The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has once again extended the last date for fresh admissions under the July 2026 session, this time to 31st August 2026. The update was shared through IGNOU’s official social media handle and applies to all notified programmes offered in both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes.
This is actually the university’s third extension for the July 2026 cycle, the deadline had earlier moved from 31st July to 16th August, and now further to 31st August 2026. So if you missed any of the earlier cut-offs, there’s still time to get your application in.
Along with fresh admissions, IGNOU has also pushed the deadline for online re-registration– for students already enrolled who need to register for their next semester or year – to the same date, 31st August 2026.
IGNOU Two Portals, Two Modes — Know the Difference
| Online Mode | ODL Mode |
|---|---|
| https://ignouiop.samarth.edu.in | https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Soft copy only (no printed study material) | Printed study material available |
| Students comfortable with digital/online learning | Students preferring traditional distance learning |
| July 2026 Session | July 2026 Session |
| Last date to apply – 31st July 2026 | Last date to apply – 31st July 2026 |
Whether you’re a working professional looking to upskill, a homemaker finishing a degree left midway, or a Class 12 pass-out still weighing your options, this extension gives you extra time to sort your documents, pick a programme, and apply without last-minute stress.
How to Apply for IGNOU ODL & Online Courses
The application process depends on which mode you’re opting for:
- For ODL programmes: Visit the admission portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
- For Online programmes: Apply through ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
- For Re-registration: Existing students can log in at onlinerr.ignou.ac.in
What Are the Steps to Apply for IGNOU ODL & Online Programmes
- Go to the official portal based on your programme mode.
- Click on “New Registration” and create your account using an active email ID and mobile number.
- Log in with your credentials and start filling out the application form.
- Enter your personal and academic details carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, educational certificates, and category certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and save a copy of the confirmation for your records.
Keep Your APAAR ID Ready
IGNOU has specifically advised applicants to have their APAAR ID ready before starting the application. If you run into trouble generating one, there’s a support link available directly on the admission portal to help you through it.
Don’t Forget About Scholarships
Once your admission is confirmed, eligible students can also apply for Government of India scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). It’s worth checking your eligibility so you don’t miss out on financial support you’re entitled to.
Required Documents At the Time of Filling out the Form
1) DEB ID is mandatory for submission of application. You need to create your DEB ID before starting the application process. To know more, please click here https://www.ignou.ac.in/viewFile/SRD/notification/DEBIDCreation.pdf
2) You need to attach all the documents required. Make sure to attach all the scanned copies of your documents.
3) Provide a scanned signature with a file size of less than 100 KB.
4) Submit a scanned photograph with a file size of less than 100 KB.
5) If you’re from the SC/ST/OBC category, include a scanned copy of your Category Certificate with a file size of less than 200 KB.
6) Upload scanned copies of your Relevant Educational Qualifications with a file size of less than 200 KB.
7) If applicable, a scanned copy of your Experience Certificate (size should be less than 200 KB).
With the window now open till 31st August 2026, there’s no need to keep delaying. IGNOU offers 300+ programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate levels, so use this extra time to finalise your course, gather documents, and get enrolled.
Fee Payment Methods Only at Official Website
Both portals accept the following payment modes:
- Credit Card (Master/Visa)
- Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay)
- Net Banking
- UPI
Fee Refund & Cancellation Policy (Applicable to Both Modes)
- The Registration Fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.
- A full refund of programme fee is possible before confirmation of admission.
- After admission confirmation, 15% of the programme fee (up to ₹2,000) will be deducted on cancellation.
- If you opted for a soft copy of study material, only the Registration Fee will be deducted.
- Students who paid only the Registration Fee and Development Fee (fee exemption category) will receive a refund of the Development Fee only.
- No refund will be processed after 60 days from the admission closing date.
- Cancellation must be done through the applicant’s own login portal — do not send requests via email or iGRAM. Cancellation is irreversible and once done, the application cannot be restored.
Important Reminders
- Ragging in any form is strictly prohibited at IGNOU. Anyone found guilty is liable to be punished.
- Take a pledge to respect and care for Senior Citizens at: https://scw.dosje.gov.in/pledge
- Use your own personal email ID and mobile number at the time of registration, as OTP verification is mandatory.
- All documents must be scanned from original copies.
Applicants are strongly advised to complete their registration and submission well in advance of the 31st July 2026 deadline. For programme-specific eligibility, fee structure, and duration details, refer to the respective admission portals or download the Common Prospectus from ignou.ac.in.
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