The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has officially extended the registration deadline for the January 2026 admission session. Students can now apply for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programmes till February 28, 2026 through the official admission portal.
Earlier, the admission deadline was scheduled to close in mid-February, but the extension has been provided to help students complete their registration without last-minute pressure. IGNOU offers multiple undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes, making it one of the most preferred distance learning universities in India.
The admission process is fully online, and candidates are advised to complete the application early to avoid technical issues near the closing date.
Key Highlights (Quick Points for Students)
- Registration deadline extended till February 28, 2026
- Applicable for ODL and Online programmes
- Admission process is completely online
- Suitable for working professionals and distance learners
- Multiple UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate courses available
- Students should upload documents carefully while applying
- Early application recommended to avoid server delays
IGNOU January Session 2026 – Important Details (Table)
| Particulars | Details |
| University Name | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Session | January 2026 |
| Admission Mode | Online |
| Programmes | ODL & Online Courses |
| Last Date to Apply | February 28, 2026 |
| Courses Offered | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate |
| Application Fee | Approx. ₹300 (course-wise may vary) |
For more information, students can visit the official website, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. For easy access, the link is given below.
| Direct Link : IGNOU January Session 2026 Registration Portal |
IGNOU January Session 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- For UG Courses: Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or its equivalent from a recognized board.
- For PG Courses: A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.
- For Diploma: Usually 10+2, though some specific diplomas may require graduation.
- For Certificate: Varies from 10th pass to 12th pass depending on the course.
- Age Limit: There is no age bar for most programmes at IGNOU.
IGNOU January Session 2026 Selection Process
- Merit-Based: For the majority of UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate courses, admission is granted based on academic merit (marks in the qualifying exam).
- Entrance-Based: Only professional programs like B.Ed, Ph.D, and B.Sc Nursing require clearing an entrance examination.
IGNOU January Session 2026-How to Apply?
- Visit Portal: Go to the official Samarth portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
- New Registration: Click on "Click here for New Registration" and create a Username and Password.
- Login: Log in with your credentials and fill in the personal and academic details.
- Upload: Upload the scanned copies of all required documents.
- Fee Payment: Pay the registration and programme fee online.
- Submit: Review the form and click Submit. Save the confirmation page and receipt for future reference.