IGNOU Duplicate ID Card Download Process

The IGNOU identity card is essential for every student enrolled at Indira Gandhi National Open University. It is necessary for taking exams, submitting assignments, attending practicals, and visiting study centres. Unfortunately, many students lose their ID cards, encounter problems while downloading them, or never receive them after admission confirmation. This can cause anxiety, especially during exam periods.

This guide explains the IGNOU duplicate ID card download process, eligibility, official links, common problems, and step-by-step solutions using only official IGNOU platforms.

What Is IGNOU ID Card and Why Is It Important?

The IGNOU ID card is an official student identity document issued after admission confirmation. It includes:

Student name
Enrollment number
Program code
Photograph
Regional centre details

The ID card is required for:

Term End Examinations
Assignment submission
Practical exams and viva
Study centre visits
Library access
Identity verification

Without a valid ID card, students may be denied entry to examination halls or practical sessions.

Who Needs a Duplicate IGNOU ID Card?

Students usually require a duplicate ID card in the following situations:

Original ID card lost or misplaced
ID card damaged or unreadable
ID card not downloaded earlier
Technical error during original download
Re-admission or program continuation
Old ID card details not updated

IGNOU allows students to re-download or apply for a duplicate ID card through official portals.

Official IGNOU Portal for ID Card Download

IGNOU provides online access to download the student ID card once admission is confirmed.

Official IGNOU Admission Portal:
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/

Student Service Information Page:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/pages/65

Only students with confirmed admission status can download the ID card.

Eligibility for Downloading IGNOU Duplicate ID Card

You can download or re-download the ID card if:

Your admission status shows Confirmed
Enrollment number has been generated
Fee payment is successfully updated
Documents are verified

If admission is still under process, the ID card option may not appear.

How to Download IGNOU Duplicate ID Card Online

Follow these official steps carefully:

Visit https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/
Click on Login
Enter your registered email ID and password
Go to Dashboard
Look for ID Card / Student ID Card option
Click Download
Save and print the PDF

The downloaded ID card is considered official and valid.

What to Do If ID Card Download Option Is Not Visible

Many students face this issue even after admission confirmation.

Possible reasons include:

Admission recently approved
Enrollment number not synced
Server update delay

Solution:

Wait 3 to 7 working days
Clear browser cache and log in again
Try using a different browser
Check the portal during non-peak hours

If the issue persists, contact IGNOU support.

What If You Forgot IGNOU Login Password?

Without login credentials, downloading the ID card is not possible.

Solution:

Use the Forgot Password option on the portal
Enter your registered email ID
Reset password using the email link

Portal link:
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/

Always use the same email ID you used during admission.

IGNOU Duplicate ID Card for Old Students

Students admitted in earlier sessions may not find their ID card on the Samarth portal.

In such cases:

Contact your Regional Centre
Submit a request for a duplicate ID card
Provide your enrollment number and ID proof

Regional Centre directory:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/pages/61

IGNOU Duplicate ID Card Through Regional Centre

If online download is not possible, regional centres can issue duplicate ID cards.

Required documents include:

Application letter
Copy of enrollment number
Identity proof
FIR or affidavit (if lost, in some cases)

Regional centre verification is mandatory for manual issuance.

Is There Any Fee for IGNOU Duplicate ID Card?

For online re-download, there is no fee.

For manual duplicate ID card issuance, some regional centres may ask for a small fee or affidavit. This varies by region and situation.

Students should confirm directly with their regional centre.

Can You Appear in Exams Without IGNOU ID Card?

IGNOU clearly states that the ID card is necessary for examinations.

However, in emergency cases:

Admission confirmation proof
Enrollment number slip
Exam hall ticket

may be accepted temporarily, but this depends on the exam centre’s superintendent.

To avoid risk, always carry a printed ID card.

IGNOU ID Card for Re-Admission Students

Students who apply for re-admission usually keep the same enrollment number.

In most cases:

Old ID card remains valid
Fresh download may still be required

Re-admission details:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/pages/66

Common Problems While Downloading IGNOU Duplicate ID Card

Below are common issues students face:

ID card link not working
Blank PDF downloaded
Photo not visible
Wrong program details
Portal showing error

Most issues are temporary and resolve automatically after server updates.

How to Contact IGNOU for ID Card Issues

If problems persist, contact IGNOU through official channels.

Student Service Centre:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/pages/9

Email:
ssc@ignou.ac.in

Grievance Portal:
https://igram.ignou.ac.in/

When raising a complaint, mention:

Enrollment number
Admission session
Program name
Screenshot of the issue

Best Time to Raise ID Card Complaints

To get a faster resolution:

Raise complaints during working days
Avoid the last week of exams
Follow up after 7 working days

Avoid sending multiple complaints for the same issue.

Tips to Keep IGNOU ID Card Safe

Save a PDF copy on your phone and email
Keep multiple printed copies
Laminate the printed ID card
Avoid overwriting or damaging it

A clear ID card helps avoid unnecessary problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About IGNOU Duplicate ID Card

Can I download the ID card multiple times?
Yes, you can download the ID card online anytime after confirmation.

Is a digital ID card valid?
Yes, a printed digital ID card is officially accepted.

What if my photo is missing?
Contact the regional centre for a correction.

Can the study centre issue an ID card?
No, only the IGNOU portal or regional centre can issue an ID card.

Difference Between IGNOU ID Card and Hall Ticket

IGNOU ID Card:

Permanent document
Valid for the entire program

Hall Ticket:

Issued for each exam
Valid only for that exam session

Both documents are necessary for exams.

Conclusion

The IGNOU duplicate ID card download process is straightforward if students use the correct official portals and follow the right steps. Most issues arise from login problems, server delays, or incomplete admission verification. By regularly checking the admission portal, keeping login details secure, and contacting IGNOU through official channels when necessary, students can obtain their ID cards without stress.

Students should never rely on unofficial websites or agents and must always use official IGNOU platforms for ID card-related services.

Important official links to remember:

Admission Portal:
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/

Student Services:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/pages/65

Grievance Portal:
https://igram.ignou.ac.in/

Regional Centre Directory:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/pages/61

IGNOU Duplicate ID Card Download Process