Introduction
Every IGNOU student dreams of holding their original degree, diploma, or certificate after completing their course. While the provisional certificate is issued soon after the final result, the permanent original certificate is available only later — either at the IGNOU Convocation or through the IGNOU Degree Management System (IDMS) Portal.
The good news: even if you miss convocation, you can still apply for your degree anytime using the IDMS portal.
This step by step guide to get IGNOU Degree, diploma, certificate explains both methods in detail, including official links, fees, eligibility, and step-by-step registration.
IGNOU Provisional Certificate vs IGNOU Original Degree
- Provisional Certificate
- Issued right after IGNOU declares results.
- Temporary proof for jobs and admissions.
- Valid until the original certificate is received.
- Original Degree/Diploma/Certificate
- Permanent academic document.
- Issued only once, during convocation or through IDMS.
- Required for long-term recognition in jobs and higher studies.
Who Can Apply for IGNOU Degree or Diploma?
- Students who have successfully completed their programme. Check your grade card to make sure that you have completed all the courses IGNOU Grade Card June / December: Check Status, Assignment & Theory Marks
- Students who already received a provisional certificate.
- Students whose exam session is covered under:
- The upcoming convocation (for example, December 2024 and June 2025 pass-outs for the 39th Convocation 2026).
- The IDMS system, which allows students from earlier convocations (20th to 38th) to apply anytime.
Option 1 – Getting IGNOU Degree Through Convocation
- When held: Once every year, usually in February–March.
- Next event: 39th Convocation, expected in February–March 2026.
- Eligible students: December 2024 and June 2025 exam pass-outs.
- Registration link: Convocation Portal.
Convocation Fee:
- ₹600 for Ph.D., M.Phil., Master’s, Bachelor’s, PG Diploma, Diploma.
- ₹200 for Certificate and PG Certificate Programmes.
- ₹600 per module for modular programmes like MBA, MCA, M.Com.
Steps to Apply via Convocation:
- Visit the convocation registration portal.
- Enter enrolment number, programme code, and personal details.
- Select mode of receiving certificate:
- Attend convocation in person at your Regional Centre, OR
- Receive by post after the event.
- Pay the applicable fee online.
- Collect your certificate at the venue or wait for postal delivery.
Option 2 – Getting IGNOU Degree Through IDMS Portal (Anytime)
If you missed convocation, you can still apply through the IGNOU Degree Management System (IDMS).
- Portal link: IDMS Login.
- Who can apply: Students from earlier convocations (20th to 38th) or those who could not attend their convocation.
- How it works: IGNOU verifies your request and dispatches your degree by post.
Step-by-Step Guide – How to Apply via IDMS
Step 1: Login/Register
- Visit the IDMS Portal.
- Enter your enrolment number to verify student details.
- Once satisfied, confirm to proceed.
Step 2: Fill in Personal Details
- Confirm your pre-filled information:
- Name, enrolment number, regional centre, address, city, state, PIN code.
- Enter a valid mobile number (10 digits).
- Provide your email ID.
Step 3: Convocation Record
- The portal will show details like:
- Exam session and certificate issued for.
- Certificate number.
- Convocation number.
- Applicable fee.
Step 4: Select Mode of Delivery
- Choose how you want to receive the certificate:
- Most IDMS cases are sent by post.
Step 5: Enter Present Address
- If address is the same as permanent address, tick the checkbox.
- Otherwise, fill in the new delivery address.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
- Upload scanned copies of:
- IGNOU ID Card.
- Grade Card or Provisional Certificate.
- Format must be JPG/JPEG and size under 100 KB.
Step 7: Declaration
- Read and agree to the declaration:
- Confirm programme completion.
- State that original degree has not been received earlier.
- Accept responsibility for accurate details.
Step 8: Pay the Fee and Submit
- Pay ₹600 or ₹200 depending on programme type.
- Download and save acknowledgement slip.
Step 9: Delivery of Certificate
- IGNOU verifies details and payment.
- The original degree/diploma/certificate is dispatched by post to the given address.
Key Differences Between Convocation and IDMS
- Convocation:
- Held once a year.
- Students collect certificates at Regional Centres or receive by post.
- Covers only the latest eligible sessions.
- IDMS:
- Open throughout the year.
- Students apply online and receive certificate by post.
- Covers earlier sessions (Convocation 20th to 38th).
FAQs – IGNOU Degree After Result
- Can I use my provisional certificate for jobs?
Yes. It is valid until the original certificate arrives. - What if I missed convocation?
Use the IDMS portal to apply anytime. - Is the fee same for convocation and IDMS?
Yes. ₹600 for degree/diploma programmes, ₹200 for certificates. - How long does it take to get the degree by post?
Usually between 2–6 weeks after submission. - What documents do I need for IDMS?
IGNOU ID Card and Grade Card/Provisional Certificate.
Conclusion
Getting your IGNOU original degree, diploma, or certificate after final result is straightforward if you know the process.
- If your batch is eligible, apply through the convocation registration portal and collect your certificate at the event or receive it by post.
- If you missed convocation, simply log in to the IGNOU IDMS portal, fill in your details, upload documents, pay the fee, and have your certificate delivered to your doorstep.
Whether through convocation or IDMS, securing your IGNOU original certificate is essential for career, higher education, and professional opportunities.
👉 For fresh graduates: Apply through the Convocation Portal.
👉 For past students: Apply anytime via the IDMS Portal.