IGNOU Admission 2026: July Session Open – Last Date, Fees, Eligibility

IGNOU Admission 2026 : The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has officially opened the admission window for the July 2026 academic session. Whether you are a fresh Class 12 pass-out, a working professional looking for a postgraduate degree, or someone returning to education after a career break, IGNOU Admission 2026 gives you the opportunity to pursue a UGC-recognised degree from India’s largest open university without attending regular classes.

IGNOU Admission 2026 for the July session started on 25 May 2026, and the last date to submit your application without any late fee is 15 July 2026. All applications must be submitted online through the official Samarth admission portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. No offline applications are accepted for fresh admissions.

This is a comprehensive guide covering every detail you need — from eligibility criteria and fee structure to the step-by-step application process, documents checklist, course options, and frequently asked questions. Bookmark this page and refer to it throughout your admission journey.

Important Notice: IGNOU conducts admissions twice a year — in January and July. The January 2026 session has already closed. If you missed it, the July 2026 session is your current opportunity. Do not wait until the last week to apply, as the portal experiences heavy traffic near the deadline.

IGNOU Admission 2026 Highlight Table

Detail	Information
University	Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Established	1985
Type	Central University (Act of Parliament)
Recognition	UGC, AIU, DEB, NAAC A++
Current Session	July 2026 – 2027
Admission Opens	25 May 2026
Last Date	15 July 2026
Application Fee	₹300
Official Portal	ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Helpline	011-29572513 / 29572514
Email	srd@ignou.ac.in
Official Website	ignou.ac.in

IGNOU Admission 2026 – Important Dates (July Session)

Knowing the correct timeline is the first step toward a smooth application experience. Here are the confirmed dates for IGNOU Admission 2026 July session:

Event	Date
Admission Portal Opens	25 May 2026
Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee)	15 July 2026
Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee of ₹200)	To be announced at ignou.ac.in
Re-Registration Last Date (Existing Students)	30 June 2026
Assignment Submission Last Date (June TEE)	30 June 2026
Term-End Examination (TEE)	June – July 2026
Application Fee	₹300 (One-Time, Non-Refundable)
Academic Session Begins	July 2026

IGNOU may extend the last date with an additional late fee of ₹200 to ₹500 depending on the programme. However, relying on extensions is risky — always apply before the original deadline.

What Is IGNOU? A Brief Overview

Indira Gandhi National Open University was established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament and is headquartered in New Delhi. It operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB).

IGNOU is the largest open university in the world by student enrolment, with over 4 million active students across India and in more than 30 countries. It has been accredited with Grade A++ by NAAC, confirming its academic quality.

Key facts about IGNOU:

21 Schools of Study covering humanities, sciences, management, education, law, health, and more
315+ programmes at certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels
67 Regional Centres and over 2,500 Study Centres across India
Degrees accepted for government jobs, UPSC, SSC, state PSC exams, and higher education
Available in both ODL (Open Distance Learning) and Online modes

This combination of flexibility, affordability, and government recognition is why millions of students choose IGNOU Admission every session.

IGNOU Admission 2026 – Courses Available

IGNOU offers one of the widest selections of programmes among Indian universities. For the July 2026 session, students can apply for courses across five major levels:

Undergraduate (UG) Programmes

Programme	Duration	Approximate Annual Fee
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – General & Honours	3 – 4 Years	₹4,800 – ₹5,500/year
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)	3 Years	₹5,400/year
Bachelor of Science (BSc)	3 Years	₹6,600/year
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)	3 Years	₹8,300/semester (Online)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)	3 Years	₹10,300/year (Online)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)	3 Years	₹5,400/year
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)	2 Years	₹25,000/year
Bachelor of Library & Info. Science (BLIS)	1 Year	₹5,500

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes

Programme	Duration	Approximate Annual Fee
Master of Arts (MA) – Multiple Specialisations	2 Years	₹7,300 – ₹9,000/year
Master of Commerce (MCom)	2 Years	₹7,200/year
Master of Science (MSc)	2 Years	₹9,600/year
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	2 Years	₹18,750/semester
Master of Computer Applications (MCA)	2 Years	₹13,200/semester (Online)
Master of Social Work (MSW)	2 Years	₹7,200/year
Master of Education (M.Ed)	2 Years	₹15,000/year
Master of Library & Info. Science (MLIS)	1 Year	₹5,500

Diploma, PG Diploma & Certificate Programmes

Programme Level	Examples	Duration	Fee Range
PG Diploma	PGDRD, PGDIBO, PGDJMC, PGDEOH	1 Year	₹4,500 – ₹9,000
Diploma	DNHE, DECE, DTS	1 Year	₹3,600 – ₹7,200
Certificate	CFN, CIG, CAFÉ, Yoga, CDM	6 Months	₹1,200 – ₹3,600
Awareness Programmes	Various short courses	3 – 6 Months	₹500 – ₹1,500

Doctoral Programme

IGNOU also offers a Ph.D. programme in various disciplines. Ph.D. admission requires a separate entrance test conducted by the university, and the duration ranges from 3 to 6 years.

Pro Tip: Not sure which programme to choose? Visit the IGNOU official programme guide at ignou.ac.in/programmes to view the complete list with syllabus details, or continue reading this guide for eligibility requirements specific to each level.

IGNOU Admission 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the programme level. Below is a detailed breakdown for every category.

Eligibility for Undergraduate (UG) Programmes

Minimum Qualification: Passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from any recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, NIOS, or equivalent)
Minimum Marks: No minimum percentage is required for the general BA programme. For BCA, BBA, and other specific programmes, a minimum of 45% to 50% may be required
Age Limit: No upper age limit for most UG programmes
Entrance Exam: Not required for most UG programmes (exception: B.Ed requires a separate entrance test)
APAAR / ABC ID: Mandatory for all new admissions from 2026 session onwards (created via DigiLocker)

Eligibility for Postgraduate (PG) Programmes

Minimum Qualification: A recognised bachelor’s degree from a UGC-approved university
Minimum Marks: 50% for General category; 45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates in most programmes
For MBA: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks + valid OPENMAT score (or equivalent national score like CAT/MAT)
For MCA: Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level
For M.Ed: B.Ed + bachelor’s degree with minimum 55% marks
Age Limit: No upper age limit

Eligibility for Diploma and Certificate Programmes

Certificate Programmes: Most require only a Class 10 pass
Diploma Programmes: Generally require a Class 12 pass
PG Diploma Programmes: Require a recognised bachelor’s degree
Specific Requirements: Always check the official programme guide, as eligibility varies by individual programme

Important Notes on Eligibility

IGNOU follows an open admission policy for many foundation and certificate-level courses
International students can apply through IGNOU’s overseas study centres
Lateral entry and credit transfer facilities are available for students with prior qualifications from recognised institutions

Students from recognised foreign boards are eligible if their qualifications are equivalent to Indian standards

IGNOU Admission 2026 – Fee Structure (Complete Breakdown)

One of the strongest reasons to choose IGNOU is its highly affordable fee structure. Here is a detailed list of approximate fees for the most in-demand programmes:

UG Programme Fees

Programme	1st Year Fee	Total Programme Fee
BA (General)	₹4,800	≈ ₹14,400 (3 Years)
BA (Honours) – English/Hindi/History/Economics/Sociology/Political Science	₹5,300/year	≈ ₹15,900 (3 Years)
BA (Honours) Psychology	₹5,800 + ₹600 Practical	≈ ₹19,200 (3 Years)
BA (Journalism & Digital Media)	₹10,600/year	≈ ₹31,800 (3 Years)
BCom	₹5,400/year	≈ ₹16,200 (3 Years)
BSc	₹6,600/year	≈ ₹19,800 (3 Years)
BCA (Online)	₹8,300/semester	≈ ₹49,800 (6 Semesters)
BBA (Online)	₹10,300/year	≈ ₹30,900 (3 Years)
BSW	₹5,400/year	≈ ₹16,200 (3 Years)
B.Ed	₹25,000/year	≈ ₹50,000 (2 Years)
BLIS	₹5,500	₹5,500 (1 Year)

PG Programme Fees

Programme	Annual/Semester Fee	Total Programme Fee
MA (Hindi/English/History/Economics/Sociology)	₹7,300 – ₹9,000/year	≈ ₹14,600 – ₹18,000 (2 Years)
MCom	₹7,200/year	≈ ₹14,400 (2 Years)
MSc	₹9,600/year	≈ ₹19,200 (2 Years)
MBA	₹18,750/semester	≈ ₹75,000 (4 Semesters)
MCA (Online)	₹13,200/semester	≈ ₹52,800 (4 Semesters)
MSW	₹7,200/year	≈ ₹14,400 (2 Years)
M.Ed	₹15,000/year	≈ ₹30,000 (2 Years)
MLIS	₹5,500	₹5,500 (1 Year)

Fee Payment Methods

IGNOU accepts programme fees through the following online payment modes:

Debit Card
Credit Card
Net Banking
UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM)

All fees are to be paid online through the Samarth portal during the application process. No demand draft or challan-based payment is accepted for fresh admissions.

Fee Concessions

SC/ST candidates are exempted from tuition fees (they pay only admission and development fees)
BPL category students can avail fee concessions by submitting a valid BPL certificate

Ex-servicemen and war widows may be eligible for fee waivers — check the IGNOU programme guide for details

Documents Required for IGNOU Admission 2026

Keeping your documents ready before starting the application will save time and prevent rejection. Here is the complete checklist:

Mandatory Documents (For All Applicants)

Class 10 Marksheet and Certificate — serves as proof of date of birth
Class 12 Marksheet and Passing Certificate — required for UG admissions
Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and All Year/Semester Marksheets — required for PG admissions
Passport-Size Photograph — recent, coloured, with white or light background (JPEG/JPG, under 100 KB)
Scanned Signature — on plain white paper in blue or black ink (JPEG/JPG, under 100 KB)
Government-Issued Photo ID — Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence
APAAR / ABC ID — mandatory for all fresh admissions (created through DigiLocker at digilocker.gov.in)

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

Category Certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD certificate issued by competent authority
BPL Certificate — for fee concession eligibility
Experience Certificate — required for specific programmes like MBA, B.Ed, M.Ed
Migration Certificate — if applying from a different university or board
OPENMAT Scorecard — for MBA applicants
Equivalence Certificate — for international students or candidates with foreign qualifications

Document Upload Specifications

Document	Format	Maximum Size
Photograph	JPEG / JPG	100 KB
Signature	JPEG / JPG	100 KB
Marksheets & Certificates	PDF	200 KB – 500 KB
ID Proof	PDF / JPEG	200 KB – 500 KB

Common Mistake to Avoid: Uploading blurry or incorrect documents is the single most common reason for admission delays and rejections during IGNOU Admission 2026. Take clear scans with good lighting and verify every document before uploading.

How to Apply for IGNOU Admission 2026 – Step-by-Step Process

The entire application process for IGNOU Admission 2026 is conducted online through the Samarth portal. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the Official Admission Portal

Go to ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in in any web browser. This is the only official portal for fresh admissions. Do not use any third-party website to submit your application.

Step 2: Create Your Account (New Registration)

Click on “New Registration” on the homepage. Fill in your basic details — full name (as on your Class 10 certificate), email address, mobile number, and date of birth. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification. After OTP verification, you will receive a username and password on your registered email.

Step 3: Log In to the Admission Portal

Use the credentials you received via email to log in. After your first login, you may be prompted to change your password for security.

Step 4: Select Your Programme and Regional Centre

Choose whether you are applying for an ODL (Open Distance Learning) or Online programme. Then select your desired programme — BA, BCom, MBA, MCA, etc. You will also need to select your preferred Regional Centre (RC) and Study Centre. Choose centres closest to your place of residence, as you will need to visit them for counselling sessions and assignment submissions.

Step 5: Fill in Personal and Academic Details

Complete all sections of the application form accurately — personal information, contact details, academic qualifications, category, employment status, and any other mandatory fields. Double-check every entry as corrections may not be possible after submission.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of all required documents following the specified format and size limits. Make sure every document is clearly readable and corresponds to the correct field. Refer to the document checklist above.

Step 7: Create Your APAAR / ABC ID

If you have not already created your APAAR ID (formerly ABC ID), you must do so through DigiLocker (digilocker.gov.in). This is now mandatory for all fresh admissions under IGNOU Admission 2026. Link your APAAR ID in the application form.

Step 8: Pay the Programme Fee Online

Pay the full programme fee (or the first instalment, if applicable) along with the ₹300 application fee through the online payment gateway. Save the payment confirmation receipt and transaction reference number.

Step 9: Review, Submit and Download Confirmation

Before final submission, review your entire application form carefully — personal details, academic records, uploaded documents, and payment status. Once satisfied, click Submit. Download and print the Confirmation Page immediately. This serves as your official proof of application for IGNOU Admission 2026.

IGNOU Admission 2026 – ODL Mode vs Online Mode: Which Should You Choose?

Starting from the 2024-25 session, IGNOU offers many programmes in two separate modes. Understanding the difference is important before applying.

Parameter	ODL (Open Distance Learning) Mode	Online Mode
Study Material	Printed books sent to your address + eGyankosh access	Fully digital — accessible through IGNOU Online portal
Counselling Sessions	In-person at allotted Study Centre	Online via video conferencing tools
Assignments	Submit at Study Centre or upload online	Submit entirely online
Examinations	In-person at designated exam centres	In-person at designated exam centres
Portal for Application	ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in	ignouiop.samarth.edu.in
Fee	Generally lower	Generally higher
Best For	Students who prefer printed material and in-person support	Tech-savvy learners, working professionals who want full online flexibility

Both modes lead to the same UGC-recognised degree. The choice depends on your personal preference for learning style and accessibility.

IGNOU Admission 2026 – Selection Process

IGNOU does not follow the conventional competitive entrance-based admission system for most programmes. Here is how selection works:

For Most UG Programmes (BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BSW, BLIS)

Admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis through the open admission policy. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and apply before the deadline, you will be admitted. There is no entrance exam and no merit cutoff.

For Most PG Programmes (MA, MCom, MSc, MCA, MSW, MLIS)

Admission is merit-based, determined by your graduation marks. When applications exceed available seats, students with higher graduation percentages are given priority. No entrance examination is required.

For MBA Programme

MBA admission requires a valid OPENMAT (Open Management Aptitude Test) score. IGNOU conducts OPENMAT periodically, and students must register separately for this test. Candidates with valid scores from CAT, MAT, CMAT, or GMAT may also be considered eligible — always verify from the current programme guide.

For B.Ed and M.Ed

These programmes require a separate entrance test conducted by IGNOU. Admission is based on entrance test performance plus academic qualifications.

For Ph.D. Programme

Ph.D. admission involves a written entrance test followed by a personal interview/viva voce. Only shortlisted candidates are called for the interview.

How to Check IGNOU Admission 2026 Status

After submitting your application, you can track the status online. Here is how:

Visit the IGNOU admission status page at isms.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/AdmissionStatusNew.ASP
Enter your Enrollment Number (received after application approval)
Select your Programme Code from the dropdown menu
Complete the image verification (CAPTCHA)
Click Submit to view your current admission status

Your status will show as “Confirmed,” “Under Process,” or “Pending Document Verification.” If your status remains pending for more than 30 days, contact your allotted Regional Centre or write to the IGNOU helpdesk.

IGNOU Admission 2026 – APAAR / ABC ID: New Mandatory Requirement

Starting from the 2025-26 session, IGNOU has made it mandatory for all fresh admission applicants to create an APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry), previously known as the ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits). This is a central Government of India initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

How to Create Your APAAR / ABC ID

Visit digilocker.gov.in or download the DigiLocker app
Register or log in using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
Navigate to the ABC / APAAR section
Complete the registration by entering your academic details
Your APAAR ID will be generated — note it down and link it during IGNOU admission

This ID maintains a lifelong digital record of your academic credits across all institutions. It is now a mandatory field in the IGNOU admission form for the July 2026 session.

IGNOU Admission 2026 – Scholarships and Fee Concessions

Several scholarship schemes are available for students taking admission in IGNOU:

Government of India Scholarships — SC/ST students enrolled at IGNOU can apply for central and state government scholarship schemes through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
SC/ST Fee Exemption — IGNOU exempts tuition fees for SC and ST category students (admission and development fees still apply)
BPL Fee Concession — students from Below Poverty Line families can avail reduced fees by submitting a valid BPL certificate
Ex-Servicemen Benefits — special fee concessions may apply for ex-defence personnel and war widows
State-Specific Scholarships — many state governments offer additional scholarships for ODL students; check your state education department’s website

IGNOU Admission 2026 Fee Refund and Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your admission after applying, IGNOU follows a structured refund policy aligned with UGC guidelines:

Condition	Refund Policy
Cancellation before admission confirmation	100% refund of deposited fee (application fee is non-refundable)
Cancellation after admission confirmation	Refund after deducting 15% of the course fee (penalty will not exceed ₹2,000)
Cancellation after 60 days from last date of admission	No refund

How to Apply for a Fee Refund

Send an email to canceladms@ignou.ac.in from your IGNOU-registered email address. Include your enrollment number, programme code, and reason for cancellation. IGNOU will process the refund to your original payment source.

IGNOU Regional Centres – How to Choose the Right One

During IGNOU Admission 2026, you will be asked to select a Regional Centre (RC) and a Study Centre (SC). This is an important decision because:

Your assignment submissions will be handled by your Study Centre
Counselling sessions (for ODL mode) will be conducted at or near your Study Centre
Your Term-End Examination (TEE) centre will be allocated based on your Regional Centre
Any administrative queries will be handled by your Regional Centre

How to select: Choose the Regional Centre closest to your current residential address. IGNOU has 67 Regional Centres across India covering all states and union territories. You can find the complete list with addresses at ignou.ac.in under the “Regional Centres” section.

IGNOU Re-Registration 2026 – For Existing Students

If you are already an enrolled IGNOU student entering your second year or next semester, you do not need to go through the fresh admission process. Instead, you need to complete re-registration.

Re-Registration Portal: ignou.samarth.edu.in (same portal, different section)
Last Date for July 2026 Re-Registration: 30 June 2026
Re-Registration Fee: Approximately ₹200 (development fee) + programme-specific fee for the next year/semester
Late Fee: ₹200 extra if applied after the deadline

Failing to re-register on time can result in a gap year and delayed completion of your programme.

Is IGNOU Degree Valid? Recognition and Acceptance

One of the most common concerns among prospective students is whether IGNOU degrees are genuinely valid. The answer is a clear yes:

IGNOU is a Central University established by an Act of Parliament
All programmes are approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
IGNOU has been accredited with Grade A++ by NAAC
Degrees are recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB)
IGNOU degrees are accepted for all government jobs, including UPSC Civil Services, SSC, state PSC exams, banking exams, and railway recruitment
IGNOU degrees are valid for higher education at Indian and many international universities
Courts, including the Supreme Court of India, have upheld the validity of IGNOU degrees at par with regular university degrees

Tips for a Successful IGNOU Admission 2026 Application

Based on common issues reported by past applicants, here are practical tips to ensure a smooth admission experience:

Apply early in June. Do not wait until mid-July — the portal crashes frequently in the last few days due to heavy traffic
Prepare all documents beforehand. Scan every document in the correct format and size before starting the form
Use a laptop or desktop for the application, not a mobile phone. The portal works more reliably on a larger screen
Create your APAAR ID first. This is now a mandatory field. If you do not have it, you cannot proceed with the form
Save your login credentials securely. You will need them later for re-registration, assignment submissions, and exam forms
Keep your payment receipt safe. If there is a payment failure, you will need the transaction reference number for dispute resolution
Choose your Regional Centre carefully. Changing your RC after admission is possible but involves a lengthy process

Verify your name spelling. It must match your Class 10 certificate exactly. Discrepancies can cause problems during degree issuance

Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU Admission 2026

Q1. What is the last date for IGNOU Admission 2026 July session?

Ans. The last date to apply for IGNOU Admission 2026 July session without late fee is 15 July 2026. A late submission window with an additional fee may be announced by IGNOU — check ignou.ac.in for updates. However, it is strongly recommended to apply before the original deadline.

Q2. Is there any entrance exam required for IGNOU Admission 2026?

Ans. No entrance exam is required for most undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes. The major exceptions are the MBA programme (which requires OPENMAT), B.Ed and M.Ed (which have separate entrance tests), and the Ph.D. programme (which requires a written test and interview).

Q3. Can I take admission in IGNOU after a gap of several years?

Ans. Yes. IGNOU has no upper age limit and welcomes students who are returning to education after a gap. Whether you passed Class 12 five years ago or twenty years ago, you can apply as long as you meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Q4. Are IGNOU degrees valid for government jobs and UPSC?

Ans. Yes. All IGNOU degrees are fully recognised by UGC, AIU, and DEB. They are accepted for all government jobs, UPSC Civil Services, SSC, state public service commissions, banking exams, and higher education admissions.

Q5. What is the fee for IGNOU BA programme in 2026?

Ans. The BA (General) programme fee at IGNOU is approximately ₹4,800 per year, making the total 3-year cost around ₹14,400. BA Honours programmes cost approximately ₹5,300 per year. SC/ST and BPL category students are eligible for fee concessions.

Q6. Can I pursue two courses simultaneously at IGNOU?

Ans. Yes, IGNOU allows students to pursue two programmes simultaneously provided one is a certificate or diploma-level programme and the other is a degree-level programme. Both programmes should not have conflicting exam schedules.

Q7. How will I receive study material after IGNOU Admission 2026?

Ans. For ODL mode, IGNOU dispatches printed study material to your registered address. All study material is also available digitally on eGyankosh (egyankosh.ac.in). For Online mode, study material is provided entirely through the IGNOU Online portal.

Q8. What is the APAAR / ABC ID, and is it mandatory for IGNOU Admission 2026?

Ans. APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is a unique academic identity created through DigiLocker under the National Education Policy 2020. It is now mandatory for all fresh admissions at IGNOU. You must create it before starting your application.

Q9. Can international students apply for IGNOU Admission 2026?

Ans. Yes. IGNOU operates through overseas study centres in multiple countries. International students can apply online through ignou.ac.in. The application process is the same, but programme fees for international students differ from domestic fees.

Q10. What is the difference between ODL and Online mode at IGNOU?

Ans. ODL (Open Distance Learning) includes printed study material, in-person counselling at study centres, and a lower fee structure. Online mode is fully digital — study material, counselling, and assignment submissions are all online. Both modes result in the same UGC-recognised degree. The application portals are different: ODL uses ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, while Online mode uses ignouiop.samarth.edu.in.

Q11. How do I check my IGNOU Admission 2026 status?

Visit isms.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/AdmissionStatusNew.ASP, enter your enrollment number, select your programme code, complete the CAPTCHA, and click Submit. Your current admission status will be displayed.

Q12. What happens if I miss the IGNOU Admission 2026 last date?

If you miss the 15 July 2026 deadline, you may get a brief extended window with a late fee (typically ₹200). If you miss the extended deadline as well, you will have to wait for the January 2027 session to apply again — a gap of approximately six months.