KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has extended the last date for admission to its January 2026 academic session, giving aspirants more time to apply for a wide range of academic programmes. Admissions to Master’s, Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diploma, Diploma and Certificate programmes will now remain open till January 31, 2026, according to an official press release issued by the university.
IGNOU has initiated the admission process for over 350 programmes for the January 2026 cycle, catering to learners from diverse educational, professional and socio-economic backgrounds. Candidates interested in enrolling can apply online through the University’s National website www.ignou.ac.in or directly via the admission portal https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
The university offers programmes through distance learning and online education modes, enabling flexibility for working professionals, homemakers and students unable to pursue regular on-campus education. Aspirants are required to complete the entire admission process online before the revised deadline.
Before filling out the admission form, candidates must register on the SAMARTH portal by creating a User ID and Password. Applicants are advised to keep an active mobile number, a valid email ID, scanned copies of academic documents, a recent photograph and bank debit/credit card or net banking details ready for payment of fees. IGNOU has made it mandatory for applicants to create a DEB ID prior to submitting the application. Detailed instructions for DEB ID creation are available on the university website.
In a significant academic expansion, IGNOU has also launched around 60 new programmes. These include four-year undergraduate programmes (FYUP) in subjects such as Commerce, Economics, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Social Work, Philosophy, Biochemistry, Facilities and Service Management.
At the postgraduate level, new offerings include MBA in Healthcare and Hospital Management, MA in Environment and Occupational Health, PG Diploma in Geriatric Medicine, PG Diploma in Environment and Occupational Health, PG Certificate in Medical Management of CBRN Disasters, Certificate in Health Care Waste Management, Certificate in Health and Care MBA (Agribusiness Management), B.Sc. in Food Safety and Quality Management, Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care (CGHC), Certificate in Smart City Development and Management (CSCDM), Qualification Pack (QP) – Nurse Manager, Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management (DACM), PG Diploma in Urban Planning and Development (PGDUPDL), M.Sc. in Data Science and Analytics (MSCDSA), M.Sc. Geography, Geo Informatics, Applied Statistics and Renewable Energy, among others.
Encouraging aspirants to take advantage of the extended deadline, Dr Mohd Abdullah, Assistant Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar, said that students wishing to become part of the IGNOU extended family should apply well before the last date to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
He also cautioned prospective learners against falling prey to fraudulent callers or individuals seeking admission fees through QR codes, WhatsApp or social media platforms, clarifying that IGNOU does not seek any payment or personal details through channels other than its official website.
The university has also informed that re-registration for the January 2026 session is currently underway, and the last date for re-registration has also been fixed as January 31, 2026.
For detailed programme information, candidates can access the Common Prospectus available on the IGNOU website. Students seeking assistance may visit the IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar at Saida Kadal, Rainawari, or contact the centre via phone at 0194-3102402 or email at [email protected].
With its wide academic spectrum, flexible learning modes and nationwide reach, IGNOU continues to play a pivotal role in expanding access to higher education across the country.
