IGNOU Degree Certificate Download: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the largest open universities globally and offers numerous undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs. Every year, lakhs of students successfully complete their academic programmes and become eligible for their degree certificate. One of the most important documents for every IGNOU graduate is the Degree Certificate, which serves as official proof of completion of the academic programme.
In recent years, IGNOU has simplified the process of accessing academic documents by introducing the Samarth Portal, an online system where students can view and download their academic certificates, including the degree certificate. This move has made academic documentation far more convenient for students, especially those who live in remote regions or cannot visit the university physically.
This article provides a complete, step-by-step guide on how to download the IGNOU degree certificate, how to apply for a duplicate certificate, the difference between a degree certificate and provisional certificate, eligibility, required documents, fee details, important processes, and much more. It also includes the official link to download the certificate, FAQ, and a concluding section.
Official Link to Download IGNOU Degree Certificate
IGNOU students can download their degree certificate through the official Samarth Portal:
Download IGNOU Degree Certificate: https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/
This portal provides students access to the Digital Degree Certificate (also known as the Digital Degree or e-Degree), along with academic records such as:
- Grade Card
- Marksheet
- Migration Certificate
- Provisional Certificate
- Student Profile Details
Students who have completed their programme successfully and whose results have been officially declared can download their digital degree from the Samarth portal.
Understanding the IGNOU Degree Certificate
The degree certificate is an official academic document issued by IGNOU to students who successfully complete their:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Post-Graduate Diploma
- Diploma
- Certificate Courses
IGNOU issues degree certificates during its annual Convocation, but for the convenience of students, the university has started uploading digital degree certificates on the Samarth portal.
A degree certificate includes:
- Student Name
- Enrollment Number
- Programme Code
- Course Completed
- Year of Passing
- Signature of IGNOU Officials
- Official Seal of the University
- Convocation Number
This document is essential for higher studies, job applications, government recruitments, visa processes, and record verification.
Difference Between IGNOU Degree Certificate and Provisional Certificate
| Feature | Degree Certificate | Provisional Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Issued | Once, after convocation | Immediately after course completion |
| Validity | Lifelong | Temporary (valid until degree is issued) |
| Purpose | Proof of final completion | For urgent requirements before receiving the degree |
| Format | Physical and Digital | Digital or Physical |
| Importance | Highly important for job and academic purposes | Useful interim document |
Both documents are essential, but the degree certificate is the final and permanent academic credential.
Eligibility for IGNOU Degree Certificate Download
A student can download the degree certificate only if:
- They have successfully completed all required assignments.
- They have passed the Term-End Examinations (TEE).
- Their final result has been officially declared.
- They have paid the convocation fee (if required for that year).
- Their degree data has been updated on the Samarth Portal.
If the degree is not yet available online, the student may need to wait until IGNOU uploads it or contact their regional center.
How IGNOU Issues Degree Certificates?
IGNOU issues degree certificates through two methods:
1. During Convocation (Physical Degree)
Every year, IGNOU conducts a convocation event where students receive their physical degree certificate. Students are required to:
- Register for convocation
- Pay the convocation fee
- Attend the event (optional)
Those who do not attend can still receive the certificate by post.
2. Digital Degree Certificate (Online Download)
IGNOU now uploads degree certificates on the Samarth portal. Students can download the digital PDF copy any time after it becomes available.
The digital degree holds the same value as the physical certificate because it contains:
- Digital signature of IGNOU authorities
- QR code for verification
- University seals
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download IGNOU Degree Certificate Online
Follow the steps below to download your IGNOU degree certificate using the Samarth portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to: https://ignou.samarth.edu.in
This is IGNOU’s official student portal for online academic services.
Step 2: Login to Your Account
Use your credentials:
- Enrollment Number or Username
- Password
- Captcha Code
If you forget your password, use the “Forgot Password” option.
Step 3: Go to the ‘Certificates’ Section
Once logged in:
- Navigate to “Certificates”
- Select “Degree Certificate”
This section displays all certificates issued for your programme.
Step 4: Select Your Programme
Choose the programme for which you wish to download the degree:
- BA
- B.Com
- B.Sc
- MA
- M.Com
- MBA
- MCA
- Diploma etc.
Step 5: Download the Degree Certificate
Click on Download to save the degree certificate in PDF format.
How to Check If Your Degree Certificate Is Available Online?
If your degree is not visible on the portal, check the following:
- Whether your final grade card shows “Completed”.
- Whether you have paid convocation fees for your year.
- Whether IGNOU has conducted convocation for your batch.
- Whether IGNOU has uploaded certificates for your program.
If everything is fine but the degree is still not available, contact your regional center.
What to Do If You Cannot Download the Degree Certificate?
If you are unable to download your certificate:
1. Verify Completion Status
Check your grade card status. If any part shows “Not Completed”, your degree will not be issued.
2. Check Convocation Fee Payment
You must have paid the fee during the applicable convocation year.
3. Contact Regional Center
Your regional center can help update your data.
4. Register a Grievance
IGNOU provides an online grievance system where students can raise complaints for pending degree certificates.
How to Apply for Duplicate IGNOU Degree Certificate?
If your physical degree certificate is:
- Lost
- Damaged
- Stolen
You can apply for a duplicate degree certificate through IGNOU.
Steps to Apply for Duplicate Certificate:
- Visit your regional center or IGNOU headquarters.
- Fill out the duplicate certificate application form.
- Attach documents such as FIR copy (if lost) and ID proof.
- Pay the required fee.
- Submit the form for processing.
IGNOU will issue a duplicate certificate after verification.
Details Required for Downloading or Requesting a Degree Certificate
Students must keep the following details ready:
- Enrollment Number
- Programme Code
- Name (as per records)
- Email ID
- Mobile Number
- Date of Birth
- Year of Completion
- Convocation Fee Payment Receipt (if applicable)
These details help verify your academic status.
Advantages of Digital Degree Certificate
IGNOU’s digital degree offers several benefits including:
1. Instant Accessibility
Students can download their degree certificate anytime and anywhere.
2. Easy Verification
Most digital degrees contain QR codes that make verification simple.
3. Safe and Secure
Digital degrees cannot be lost like physical copies.
4. Accepted Globally
Digital academic certificates are accepted in:
- Government jobs
- Private sector recruitments
- International universities
- Embassy and visa applications
5. Cost and Time Efficient
There’s no need to wait for postal delivery.
Important Tips Before Downloading IGNOU Degree Certificate
- Ensure your grade card status is updated.
- Keep Samarth login details ready.
- Download using a stable internet connection.
- Use a laptop or PC for clear view.
- Check PDF for correctness after download.
- Keep a backup copy in email or cloud storage.
Important Links and Information
| Purpose | Link / Information |
|---|---|
| Degree Certificate Download | https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/ |
| IGNOU Official Website | https://ignou.ac.in |
| Convocation Registration | https://onlineservices.ignou.ac.in/convocation |
| Grade Card | https://ignou.ac.in/gradecard |
| Result | https://termendresult.ignou.ac.in |
| Marksheet / Provisional Certificate | Available on Samarth portal |
| Re-Registration | https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in |
| Assignment Status | https://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/StatusAssignment.ASP |
| Student Grievances | https://igram.ignou.ac.in |
| Regional Centers List | https://ignou.ac.in/regionalcentres |
FAQ about IGNOU Degree Certificate Download
How can I download my IGNOU degree certificate?
You can download your degree certificate from the official IGNOU Samarth Portal:
https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/
Who is eligible to download the degree certificate?
Students who have:
Completed all exams and assignments
Received final results
Paid convocation fees
are eligible to download the certificate.
Is a digital degree certificate valid?
Yes. The digital degree issued by IGNOU is legally valid and accepted for all official purposes.
What if my degree is not available on the portal?
You should contact your regional center or raise a complaint on the IDGRAM portal.
Can I download a degree certificate without paying convocation fees?
No. You must pay the convocation fee applicable to your graduation year.
How long does it take for the degree certificate to be uploaded online?
It may take a few weeks or months after the convocation event.
Can I download the degree certificate on mobile?
Yes, you can use a mobile browser, but a laptop is recommended.
Can I use the digital degree for government job applications?
Yes, the digital degree is fully recognized.
How can I get a physical copy of my degree?
If you registered for convocation, IGNOU will send it by post or you can collect it from your regional center.
Does IGNOU issue degrees for certificate and diploma programmes?
Yes, IGNOU issues certificates and diplomas for all completed programmes.
Conclusion
The IGNOU degree certificate is one of the most important academic documents for students completing any programme from the university. With the introduction of the Samarth Portal, IGNOU has made it significantly easier for students to access and download their degree certificates online. This system ensures convenience, transparency, and accessibility for all learners across the country and abroad.
By following the steps outlined in this article, students can easily download their digital degree certificate, check their academic details, and request additional documents when required. Whether you need the certificate for job applications, higher studies, visa processing, or personal records, having quick access through the portal is a major advantage.
IGNOU continues to enhance its digital services, and the online availability of degree certificates is an example of its commitment to supporting students in a fast, efficient, and student-friendly manner.
