IGNOU January Admission 2026: Registration begins for ODL programmes; apply by January 31

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has opened the registration window for January 2026 admissions to its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. Eligible candidates can register for IGNOU January admission through the official website at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

As per the schedule, the registration process for IGNOU January admission 2026 will be closed on January 31. Before starting the application process, applicants are advised to have their Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR ID) ready.

“Candidates applying for IGNOU January 2026 admission will have to create a DEB ID, as it is mandatory for submitting the application.” the official notice said.

For IGNOU January 2026 admissions, candidates need to upload a scanned photograph and signature (each under 100 kb) along with copies of their educational qualification, experience certificate, and applicable category certificates such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC).

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IGNOU Admissions 2026: How to apply?

The steps to apply for IGNOU admission 2026 for the January cycle are as follows.

• Go to the official website, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
• Click on the “New Registration” link and fill out the IGNOU 2026 application form.
• Upload all the required documents in a prescribed format and size.
• Pay the non-refundable IGNOU admission fee.
• Submit the application form and take a printout of it for further use.

If a cancellation is requested after admission is confirmed, 15% of the programme fee, or a maximum of Rs. 2,000, will be deducted from the refund amount. The fee amount will not be refunded after 60 days from the date of admission.

IGNOU offer admission to ODL programmes such as BCom, BBA, BA, BSc, MBA, MSc, MCA, MA, MCom, MPhil, and PhD based on candidates’ performance in the entrance examination.

As per the official website, eligible students can apply for Government of India scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in, after their admission is confirmed.