IGNOU Admission 2026 January Session > Registration Steps, Program Options and Key Deadlines

IGNOU Admission for the January 2026–27 session is officially open and students from across India can now apply for a wide range of distance and online learning programs. Indira Gandhi National Open University has announced the admission for undergraduate programs postgraduate degrees professional qualifications and online learning options. Applications can be submitted through the Samarth admission portal until 31 January 2026. IGNOU has provided a fee structure for posts which includes INR 300 applies to most programs while specialized courses like BEd Post Basic Nursing and PhD require a registration fee of INR 1000. This post contains details regarding IGNOU Admission 2026 January Session and related details.

IGNOU Admission 2026 Highlights

Important Dates for IGNOU Admission 2026

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Conditions)

The eligibility criteria for IGNOU Admission 2026 students need to follow the given below steps:

• Undergraduate Programs:
  Students must have completed Class 12 from a verified board. Some specialized programs require specific subjects such as Mathematics or Science.
• Postgraduate Programs:
  Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a UGC-approved university. Programs like MSc (Food Safety) require relevant graduation.
• Professional & Entrance-Based Courses:
  Courses such as BEd, Post Basic BSc Nursing, PhD, and MPhil require work experience or higher degree qualifications along with entrance examinations.

IGNOU Admission Fees 2026

Registration Steps for IGNOU Admission 2026

To apply for the IGNOU Admission 2026 applicants need to follow the given below steps carefully:

Step1 > Visit the official Samarth portal at admission.samarth.edu.in .

Step2 > Select “New Registration” and create your account using email mobile number and basic personal information.

Step3 > Log in using your registered details to open the application form and fill in the personal details address and academic qualifications.

Step4 > Choose your preferred program and study center and upload scanned documents and photographs as required on the portal.

Step5 > Pay the registration fee as displayed using online payment methods.

Step6 > Then click on submit button.

Offline Admission Process

Students who wants to get admission in-person can visit their nearest regional center:

Step1 > Collect the application form from the student service desk at the regional center and fill in the all the required documents.

Step2 > Attach the required documents and submit the form and pay the application fee

Step3 > Wait for verification and admission confirmation.

Documents Required for IGNOU Admission

• Passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
• Bachelor’s degree (for PG courses)
• Experience certificate for professional programs
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Valid ID proof such as Aadhaar, Passport, or Driving License
• Passport for international students

IGNOU Admission Status 2026

After submitting the application students can check their status on the Samarth portal. Admission confirmation takes 10–15 days and applicants will see updates such as “Approved,” “Pending,” or “Required Correction” and students should act accordingly.

Popular Courses Under IGNOU Admission 2026

Entrance-Based Programs at IGNOU

Some courses require entrance exams:

• BEd – Requires 50% marks in graduation; fee is INR 55,000
• Post Basic BSc Nursing – Requires GNM diploma and 2 years’ experience
• PhD – Requires 55% in master’s degree
• MPhil – Requires master’s degree with entrance exam

Important Links