Allama Iqbal Open University is a fantastic choice for education! It is fully approved by the HEC and is actually the biggest university in Asia when it comes to student numbers.
If you are a working professional, a housewife, or anyone who needs flexible study time, AIOU’s distance education system is perfect for you. This guide will walk you through the entire Allama Iqbal Open University Admission process in simple steps.
The Online Application Process: Step-by-Step
AIOU has made applying very easy—it’s mostly done online now. New students and students coming back follow slightly different steps.
New Students: How to use the AIOU Online Admission Portal
If this is your very first time applying to AIOU, follow these steps to fill out the AIOU online admission form:
Go to the Website: First, go to the official AIOU online admission portal (it’s called CMIS).
Make an Account: You need to create a new account using a working email address and phone number.
Fill out the Form: Log in and click ‘Apply for New Admission.’ You will fill out several parts:
- Your Details: Enter your name, CNIC number, birth date, and contact details.
- Past Studies: Put in the details of your previous degrees or certificates. Make sure you enter the correct marks or GPA!
- Choose Your Course: Select the specific program (like BA, BS, or Matric) and the semester (Spring or Autumn) you want to join.
- Select Subjects: Choose your optional and required subjects according to the study plan.
Upload Documents: Upload clear, scanned copies of all required documents (listed below). Check that the scans are clear and the file size is correct.
Submit and Print: Submit the application form online. The website will immediately create your Challan Form (your fee slip). You must print this form right away.
Continuing Students: Re-Admission
If you are already an AIOU student and want to register for your next semester (not for thesis submission), you need the AIOU continue admission form. Make sure you use the ‘Aaghi’ portal for this, not the new student section. This keeps your student record correct.
Checking Your Admission Status
After you pay your fee and submit your application, you can use the Allama Iqbal Open University admission check feature on the portal. It usually takes 1-2 months after the deadline for admissions to be confirmed. Always check online to see the latest update on your application.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility and Documents
It’s very important to know the AIOU admission requirements for the course you want to join before you apply. AIOU offers many programs, from Matric to PhD.
fore you apply. AIOU offers many programs, from Matric to PhD.
| Program Level | What You Need to Apply |
| Matric/FA/I.Com | Middle School Certificate or Matric pass certificate. |
| Associate Degree (AD)/BA/B.Com/BS | Intermediate (HSSC) pass certificate with the required marks (usually 45% or higher). |
| BS Programs | Requires Intermediate or equivalent. Some BS programs have a higher marks requirement. Check the details of the AIOU bs program fee structure and rules in the prospectus. |
| MS/MPhil | A 4-year Bachelor’s (BS) or 2-year Master’s degree from an HEC-approved university with a minimum CGPA (often 2.5/4.0 or 60% marks). You must pass an entry test. |
| PhD | MS/MPhil degree with a higher CGPA. Requires a GAT/GRE subject test or AIOU’s own test. |
Must-Have Documents
To finish your application correctly, you must upload clear scans of these:
Educational Certificates: Copies of Matric, Intermediate, Bachelor’s, Master’s certificates, etc.
National Identity Card (CNIC): Both the front and back sides. If you are under 18, you need your B-Form and your parent’s CNIC.
Passport-Sized Photo: A recent photo with a white or blue background.
Domicile Certificate: Needed for certain programs or scholarships.
NOC (No Objection Certificate): Required if you are a government employee.
What if I am waiting for my results?
If you are waiting for your final result, AIOU lets you apply using a ‘hope certificate’ (a letter from your last college/school saying you will pass). But remember, your admission is only confirmed once you submit your final mark sheet before the university’s deadline.
Money Matters: Fee Structure and Help
AIOU is famous for being affordable and not too expensive, making education possible for everyone.
What You Pay For
Your total fee depends on your program and how many subjects (credit hours) you choose.
- Admission Fee: A small, one-time fee for new students.
- Tuition Fee: This is the main charge, calculated for each course/subject. Fees for the AIOU bs program fee structure and higher-level courses are generally more than Matric/FA.
- Other Charges: Includes charges for registration, exams, and labs (if your course has them).
Super Important Tip: Always download the official AIOU Prospectus for the current semester. It has the most accurate fees for every program and all the AIOU admission details!
How to Pay Your Fee
Once the AIOU online admission portal gives you the Challan Form (fee slip), you can pay the fees easily:
- Bank Branches: Go to any branch of ABL, MCB, UBL, FWBL, or other partner banks.
- Mobile Wallets: Pay using Easy Paisa, Jazz Cash, or other supported mobile payment apps.
Using the Online Services Portal
The AIOU digital services portal is where you manage your studies once you are a student.
What You Can Do on the Portal
The main student portal lets you:
- Assignments: Submit your marked assignments online.
- Tutor Info: Find the contact details for your assigned tutors.
- Results: Check your assignment and final exam results.
- Admit Card/Roll Number Slip: You can download your exam entry slip (AIOU admit card) here.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
| Challan Form (Fee Slip) Not Showing | Try clearing your browser’s history/cookies, use a different browser, or wait for a few hours. The system can sometimes be slow. |
| Can’t Log In | Make sure you are using the correct login details for the correct portal (CMIS for admission, Aaghi for studies). Use the ‘Forgot Password’ option if needed. |
| Books Haven’t Arrived | Call the regional office or the mailing department and tell them your application number. Books are sent out after your admission is confirmed. |
| Mistake in My Data | Contact the regional office or the Admission department right away with an official request to fix any errors (like a wrong name or CNIC number). |
The AIOU admission process is designed to be easy for you. By following this guide, using the admission portal, and checking the deadlines, you can successfully start your education journey with AIOU!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get admission in Allama Iqbal Open University online?
The entire process is completed online through the CMIS portal.
- Visit the official AIOU admission portal (CMIS).
- Create an account.
- Fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and course selection details.
- Upload clear scans of your required documents (CNIC, certificates, photo).
- Submit the form and print your fee challan.
- Pay the fee through a designated bank or mobile wallet.
Are open university exams online?
No, for the majority of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs, the final term examinations are physical (in-person) and are held at designated examination centers near your location. While AIOU uses online portals for assignments and workshops, the final exams typically require physical attendance.
Do I have to attend classes in Open University?
No, you do not have to attend daily classes like in a conventional university. The study is self-paced distance learning. However, many programs (especially B.Ed., MPhil, and PhD) require mandatory Workshops. These workshops are a small part of the course and may be held either online or face-to-face at regional centers.
How many hours is full-time study at Open University?
AIOU uses a credit-hour system over an 18-week semester. A full-time academic load (typically 15-18 credit hours per semester) generally requires a commitment of around 25 to 40 hours of self-study and preparation per week. This includes reading course materials, completing assignments, and preparing for exams and workshops. The flexibility means you choose when you study, not if you study.
Can we do two courses together?
No, you cannot enroll in two formal degree programs simultaneously due to HEC rules. However, AIOU allows registration for subjects up to a specific credit hour limit per semester. The full-time academic load is typically around 15-18 credit hours. You can combine various courses within your single registered program up to this limit.