
What is IGNOU DEB ID? Everything You Need to Know
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the biggest and most trusted distance education universities in India. Every year, many students join its UG, PG, diploma, and certificate courses. During admission or while checking their status, students often see a term called “DEB ID” and get confused about what it means.
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ToggleIn this blog, we will explain in very simple words what the IGNOU DEB ID is, why it matters, and how you can find or use it as a student of IGNOU.
What is IGNOU DEB ID?
DEB ID means Distance Education Bureau Identification Number. This ID is used to check if a course or university is approved by the UGC-DEB (University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau).
For IGNOU students, the DEB ID shows that their course is officially approved and valid. You might see this ID in some documents or forms, especially when applying for jobs, further studies, or verification.
In simple words:
DEB ID is not your student ID. It is a code that proves your IGNOU course is approved by UGC-DEB and is completely valid.
What is UGC-DEB and Why Is It Important?
Before knowing more about the DEB ID, it’s important to understand what UGC-DEB is.
UGC-DEB means University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau. It is the main body in India that checks and approves distance and online courses. No university can offer such courses without getting permission from UGC-DEB.
Why UGC-DEB is important:
- It makes sure the distance education is of good quality
- It confirms the degree is valid for jobs and further studies
- It protects students from fake universities
- It keeps a list of approved universities and courses
Since IGNOU is approved by UGC-DEB, all its degrees, diplomas, and certificates are valid in India and other countries too.
Is DEB ID Same as IGNOU Enrollment Number?
No, both are not the same.
The IGNOU Enrollment Number is your personal ID. It is given to you after admission. You use it to log in to the student portal, check your result, download your ID card, and do other student-related work.
The DEB ID is different. It is not for students. It shows that the course or university is approved by UGC-DEB.
So, if you are looking for your login or admission number, that is your Enrollment Number, not the DEB ID.
Where Can You Find the IGNOU DEB ID?
- UGC-DEB Official Website Go to the UGC-DEB website and look at the list of approved universities. There, you will see: – University name (like IGNOU) – Courses they offer – Mode of learning (Online or Distance) – Years of approval – DEB approval status
- IGNOU Official Website You can also check the course approval details on IGNOU’s website under the “Recognition and Accreditation” section.
Why Is DEB ID Important for Students?
- It shows that your degree is recognized and approved
- It may be needed when applying for government jobs or higher education
- It is useful when applying to study or work abroad (like for WES)
- It confirms that your course follows national education rules
Is IGNOU Degree Valid Without DEB ID?
Yes, your IGNOU degree is fully valid because IGNOU is approved by UGC-DEB. Even if your marksheet or certificate doesn’t show the DEB ID, your course is still officially recognized.
The DEB ID is just a reference used for official records. As long as IGNOU and your course are listed on the UGC-DEB website, your degree is accepted and valid for jobs or further studies.
When Might You Need a DEB ID?
- For WES or international use: You may need to show that your degree is from a UGC-DEB approved university.
- For government jobs: Some forms may ask if your course is approved by UGC-DEB. You can give DEB details.
- For higher studies: Some colleges may ask if your last degree was from a recognized university.
DEB ID vs UGC Entitlement – Know the Difference
- DEB ID is a code that shows the course or university is approved by UGC-DEB.
- UGC Entitlement means UGC has given permission to the university to run online or distance learning courses.
How to Check IGNOU’s UGC-DEB Approval Status?
- Go to https://deb.ugc.ac.in
- Click on “Recognised HEIs”
- In the “Type” option, select “Open University”
- Then, search for IGNOU
- You will see a list of all approved courses and other details
You can take a screenshot or print the page if you need it later for job or admission purposes.
Common Myths About IGNOU and DEB ID
- Myth: If DEB ID is not written on my certificate, the degree is not valid.
Truth: DEB ID is not printed on marksheets, but your degree is still valid and approved. - Myth: Only regular (offline) degrees are accepted in government jobs.
Truth: IGNOU’s distance education degrees are accepted for both private and government jobs.
Myth: I need the DEB ID to log in to the IGNOU student portal.
Truth: You only need your Enrollment Number to log in, not the DEB ID.
Final Words: Why You Should Not Worry Too Much About DEB ID
- Choose a university that is approved by UGC
- Make sure your course is also approved
- Study properly and finish your course on time