Admission to IGNOU is mainly based on merit. Candidates can complete the IGNOU 2026 application form after generating a DEB ID, which is crucial for all students. Click here for more information about the DEB ID. Once the applications are submitted, they are reviewed, and admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the IGNOU admission process for 2026:
The IGNOU application process is entirely online. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can fill out the form as soon as the applications open. Applicants must pay course-specific fees for merit-based courses at the end of the form submission.
1: Visit the official IGNOU website to apply.
Those interested in courses that require a university-level entrance exam must complete the IGNOU exam form.
2: Enter your username and password, then click the 'Submit' button. The username will be sent to the candidate via email or SMS immediately.
3: Click the 'Login' button and complete the application form.
4: Pay the application fee and submit the form. The application fee for IGNOU courses is INR 300.
Students filling out the IGNOU application form must also create a DEB-ID. Here are the steps to create a DEB-ID:
1: Create an ABC ID. (https://deb.ugc.ac.in/StudentDEBId)
2: Enter the required details in the box labeled 'R.'
3: Follow the instructions to create a DEB ID using your email ID and mobile number.
4: Contact the nearest IGNOU Study Centre or Regional Centre for assistance if you encounter any difficulties.
Students applying for B.Ed or PB BSc Nursing must take the necessary entrance exams and verify their qualifications. The university publishes the IGNOU results on its official website. After completing the application, paying the application fee, and taking the entrance exam, students can check their status by entering their registration number on the IGNOU admission status page. The university also informs students of their admission confirmation or rejection via email and text message within two months.
The university evaluates the admission forms submitted by candidates. These forms are processed regionally on a first-come, first-served basis. Consequently, the processing time for forms at different regional centres may vary based on the number of applicants from each region. However, the university asserts that every student will receive admission confirmation via email or on the student portal within two months.
Once the university notifies that a student has been shortlisted, they must pay the IGNOU fees to secure their seat at the university.
IGNOU provides fee exemptions and reimbursement options for students from reserved categories, such as SC and ST. These students are eligible for Government of India Scholarships. They are advised to obtain scholarship forms from the Directorate of Social Welfare or the office of the Social Welfare Officer in their State. This form must be completed and submitted to the Regional Director at the Regional Centre for necessary certification.
The following documents are required for IGNOU admissions 2026:
IGNOU University has limited provisions for admission cancellation and fee refunds. The registration fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. If admission is denied by the university, the programme fee will be refunded after deducting the processing fee. The amount will be transferred to the original payment account. Some of the fee refund rules, along with the updated IGNOU fee refund policy, are outlined in the table below:
| Condition for Refund | Refund Policy |
|---|---|
| Multiple deductions from the account for the same course due to online transaction failure | Fee for one course is retained and the rest is refunded (including the registration fee) |
| Payment for more than one non-permissible course is the same session | Fee for one course of the student's choice is retained and the rest is refunded after the deduction of the registration fee |
| For more conditions and policies, check IGNOU fee refund policy in detail. | |
Additionally, students belonging to SC/ ST/ OBC/ Minority/ PWD categories seeking admission and re-registration at the university can benefit from IGNOU scholarship schemes related to fee waivers, reimbursements, exemptions, and scholarships offered by UGC, MHRD, and various State Governments and Departments.
According to last year's data, financial support is provided to SC/ ST students, covering up to 50% of the course fees for BA, BCom, and BSc programs. All these students must pay a refundable registration fee and development fees as applicable. For scholarship eligibility, the annual family income of new applicants from all sources must not exceed INR 2.5 lakh as per GOI norms. Students should upload a Caste Certificate issued by the Revenue Officer of their domicile state. A DEB-ID is mandatory.
For details on eligibility and procedures for IGNOU scholarships, information can be obtained from the relevant agencies.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Open University provides PhD programmes in different areas of specialisation. IGNOU PhD course admission is done based on accepted exam scores, followed by an interview round. Interested candidates should go through the eligibility and selection requirements before proceeding with the application formalities.
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