IGNOU Admissions Open for January 2026 Session

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has started the admission process for various academic programmes for the January 2026 session. Interested candidates can apply online through the Samarth Admission Portal available on IGNOU’s official website till 31 January 2026. In addition, the process for re-registration to the second year/semester is also underway, with the last date fixed as 15 January 2026.

Providing information, Dr. Umesh Chandra Pandey, Senior Regional Director, Regional Centre Bhopal, said that for the January 2026 session, IGNOU is offering admissions to more than 330 academic programmes, including postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma, and six-month certificate courses. He also informed that under the UGC’s dual degree guidelines, students can pursue a second degree simultaneously through distance or online mode along with conventional education.

Dr. Pandey stated that IGNOU’s programmes are extremely useful for learners of all age groups. A wide range of employment-oriented courses are available in areas such as Data Science, Home Science, Community Development, Computer Applications, Information Security, Geoinformatics, Geography, Urban Planning, Population Studies, Foreign Languages, Management, and many others. These programmes not only enhance knowledge but also equip youth with new employment opportunities. Several programmes also offer the facility of multiple exits.

To integrate the Indian Knowledge Tradition into higher education, special initiatives are being undertaken by the Regional Centre Bhopal. Courses are available in subjects such as Spoken Sanskrit, Indian Time Calculation, Vedic Mathematics, Tribal Studies, Yoga, Painting, Theatre Arts, Hindustani/Carnatic Music, Astrology, Vedic Studies, Hindu Studies, Bhagavad Gita Studies, Vastu, and Sanskrit. These programmes will be conducted through the IGNOU Study Centre located at the Central Sanskrit University, Bhopal campus.

Dr. Anshuman Upadhyay, Deputy Director, informed that all admissions for the January 2026 session are being conducted entirely online. Before applying, candidates must keep scanned copies of their APAAR ID, passport-size photograph, signature, educational qualification certificates, experience certificate (if applicable), and category certificate ready. Applicants are advised to use their own mobile number and email ID for registration. The application fee can be paid through credit/debit card or net banking.

For more information related to admissions, interested students may visit IGNOU’s official website, contact the nearest study centre, the Regional Centre Bhopal, or email at rcbhopal@ignou.ac.in