allied and healthcare professions must note:

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) recognizes qualifications only if they are acquired through regular mode, as per the NCAHP Act 2021.

Before applying, carefully read the NCAHP Act document:
https://ncahp.abdm.gov.in/documents/Rules_Gazette.pdf

Make an informed decision before enrolling in healthcare-related programmes.

Government of India Scholarship

Eligible students can apply for Government of India Scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal after confirmation of admission.

Scholarship Portal:
https://scholarships.gov.in/

Students must wait for admission confirmation before applying.

Anti-Ragging Policy

Ragging in any form is strictly prohibited at IGNOU. Any student found guilty of ragging will face disciplinary action as per UGC Regulations.

Students must comply with anti-ragging norms.

Step-by-Step IGNOU January 2026 Online Admission Process

Below is a detailed guide to help you apply successfully.

Step 1: Visit the Official Admission Portal

Go to:
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/

Step 2: Read Programme Details Carefully

Before registration:

• Click on the “Available Programmes” tab
• Select your desired programme
• Carefully read:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Duration
  • Fee structure
  • Medium of instruction

Download and read the Common Prospectus thoroughly.

Step 3: New Registration

If you are a first-time applicant:

1. Click on “NEW REGISTRATION”
2. Fill in basic details:
   • Name
   • Email ID
   • Mobile Number
3. Verify email and mobile via OTP

Username & Password Guidelines

• Username: 8–16 characters
• Password: Alphanumeric, 8–16 characters

After submission, your username will be sent via SMS and email.

Step 4: Login and Fill Application Form

• Login using your credentials
• Fill personal details
• Enter academic details
• Upload required documents
• Select study centre (if applicable)

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Before filling the form, keep scanned copies ready:

Documents must be scanned from originals.

Step 6: Preview and Final Submission

• Click “Next” after uploading documents
• Check form preview carefully
• Save and print application form

If using a cyber café, verify all details before final submission.

Step 7: Fee Payment

Payment Methods Available:

• Credit Card (Master/Visa)
• Debit Card (Master/Visa/Rupay)
• Net Banking

Complete payment online.

Registration Fee, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

Understanding refund rules is crucial before applying.

Registration Fee

• Non-refundable.

Refund Before Confirmation

• Full fee refunded before confirmation (excluding registration fee).

Cancellation After Confirmation

• 15% of programme fee deducted.
• Maximum deduction: ₹2,000.

Soft Copy Study Material

• Only registration fee deducted.

Fee Exemption Cases

• If only Registration + Development fee paid:
  • Development fee refunded.

No Refund Rule

• No refund after 60 days from closing date of admissions.

Cancellation is available through applicant login only.
Do not send mail or iGRAM request for cancellation.
Cancellation is irreversible.

Why Choose IGNOU?

1. Flexibility

Study at your own pace.

2. Affordable Fees

Lower fee compared to regular universities.

3. Nationwide Recognition

Recognized central university.

4. Digital Learning Support

Online materials and regional support centres.

5. Wide Course Range

From certificate to doctoral programmes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During IGNOU Admission

1. Entering incorrect email/mobile number
2. Uploading blurred documents
3. Not reading eligibility criteria
4. Ignoring file size limits
5. Forgetting APAAR ID
6. Using someone else’s email ID

IGNOU January 2026 Admission: Important Instructions Summary

• Last Date: 28 February 2026
• Keep APAAR ID ready
• Read Common Prospectus
• Upload correct documents
• Save application preview
• Apply for scholarship after confirmation
• Use official portal only

FAQ about IGNOU Admission January 2026

Conclusion

The IGNOU Admission January 2026 session is a golden opportunity for students, working professionals, homemakers, and lifelong learners who want to continue their education without compromising on flexibility and affordability.

With the last date set as 28 February 2026, applicants are advised not to wait until the final days. Keep your APAAR ID ready, prepare your scanned documents, read the Common Prospectus carefully, and complete the registration process on time.

Apply now through the official admission portal:
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/

If you follow the guidelines carefully and submit accurate details, the admission process is smooth and straightforward.

IGNOU continues to empower millions of learners through inclusive and accessible education. Make the right decision today and take a step forward in your academic journey with IGNOU January 2026 admission cycle.