Here are the general checkboxes you need to fill up to stay on top of your timeline.
You should receive a confirmation mail on your ID. If you haven't received it yet, wait for it—I got mine quite late too! Check your spam folder just in case.
At the end of your mail, you will have your ID card attached.
As of 2026, you MUST create an Academic Bank of Credits ID via DigiLocker and link it to your profile. Without this, your marks won't be updated. Do this before the next step!
This is your main dashboard for everything. Keep your login details safe.
Direct link to SAMARTH portal →Your regional/study center will invite you for a meeting (Online or Offline) where they introduce the course. It is a great place to ask "stupid" questions. (If you for any reason miss it, visit your regional center or study center later on!)
Go introduce yourself to the coordinator. Ask them how they prefer assignments (Files vs. Spiral) and if there are any official WhatsApp groups for your center.
If you opted for physical books, great! But while they are "on the way" (which can take months), start using the online PDFs from eGyanKosh or the IGNOU e-Content app.
You can use my Assignment Finder to get the official PDF links directly.
You have to pay for exams separately
The "Tentative" datesheet comes out first (for planning), but the final Hall Ticket only drops about 7-10 days before the exams.
Crucial: You need to register for your 2nd year/semester even before you get the results for the 1st year. Don't miss this, or you'll lose 6 months!