Documents Required for IGNOU Admission (2025 Updated Guide)
Are you planning to take admission in Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)? Whether you are applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma, or Certificate course, submitting the right documents is crucial for a successful application.
In this guide, we’ll cover the complete list of documents required for IGNOU admission — both for Indian and international students, including the format, size, and upload instructions.
📌 Why Are Documents Important?
Your uploaded documents are used to:
- Verify your educational qualification
- Confirm your identity and age
- Validate category/benefits (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Kashmiri migrants etc.)
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria of the selected course
📁 List of Documents Required for IGNOU Admission (General Category)
Here are the documents every applicant must keep ready before filling the online application form on https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in:
1. 🧑🎓 Passport Size Photograph
- Recent color photo in JPEG/JPG format
- Size: Less than 100 KB
2. ✍️ Signature
- Scanned copy of your own signature
- Size: Less than 100 KB
3. 🏫 10th Class Certificate
- Proof of date of birth
- Size: Less than 200 KB
4. 📜 Educational Qualification Certificates
- 10th, 12th, Graduation, or Post-Graduation certificates (as per course requirement)
- Format: PDF or JPEG
- Size: Less than 200 KB each
5. 🆔 Aadhar Card / Any Govt. ID
- Proof of identity and address
- Size: Less than 200 KB
🎯 Additional Documents (As Applicable)
If you belong to a reserved category or are claiming fee exemptions, you must upload the following:
6. 🧾 Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL)
- Must be issued by a competent authority
- Format: PDF
- Size: Less than 200 KB
7. 🧑🦽 Disability Certificate (PwD Candidates)
- Valid disability proof (minimum 40%)
- Format: PDF
- Size: Less than 200 KB
8. 🧳 Income Certificate (For Fee Exemption)
- Only applicable for eligible SC/ST students
- Issued by: Tehsildar / District Magistrate or authorized officer
- Size: Less than 200 KB
9. 🕊️ Kashmiri Migrant Certificate (If applicable)
- For those applying under the Kashmiri Migrant quota
- Issued by: Relevant government authority
🌍 For International Students
International learners need to provide:
- Passport copy (valid)
- Valid visa (if applicable)
- Academic equivalence certificates (if required)
- Residential proof (local address)
📌 Admission for international students is processed via: https://international.ignouonline.ac.in
💡 Important Instructions for Uploading
- Only JPEG, JPG, or PDF formats are accepted
- Ensure documents are clear and readable
- File size limits:
- Photo/Signature: < 100 KB
- Certificates: < 200 KB
- Do not upload blurred, cropped, or rotated documents
- Keep all scanned documents ready before starting the application
🔁 Can You Edit or Upload Documents Later?
Yes, if your documents were rejected, IGNOU gives a chance to re-upload them via the Samarth portal. Make sure to check your email and portal dashboard for updates.
🧾 Sample Document Checklist (For BA/MA Applicants)
| Document Type | Required By Everyone | Only If Applicable |
| Photograph | ✅ | |
| Signature | ✅ | |
| 10th Marksheet | ✅ | |
| 12th Marksheet | ✅ (UG Programs) | |
| Graduation Certificate | ✅ (PG Programs) | |
| Aadhar or Govt. ID | ✅ | |
| Caste/Income Certificate | ✅ (If claiming benefit) | |
| Disability Certificate | ✅ (If PwD) |
🧠 Final Tips
- Double-check the program eligibility before applying
- Rename files clearly before uploading (e.g., “10thMarksheet.pdf”)
- Ensure scanned documents are not password protected
- Submit your form before the last date
🔚 Conclusion
Preparing your documents properly is the first step to a hassle-free IGNOU admission. Follow the latest guidelines, keep digital copies ready, and upload them carefully on the official portal.
Need help or updates? Bookmark our site for step-by-step IGNOU support, admission tips, and student guides!
