IGNOU ID Card Download 2026 – Not Showing on Samarth Admission Portal?

Are you trying to download your IGNOU ID card but can’t find the option on the Samarth portal? Or does the ID card PDF not open after downloading?
You’re not alone. Many IGNOU students face these issues, especially after the shift to the Samarth admission system.

This page explains why IGNOU ID card problems happen, who is eligible to download the digital ID card, and what you should do if the option is missing.

Why IGNOU Shifted ID Cards to the Samarth Portal

Earlier, IGNOU issued ID cards through the admission portal or study centres. Now, IGNOU has shifted this process to the Samarth Student Portal to centralise student records.

Because of this change:

• Old students may not see the ID card immediately
• Newly admitted students must wait for admission approval
• Duplicate ID card requests are no longer required in most cases

Understanding this change helps avoid confusion.

Who Can Download the IGNOU ID Card PDF?

You can download your IGNOU ID card only if all of the following conditions are met:

• Your admission was completed through the Samarth system
• Your admission status is approved
• You have received your enrolment number

If any of these steps is incomplete, the ID card option may not appear on your dashboard.

Steps to Download IGNOU ID Card (2026)

Follow these steps to access and download your ID card:

Step 1: Go to the Student Portal
Visit: https://ignou.samarth.edu.in

Step 2: Login
Use your Enrollment Number as username
Enter the password you created at the time of registration

Forgot password? Recover it first.

Step 3: Access Dashboard
Once logged in, go to your Student Dashboard

Step 4: Click “Download ID Card”
Navigate to the “Student Services” or “My Profile” section
Click on Download ID Card
Your ID card will be downloaded in PDF format

PDF Password – How to Open It?

Your IGNOU ID card PDF is password-protected.
Password = Your Enrollment Number

Example:
If your enrollment number is 235678901, then use 235678901 to open the file.

ID Card Not Showing?

If the “Download ID Card” option is missing:

• Wait a few days after admission approval
• Confirm that your admission is processed (check admission status)
• Contact your Regional Centre if the issue continues
• You can also email: [email protected]

Can You Download IGNOU ID card Again?

Yes! You can log in and download your IGNOU ID card anytime, as many times as needed.

It’s helpful if:

• You need to reprint or laminate the ID card
• You lost the printed copy
• You switched devices

IGNOU ID Card PDF Password – How to Open It

Many students think the ID card PDF is damaged, but it is actually password-protected.

The password is your enrolment number, entered exactly as it is, without spaces.

For example, if your enrolment number is 235678901, use 235678901 as the password.
If the PDF still does not open, try using a different PDF reader instead of opening it in the browser.

IGNOU ID Card Not Showing on Dashboard – Common Reasons

If the “Download ID Card” option is missing, it is usually due to one of these reasons:

• Admission approval is still in process
• Programme details are not synced yet
• You logged in to the wrong portal
• The Samarth portal is under temporary maintenance

In most cases, the issue resolves automatically within a few days.

What to Do If IGNOU ID Card Is Still Not Available

If the ID card option does not appear even after waiting:

• Recheck your admission status
• Contact your Regional Centre for confirmation
• Email IGNOU support at [email protected]

Visiting the study centre is generally not required unless IGNOU specifically advises it.

Is Digital IGNOU ID Card Accepted for Exams?

Yes, the digital IGNOU ID card is accepted for:

• Term-End Examinations
• Practical exams
• Study centre and counselling sessions

However, it is always recommended to carry a printed copy during exams.

Along with carrying your ID card, it is important to understand the minimum marks required to clear exams and assignments, which you can check on the passing marks in IGNOU page.

What Details Are Printed on the IGNOU ID Card?

Your IGNOU ID card contains:

• Student name
• Enrolment number
• Programme name
• Admission year
• Regional and study centre details
• Photograph and signature

After downloading, always check these details carefully. If your photo or any information is missing, contact your Regional Centre.

Is IGNOU ID Card Compulsory?

Yes. The IGNOU ID card is mandatory for exams and academic activities, and students should also keep track of their submissions and evaluation through the IGNOU Assignment Status page.

Passing theory exams or submitting assignments does not replace the requirement of an ID card.

Most IGNOU ID card issues are system-related, not student mistakes. Once your admission is fully approved and synced in Samarth, the ID card option usually appears automatically.

FAQ’s about IGNOU Identity card