How to Change IGNOU Study Centre / Regional Centre
Many IGNOU students want to change their Study Centre (SC) or Regional Centre (RC) due to moving, job transfers, incorrect allotment, or personal reasons. IGNOU allows both types of changes, but each process is different. This guide explains the steps, documents, eligibility, timelines, fees, and common mistakes to avoid.
Difference Between Study Centre Change & Regional Centre Change
Study Centre Change
Use this when you want to change your assignment submission centre, counselling centre, or academic support centre.
Regional Centre Change
This is necessary when you change your city/state or need to transfer your administrative control, study materials, exam centre region, and project approval region.
Reasons Students Change Their IGNOU Centre
Common reasons include:
- Moving to a new city/state
- Job transfer
- Marriage relocation
- Incorrect centre assigned during admission
- Better facilities or access
- No available counselling classes
- Inactive Study Centre
- Transitioning from an offline SC to an active SC
How to Change IGNOU Study Centre (Step-by-Step Process)
Changing the Study Centre is straightforward and usually takes 15 to 30 days after approval.
Step 1: Write an Application to Your Regional Centre
Your application must include:
- Name
- Enrollment number
- Program code
- Current Study Centre code
- New Study Centre code
- Reason for change
- Signature
- Contact details
Step 2: Attach Required Documents
Documents include:
- Copy of IGNOU ID card
- Admission confirmation slip
- Address proof (if applicable)
- Any supporting documents for your reason (optional)
Step 3: Submit Application to Regional Centre
You must physically submit or email it to your current RC, not the Study Centre.
Official RC Directory:
👉 https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/admrc
Step 4: Wait for Approval
The Regional Centre will check:
- Seat availability at the new Study Centre
- Program eligibility at the new centre
- Capacity of the Study Centre
Approval usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 5: Check Study Centre Change Status
You can check the status on the IGNOU student portal:
👉 https://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/AdmissionStatusNew.asp
How to Change IGNOU Regional Centre (Step-by-Step Process)
Changing the Regional Centre is a bigger administrative process because it affects your:
- Study Centre
- Course records
- Assignment records
- Exam region
- Project approvals
- Communication address
Step 1: Write a Formal Request to Your Current Regional Centre
Your request must include:
- Full name
- Enrollment number
- Program code
- Old RC code
- New RC code
- Updated address proof
- Reason for change
- Signature
Step 2: Attach Necessary Documents
Required documents:
- IGNOU ID card
- Admission receipt
- Address proof for your new location
- Transfer/relocation proof (optional)
Step 3: Submit the Request Through Email or Physical Visit
Each RC has an official email ID listed on the IGNOU site.
👉 https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/admrc
Step 4: Regional Centre Verification
The RC verifies:
- Address authenticity
- Program availability at the new RC
- Fees (if any)
- Assignment transfer records
- Pending study materials
Step 5: Approval & Update in Database
Once approved, your login details will show the new RC within 2 to 6 weeks.
Check your new RC details here:
👉 https://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/AdmissionStatusNew.asp
Important Points Before Requesting a Centre Change
Study Centre Availability
The SC must offer your program code.
RC Capability
Not all Regional Centres handle all IGNOU programs.
Pending Assignments
Submit assignments only to the new Study Centre after approval.
Exam Centre Not the Same as Study Centre
Changing the Study Centre does NOT automatically change your exam hall.
When Centre Change is Not Allowed
IGNOU may deny the request if:
- The new SC is full
- The program is not offered at the new RC
- The student has pending issues (rare)
- The student attempts to change RC during examination month
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I change Study Centre online?
No, IGNOU currently does not provide an online SC change form.
Can I change Regional Centre online?
Not directly. You must email or visit your current RC.
Is there any fee for Study Centre or RC change?
IGNOU typically does not charge a fee unless special cases arise.
Can I change RC during exams?
No, changing RC during TEE months is not permitted.
How long does it take?
- Study Centre change: 2 to 4 weeks
- Regional Centre change: 3 to 6 weeks
Conclusion
Changing your IGNOU Study Centre or Regional Centre is simple if you follow the proper process. Remember:
- Study Centre change = Academic support change
- Regional Centre change = Administrative control shift
Always contact your current RC and use official IGNOU links to avoid delays. With the right documents and a clear reason, approval usually goes smoothly.