How to Use APAAR ID for IGNOU Fresh Admission 2026 – Apply Online
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has started the Fresh Admission process for January 2026, inviting students to apply for various undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs. This year, IGNOU has introduced an important update — students must now have their APAAR ID ready before starting the IGNOU Fresh Admission 2026 application process.
The APAAR ID, or Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry ID, is part of the Government of India’s “One Nation, One Student ID” initiative. It helps maintain a student’s complete academic record in a digital format.
In this blog, we will explain what the APAAR ID is, why it is important for IGNOU Admission 2026, and how students can create and use it during the online admission process.
What is APAAR ID?
The APAAR ID stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry ID. It is a unique identification number assigned to every student in India.
This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), aims to create a central academic record for all students from school to higher education. The APAAR ID is a part of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system, which helps track and store students’ learning achievements and degrees digitally.
In Simple Words
Think of the APAAR ID as an educational Aadhaar card. Just like your Aadhaar number stores your personal information, the APAAR ID stores your academic records—such as report cards, degrees, and certificates—securely in a government-approved digital system.
Why is APAAR ID Important for IGNOU Admission 2026?
From the January 2026 session, IGNOU has made it mandatory for all applicants to have an APAAR ID before starting the admission process.
Here’s why it matters:
- Digital Academic Record:
The APAAR ID helps store all educational data, such as your IGNOU enrollment, marks, and certificates, in one digital account. - Easy Verification:
Universities and employers can easily verify your IGNOU degree or certificate through your APAAR ID, reducing fraud. - Smooth Transfers and Upgrades:
If you change programs or move to another university, your academic credits can be easily transferred using the Academic Bank of Credits linked with your APAAR ID. - Scholarship Applications:
Students applying for Government of India scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) can use their APAAR ID for faster processing. - Supports NEP 2020:
The APAAR system aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes digital records and flexible learning pathways.
Key Features of APAAR ID
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry |
| Issued By | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Purpose | To store and track students’ academic records digitally |
| Linked Platform | Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) |
| Access | Through DigiLocker account |
| Required For | All higher education admissions, including IGNOU 2026 |
| Benefits | Secure record keeping, easy verification, portability of credits |
How to Create an APAAR ID
Before starting your IGNOU Fresh Admission 2026, you need to generate your APAAR ID. The process is simple and takes only a few minutes online.
Step-by-Step Process to Generate APAAR ID:
- Visit the Official Website:
Go to https://abc.gov.in or open your DigiLocker app/website. - Login with Your DigiLocker Account:
- If you don’t have an account, sign up using your Aadhaar number and mobile number.
- Verify through OTP authentication.
- Select ‘Get APAAR ID’ Option:
After login, click on the “Get Your APAAR ID” or “Generate ABC ID” option. - Fill in Basic Details:
Enter your name, date of birth, and other academic details as required. - Link Aadhaar Number:
The system will link your Aadhaar with your APAAR ID to verify your identity. - Generate Your APAAR ID:
Once submitted, your APAAR ID will be generated and visible in your DigiLocker account. - Download or Save It:
You can save your APAAR ID card or copy the ID number to use during your IGNOU Admission process.
Using APAAR ID for IGNOU Fresh Admission 2026
Now that you have your APAAR ID, let’s see how to use it when applying for IGNOU Admission 2026.
Step 1: Visit the IGNOU Samarth Portal
Go to the official admission website:
👉 https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Step 2: Register as a New Applicant
- Click on “Register Yourself”
- Enter your name, email, and mobile number
- Create a secure password and complete OTP verification
Step 3: Login to Your Account
Use your registered email and password to log in to your IGNOU Admission Dashboard.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
Enter the following details:
- Personal information (Name, Date of Birth, Address)
- Educational qualifications (10th, 12th, Graduation)
- Course selection (choose program such as BA, MCom, MBA, etc.)
Step 5: Enter Your APAAR ID
- In the “Academic Information” section, there will be a field to enter your APAAR ID.
- Type or paste your APAAR ID exactly as shown in your DigiLocker account.
- Ensure the ID is correct, as it will be linked with your IGNOU academic records.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Step 7: Pay the Fees Online
Step 8: Submit and Confirm Admission
Once the form is complete and payment is done, click “Submit”.
You’ll receive a confirmation message on your registered email and mobile number.
Related Article:- IGNOU Fresh Admission 2026
Important Dates for IGNOU Fresh Admission 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admission Start Date | 16th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31st January 2026 |
| Mode of Learning | ODL and Online |
| APAAR ID Requirement | Mandatory for All Applicants |
Admission Instruction for IGNOU Student
tep 1: Choose Your Course
Visit the IGNOU online admission website.
Click on “Available Programmes” and choose the course you want.
Read all details like eligibility, fees, and course duration.
You can also download the Common Prospectus to understand the rules.
Step 2: New User Registration
Click on “New Registration”.
Enter your email ID and mobile number (OTP will be sent).
Create a username (8–16 characters).
Create a password using letters and numbers (8–16 characters).
Click Submit. Your login details will be sent to your email and mobile.
Keep your username and password safe.
If you already have an account, just click Login.
Step 3: Keep Documents Ready
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
Enter your personal and education details carefully.
Upload all documents in the correct size.
Check the form before final submission.
Save or print the form for future use.
If using a cyber café, recheck everything before submitting.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Pay the admission fee online using:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Net Banking
Step 6: Fee Refund Rules (Simple)
- Registration fee is not refundable.
- If admission is not confirmed, the full fee is refunded.
- If admission is confirmed and then cancelled:
- 15% of the course fee (maximum ₹2,000) will be deducted.
- If you chose digital study material, only the registration fee is deducted.
- 15% of the course fee (maximum ₹2,000) will be deducted.
- Students who paid only registration and development fees will get a refund of the development fee only.
- No refund after 60 days from the last admission date.
For full details, check the Common Prospectus on the IGNOU website.
Benefits of Having an APAAR ID for IGNOU Students
- Single Academic Record:
All your degrees, certificates, and mark sheets from IGNOU will be linked under one ID. - Easy Credit Transfer:
If you pursue another program later, your credits can be easily transferred through the Academic Bank of Credits. - Government Scholarship Access:
You can apply for scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) using your APAAR ID. - Faster Verification:
Employers and educational institutions can verify your qualifications instantly. - Digital Security:
Your academic achievements are stored securely and cannot be lost or damaged.
Conclusion
The APAAR ID has become an essential requirement for students applying for IGNOU Fresh Admission 2026. It ensures a smooth, secure, and transparent admission process while keeping all your academic records safe in one digital place.
Before applying for IGNOU admission, make sure you have created your APAAR ID using DigiLocker or the ABC portal. Keep this ID ready for online registration.
IGNOU Fresh Admission 2026 is open till 31 January 2026. Students should apply early, keep all documents ready, and make sure their APAAR ID is correct and active.
With IGNOU’s flexible distance learning and the APAAR ID system, students get an easy, clear, and future-ready learning experience.
Common Questions About APAAR ID and IGNOU Admission
1. Is APAAR ID mandatory for IGNOU Admission 2026?
Yes, from the January 2026 session, students must have an APAAR ID before starting the IGNOU Fresh Admission process.
2. Can I apply for IGNOU Admission without APAAR ID?
No. The application will not proceed unless you provide a valid APAAR ID.
3. How can I get my APAAR ID if I don’t have one?
You can create it easily on the DigiLocker or Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) portal using your Aadhaar card.
4. Is there any fee to generate APAAR ID?
No, creating an APAAR ID is completely free of cost.