The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has officially launched its fresh admission process for the July 2026 academic session starting from May 25, 2026. Students who missed the January session or are enrolling for the first time can now apply for hundreds of UG, PG, diploma, certificate, and PhD programmes through both Open Distance Learning (ODL) and fully online modes. The last date to apply is July 15, 2026.
IGNOU confirmed the opening through its official X (Twitter) account, stating: “Fresh Admission for the July 2026 session for the ODL and Online modes commenced from 25th May 2026 on the Samarth Portal. The last date of Fresh Admissions for the July 2026 Session is 15th July 2026.”
This is a critical opportunity for working professionals, homemakers, people from remote areas, and students unable to attend regular colleges to pursue quality, UGC-recognised degrees at highly affordable fees.
IGNOU July 2026 Admission — Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fresh Admission Window Opens | May 25, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | July 15, 2026 |
| Re-Registration Last Date | June 30, 2026 |
| Application Fee | Rs 300 |
| June TEE Exams Begin | June 1, 2026 |
| June TEE Exams End | July 21, 2026 |
Popular Courses Available Under IGNOU July 2026 Session
- Undergraduate: BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BEd (entrance-based)
- Postgraduate: MA, MCom, MBA, MCA, MSc (Data Science and Analytics)
- Diploma and Certificate: DNHE, CLIS, PGDRD, and many more
- PhD Programmes: In various disciplines through research mode
IGNOU July 2026 Admission — Course Fee Range
| Programme Level | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate Courses | Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 |
| Diploma Courses | Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 |
| UG Programmes (BA, BCom, BSc) | Rs 4,800 to Rs 7,000 per year |
| PG Programmes (MA, MCom) | Rs 7,000 to Rs 12,000 per year |
| Professional Courses (MBA, MCA) | Rs 15,000 to Rs 45,000 per year |
Eligibility Criteria
- UG Programmes: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised central or state board
- PG Programmes: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a UGC-recognised university
- BEd Programme: Candidates must clear the IGNOU BEd Entrance Test
- No entrance exam is required for most UG and PG ODL programmes
How to Apply for IGNOU July 2026 Admission
- For ODL Programmes: Visit ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
- For Online Programmes: Visit ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
- Log in or register as a new user
- Select your desired programme and specialisation
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, educational certificates, category certificate if applicable)
- Pay the application fee of Rs 300 online
- Submit and save the confirmation page for future reference
Important: APAAR ID and DEB ID Mandatory
- Students must create an APAAR ID (Academic Bank of Credits ID) before applying
- A DEB ID (Distance Education Bureau ID) is also mandatory for all ODL and online programme applicants as per the latest UGC guidelines
- These are one-time registrations and will track your academic progress across institutions
Scholarship Opportunity: After admission confirmation, students can apply for Government of India Scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in
IGNOU is NAAC A++ accredited with degrees fully recognised by UGC, AIU, AICTE (for relevant courses), and NCTE. Its degrees are accepted for government jobs, private sector employment, and higher education admissions across India and internationally.
