Obtaining your Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) student identity card is a crucial step in your academic journey, as it serves as official proof of your enrollment and grants you access to various university facilities and services. The process to acquire this ID card is straightforward and can be completed online. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Confirm Your Admissionj
Before proceeding to download your ID card, ensure that your admission to IGNOU has been officially confirmed. You should have received a confirmation email or message from the university indicating that your enrollment has been accepted. This confirmation is typically sent after the university has verified all your submitted documents and processed your admission fee.
Step 2: Access the IGNOU Student Portal
Once your admission is confirmed, you need to access the IGNOU Student Portal to download your ID card. Follow these steps:
-
Visit the Official IGNOU Website:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official IGNOU website: ignou.ac.in.
-
Navigate to the Student Portal:
- On the homepage, look for the "Student Zone" or "Student Support" section.
- Click on the link that directs you to the "Student Portal" or "Online Admission Portal."
Step 3: Log into Your Student Account
To access your student account, you will need your enrollment number and the password you created during the admission process.
-
Enter Your Credentials:
- In the login fields, input your enrollment number.
- Enter your password. If you have forgotten your password, there is usually a "Forgot Password" option to help you reset it.
-
Security Verification:
- Complete any CAPTCHA or security verification steps as prompted.
-
Login:
- Click on the "Login" button to access your student dashboard.
Step 4: Download Your ID Card
Once logged in, you can proceed to download your ID card.
-
Locate the ID Card Section:
- In your student dashboard, find the "Services" or "Downloads" section.
- Click on the option labeled "ID Card" or "Download ID Card."
-
Download the ID Card:
- A PDF file of your ID card will be generated.
- Click on the download link to save the PDF to your device.
Step 5: Accessing the Downloaded ID Card
The ID card PDF is typically password-protected to ensure security.
-
Open the PDF File:
- Use a PDF reader to open the downloaded file.
-
Enter the Password:
- The default password is YOUR ENROLLMENT NUMBER
- Input your enrollment number when prompted to view the ID card.
Step 6: Print and Laminate the ID Card
While the digital copy of your ID card is valid, it's advisable to have a physical copy for convenience.
-
Print the ID Card:
- Use a high-quality printer to print the ID card on durable paper.
-
Laminate the Printed ID Card:
- Laminating the card will protect it from wear and tear, ensuring its longevity.
Important Considerations:
-
Verification of Details:
- After downloading, carefully verify all the details on your ID card, including your name, course, session, and photograph. If you notice any discrepancies, contact your regional center immediately to have them corrected before your first term-end examination.
-
Usage of the ID Card:
- Your IGNOU ID card is mandatory for various activities, including:
- Submitting assignments at study or regional centers.
- Appearing for term-end and practical examinations.
- Accessing counseling sessions and practical classes.
- Attending IGNOU events like convocations and job fairs.
-
In Case of Loss or Damage:
- If you lose or damage your ID card, you can request a duplicate by visiting your regional center. You may need to provide a written application, a copy of an FIR in case of loss, and a nominal fee for reissuance.
Troubleshooting Tips:
-
Forgotten Username or Password:
- If you've forgotten your login credentials, use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" options on the login page. You'll need to provide your registered email address or mobile number to reset your credentials.
-
Technical Issues:
- If you encounter technical difficulties while downloading the ID card, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. If problems persist, contact IGNOU's student support services for assistance.
-
Admission Not Confirmed:
- If your admission hasn't been confirmed yet, ensure that all required documents have been submitted correctly and that the admission fee has been paid. You can check your admission status through the IGNOU admission portal or by contacting your regional center.
By following these steps diligently, you can successfully obtain your IGNOU student identity card