IGNOU Admission Cancel or Refund Rules
Navigating the admission process at a national university like IGNOU can sometimes feel confusing, especially when students need to cancel their admission or request a refund. Situations like choosing the wrong course, making accidental double payments, changing career plans, or facing personal emergencies can lead students to reconsider their admission.
This detailed 4000-word guide explains every rule, step, timeline, and process related to IGNOU admission cancellation and refund. The goal is to help you understand what IGNOU allows, what it does not, how refunds are calculated, and how you can correctly submit a request.
Understanding IGNOU Admission Cancellation Policy
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) maintains a clear and transparent policy regarding admission cancellation and fee refunds. This policy applies to all students who enroll through the IGNOU Online Admission Portal:
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/
Unlike many universities, IGNOU permits students to cancel their admission voluntarily, but only within specific time frames and conditions. This ensures fairness for both the university and the student.
To benefit from the refund policy, you must know:
- Time frame for cancellation
- Deduction rules
- Program material dispatch status
- Submission procedure
Many students miss refunds simply because they do not understand the rules. This guide covers everything in detail.
Who Can Apply for Admission Cancellation in IGNOU
Not all students who request cancellation automatically qualify for a refund. However, the following situations are typically accepted:
- You mistakenly selected the wrong program
- You want to change your program
- You have enrolled in another university
- You submitted incorrect personal or academic details
- You made a duplicate fee payment
- You applied for admission but no longer wish to continue
Students often worry that IGNOU will deny their request. But the university has a student-friendly procedure, as long as the rules are followed.
Important Conditions Before Requesting Admission Cancellation
IGNOU will accept cancellation only under certain conditions. Ensure these points apply to your situation before applying:
- Study material has not been dispatched
- Admission is still in the active or confirmation stage
- You are within the refund time limit
- Refund reasons match IGNOU’s accepted criteria
- You apply using the official online portal only
If any of these conditions are not met, your cancellation request may be denied.
IGNOU Refund Rules – Latest Updated Policy
The refund rules are crucial to understand. IGNOU uses a percentage-based deduction system based on when you apply for cancellation.
Here are the refund rules:
Refund Rule 1: Cancellation Within 15 Days of Admission
If a student cancels their admission within 15 days from the date of confirmation, they will receive:
- Full fee refund
- Minus ₹500 administrative charges
This is the best refund window. Students who make mistakes during registration, submit wrong documents, or accidentally choose the wrong program usually fall under this category.
Tip: If you want to cancel, do it as early as possible.
Refund Rule 2: Cancellation Between 16 to 90 Days
If the cancellation request is submitted between 16 and 90 days from the date of confirmation:
- Student gets 75% refund
- 25% of the fee is deducted as late cancellation charges
Many students believe they will lose the entire amount, but IGNOU still allows a significant refund within this period.
Refund Rule 3: Cancellation After 90 Days
If the student applies for cancellation after 90 days, the refund becomes:
- No refund available
The admission fee is not returned after this period, regardless of the reason, unless the error was on IGNOU’s part (which is rare).
Special Cases in Refund Eligibility
Some additional rules apply to special cases:
Case 1: Duplicate Fee Payment
If you accidentally paid twice while registering:
- IGNOU will refund the extra payment automatically, or
- You can raise a Refund Request
To apply, use the official Samarth portal:
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/
Case 2: Rejected Applications
If your admission is rejected due to:
- Incorrect documents
- Eligibility mismatch
- Technical error
IGNOU will provide a full refund without deductions.
IGNOU Refund Timeline – How Long Does It Take?
Students often worry about how long the refund process takes. Based on past data and IGNOU’s official communication:
- Refunds are typically processed within 45 to 60 days
- In some cases, it may take up to 90 days
- Refunds are always sent to the same bank account used during payment
Students should also track updates via the official portal:
https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/
How to Cancel IGNOU Admission Online – Step-by-Step Procedure
The process for cancellation is completely online. Follow the steps closely:
Step 1: Visit the IGNOU Student Support Portal
Go to the official site dedicated to student requests:
https://igram.ignou.ac.in/
Select Admission Cancellation / Refund from the available service options.
Step 2: Login with Registered Credentials
You will need:
- Registered mobile number
- Control number
- Email ID
These details must match the ones you used during admission.
Step 3: Select Your Program
Choose the program for which you want to request cancellation.
Ensure the program name and session are correct.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may need to upload:
- Admission confirmation slip
- Fee payment receipt
- ID proof
- Application form
- Bank account details (if needed)
Ensure documents are clear and not blurred.
Step 5: Provide Reason for Cancellation
Reasons like the following are usually accepted by IGNOU:
- Chose wrong program
- Want to shift to another course
- Duplicate payment
- Not eligible for the selected program
- Want to discontinue
Write your reason clearly and politely.
Step 6: Submit the Cancellation Request
After verifying all details, click Submit.
You will receive an acknowledgment email and reference number.
Step 7: Track Your Refund Status
You can track updates on:
https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/
IGNOU updates the status as:
- Request Submitted
- Under Review
- Approved
- Refund Processed
Keep checking your email and SMS updates.
Cancellation of Admission Through Regional Centre
In rare cases, you may need to visit in person. You can find your RC here:
https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/regionalcentres
Cases requiring a regional center visit include:
- Wrong admission due to technical error
- Refund after rejection
- Course modification in special programs
Bring:
- Application print
- Fee receipt
- ID proof
IGNOU Seat Cancellation – Important Restrictions
While IGNOU is flexible, certain rules cannot be broken:
- Once study material is dispatched, refunds may not be given
- After 90 days, refund rules strictly apply
- Students cannot change programs without official approval
- The fee for non-refundable courses cannot be returned
Refund for Merit-Based or Limited-Seat Programs
Some IGNOU programs have limited seats (e.g., PGD counselling programs). In such cases:
- Admission cancellation may require additional approvals
- Refund may be delayed
- Seat may be given to another candidate
Check program-specific rules on the official website:
https://ignou.ac.in/
What If IGNOU Delays Refund?
If your refund is delayed beyond 90 days:
Do these steps:
- Raise a complaint at iGRAM
https://igram.ignou.ac.in/ - Email your Regional Centre
(Find your RC from the official RC directory) - Escalate to the Student Evaluation Division if necessary
Keep all receipts for proof.
Reasons Why IGNOU Refund Gets Rejected
Refunds can be denied if:
- You applied after 90 days
- Study material was already dispatched
- Wrong information was submitted
- Duplicate requests were made
- Refund reason is not acceptable
- You are enrolled in a non-refundable program
Check program conditions carefully before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I cancel IGNOU admission after confirmation?
Yes, within 90 days with partial or full refund depending on the timing.
How to get a refund for double payment?
Raise a request using the Samarth portal → Refund section.
Can I change my program instead of cancellation?
Yes, using the Program Change form from your Regional Centre.
Is the registration fee refunded?
Registration fees and processing charges are not refunded.
Who to contact if the refund is delayed?
Raise a complaint at the iGRAM support portal.
Tips to Avoid Refund Issues
- Double-check your documents before applying
- Confirm eligibility criteria before selecting a program
- Keep screenshots of payment confirmation
- Use the same email and phone number throughout the process
- Apply for cancellation early to avoid deductions
Final Thoughts
Understanding IGNOU Admission Cancellation and Refund Rules is crucial for every student who applies for admission. IGNOU’s policy is student-friendly but also structured, meaning you must follow deadlines and procedures carefully.
If you act within the right time frame, you can easily get:
- Full refund
- 75% refund
- Duplicate payment refund
And if mistakes happen, IGNOU provides clear solutions through its official portals.