How to Change IGNOU Study Centre? (Complete Guide)
Not happy with your current IGNOU study centre? Moved to a new city and unsure where to submit your assignments or attend sessions? You’re not alone.
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) assigns each student a study centre based on their location and chosen course. This centre acts as your academic base where you submit assignments, attend counselling sessions, take practical classes, and sometimes appear for exams.
But what if your study centre isn’t working out for you? This detailed guide walks you through why students change their IGNOU study centre, how to change IGNOU study centre online or offline, what documents you need, and how to track your request step by step. If you are interested, keep reading.
Related Article: List of IGNOU Regional and Study Centres in India & Overseas
Can You Change Your IGNOU Study Centre?
Yes, IGNOU does allow students to change their study centre, but only under valid situations. If a student has relocated, is facing issues at the current study centre, or finds another centre more convenient, they can apply for the change. However, the new study centre offers the same program that the student is enrolled in.
To change the study centre, you are required to get approval from both the current and new Regional Centres. Also, students should avoid submitting requests during assignment deadlines or examination periods, as changes may not be processed during these times.
Only those with an active admission status and ongoing courses are eligible to apply for a change of study centre. It is always recommended to check with your Regional Centre before proceeding.
5 Reasons Students Change IGNOU Study Centre
| Reason | Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|
| Relocation | Many students shift to a new city or state for work, family, or personal reasons. In such cases, the old study centre becomes inaccessible, and changing to a nearby one is necessary for smooth academic progress. |
| Non-Cooperative or Inactive Centre | Sometimes, the assigned study centre may not function properly due to a lack of regular counselling, poor communication, or delays in assignment handling. This pushes students to switch to a more active and helpful centre. |
| Health Issues | Students dealing with health problems may need a study centre that is closer to home or has better accessibility. Travelling long distances may not be feasible for them. |
| Better Facilities or Proximity | Some centres are better equipped with infrastructure, regular academic sessions, and staff availability. Students often prefer a centre that is not only nearer but also provides better academic support. |
| Change in Regional Centre | If a student relocates to a different state or region, their study centre may no longer fall under the jurisdiction of the new region. This requires selecting a study centre under the new regional centre. |
How to Change IGNOU Study Centre?
Wondering how actually to make the switch? Here’s a simple overview before diving into the methods: You can change your IGNOU study centre by applying either online via the official Samarth portal (if the feature is available), or offline using a physical form submitted to your Regional Centre.
Now that you know you can change your IGNOU study centre, it’s time to learn how to do so.
Changing IGNOU Study Centre Online
IGNOU’s Samarth portal currently offers an option to request a change to a study centre, although availability may vary by region. Here’s how you can proceed:
- Log in to the Samarth IGNOU Student Portal using your enrollment number and password.
- Navigate to Student Services or a similar section and select the “Change Study Centre” option (if visible).
- Fill out the form with your current and desired study centre details and upload supporting documents (e.g., address proof, enrolment ID).
- Submit the request, and check the status via the portal or the official status tracker.
Changing IGNOU Study Centre Online
If the online portal isn’t available or you prefer a manual process, follow these steps:
- Download the Form: Get the “Change of Study Centre” form from the official IGNOU website or collect it from your current Regional Centre.
- Fill Out the Form: Enter your enrollment number, program details, current and new study centre codes, and your reason for the change.
- Attach Documents: Include a copy of your IGNOU ID card, valid address proof (if relocated), and any supporting documents like medical or job transfer letters.
- Submit to Regional Centre: Submit the completed form and documents to your existing Regional Centre; some may also require submission to the new Regional Centre.
- Wait for Confirmation: After verification, IGNOU will update your study centre and notify you via email or portal update, usually within a few weeks.
Related Article: How to Download IGNOU ID Card in 2025?
Documents Required to Change IGNOU Study Centre
| Document | Purpose/Details |
|---|---|
| Filled Application Form | Required “Change of Study Centre” form (Form C) from IGNOU website or Regional Centre |
| Address Proof (if relocated) | Recent utility bill, rental agreement, Aadhaar, or other valid residential proof |
| ID Proof | IGNOU enrolment card or student ID to verify identity and program details |
| Reason Letter (if required) | Brief written explanation for the request e.g., relocation, health, job transfer |
| Supporting Documents (where applicable) | Additional proofs such as a medical certificate, employer transfer letter, assignment receipt copy (if changing before exams) |
How To Track Your Changing IGNOU Study Centre Application Status?
After submitting your application, you can track the status in two ways:
- Login to the IGNOU Student Portal: Go to ignou.samarth.edu.in and log in using your enrollment number and password. Check the “Service Request” or “Student Services” section for updates.
- Confirmation via Email or SMS: IGNOU may send approval or rejection updates to your registered email ID or mobile number.
- Contact Your Regional Centre: If there’s no update online, contact your current or new Regional Centre directly via phone or email. They can confirm whether the change has been processed.
- IGNOU Helpline (if needed): Call the Student Support Helpline at 011-29572513 or email csrc@ignou.ac.in for general help or technical issues.
How Many Times Can I Change My IGNOU Study Centre?
You are allowed two times to change your ignou study centre during your course tenure, but it is not guaranteed option for all students. IGNOU generally allows a study centre change only in valid and exceptional cases, such as relocation or job transfer.
Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Approval depends on the availability of your program at the new centre, the reason provided, and proper documentation. Always consult your Regional Centre before submitting a repeat request.
Related Article: 7 Common Issues You Faced When Downloading IGNOU ID Card
Do I Have to Pay for Changing IGNOU Study Centre?
No, IGNOU does not charge any standard fee for changing your study centre. The process is usually free of cost, and students can apply either online (if available) or offline through their Regional Centre. However, it’s important to note that some Regional Centres may apply a small administrative fee, depending on local policies. It’s always recommended to check with your current Regional Centre before applying.
Students often confuse this with IGNOU’s course or elective change policy, which does involve a fee. Changing a subject or elective after receiving the first set of course materials requires payment based on the credit value of the course. This is completely separate from changing your study centre.
Fee Comparison Table
| Type of Change | Fee | Mode of Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Study Centre Change | Usually Free (confirm with your Regional Centre) | No payment required in most cases |
| Elective/Course Change | UG Courses: ₹200 (4 credits), ₹400 (8 credits) | Online/Offline |
| PG Courses: ₹400 (2/4 credits), ₹800 (6/8 credits) | Demand Draft in favour of “IGNOU” payable at the Regional Centre |
Things to Keep in Mind Before Requesting a Study Centre Change
- Check Program Availability: Before applying, make sure the new study centre offers your enrolled program. Not all centres support every course, especially practical-based or postgraduate programs.
- Apply at the Right Time: Avoid submitting your request during critical academic periods like assignment submission windows, practical sessions, or exam schedules. IGNOU may not process changes during these times.
- Coordinate with Both Centres: It’s a good idea to inform both your current and intended study centres about your request. This helps avoid delays and ensures your academic records, assignment submissions, and communication remain uninterrupted.
Conclusion
Changing your IGNOU study centre is completely possible if you follow the correct procedure. Make sure all documents are complete, valid, and submitted within the right timeline. Before applying, always verify program availability and current guidelines by checking with your Regional Centre or the official IGNOU website. This helps avoid delays or rejections in your request.
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