When Will Printed Books Arrive for IGNOU Students?
One of the biggest questions new and continuing IGNOU students have after successful admission is:
“When will I receive my printed study material?”
This guide answers your question in detail, covering timelines, tracking methods, delivery process, alternatives, and what to do if books are delayed.
📚 Types of Study Materials Provided by IGNOU
IGNOU offers two formats of study material:
- Printed Books (Hard Copy)
- Sent via Indian Post (Registered Parcel)
- Available only if you opted for “Hard Copy” while filling the admission form
- Digital eGyankosh Material (Soft Copy)
- Available for free to all students
- Useful while waiting for printed books
🗓️ When Will Printed IGNOU Books Be Delivered?
📌 Timeline (Approximate):
| Admission Session | Book Dispatch Period |
| January Session | March – May |
| July Session | September – November |
⏳ Delivery usually starts 6–8 weeks after admission confirmation.
However, delays may occur due to:
- High volume of enrollments
- Regional postal issues
- Printing delays at IGNOU Material Production Centre
📮 How Are Books Dispatched?
- Dispatched via Registered Parcel (India Post)
- Usually comes in multiple bundles depending on your subject
- Delivered to the address mentioned during admission
📦 Books come with:
- Course-wise printed blocks
- Assignments (sometimes)
- Programme guide
🔎 How to Track Book Dispatch Status?
IGNOU provides a Book Dispatch Status Portal to track your parcel:
- Visit: https://egyankosh.ac.in/StudentSupport/bookstatus.aspx
- Enter your Enrollment Number and Program Code
- You will see:
- Dispatch Date
- Parcel Number (Consignment No.)
- List of books sent
🚚 You can use the India Post website to track your consignment:
🔗 https://www.indiapost.gov.in
🆘 Books Not Received? What You Can Do
If your books haven’t arrived after 2 months:
1. Contact MPDD (Material Production and Distribution Division):
- 📧 Email: mpdd@ignou.ac.in
- Mention:
- Enrollment Number
- Program Code
- Regional Centre
- Admission Session
2. Visit Your Regional Centre
- Carry your ID card and admission receipt
- Ask them to check dispatch records or issue a complaint
3. Submit Request Online (if applicable)
Some Regional Centres allow online book request forms on their website
🌐 What to Do While Waiting for Books
Waiting for printed books doesn’t mean you can’t study. Use these IGNOU digital platforms:
✅ 1. eGyankosh (Official Digital Library)
- Visit: https://egyankosh.ac.in
- Browse by:
- School → Programme → Course → Block → Download PDF
- All material is free and organized subject-wise
✅ 2. IGNOU e-Content App (Mobile App)
- Available on Android
- Lets you read/download content by course code
- Useful for on-the-go reading
✅ 3. YouTube Channels & Telegram Groups
- Many educators upload unit-wise explanations
- Join your program-specific Telegram groups for shared material
📌 FAQs on Printed Book Delivery
Q1. Is there any extra fee for printed books?
👉 No, printed books are free if you selected the “Hard Copy” option during admission.
Q2. I opted for soft copy by mistake. Can I still get printed books?
👉 No. If you selected digital books during admission, you won’t receive printed copies. You can only access eGyankosh.
Q3. Can I change my delivery address after admission?
👉 No. Books are dispatched to the address you filled during admission. For future sessions, update it during re-registration.
✅ Conclusion
Receiving your printed books is an important milestone in your IGNOU journey, but remember — even if there’s a delay, you can continue your studies without interruption using digital resources.
Stay patient, track your dispatch status, and take proactive steps if books are delayed. IGNOU has made plenty of digital alternatives available to keep your learning smooth and uninterrupted.
