The IGNOU admission process for the July 2024 session has officially commenced. The final date for applying to IGNOU, whether for Indian or International students, is set for 10th September 2024. Students are reminded that this deadline could be final, and after this date, no further applications, either online or offline, will be accepted by the university. If you have missed the January 2024 session, you can now apply for the current July 2024 intake.
Prospective students looking to enrol in IGNOU can check the latest admission procedures and important dates to secure their place at the world’s largest and most renowned distance and open learning university. The July 2024 admission window is now open for anyone wishing to join a distance education programme, with the current session likely running until mid-September 2024.
Where to Register?
Choosing IGNOU for further education is always a wise decision. The qualifications obtained from IGNOU are recognised and treated as equivalent to those from any accredited institution. Also, it serves as an excellent option for students who, for various reasons, have been unable to start or complete their education.
IGNOU brings higher education directly to students at an affordable cost. When it comes to study materials, IGNOU stands for its excellent quality as well. In fact, students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC and Civil Services often refer to IGNOU’s study materials. If you’re looking to grow your academic career with distance degrees or certificates, it’s important to understand IGNOU’s admission process and we have compiled all the necessary information for you.
| Type of Program | Need to Register At |
| Open and Distance Mode (ODL) programs | https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/ |
| For Online Programs | https://ignouiop.samarth.edu.in/ |
| Fixed Learner Intake Programmes (FLIP)* | https://ignouflip.samarth.edu.in/ |
| For International (Overseas) Students | https://ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in/ |
Important Dates for the July 2024 Session
IGNOU admissions are currently open and students are eager to learn key information such as the last date and the application procedure. The university has already issued a notification covering all the necessary details for interested candidates. To make things easier for you, we have summarised all the crucial information here. If you want a quick overview of the important details, here’s a brief look.
| Current Admission Cycle | July 2024 |
| Starting Date of Admission | 15th May 2024 |
| Last Date for Admission | 10th September 2024 |
| Registration Fee | ₹300 / ₹500 / ₹800 – Depends on course selected |
| Fee Payment Mode | Internet Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card |
Admission Cycles for 2024
IGNOU offers a flexible admission process, conducting two admission cycles each year.
- January Session: If you’re interested to join in January, you can submit your application form between November and January.
- July Session: Similarly, for the July intake, admissions are open between May and August – sometimes extended.
So, choose the session as per your needs and the month you have chosen to pursue distance course from IGNOU. However, it’s important to note that some courses are only available during specific admission cycles, so make sure to check the availability of your chosen course before finalising your decision.
Admission Process – Online & Offline
Online Procedure: Candidates have the option to apply online, which is both convenient and efficient. To do this, simply register on the Online Admission portal, complete your application form, and pay your fees using the available online payment methods.
Offline Procedure: Alternatively, if you prefer the offline route, you can download the IGNOU Prospectus from the website. Fill out the application form and submit it to your nearest IGNOU Regional Centre before the deadline. Note that offline applications are accepted for a limited number of courses and only at select regional centres.
For the offline procedure, download the application form from the IGNOU Prospectus, print it out, complete it, and send it to your nearest regional centre. You will then need to wait for confirmation of your admission.
Eligibility Criteria
Following are the eligibility criteria for various courses IGNOU offers.
- Advanced Certificate Courses: 10+2 certificate or equivalent from a recognized institute
- Bachelor’s Degrees: 10 (SSC/SSLC/Matriculation) and 10+2 certificate
- Post-Graduate Diplomas: Completed graduation in the same stream to proceed with the PG diploma
- Master’s Degrees: Completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- M.Phil Courses: Master’s Degree with a minimum score of 55% for general and 50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates
- Ph.D. courses: Must have either Master’s Degree or M.Phil with minimum of 55% marks.
If you fulfill the above criteria for the course you opted for, you can move onto the admission process. For further information, you should download the IGNOU Prospectus we have put online categorized for various courses. You can also download them from the IGNOU official website.
Last Date for Admissions
IGNOU has announced the official deadline for submitting online applications. Candidates need to regularly check the important dates section for any updates regarding the extension of this deadline. This date applies to all programmes including Master’s Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates, and other courses. To avoid missing the deadline, keep an eye on the official website and stay informed about any changes.
| Admission Session | Official Date |
| July 2024 Session – Start Date | 14th May 2024 (Tuesday) |
| July 2024 Session – Last Date | 10th September 2024 (Tuesday) |
| January 2024 Session – Start Date | 15th December 2024 |
| January 2024 Session – Last Date | 31st January 2024 |
Courses Offered – Eligibility and Fee Details
IGNOU offers various UG, PG, and Certificate programs to cater to the various needs of students across India. Below the are the category wise programs list, eligibility criteria and fee structure.
Undergraduate Programs (UG)
In today’s job market, having a degree is increasingly essential across various types of jobs. For students who can’t attend traditional classroom courses for various reasons, distance courses are a viable alternative. Indira Gandhi National Open University is an excellent choice for many in this situation. With over 30 undergraduate programs spanning different fields, IGNOU offers the flexibility and accessibility needed for students to achieve their academic and career goals.
| Program Name | Eligibility | Fee Details |
| BA | 10 (SSC/SSLC/Matriculation) +2 or similar | ₹4500 per annum |
| B.Sc | 10 (SSC/SSLC/Matriculation) +2 or similar | ₹6000 per annum |
| B.Com | 10 (SSC/SSLC/Matriculation) +2 or similar | ₹4500 per annum |
| BBA | 10 (SSC/SSLC/Matriculation) +2 or similar | ₹10,000 per annum |
| BLIS (B.Lib.I.Sc.) | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% marks + Diploma in Library Science OR Bachelor’s Degree with 50% marks + Two years working experience in Library. SC/ST candidates can apply with 45% marks in Bachelor’s Degree + above other eligibility | ₹8700 – Full course |
| BCA | 10 (SSC/SSLC/Matriculation) +2 or similar | ₹8000 per Semister |
Post-Graduate Programs (PG)
While a undergraduate degree is often the basic requirement for most jobs, obtaining PG is increasingly essential for advancement in one’s career. In today’s competitive job market, higher education combined with experience is crucial for achieving career growth. Consequently, both working professionals and students are turning to IGNOU for their postgraduate studies. IGNOU offers an extensive array of postgraduate courses across various fields, providing numerous options to help you advance in your chosen career path.
| Program Name | Eligibility | Fee Details |
| MBA | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% marks for General and 45% for Reserved Quota candidates | ₹15,500 for 1st, 2nd & 4th semesters and ₹17,500 for 3rd |
| MCA | BCA / BSC / B.E. / B.Tech + 10+2 (Intermediate) with Mathematics | ₹12,700 per semester |
| M.Com | Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university | ₹9700 per annum |
| MEG | Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university | ₹7700 per annum |
| MLIS (M.Lib.I.Sc.) | Bachelor’s Degree in Library / Information Science OR Associateship from DRTC or NISCAIR | ₹11,500 – Full course |
| MHD | Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university | ₹7700 per annum |
Entrance-Based Programs
In addition to its standard UG and PG programmes, IGNOU also offers a range of specialised courses, including B.Ed., PhD programmes across various disciplines, and more. To enrol in these specific courses, students must not only meet the eligibility criteria but also pass an entrance test. The courses requiring entrance tests can vary from year to year, so it’s important to review the latest details and requirements carefully before applying.
| Program Name | Eligibility | Fee Details |
| Post Basic BSc Nursing | Three years Diploma in GNM + Two years experience | ₹23,000 per year |
| B.Ed. | Bachelor’s Degree with 55% marks or Master’s Degree | ₹55,000 – Full course |
| Ph.D. | PG from any recognized university | ₹16,800 per year |
Admission Process for Overseas Students
The university has an online admission portal specifically for international students, including those from SAARC, Non-SAARC countries, NRIs, and FSRI candidates interested in joining IGNOU. Please note that this portal is exclusively for foreign applicants; Indian residents should use the standard admission portal. The admission process for international students is designed to be straightforward. Applicants must have a valid visa for the duration of their course and must meet the eligibility criteria along with submitting the necessary documents. Additionally, international students have a distinct fee structure and all admissions are processed online.
How to Apply for Admission
As many are aware, IGNOU is renowned for its extensive range of Open Distance Learning (ODL) courses, available in both the January and July sessions. If you wish to enrol in one of IGNOU’s ODL courses, below is the processes for online application. To secure a place at IGNOU, students must complete the online admission form submission. However, if preferred, there is also an option to fill out the form offline. Below is the step-by-step procedure for admission process at IGNOU.
Online Registration
- Visit the official website at ignou.ac.in.
- From the homepage menu, click Register Online and Select Fresh Admission. It will open PDF with different links for different type of programs. Click the appropriate one.
- If you are the first time user, register there by clicking the button New Registration.
- Fill up all the required details including Username, Candidate’s Name, Email, Mobile Number, Password, and Captcha and click on register to get successfully registered on the portal. Check the bold instructions and follow them carefully.
- Make sure that you are entering your details same as they appear on your certificates. Enter only active mobile number and active e-mail address. Don’t enter dummy details.
Filling Application Online
- Once registration is complete, now log in using your credentials to complete the admission form.
- Select the programme you are applying for and click on it.
- When filling out the IGNOU admission form, ensure you provide every detail accurately to avoid any errors or delays.
- For uploading your photograph and signature, make sure they are both in JPG format and not larger than 100KB. Adhering to these specifications is crucial to avoid any issues during the upload process.
- A declaration form will appear on the screen; read the details and click the checkbox to agree.
- At this stage, you’ll have an opportunity to review and correct any mistakes on the admission form. It’s the best time to make any necessary amendments.
- Proceed with fee submission using the online payment options available, such as net banking, debit/credit card, etc.
- Payment will be confirmed once you receive an SMS on your registered phone number, so wait for this confirmation before proceeding.
- Click on the “Preview” tab to review the form once more before final submission.
- It’s advisable to print hard copies of the completed admission form as you may need them later. Additionally, download and save a copy on your laptop or PC for future reference.
Documents Required
Following are the list of documents you need to keep in hand before applying. Make sure that you get them scanned before applying.
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Valid identity card
- Birth Certificate
- Cast Certificate
- Experience certificate (for specific courses)
- Desired qualification original certificate
- BPL certificate
- Signature
Fees Refund Policy
The university collects a one-time registration fee when you enrol in any of the IGNOU programmes, either in the first year or semester. This registration fee is non-refundable. However, IGNOU program fees can be refunded under certain conditions if a student decides to cancel their admission.
Here’s how the refund process works:
- Before the admission deadline: If you cancel your admission before the last date, you will receive a full refund of your program fees, minus a non-refundable registration fee of ₹200.
- Within 15 days after the admission deadline: If you cancel within 15 days after the admission period ends, you will receive a refund of the program fees, minus ₹500.
- Within 30 days after the admission deadline: If you cancel within 30 days after the last date, ₹1000 will be deducted from the program fees.
- After 30 days from the last date: No refund will be issued if you cancel after more than 30 days from the last date of admission.
Form Still Showing Incomplete After Payment?
If you have paid your admission fees, but your form still appears incomplete or requesting you to pay again, don’t worry. You can contact the admissions department via email at csrc@ignou.ac.in and ssc@ignou.ac.in. Make sure that you included your payment details and control number in your message to get an update on your fee status.
Checking the status of your admission
Once you have completed all the admission procedures and paid the fees, you will need to wait a little while to receive a confirmation message from your regional centre regarding your application. Candidates can check their application status after 10 days from the registration date. The maximum time allowed for the verification of your documents is 40 working days. To find out the status of your admission, follow the admission status link provided to get detailed information about whether your application has been approved or rejected by the university.
Spread your wings and let your career take flight without limitations. Whether you’re unable to attend regular classes or can’t afford the huge fees of private colleges, IGNOU provides an opportunity to continue your education. If you have any questions or concerns about IGNOU Online Admission, you can reach out to the department via email support or phone support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions – Admissions
Yes, online application is available and it’s the preferred mode.
Yes, offline admission is possible. Contact your nearest IGNOU regional centre to find out if it’s possible for the course you have chosen.
Yes, direct admission is available for most courses. However, B.Ed., B.Sc. Nursing, and Ph.D. programmes require specific entrance tests.
Two times, January and July session. For the January session, admission process runs from November to February. For the July session, the application period is from May to August.
Yes, you can enrol in either the January or July session. However, some courses are only offered in one of these sessions, so make sure to check the availability before applying.
You might still be able to apply if the university extends the deadline or offers a late admission period with a fine. Check the official IGNOU portal for any updates.
The current deadline for fresh admission to the July 2024 session is 10th September 2024. Any extensions will be announced on the IGNOU official website.
No, if you apply online, you do not need to send a hard copy of your application.
Yes, you are allowed to apply for two courses at the same time at IGNOU.
For a successful career through distance learning, IGNOU remains a top choice for students across the globe. Follow the steps outlined here and make sure you meet all the deadlines.