How to Secure Your Seat at IGNOU: Step-by-Step Admission Process
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the biggest open universities in the world. It has millions of students in India and other countries. Many learners choose IGNOU because it offers flexible, low-cost, and well-recognized courses. The university opens admissions twice a year, in January and July, for different levels of study like undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and doctoral programmes.
If you want to join IGNOU, knowing the step-by-step admission process will save you time, prevent mistakes, and help you get admission easily. This guide will explain everything clearly—from registration to final confirmation—so you can start your education without any stress.
Why Choose IGNOU?
- UGC-recognized university with strong credibility worldwide
- Affordable fees compared to regular universities
- Wide range of courses such as BA, BCom, BSc, MBA, MCA, MCom, MA, BCA, BLIS, MLIS, and many more
- Nationwide support system with 50+ Regional Centres and 2000+ Study Centres
- Flexibility to study at your own pace
- Digital study materials available through eGyankosh and the IGNOU e-Content app
With these advantages, IGNOU is the preferred choice for working professionals, homemakers, and students who want quality education along with their personal commitments.
Admission Cycles at IGNOU
- January session – The registration normally begins in November or December.
- July session – The registration normally begins in May or June.
Step-by-Step Admission Process
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
The first thing you need to do is pick the course that matches your career plans. IGNOU gives many options to students, such as:
- Undergraduate courses – BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BLIS, and others
- Postgraduate courses – MA, MCom, MSc, MBA, MCA, MLIS, and more
- Diploma and Certificate courses – PG Diplomas, job-oriented diplomas, and short-term certificates
- Doctoral courses – PhD and MPhil (announced when available)
👉 Tip: Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus or the course brochure. It has all the details about who can apply, the fees, and how long the course will take.
Step 2: Check Eligibility and Fees
Eligibility: Every course at IGNOU has its own rules. Some need 10+2 (class 12), some need graduation, and a few may need an entrance test.
- For MBA, you must be a graduate with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
- For BA or BCom, you only need to pass class 12.
Fees: IGNOU offers courses at very low cost. You can pay the fees every semester or every year.
- BA costs around ₹12,500 per year.
- MBA costs about ₹66,000 in total.
- Certificate courses range between ₹3,000 and ₹6,000.
Step 3: Keep Your Documents Ready
When filling the admission form, you need to scan and upload some documents. These include:
- A passport-size photo (less than 100 KB)
- Your signature (less than 100 KB)
- Mark sheets and certificates of 10th and 12th
- Graduation degree (if you are applying for a PG course)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if needed
- Disability certificate (if needed)
- Experience certificate (only for some courses)
Make sure all documents are clear, readable, and within the file size limit (JPG/PDF format).
Step 4: Register on the IGNOU Portal
Go to the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal and click on “New Registration.” Enter your name, email, and mobile number. Create a username and password (8–16 characters long). Verify your account through OTP or email. Finally, save your login details safely for future use.
Step 5: Fill the Application Form
After registering, log in to your account and start filling the application form. First, select the programme you want to study. Then, choose your Regional Centre and Study Centre where you will get counselling and support. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your official documents. Fill in your educational qualifications carefully without mistakes. Next, upload your scanned documents, photo, and signature. Finally, check all the details once again before making the payment.
Step 6: Pay the Admission Fee
You can pay the admission fee at IGNOU in different ways:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI (if available)
After completing the payment, you will get a confirmation on your email and mobile number. Don’t forget to save the receipt and keep a printed copy of your filled application form.
Step 7: Check Admission Status
After you submit the form, it will be checked by the Regional Centre. You can see your admission status on the IGNOU portal by logging in with your details. The status will show like this:
- Submitted – Your form is received
- Verified – Your documents are checked
- Confirmed – Your admission is approved
Once it is confirmed, your enrolment number will be given to you.
Step 8: Access Study Materials
After admission, students can get their study materials in two ways:
- Digital: Online through eGyankosh, the IGNOU e-Content app, or the student portal.
- Printed: Hard copy books sent to your home if you choose this option.
Step 9: Join the Learning Management System (LMS)
For online courses, IGNOU gives students a login to its Learning Management System (LMS). In the LMS, you can watch recorded video lectures, complete and submit your assignments, take part in discussion forums, and get help from teachers whenever needed.
Step 10: Submit Assignments & Appear for Exams
After joining IGNOU, you need to complete two important tasks:
- Submit assignments on time. These carry 30% marks and can be submitted online or offline.
- Attend the Term-End Exams (TEE). These are held in June and December and carry 70% marks.
To successfully pass your course, you must complete both assignments and exams.
Important Points to Remember
- Apply only through the official IGNOU website (avoid fake portals).
- Submit your form before the last date to prevent payment errors.
- Double-check your Regional Centre and Study Centre before final submission.
- Keep copies of your application form, fee receipt, and confirmation email safe.
- For continuing semesters or years, always use the Re-registration portal.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
- Registration Fee – Non-refundable.
- Programme Fee Before Admission Confirmation – Refundable after a small deduction.
- Programme Fee After Admission Confirmation – 15% of the fee will be deducted.
- After 60 Days of Admission Closing Date – No refund will be given.
Conclusion
Getting admission at IGNOU is easy if you follow the steps properly. You just need to pick the right course, upload your documents, pay the fees, and check your admission status. Every step is simple and made for students’ convenience. By applying on time and checking details carefully, you can start your studies at IGNOU without any problems.
IGNOU is one of the best options for distance and online education in India because it offers flexible study, low fees, and UGC-approved degrees. Just keep your documents ready, go to the official IGNOU website, and complete your admission process without delay.