How to Pay IGNOU Admission Fees 2026 – Step by Step Guide
The IGNOU Admission Fees process is one of the most important steps for completing your application and ensuring that your admission to the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for the 2026 session is successful. IGNOU follows a structured online system for fee payment, offering multiple secure methods that suit different students. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about paying your IGNOU fees correctly and safely for 2026 admission.
Understanding IGNOU Admission Fees
Before diving into the payment process, it helps to know what the IGNOU Admission Fees include. When you apply for a program, you are required to pay:
- Application/Registration Fee: A non‑refundable fee (usually ₹300) that confirms your submission of the admission form.
- Programme Fee: This is the actual tuition or course fee determined by the programme you choose. For undergraduate courses, it typically ranges from around ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 per year, while postgraduate courses can range from ₹10,000 to ₹31,000 or more per year depending on the subject.
- Other optional charges such as printed study materials or delivery charges if you choose physical books.
The IGNOU Admission Fees must be paid online through the official admission portal. The payment step comes after completing the admission form but before final submission.
Why Paying IGNOU Admission Fees Is Important
- It completes your application process.
- Without payment, your admission will not be processed.
- It confirms your seat in the selected programme.
- IGNOU issues an Enrollment Number only after fee confirmation.
- It allows you to move forward with study materials and exam registrations.
Always make sure the payment is successful and recorded in your student portal before assuming that your admission is complete.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Pay IGNOU Admission Fees 2026
Below is an easy step‑by‑step process to help you pay your IGNOU Admission Fees securely through the official online portal.
1. Visit the Official IGNOU Admission Portal
To pay your fees, first go to the IGNOU online admission website. The official link is:
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
This is the website where new admissions for the 2026 session are done.
2. Log In to Your Account
If you have already registered:
Enter your Email ID / Username and Password.
If you haven’t registered yet, first complete the registration using a valid email and mobile number.
Once logged in, your dashboard will display the progress of your admission form.
3. Complete the Application Form
Before paying the fees:
- Fill in your personal details like name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Enter your educational details like school, college, and marks.
- Upload important documents, such as a passport-size photo, your signature, and certificates.
- Check the form carefully to make sure everything is correct.
- You cannot make payment unless all mandatory fields are completed.
4. Proceed to the Fee Payment Section
After you fill in your details and upload your documents:
- Find the “Pay Fees” or “Fee Payment” button on the portal.
- The portal will show the total fee you need to pay for your course, including any optional services you selected.
5. Choose a Secure Payment Mode
IGNOU offers several payment options for IGNOU Admission Fees. Common secure methods are:
Credit Card / Debit Card – Visa, Mastercard, Rupay and others.
Net Banking – Direct bank transfer via internet banking.
UPI Payments – Simplified payments via apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.
Bank Demand Draft or Challan – In select situations (check official instructions).
Online payment through cards, UPI, or net banking is the most recommended method.
6. Enter Payment Details Carefully
On the payment gateway page:
Fill in your card or bank details correctly.
Check the total amount carefully before you click “Pay.”
Do not press refresh or close the tab while the payment is processing — this could lead to errors and duplicate charges.
7. Wait for Payment Confirmation
After submitting the payment details:
Wait for the confirmation page to load.
A confirmation message or payment receipt will be shown on the screen.
You should receive this confirmation by email or SMS as well.
Important: If the page shows an error but your bank account is debited, do not rush to pay again. Sometimes the system takes time to update payment status. Wait for at least 24 hours and check your portal status again.
What to Do If Payment Fails or Is Not Confirmed
There are rare cases where:
- Payment amount is deducted, but IGNOU portal does not show payment confirmation.
- The portal shows a “payment failed” message even after deduction.
Steps to resolve:
- Check your email for any automated message from IGNOU.
- Wait up to 24‑48 hours before taking the next step.
- If payment still isn’t confirmed, take a screenshot of your bank statement showing deduction.
- Contact IGNOU Centralised Student Registration Cell by email (e.g.,
csrc@ignou.ac.in) or helpline with details like transaction ID, your name, programme code, and date of payment for verification.
This ensures that you are not charged twice and your admission is processed correctly.
After Payment — What Happens Next?
- Application Review
IGNOU will check your complete application along with your fee payment. This can take a few days to process. - Getting Your Enrollment Number
Once everything is verified, IGNOU will send you your Enrollment Number by email and SMS. This number is very important for all your future studies and exams. - Access to Study Materials
After the payment is confirmed, you can access your digital study materials in your student portal. If you chose printed books, IGNOU will send them to your address. - Exam and Assignment Schedule
Now you can start submitting your assignments and register for the Term-End Exams (TEE) when the forms are available. IGNOU allows you to submit exam forms later in the semester.
Important Points About IGNOU Admission Fees
- The application fee usually cannot be refunded, even if you cancel later.
- Programme fees might be partially refunded if you cancel early and follow the university rules.
- Always pay through the official IGNOU website to stay safe from fake sites.
- Keep your payment receipt safe, it can help if there is any problem later.
- Sometimes, payment confirmation may take a few days, but it usually gets updated.
Tips for a Smooth IGNOU Fee Payment Experience
- Make sure your internet connection is good before you start paying.
- Don’t open the payment page on more than one browser or device at the same time.
- If you are paying through UPI, type the correct UPI ID and make sure your UPI app is linked to your bank.
- Try card payments with sufficient balance or use net banking when card details are not accepted.
- If unsure, contact IGNOU support before retrying payment.
Conclusion
Understanding how to pay IGNOU Admission Fees helps you avoid delays or mistakes while applying for 2026 admission. Paying the fees is an important step to complete your admission. IGNOU provides easy online payment options for all students. Just follow the steps carefully, check for confirmation messages, and keep your payment receipt safe.
By following these steps, you can pay your fees without any trouble and continue your studies at IGNOU smoothly.