A renewed focus on education continuity and career preparedness has marked recent initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with IGNOU opening its re-registration window for the January 2026 session and career guidance programmes being conducted for senior school students and dropouts in North Andaman district. Together, the two initiatives address different stages of the learning cycle, from higher education enrolment to career orientation and employability awareness.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University has announced that re-registration for all Open and Distance Learning and Online programmes for the January 2026 session commenced on December 1. The process will remain open until January 15, enabling existing learners to continue their programmes without interruption. Students admitted during the January 2025 annual session and July 2025 semester session are eligible to apply under the current window.
The entire re-registration process has been kept online, reflecting the university’s move toward streamlined digital administration. Learners are required to log in to the designated online portal and complete the necessary formalities. For students facing difficulties with the online system, support has been made available at the IGNOU Regional Centre located near the Air Cargo Complex on VIP Road in Sri Vijaya Puram. Officials have indicated that timely re-registration is essential to ensure uninterrupted access to academic resources and examinations.
In parallel, the Model Career Centre under the Employment Exchange, Sri Vijaya Puram, has conducted a series of career and vocational guidance programmes aimed at students of classes XI and XII as well as school dropouts in North Andaman district. The programmes were held over multiple days in November across several locations, including government schools and gram panchayat areas, ensuring outreach beyond urban centres.
Participants were introduced to a wide range of career opportunities and skill development pathways, with a specific focus on emerging employment sectors. The sessions also familiarised students with the National Career Service portal, highlighting its role in job matching, training opportunities and career information. Officials involved in the programme noted that early exposure to such platforms can help students make informed choices regarding education and employment.
The guidance sessions placed emphasis on linking education with employability, particularly for students who may be uncertain about academic pathways or have discontinued formal schooling. By reaching out to dropouts alongside enrolled students, the initiative aimed to re-engage youth with skill development and employment-oriented training options, addressing a critical gap in the transition from school to work.
Education officials have viewed the combination of higher education access through open learning and grassroots career guidance as complementary strategies. While IGNOU’s flexible programmes offer opportunities for academic advancement to a diverse learner base, career counselling initiatives seek to ensure that students and youth are aware of practical avenues for skill acquisition and employment.
Together, these efforts reflect a broader administrative push to strengthen human resource development in the islands. By supporting learners at different stages, whether continuing higher education or exploring career options, the initiatives aim to reduce dropouts, improve workforce readiness and expand access to lifelong learning opportunities across districts.
