The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has set 30th September 2026 as the official deadline for submitting the online examination form for the December 2026 Term End Examination (TEE) without a late fee. As thousands of distance learners approach this timeline, student discussions are focused on whether the university will grant an extension for exam fee submission without imposing extra financial penalties.
Understanding these official timelines is essential for students seeking to avoid the ₹1,100 late fee charge. Based on historical data from previous examination cycles, IGNOU frequently extends the last date without late fees into October. This guide breaks down the expected date extension trends, fee structures, assignment submission schedules, and step-by-step submission procedures.
IGNOU Exam Form 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Official Details |
|---|---|
| University Name | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Exam Cycle | December 2026 Term End Examination (TEE) |
| Previous Last Date | 30th September 2026 |
| Extension (Without Late Fee) | October 7, 2026 |
| Theory Exam Fee | ₹200 per course |
| Late Fee Amount | ₹1,100 (from 1st October onwards if not extended) |
| Assignment Submission Last Date | Expected to extend up to 31st October 2026 |
| Official Portal | ignou.ac.in / exam.ignou.ac.in |
| Current Status | Active / Official Notice Expected |
Latest Update: IGNOU December 2026 Exam Form Status
As per the current schedule on the official portal, students can fill out their December 2026 exam form without a late fee until 7th October 2026. Under standard regulations, missing this date shifts candidates into the late fee window, which incurs an additional ₹1,100 penalty.
Historical Proof: Previous Session Extension Trends
A close analysis of IGNOU’s official notification records across preceding TEE cycles shows a consistent pattern of extending last dates without late fees:
- December 2025 Cycle: The initial last date without late fee was 6th October 2025. IGNOU issued an official notice extending the date by 14 days to 20th October, followed by a second extension notice on 18th October that pushed the deadline without late fee to 26th October 2025.
- December 2024 Cycle: The regular submission window was originally open until 15th October 2024. On 14th October, IGNOU released a notification extending the deadline to 20th October, and subsequently extended it again to 27th October 2024 without late fee.
Because IGNOU historically releases extension notifications 1 to 2 days prior to deadline expiry, a similar 5-to-10 day extension is expected for the December 2026 session.
Also Check: IGNOU Exam Form Big Change December 2026: Check Now
Examination Fee Structure & Late Fee Rules
Students must understand the exact fee breakdown required when filling out the online examination portal:
- Theory Courses: ₹200 per subject / course.
- Practical / Lab Courses: Variable course fee as applicable per credit weightage.
- Late Fee Slab: ₹1,100 flat late fee applied if submitted during the late submission window (1st October to 15th October 2026).
Important Note: Students who have already completed their exam form fee submission should retain their digital transaction receipt and control number. Fee payments once processed are non-refundable.
IGNOU Assignment Submission Last Date 2026
Alongside the exam form, assignment submission deadlines represent a major area of concern for enrolled students:
- Current Deadline: Officially listed as 30th September 2026.
- Expected Extension: IGNOU routinely extends assignment submission dates up to 31st October 2026.
- Action Plan for Students: Submit your online exam form first to register your courses, then complete and submit your handwritten assignment hard copies or PDFs at your assigned Study Centre.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill IGNOU Exam Form Online
Follow these steps to submit your examination fee on the official IGNOU portal:
- Visit Official Website: Go to the official exam portal at
ignou.ac.in. - Read Instructions: Check the prerequisites regarding course registration validity and minimum attendance rules.
- Enter Credentials: Input your Enrollment Number, select your Program Code, and choose your Regional Centre region.
- Select Exam Centres & Subjects: Choose your preferred examination city and check the boxes for all theory and practical courses you intend to appear for.
- Pay Examination Fee: Select your preferred online payment gateway (Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking) and complete the ₹200 per paper payment.
- Save Control Number: Download and print the auto-generated payment acknowledgement receipt containing your unique Control Number.
Conclusion
In summary, while the current official deadline for submitting the December 2026 exam form without a late fee is 7th October 2026. Similarly, assignment submission deadlines are expected to remain open until 31st October 2026. Students should monitor the official portal at ignou.ac.in and complete their fee submission at the earliest to secure their preferred exam center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the IGNOU exam form last date extended for December 2026?
A: Yes and the new last date without a late fee is October 7, 2026.
Q2: What is the late fee for the IGNOU December 2026 exam form?
A: If submitted after the regular deadline, IGNOU charges a flat late fee of ₹1,100 in addition to the standard course fee of ₹200 per theory paper.
Q3: What is the last date for IGNOU assignment submission for the December 2026 TEE?
A: The current assignment submission deadline is 30th September 2026, but it is routinely extended up to 31st October 2026 across all study centres.
Q4: Where can I submit the IGNOU online examination form?
A: Students must fill out and submit their exam form online through the official portal at ignou.ac.in