The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has extended the registration deadline for the January 2026 session. Earlier scheduled to close on February 28, the University has now revised the last date for online programmes to March 15, 2026. This extension applies only to online programmes and does not cover certificate or semester-based courses. Candidates can submit their applications through the official website, ignou.ac.in.
Prospective applicants are strongly advised to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. IGNOU remains one of the largest open universities globally, offering flexible learning opportunities to students across India and abroad.
IGNOU JANUARY 2026 – PROGRAMMES OFFERED
IGNOU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes across multiple disciplines.
Undergraduate (UG) Programmes
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Honours and specialised streams in various disciplines
Postgraduate (PG) Programmes
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Arts (MA) (various specialisations)
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
- Master of Commerce (MCom)
Diploma & Certificate Courses
IGNOU also provides diploma, advanced certificate, and skill-based programmes aimed at career enhancement and professional development. These include courses in:
- Language Studies
- Information Technology
- Environmental Studies
- Management & Professional Skills
Extension for Entrance-Based Programmes
In a separate notification issued by IGNOU’s Student Evaluation Division (Exam-II) on February 27, 2026, the University has also extended the last date for submission of online applications for the following entrance-based programmes:
- BEd (Bachelor of Education) – January 2026 Session
- BSc Nursing (Post Basic) – January 2026 Session
- Post Graduate Diploma in Rural and Plantation Management (PGDRPC) – July 2026 Session
Revised Entrance Application Deadline
- Last Date to Apply: March 10, 2026 (up to 6 PM)
- Entrance Exam Date: March 29, 2026
Candidates seeking admission to these programmes must appear for the entrance test scheduled in a single session on March 29.
Quick Reference Summary
| Event | Revised Date |
| Online Programmes Registration (Jan 2026) | March 15, 2026 |
| Entrance Application Deadline (BEd, BSc Nursing, PGDRPC) | March 10, 2026 (6 PM) |
| Entrance Exam Date | March 29, 2026 |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly.
- Double-check eligibility criteria before submitting the form.
- Pay the application fee through the official portal only.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
Why IGNOU Remains a Popular Choice
IGNOU provides flexible, affordable, and accessible higher education, especially for working professionals, homemakers, and remote learners. Its online programmes support digital learning, while entrance-based professional courses like BEd and Nursing continue to attract thousands of applicants annually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the new last date for IGNOU January 2026 online programme registration? |
| The last date has been extended to March 15, 2026. |
| Does the extension apply to all programmes? |
| No, it applies only to online programmes, not certificate or semester-based courses. |
| What is the revised deadline for BEd and BSc Nursing entrance applications? |
| March 10, 2026, up to 6 PM. |
| When will the IGNOU entrance exam be conducted? |
| The entrance test is scheduled for March 29, 2026. |
| Where can candidates apply for IGNOU programmes? |
| Through the official website ignou.ac.in. |
| What UG programmes are offered by IGNOU? |
| BA, BBA, BCom, BCA, BSc, BSW, and specialised streams. |
| What PG programmes are available? |
| MBA, MA, MCA, MCom, and other master’s programmes. |
| Is IGNOU offering diploma and certificate courses? |
| Yes, in areas such as IT, management, languages, and environmental studies. |
The extension of the IGNOU January 2026 registration deadline provides additional time for students to secure admission in online programmes. Additionally, candidates applying for BEd, BSc Nursing (Post Basic), and PGDRPC must complete their applications before March 10, 2026, ahead of the entrance test on March 29. Aspirants should regularly visit ignou.ac.in for official updates and bookmark this page for timely admission alerts, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
