IGNOU January 2026 admission: The Indira Gandhi National Open University has extended the registration deadline for the January 2026 admission cycle for both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programmes. Candidates can submit their applications until March 30 through the official admission portal.The university has made the registration facility available online for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes. Applicants must complete the application process through the official website, IGNOU Admission Portal.Application schedule for January 2026 cycleRegistration for the January 2026 admission cycle began earlier for different modes of study. The application process for ODL programmes started on December 16, 2025, while registration for online programmes commenced on December 24, 2025.Both ODL and online programme applications will remain open until March 30, 2026, except for certificate and semester-based programmes. The university has advised applicants to keep their APAAR ID ready before beginning the admission process.Students who successfully complete their admission process will also be eligible to apply for Government of India scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal after their admission is confirmed.Online programmes and eligibility requirementsIGNOU is offering a range of academic programmes through online mode for the January 2026 session. The university has advised applicants to enrol in online programmes only if they have access to a computer or laptop and a stable internet connection.Students admitted to online programmes will not receive printed study material. Those who prefer printed materials or are not comfortable with online learning have been advised to apply under the ODL mode instead.Applicants must also provide a valid APAAR ID during the application process, which is required for completing the registration.Steps to complete IGNOU registrationCandidates are required to visit the official IGNOU website and select the “Register Online” option followed by “Fresh Admission”. Applicants must then select the “Click Here for New Registration” link to begin the process.After completing the registration stage, candidates should keep their registration number and password securely for future login. The system will send login credentials to the registered mobile number and email address.Applicants must log in to the portal to fill the admission form, provide personal details, and enter programme information such as programme type, enrolment option, region code, medium of instruction, mode of study, and study centre code.The details submitted by candidates must match the information mentioned in their educational records before final submission of the registration form.
