How to Change IGNOU Regional Centre? (Complete Guide)
Planning to move to a new city and worried about your IGNOU support? Don’t let relocation interrupt your studies. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has a vast network of regional centres across India, designed to assist students with admissions, assignments, study materials, and exams.
These centres are crucial touchpoints for all academic and administrative support. But what happens if you shift to a different location? Many students face this situation and wonder how to stay connected with IGNOU services. Fortunately, IGNOU allows students to change their regional centre.
This blog is your complete and practical guide on how to change your IGNOU regional centre, step-by-step, covering documents, form details, email formats, and common questions.
What is an IGNOU Regional Centre?
An IGNOU Regional Centre is a nodal office set up by the university in different states and zones to manage and supervise its academic activities. It acts as a bridge between the university headquarters and local study centres.
Key differences:
- A Regional Centre oversees admissions, assignment submissions, re-registrations, and overall student support.
- A Study Centre, on the other hand, is where students attend counselling sessions, submit assignments, and access library facilities.
Support services offered by Regional Centres:
- Admission and re-registration assistance
- Dispatch and tracking of study materials
- Exam form processing and hall ticket queries
- Assignment status and guidance
- Academic counselling and grievance redressal
These centres are crucial for smooth communication and support throughout your IGNOU journey.
Related Article: List of IGNOU Regional and Study Centres in India & Overseas
Can I Change My Regional Centre in IGNOU After Admission?
Yes, you can change your IGNOU regional centre by writing a letter requesting a change of centre. But, changing your study centre is generally restricted unless there are valid reasons, such as job transfers, relocation, or special cases like those of government or defence personnel.
You can request the change through the official student portal or by submitting a written application to your current regional centre.
Conditions and Eligibility
- Your admission must be confirmed; changes cannot be made before the admission process is complete.
- You must submit a completed request form with supporting documents, including ID proof, address proof, and enrollment details.
- There may be a small processing time, and approval is subject to the university’s discretion.
- Not all courses or specialisations are available at every regional centre. Verify this before applying.
When is it Advisable to Request a Change?
You should consider requesting a regional centre change if:
- You have permanently relocated to another city or state
- You have a job or transfer that makes visiting your current centre difficult
- Your current regional centre has accessibility or communication issues
- You need better support for exams, assignments, or study material distribution
Common Reasons to Request a Change
Many IGNOU students request a change in their regional centre due to practical needs. Here are the most common reasons:
- Relocation to Another City or State: Students often move for higher studies, family, or personal reasons. Changing the regional centre ensures academic support continues smoothly in the new location.
- New Job or Transfer: Working professionals who get transferred to a different city may find it difficult to manage their IGNOU tasks from the previous regional centre.
- Accessibility Issues or Better Support: Some students face delays in services like study materials or assignment updates. Shifting to a more responsive or nearby regional centre can improve their experience.
- Personal Preference: A student may choose to switch to a centre that offers better communication, faster processing, or convenient exam centres even if there’s no relocation.
IGNOU Regional Centre Change Form
Where to Find the Official Form
You can download the Regional Centre Change Form as a PDF from your IGNOU Regional Centre’s official site or the IGNOU Student Portal, usually under “Forms & Downloads” or student services. Some regional centres (e.g., Port Blair, Delhi‑3) provide specific formats for changes in regional centre, study centre, address, or enrollment details.
Online vs. Offline Availability
- Online Submission: Accessible through the IGNOU Samarth Student Portal. After login, look for “Change of Regional Centre / Study Centre / Address”, fill in the fields, upload required documents, pay any applicable fee, and submit. After submission, you can download or print the filled form as proof.
- Offline Submission: Download the PDF, print it, fill it in by hand, attach photocopies of necessary documents (ID, address proof, enrollment), and mail or submit it directly to your current regional centre. Keep a copy of the submitted form and document set. Processing depends on availability at the requested centre.
Documents Required to Change IGNOU Regional Centre
To request a change in your IGNOU regional centre, you must submit a few essential documents to verify your identity and new location.
List of Required Documents:
- ID Proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or passport)
- Address Proof (latest electricity bill, rent agreement, Aadhaar card with updated address, etc.)
- Enrollment ID or IGNOU Student ID Card
- A written application or a filled regional centre change form (if applying offline)
- Transfer proof (optional, if change is due to job transfer)
For Online Submission:
- Scan and upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format
- Ensure clarity and file size within portal limits
- Use the official IGNOU Samarth Portal for uploading
For Offline/Mail Submission:
- Attach photocopies (self-attested) of all documents
- Submit or post them along with the filled form to your current regional centre
- Keep a copy of all documents and the application for reference
Important Points to Keep in Mind When Changing IGNOU Regional Centre
- Study/Exam Centre May Change: When you change your regional centre, your assigned study or exam centre might also change. Always verify the new centres assigned after approval.
- Programme Availability: Not all IGNOU programmes are supported at every regional centre. Before applying, confirm that your course is available at the new centre.
- Update Contact Details: If you’ve changed your address, make sure to update it in the student portal to ensure proper delivery of study materials and communication.
- Apply Early: Submit your regional centre change request well before assignment deadlines, practicals, or exam registrations to avoid any disruption in your academic schedule.
Step-by-Step Process for Changing to IGNOU Regional Centre
Online Process via Student Portal
- Log in to IGNOU Student Portal: Visit ignou.samarth.edu.in and log in using your enrollment number and password.
- Access the Change Request Section: Go to the dashboard and click on “Request for Change of Regional Centre” or a similar option under student services.
- Fill the Form: Enter your personal details, current regional centre, and the new regional centre you wish to switch to. Mention the reason for the change.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your ID proof, address proof, and enrollment details.
- Submit and Save Confirmation: Submit the form. After submission, download or take a screenshot of the confirmation receipt for your records.
Offline Process (If Portal Access is Limited)
- Write an Application: Draft a formal application addressed to the Coordinator of your current regional centre, stating your request to change the regional centre, along with the reason.
- Attach Required Documents: Include photocopies of your ID proof, address proof, enrollment ID, and any supporting documents (like a job transfer letter).
- Submit to the Regional Office: You can submit the application in person or send it by post to your current regional centre. Always keep a copy of the documents and the application.
IGNOU Regional Centre Change Processing Time and Status Tracking
How Long Does It Take to Change an IGNOU Study Centre?
Once you submit the IGNOU regional centre change request (online or offline), it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for processing and approval. The actual time may vary depending on the workload of the concerned regional centre.
Related Article: How to Change IGNOU Study Centre? (Complete Guide)
How to Check the Status of IGNOU Study Centre Change?
- Log in to the IGNOU Student Portal. Go to the “Service Requests” or “Application Status” section to view updates.
- You may also receive an email or SMS notification once your request is approved or processed.
Whom to Contact for the Delay?
If your request is not processed within 4 weeks, you can:
- Contact your current regional centre through phone or email
- Visit the regional office personally (if urgent)
- Use the IGNOU Grievance Portal (iGRAM) to raise a formal complaint if there’s no response
Conclusion
Changing your IGNOU regional centre is a straightforward process if done correctly and on time. Whether you apply online or offline, make sure to fill out the form properly, attach the right documents, and check if your programme is available at the new centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I change my study centre?
In general, IGNOU does not allow a separate change of study centre. However, if your regional centre is changed, a new study centre is usually assigned based on availability and course compatibility.
2. Can I change it during the exam period?
No, regional centre change requests are not processed during exam periods. You should submit your request well in advance, preferably before the exam form submission period begins.
3. Will I receive new study materials again?
No, study materials are sent only once. If you’ve already received them, they won’t be reissued. However, you can access soft copies through the eGyankosh portal.
4. Do I need to inform my old regional centre too?
Not necessarily. Once your request is approved through the official portal, IGNOU updates its records. But if you’re submitting offline, it’s good practice to send a copy of your request to the current (old) regional centre as well.
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