IGNOU Regional Centres Opening Timings for 2026
Ever rushed to an IGNOU Regional Centre only to find it closed? Many students face this problem every year simply because they don’t know the correct visiting hours.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), one of the world’s largest open universities, supports millions of learners across India through its Regional Centres. These centres handle admissions, study materials, assignment submissions, counselling sessions, and exam queries.
Knowing the IGNOU Regional Centres’ opening and closing timings for 2026 ensures students can plan their visits smartly, avoid last-minute hassles, and complete their academic tasks on time.
What Are IGNOU Regional Centres?
IGNOU Regional Centres are the main offices of the Indira Gandhi National Open University. They manage and organize student services in their specific areas. These centres help connect students with the main university. In short, they act as a link between the university headquarters and the learners.
Role and Functions
These centres help students with many things. They take care of admissions, give study materials, and organize counselling sessions. They also manage exams and guide students in choosing the right course. In addition, they help with re-registration and solve any problems students face.
Services Offered
Students can visit regional centres for:
- Admission assistance and document verification
- Assignment submission and collection of mark sheets
- Counselling sessions and practical classes
- Exam form submission and result queries
IGNOU Regional Centre vs. Study Centre
Regional Centres manage both administration and academics for a large area. Under them, Study Centres work at the local level. Study Centres mainly hold counselling sessions and help students directly with their studies.
Standard IGNOU Regional Centre Opening and Closing Timings 2026
- Most Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centres follow a Monday to Friday work schedule.
- Generally, operating hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Some centres extend this to 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM in metropolitan areas.
- Many offices observe a lunch break (for example, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM), though this can vary by centre.
- During high-activity periods such as admissions or exams, these timings may shift, e.g., extended hours or special Saturday sessions, so checking your specific centre’s notice is advised.
IGNOU Regional Centres Weekend and Holiday Timings
- Most Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centres follow a regular schedule, Monday to Friday, and are closed on Sundays.
- Some centres may open on Saturdays, but this is not consistent; it depends on the region, centre policy, or special occasions.
- All centres remain closed on national and regional gazetted holidays (for example, Republic Day, Independence Day, Diwali, etc.).
- Students are advised to check the specific holiday list of their regional centre for 2026 to avoid a wasted trip.
- Example: At the IGNOU Regional Centre Lucknow, the office is listed as “Monday to Friday (09:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) (Except Gazetted Holidays)”.
IGNOU Timings During Admission and Examination Season
- During admission deadlines and exam-form submission periods, many Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centres may extend their working hours, open on Saturdays, or stay open till later than usual.
- Schedule changes often occur around:
- Admission intake windows (for example, the July session).
- Term-end exam (TEE) filing windows or assignment submission deadlines.
- Practical or counselling sessions, which may require extra office hours.
- Tips for students to plan efficiently:
- Check your Regional Centre’s notice board or website ahead of time for any special hours.
- Visit early in the day, especially during high-traffic periods, to avoid queues.
- Carry all required documents beforehand (ID, enrollment number, and fee receipt) so your visit is efficient.
- If possible, avoid the very last day of submission. Arriving a day earlier can save you trouble if hours are changed or extended.
- Use online portals for forms where available, and check in person only when necessary, to save travel time.
How to Check the Timings of a Specific IGNOU Regional Centre?
- Visit the official Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) website and go to “Regional Centres” under the “Student Support” menu.
- Select your state or region from the list and click on the relevant Regional Centre to view detailed information, including address, contact numbers, and office hours.
- Use the Regional Centre Directory or the RC listing page (with codes, contacts, and emails) for confirmation.
- Contact the Regional Centre directly, call their helpline, or send an email to verify the latest opening & closing times, lunch break, and any seasonal changes. Example helpline: 011-29572513 / 011-29572514 (IGNOU Student Service Centre).
- Keep visiting the centre’s website to see if there are any new notices or updates. This is very important, especially during admission or exam time, because the schedule can change anytime.
List of Major IGNOU Regional Centres in India (2026)
| Regional Centre | Location (State) | Working Days | Timings | City-Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi-1 | New Delhi | Monday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Slightly shorter hours; located in central Delhi. |
| Delhi-2 | New Delhi | Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Extended evening hours; busiest during admissions. |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra | Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Closed on weekends; follows standard metro timing. |
| Kolkata | West Bengal | Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Earlier closing; queues are often longer in the mornings. |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Longer working hours; open early for student visits. |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Standard hours; extended only during exam sessions. |
| Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Standard working hours; closed on weekends. |
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Follows national timing; closed on gazetted holidays. |
| Patna | Bihar | Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Normal hours; busy during admission deadlines. |
| Bhubaneswar | Odisha | Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Standard hours; check the notice board for special sessions. |
Important Guidelines for Students Visiting IGNOU Regional Centres
When visiting an IGNOU Regional Centre, students should come prepared with all required documents and follow basic discipline to ensure smooth service.
Documents to Carry
- IGNOU ID Card or enrollment number
- Fee receipts or admission confirmation printouts
- Assignment submission slip (if applicable)
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)
- Course-related documents (exam form, re-registration proof, etc.)
Behaviour and Discipline
- Maintain politeness and patience; regional centres handle large numbers of students daily.
- Follow the queue systems and instructions from staff.
- Do not bring large bags or food inside the office.
- Be polite and respectful to the staff and others waiting for their turn.
- Keep your mobile phone on silent mode during counselling or official meetings.
Online Support Options Beyond Physical Timings
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers robust online support through dedicated help desks and digital platforms.
- Students can use email or phone helplines if they cannot visit a Regional Centre in person. For example, the Student Service Centre (SSC) helpline numbers are 011-29572513 / 011-29572514.
- The official student portal (e.g., the “Samarth” portal) allows access to many services: admission, re-registration, grade card download, application status, etc.
- For grievances, students can also use the iGRAM (grievance redressal) system to log issues online rather than going physically.
- Tip for students: When reaching out online or by email/phone, always include your enrolment number, programme code, centre name, and a clear description of your query for faster response.
Conclusion
Knowing the opening and closing times of IGNOU Regional Centres in 2026 helps students plan their visits better. It also saves time and prevents a last-minute rush. However, these timings can be different in each region. They may also change during admission or exam seasons. So, it’s always a good idea to check the latest schedule before visiting your regional centre.