Indira Gandhi National Open Univerity which is often referred to as IGNOU plays a vital in transforming the educational landscape and making considerable participation in the development of India by developing leaders for tomorrow across industries. IGNOU has started the admission process for the January academic session 2025-26. However, the last date to apply for the January 2025-26 session at IGNOU is 31 January 2025. Interested candidates willing to pursue any ODL (Open and Distance Learning) or online programs at IGNOU can follow all the processes available at the official website of the university (https://www.ignou.ac.in/). Students can gain admission to several UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate courses on a merit basis. Students willing to gain admission to any of their desired courses at IGNOU should have completed their intermediate (10+2) qualification from any recognized board of education. While who are applying for master's degree programs should have completed their bachelor’s degree qualification in any relevant field from any recognized university.

This comprehensive guide aims to deliver all authentic and detailed information about the IGNOU admission January 2025-26 academic session including an overview of the university, DEB ID, courses offered, release date, last date, steps to apply, eligibility criteria, course fees, and more.

About University

The Indira Gandhi National Open University globally recognized as IGNOU was established in 1985 to honour the first-ever female Prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi. The motive behind the establishment of the university is to deliver quality education at affordable prices across disciplines to every student sitting in any corner of the world. IGNOU is the largest open university in the world with several educational institutions domestic and international trailblazing quality education by delivering quality education of global standards through courses. The motive behind the establishment of the university is to grant access to quality education to those students who can not afford the tuition fees of regular colleges.

The university is managed by the Government of India (GOI). Accredited organizations like the University Grants Commission (UGC) grant recognition to the university along with the NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) has granted an A++ rating. IGNOU was introduced in 1987 with two courses and 4,528 students but now in 2025, IGNOU will enable more than 4 million students all around the globe through 21 schools, 67 regional centres, approximately 2667 learners support centres, and 29 partner universities.

IGNOU Admission 2025-26 January Academic Session Last Date

IGNOU has set particular deadlines for the January 2025-26 academic session for different courses. Candidates are suggested to check the official website of the university regularly making sure not to miss any latest updates about the application window. However, below we have mentioned all the important dates for the January admission session for the 2025-26 session in the tabular format.

Note:- The last date for the admission for January session 2025-26 may be extended by the university. Interested students are suggested to check the official website of the university regularly.

IGNOU Admission 2025-26 Notification

• Registration for the BEd program for the 2025-26 academic year started on 23 January 2025.
• The registration fee for the BEd program is INR 1000.

What is DEB ID and Why it is Mandatory for Submission of Application

IGNOU has issued a unique identification number to applicants during the admission process in terms of Distance Education Bureau or Board (DEB) ID. Before directly jumping into the admission process, applicants must create their DEB ID, it is a crucial component for applicants enrolling in any UGC-DEB recognized ODL or Online courses.

Why is DEB ID Mandatory?

• It ensures that the program holds UGC-DEB recognition.
• DEB ID is the proof of student identity and course enrollment.
• DEB has made it mandatory for distance degree recognition in higher education and jobs.
• DEB ID is required for completion of the IGNOU admission form.

Applicants must create their DEB ID (Distance Education Bureau ID) before the final submission of their application help them to avoid rejection in admission. DEB ensures the credibility and authenticity of distance education on the global stage and improves the transparency of academic programs at IGNOU.

Steps to Create IGNOU DEB ID

Students willing to enrol in the prestigious Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) need to create their DEB ID (Distance Education Bureau ID) before completing the final submission of their application to any ODL (Online and Distance Learning) or Online programs.

To create the DEB ID, students must follow the mentioned steps:

• First applicants must generate ABC ID from Digilocker.
• Submit the ABC ID in the Box “R”.
• Read the mentioned instructions helping in generating a DEB ID with your email and contact number.
• Now, they can create a DEB ID.
• DEB ID is used in the admission process.

Instruction to Fill Application Form Online

• Applicants are advised to visit the official website of the university.
• Locate the available programme tab on the homepage itself.
• Opt for the desired program and read all the instructions carefully such as eligibility criteria, fee structure, course duration, and more.
• To know the rules of the university, applicants are advised to download the common prospectus available in the common prospectus.
• New applicants are advised to register themselves by filling required registration details.
• Please provide your mobile number and email address during the registration.
• The username of the candidates must hold 8 to 16 characters.
• Click the Submit button once finished with the mandatory information.
• The university will instantly share the candidate’s username through email and SMS.
• Candidates who are already registered, just need to log in.
• Applicants should have the following documents before filling up the online application:
  • Scanned Photograph (less than 100 KB)
  • Scanned Signature (less than 100 KB)
  • Scanned copy of relevant Educational Qualification (less than 200 KB)
  • Scanned Copy of Experience Certificate (if any) (less than 200 KB)
  • Scanned Copy of Category Certificate, if SC/ST/OBC (less than 200 KB)
• Applicants are required to pay the course fees for the chosen course through secured and defined payment channels of the university like Credit Card (Master/ Visa), Debit Card (Master/ Visa/ Rupay), Net Banking, or any other.
• Applicants should upload a scanned copy of their original documents.

Registration Fee, Cancellation of Admission and Refund of Fee

• The Registration fee is non-refundable.
• The fee can only be refunded before the confirmation of the admission.
• In case of admission cancellation, an amount equivalent to 15% of the programme fee, up to INR 2,000 will be deducted from the paid fee.
• The fee will be refunded after registration for only those applicants who have opted for a soft copy of the study material.
• Only the development fee will be reimbursed for those candidates who are exempted from the course and have paid the registration fee.
• After 60 days of the last date of admission, there will be no refund of the fee, and
• To learn about more details, applicants are requested to refer to the common prospectus of the university.

Offline Admission Process of IGNOU

Students willing to enrol in the university through the offline admission process are suggested to follow these steps:

• Unlike the online admission process, students have to visit the nearest Regional centre of IGNOU.
• Purchase an application form from the centre only.
• Fill out the required sections with mandatory information with essential documents.
• Applicants have to self-attest the documents.
• The application form requires a passport-sized photograph and the signature of the applicant.
• Now, they have to wait for the document verification.
• Now they have to pay for the admission and tuition fees of the program. 

Reasons to Choose IGNOU for Higher Studies

The official Samarth IGNOU portal is live for the admission of the January 2025-26 academic session, allowing applicants to register themselves seamlessly. Indira Gandhi National Open University is one of the most sought-after academic locations for the student community around the globe willing to pursue their higher studies with cost-effective fees and flexible timings. We have tried our best to break down the reasons for IGNOU being the primary choice of seekers:

• Flexible learning 
• Quality of education
• Global Recognition
• Ranked No. 1 in the NIRF Ranking for Open Universities
• Affordable fee structure
• Extensive range of programs
• NAAC has honoured the university with A and A++ grades.
• The University Grants Commission (UGC) and Distance Education Board (DEB) recognized the university. With over 200 programs available applicants can choose from a wider range.
• Online and printed resources help candidates to gain knowledge about the course.
• Choice of exam centres and schedules.
• Career guidance through IGNOU placement cells.

Popular IGNOU January Admission 2025-26 Session 

Conclusion

IGNOU admission for the January 2025-26 session is closing on 31 January 2025. Students are advised to complete their registration within the deadline to avoid last-minute issues or irregularities. Applicants can fulfil their dreams with flexible learning options, cost-effective fees, student-centric online portal, IGNOU continues to be one of the best choices for students to advance their higher studies through distance education.

However, students are advised to keep them updated with the latest updates by consistently checking on the official website of IGNOU (https://www.ignou.ac.in/ ).