IGNOU Extends Registration Deadline for BEd, BSc Nursing & PGDRPC Entrance Exams 2026: New Date, Exam Schedule, Application Process & Key Details
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced an important update for students preparing for its upcoming entrance examinations. The university has extended the registration deadline for the entrance tests of BEd, BSc Nursing (Post Basic), and Post Graduate Diploma in Rural and Plantation Management (PGDRPC) programmes.
As per the latest official notification, candidates now have additional time to complete their online applications. The entrance examination for all three programmes is scheduled to be conducted on March 29, 2026, giving applicants a clear timeline to prepare and submit their forms without last-minute pressure.
This detailed guide explains the revised deadline, programme details, application process, official references, and important instructions students should follow.
IGNOU Entrance Exam 2026: Key Highlights
Here is a quick overview of the latest update:
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University: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
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Programmes Covered: BEd, BSc Nursing (Post Basic), PGDRPC
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Revised Application Deadline: March 10, 2026 (up to 6 PM)
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Entrance Exam Date: March 29, 2026
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Application Mode: Online
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Official Website: ignou.ac.in
Students are advised to complete their application process well before the deadline to avoid technical issues or heavy website traffic near the closing date.
Official Update and Its Importance
The deadline extension has been issued by IGNOU’s Student Evaluation Division (Exam-II). Such extensions are generally provided to ensure that all eligible candidates get sufficient time to complete their applications accurately.
For many learners, especially working professionals and distance education students, IGNOU offers flexible learning opportunities. Extending the registration period helps students arrange documents, review eligibility, and submit forms without unnecessary stress.
Important Dates for IGNOU Entrance Exams 2026
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Event |
Date |
|
Revised Registration Deadline |
March 10, 2026 (6 PM) |
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Entrance Examination Date |
March 29, 2026 |
|
Application Mode |
Online |
Candidates should keep these dates in mind and avoid waiting until the final day to apply.
Programmes Included in the Entrance Test
BEd (Bachelor of Education)
The IGNOU BEd programme is designed for candidates who want to build a professional career in teaching and education. The course focuses on teaching methods, educational psychology, curriculum planning, and classroom management.
This programme is suitable for:
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Aspiring school teachers
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Working educators seeking formal qualification
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Candidates interested in academic and training careers
BSc Nursing (Post Basic)
The Post Basic BSc Nursing programme is intended for nursing professionals who want to upgrade their qualifications and expand career opportunities in healthcare.
Key focus areas include:
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Advanced nursing practices
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Healthcare administration
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Community health services
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Patient care and clinical skills
Because of the professional nature of the course, admission is based on an entrance examination to ensure academic readiness.
PGDRPC (Post Graduate Diploma in Rural and Plantation Management)
This programme is aimed at students and professionals interested in rural development, plantation management, and sustainable agricultural systems.
It is especially useful for:
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Development sector professionals
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Rural management aspirants
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Candidates working in agriculture or plantation industries
How to Apply for IGNOU Entrance Exam 2026
The application process is fully online. Candidates should follow the steps carefully to avoid errors.
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Visit the official IGNOU website at ignou.ac.in.
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Open the entrance exam application section.
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Select the programme you want to apply for.
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Register with basic personal details.
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Fill in academic and contact information.
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Upload required documents in the correct format.
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Pay the application fee online.
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Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Before submitting, check all entered information carefully, as corrections may not be allowed later.
Important Tips Before Final Submission
Students often make small mistakes during online applications. Keeping the following points in mind can help avoid problems later:
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Use an active email address and phone number.
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Upload clear and properly scanned documents.
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Ensure name and date of birth match official records.
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Submit the form early to avoid server slowdowns.
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Save the application confirmation for future reference.
IGNOU Admissions Also Open for UG and PG Programmes
Along with the entrance exam update, IGNOU has opened admissions for several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the January 2026 session through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes.
Popular Undergraduate Courses
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BA
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BBA
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BCom
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BCA
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BSc
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BSW
Postgraduate Programmes
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MBA
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MA (various specialisations)
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MCA
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MCom
Students looking for full admission details can also refer to this detailed guide:
https://www.gyaanpost.com/news/ignou-registration-2026-apply-online-dates-eligibility
Why IGNOU Remains a Popular Choice for Students
IGNOU has built a strong reputation for offering flexible and accessible higher education across India. Its system is designed to support learners who cannot attend regular classroom programmes.
Key Advantages of IGNOU
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Nationwide network of learner support centres
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Flexible study schedules for working professionals
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Affordable fee structure
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Digital learning resources and e-content
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Recognised degrees and diplomas
The university’s ODL system allows students to continue education regardless of location or work commitments.
Relevant Internal Resources for Students
Students planning academic or professional growth may find these resources helpful:
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https://www.gyaanpost.com/news/how-students-can-stand-out-in-placement-interviews-practical-guide
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https://www.gyaanpost.com/it-job/no-ai-no-job-why-recruiters-now-expect-ai-skills-in-hiring
These articles provide additional context related to education trends, career preparation, and exam updates.
Official External References
For accurate and verified information, always rely on official platforms:
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IGNOU Official Website: https://www.ignou.ac.in
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IGNOU Admission Portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
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Ministry of Education, Government of India: https://www.education.gov.in
Using official sources helps students avoid misinformation and ensures trustworthiness.
Final Words
The extension of the IGNOU entrance exam registration deadline gives candidates valuable extra time to complete their applications carefully. Whether you are applying for BEd, BSc Nursing, or PGDRPC, submitting the form early and following official instructions will help avoid unnecessary issues.
Candidates should keep track of official updates, prepare for the entrance exam in advance, and ensure that all application details are accurate. With proper planning, this opportunity can become an important step toward academic and professional growth.
