IGNOU Medium Change Procedure

Understanding the Need for Medium Change in IGNOU

Every year, thousands of IGNOU students realize they chose the wrong medium during admission. Some students start with English but later want to switch to Hindi. Others choose Hindi but find it difficult and prefer English. IGNOU understands this and provides a Medium Change Facility to help students continue their studies without issues.

However, many students are unsure about the medium change process, the necessary documents, the fees involved, and where to apply. This guide explains the complete IGNOU Medium Change Procedure in straightforward language.

What Does Medium Change Mean in IGNOU?

Medium change refers to switching the language of your study materials and exams from one approved language to another.

Examples:

English → Hindi
Hindi → English
Regional language → English (if allowed for the program)

The language can change for:

Study materials
Assignments
Theory exams
Term End Exam answers
Practical exams (where applicable)

Once the medium changes, IGNOU updates the student profile to ensure all future communication and academic content are in the new medium.

Who Can Apply for Medium Change in IGNOU?

Not every IGNOU student can apply for a medium change at any time. Only the following groups are eligible:

Students who recently enrolled (current academic year)
Students studying BA, BCom, BSc, BCA, BSW, MA, MCom, and other programs that support bilingual or multiple mediums
Students who want to change before appearing in the first TEE
Students whose study center and Regional Centre support the new medium

IGNOU does not allow medium changes after the first year or after students have appeared in exams with the previous medium.

Students must confirm whether their program supports the preferred language. You can check program details here:
🔗 https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone

When Should Students Apply for Medium Change?

It’s essential to apply for a change early. Students should submit their request:

Immediately after enrolling
Before printed study materials are sent out
Before submitting the first assignment
Before taking the Term End Examination
Within the same academic year/session
Before the deadline set by the Regional Centre

Applying early ensures:

You receive the correct study materials
Assignments are submitted in the correct medium
Exam hall tickets reflect the correct language
There is no confusion during evaluation

IGNOU usually does not allow changes in the middle of the program, especially after exams have been taken in the original language.

What Are the Approved Mediums Available in IGNOU?

IGNOU offers several mediums based on the program. The most common mediums are:

English
Hindi
Urdu
Tamil
Telugu
Malayalam
Gujarati
Marathi
Bengali
Odia
Punjabi

Not all programs support every medium. Students must check the Programme Guide or Official IGNOU Prospectus:
🔗 https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/studentzone/admission/7

This helps identify which languages are available for medium changes.

Step-by-Step IGNOU Medium Change Procedure

The complete medium change process consists of the following steps:

Download the Official Medium Change Form

IGNOU provides a specific medium change form for students. You can download the form from IGNOU’s official website or Regional Centre pages. Here’s the official form link:
🔗 https://ignou.ac.in/userfiles/medium_change_form.pdf

Fill out this form carefully.

Fill the Medium Change Form Correctly

The form requires important details such as:

Student Name
Enrollment Number
Programme Code
Current Medium
Required Medium
Study Centre Code
Regional Centre Code
Address
Signature

Students must double-check the details before submitting. Any errors in enrollment number or program code could cause delays.

Attach Required Documents

Students must submit the following documents along with the form:

Photocopy of IGNOU ID Card
Admission confirmation page/submission slip
Fee payment slip (for medium change)
Identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)
Passport-size photo (only if required by RC)

Each Regional Centre may ask for additional documents depending on their policy.

Pay the Medium Change Fee

IGNOU charges a small fee to process the medium change request. The fee usually ranges from ₹300 to ₹600 depending on the program and the medium.

The fee can be paid through:

Demand Draft in favor of IGNOU, payable in your Regional Centre city
Sometimes UPI or online payment (check RC notice)

Your Regional Centre will provide fee confirmation details.

Submit the Form to Your Regional Centre

Students must submit the completed form and documents to their assigned Regional Centre (not the Study Centre).

You may submit:

In person at the Regional Centre office
By post/courier (speed post recommended)

You can find your Regional Centre here:
🔗 https://ignou.ac.in/ignou/ro

Always ask for an acknowledgment receipt if submitting in person.

Wait for Confirmation from the Regional Centre

Once the form is submitted, IGNOU takes 15 to 45 days to process the medium change. During this time, your request will go through several steps:

RC verifies documents
Checks if the program supports the new medium
Confirms availability of study materials
Updates the student profile
Sends a confirmation SMS or email

You can track the status here:
🔗 https://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/admissionstatusnew.asp

Receive Study Material in the New Medium

Once the medium change is approved:

New study materials are sent
eGyanKosh materials can be accessed in the chosen medium
Assignment booklets should be downloaded according to the new language

For digital books and PDFs, visit:
🔗 https://egyankosh.ac.in

Submit Assignments in the New Medium Only

Students must ensure that assignments are written in the new medium, not the old one. IGNOU will not accept assignments submitted in a different medium than what is registered.

You can download assignment booklets here:
🔗 https://webservices.ignou.ac.in/assignments

Appear for Exams in the New Medium

Once the medium change is approved:

You must write the Term End Examination in the new medium
Exam invigilators will only accept answers in the updated medium
The exam question paper will also match your new medium

Check the TEE notification on the exam portal:
🔗 https://exam.ignou.ac.in

Updating the IGNOU Grade Card

Once the medium is changed:

The grade card language will be updated
“Medium” will reflect in the enrollment profile
All future exam records and mark sheets will show the new medium

Check for grade card updates here:
🔗 https://gradecard.ignou.ac.in

Important Rules About Medium Change in IGNOU

Students must understand the rules before applying:

Medium change is allowed only once
It must be done before the first Term End Exam
Assignments must align with the updated medium
Not all programs offer bilingual options
Medium change fees are non-refundable
Medium change after completing a year is generally not accepted
The new medium cannot be changed back later

Students should regularly check official guidelines:
🔗 https://ignou.ac.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Change My Medium After First Year?

Generally, No. IGNOU allows medium change only at the beginning of the program.

How Long Does the Medium Change Process Take?

Usually, it takes 15 to 45 days based on your Regional Centre.

Will I Get New Study Material After Changing Medium?

Yes, IGNOU sends study material in the new medium.

Do I Need to Re-submit Assignments?

If you’ve submitted assignments in the old medium, you must rewrite them in the new medium.

Can I Write Exams in the Old Medium After Applying for Change?

No. Once changed, you must use the new medium.

Where Can I Check Whether My Medium Is Updated?

Visit:
🔗 https://admission.ignou.ac.in/changeadmdata/admissionstatusnew.asp

Final Advice for Students

Changing the medium in IGNOU is a helpful option for students who feel more comfortable studying in a different language. However, it’s crucial to submit your request as early as possible to avoid confusion regarding assignments, exams, and study materials.

Students should stay in contact with their Regional Centre and consistently check official IGNOU notifications. The process is straightforward, but it depends on timely documentation and correct submissions.

If students follow the procedure carefully, the medium change is usually approved without any difficulties.

IGNOU Medium Change Procedure – Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Students