When it comes to studying with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), students often get confused between Fresh Admission and Re-Registration. Both terms are important, but they apply to different situations. If you are unsure whether you should apply for fresh admission or re-registration, this guide will clear all your doubts.
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What is IGNOU Fresh Admission?
Fresh admission means new enrollment in any IGNOU programme. This applies to:
- New students who are applying to IGNOU for the first time.
- Students who have completed one programme and now want to take admission in another course (example: after completing a BA, applying for an MA).
- Students who discontinued their earlier admission and now want to start afresh.
Key Points about Fresh Admission:
- Available during July and January admission cycles.
- Students need to register on the IGNOU Samarth Portal and create a new enrollment ID.
- Fresh admission is required for all certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes.
- Eligibility criteria, required documents, and fees depend on the selected course.
👉 Example: If a student wants to pursue BA in English (BAEGH), they must apply through fresh admission.
What is IGNOU Re-Registration?
Re-registration is for existing IGNOU students who are already enrolled in a semester-based or year-based programme and want to continue to the next year or semester.
Key Points about Re-Registration:
- Only for students who are already enrolled in IGNOU.
- Applicable for programmes like BA, BSc, BCom, MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, BCA, etc.
- Students must use their existing enrollment number to log in to the re-registration portal.
- The process includes paying the next semester/year fees and confirming subjects for the upcoming session.
- Without re-registration, a student cannot continue in the next session of their course.
👉 Example: A student who took BA English (BAEGH) admission in July 2024 must complete re-registration for 2nd year in 2025.
Major Differences between Fresh Admission and Re-Registration
| Feature | Fresh Admission | Re-Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply? | New students or those starting a new course | Existing students continuing the same course |
| When to apply? | July & January admission cycles | Before start of the next semester/year |
| Enrollment Number | New enrollment number generated | Use the same existing enrollment number |
| Purpose | To join IGNOU for a new programme | To continue studies in the current programme |
| Applicable for | All IGNOU courses | Only semester/year-based programmes |
| Portal Used | IGNOU Samarth Portal | IGNOU Re-Registration Portal |
Common Confusion:
- If you are a first-time student, choose Fresh Admission.
- If you are already studying and just moving to the next semester/year, choose Re-Registration.
- If you have finished one course (e.g., BA) and want to start a new course (e.g., MA), you need Fresh Admission again.
Important Tips for Students
- Always check the official dates for admission and re-registration. Missing the last date may delay your studies.
- Keep scanned copies of documents (ID, photo, signature, mark sheets) ready for online application.
- Make the fee payment only through the official IGNOU portals.
- Save and download the confirmation slip after applying.
Latest Updates (2025)
- Fresh Admission (July 2025 session): Ongoing, last date to apply will be announced on IGNOU’s official website.
- Re-Registration (July 2025 session): Open from 15th May 2025 to 15th August 2025 (extended date).
Both Fresh Admission and Re-Registration are important processes in IGNOU. Fresh admission is for new beginnings, while re-registration ensures continuity in your current course. Students should carefully check the official dates and complete the process within the timeline to avoid delays in their studies.