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IGNOU MA: Admission 2026, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Last Date & How to Apply
- Delhi , Delhi NCR
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IGNOU MA Fees & Courses List
IGNOU MA Course Highlights
| Course Name | MA |
| Course Level | Masters Program |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Average Fees | ₹ 15,987 |
| Mode | Offline |
MA at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a 2-year program. The maximum duration to complete MA from IGNOU can be extended to 4 years. IGNOU MA is offered in 48 specializations via Open Distance Learning (ODL). The total fee for the MA at IGNOU is INR 14,600 to INR 21,000 for the entire duration of 2 years.
The eligibility for admission to the MA at IGNOU is a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized university. IGNOU MA admission takes place twice a year, in January and July cycles. Registrations for admission can be done online on the official admission portal of IGNOU, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, by paying a registration fee of INR 300. More details like Fees, admission process, eligibility, syllabus, and how to apply for MA at IGNOU are given below.
IGNOU MA Highlights
A quick overview of MA at IGNOU is given below.
| Particular | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | MA |
| Duration | Minimum: 2 Years; Maximum: 4 Years |
| Programme Mode | Open Distance Learning (ODL) |
| Medium | English & Hindi (varies by specialization; some are English/Hindi only) |
| Number of Specialization | 48 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized university |
| Admission Criteria | Merit-based (No entrance exam required) |
| Admission Session | January & July |
| Fee Structure | INR 7,300 to INR 10,500 per year (Total: INR 14,600 to INR 21,000; varies by specialization) |
| Mode of Exam | Term-End Examination (TEE) conducted twice a year (June & December) |
| How To Apply | For Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode - visit ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
IGNOU MA Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU MA program, candidates must pass at least a Bachelor’s Degree. More specific details about eligibility criteria are discussed below.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized university.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for admission to IGNOU MA. The minimum age is not specified, but candidates must have completed their qualifying degree, making it suitable for working professionals and lifelong learners of any age.
- Entrance Exam: IGNOU MA does not require any entrance exam for admission; selection is based on merit in the qualifying examination (Bachelor’s Degree marks).
- For MA Psychology (MAPC): Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a recognized university (no specific discipline required).
- For MA Economics (MAEC): Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized university (no specific prior economics background mandated).
- For MA Education (MAEDU): Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized university, with preference for those in education-related fields.
(Note: Eligibility is uniform across most specializations as a Bachelor’s Degree, but some like MA in Journalism may prefer relevant backgrounds, though not mandatory.)
IGNOU MA Admission Process
IGNOU MA admission is based on merit in the qualifying examination. Admission for MA at IGNOU is conducted twice a year, in January and July cycles. Admission to MA is a complete online process done through the IGNOU Online Admission System. Candidates must visit the official IGNOU website, specifically the IGNOU Samarth portal ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Register by creating a Username and password for login, fill out the application form and choose the MA program, upload necessary documents, and pay the registration fee.
A detailed breakdown of how to get admission in the IGNOU MA programme is as follows:
- Online Registration
- Visit the official website of IGNOU.
- Click on ‘Apply Now’ and register with your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the Application Form
- Provide personal details, academic qualifications, and course preferences.
- Upload required documents (mark sheets, passport-size photos, etc.).
- Pay the Application Fee
- The application fee for MA is INR 300.
- Payment modes: Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or Demand Draft.
- Appear for the Entrance Exam (if applicable)
- For MA admission at IGNOU, no entrance exam is required; it is merit-based on qualifying degree marks.
- Merit List & Shortlisting
- IGNOU releases a merit list based on academic performance after evaluation. Shortlisted candidates receive email notifications about confirmation details.
- Final Selection
- IGNOU releases a final list of selected candidates based on qualifying exam scores and document verification.
- Admission Confirmation & Fee Payment
- Selected candidates must confirm their seat by paying the admission fee within the deadline. Download the admission letter and report to the campus (if required for orientation).
How To Apply for MA at IGNOU
Admission to MA at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is done entirely online through the IGNOU Online Admission System. Follow the step-by-step process below to successfully submit your application.
- Review Course Details
- Go to the “Available Programmes” section on the IGNOU admission portal.
- Select MA and check:
- Eligibility criteria
- Programme fees
- Duration
- Study mode (distance/online)
- Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus and read the university rules carefully.
- Register on the IGNOU Admission Portal
- Click “New Registration” in the applicant login area.
- Fill in the required personal details:
- Username: 8–16 characters
- Password: Alphanumeric, 8–16 characters
- Use your own active email address and mobile number.
- Click “Submit” — your username and password will be sent via SMS and email.
- Already registered? Click “Login” to continue.
- Prepare the Required Documents
Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready (from originals only):
Document Format Maximum Size Recent Passport-size Photograph JPG/JPEG 100 KB Signature JPG/JPEG 100 KB Educational Certificates PDF/JPG/JPEG 200 KB Experience Certificate (if applicable) PDF/JPG/JPEG 200 KB Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC, if applicable) PDF/JPG/JPEG 200 KB - Fill and Submit the Online Form
- Log in with your registered credentials.
- Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
- Upload the scanned documents in the prescribed format and size.
- Review all details carefully before final submission.
- Download/print the application form for future reference.
- Pay the Application Fee
The registration/programme fee can be paid online through:
- Credit Card (Master/Visa)
- Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay)
- Net Banking
Important Fee & Refund Rules
- Registration fee is non-refundable.
- Before admission confirmation: full programme fee refundable.
- After confirmation: 15% of the programme fee (max ₹2,000) will be deducted.
- No refund after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
- Students with fee exemption will have refund rules applied as per IGNOU policy.
Note: DEB ID is mandatory for submission of the application. Please create your DEB ID before starting the application process.
Check: IGNOU Admission 2026
IGNOU MA Admission Dates 2026
Important dates for IGNOU MA admission 2026 are given below.
| Event | Tentative Dates (January 2026 Session) |
|---|---|
| Admission / Registration Starts | Late November - Early December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | End of January 2026 |
| Document Verification | February 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | Mid February 2026 |
| Dispatch of Study Material | February - March 2026 |
| Commencement of Classes | March 2026 |
| Assignment Submission Window | March - September 2026 |
| Term-End Examination (TEE) | December 2026 |
Check: IGNOU Admissions 2026
IGNOU MA Fees 2026
The annual fees to study MA from IGNOU is INR 7,300 to INR 10,500, and the total fees range between INR 14,600 to INR 21,000 for the entire duration of the program. The total fee for all IGNOU MA subject/specializations is as follows:
Additional Fee:
- Term-End Examination Fee: INR 200 per theory course (paid separately when appearing for exams).
- Project/Practical Fees (if applicable for specializations like MAPC): INR 300-500 per course.
- Late Fee for Re-Registration: As per IGNOU rules.
- Fee Exemption for SC/ST: Full programme fee waiver (subject to income criteria; does not cover exam/registration fees).
Check: IGNOU Courses and Fees
IGNOU MA Specializations
IGNOU MA is offered in 48 specializations including English, Hindi, Political Science, History, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, and Journalism. All Specializations offered under MA along with their codes at IGNOU are as follows:
| IGNOU MA Specialization | Programme Code |
|---|---|
| MA English | MEG |
| MA Hindi | MHD |
| MA Sanskrit | MSK |
| MA Jyotish | MAJY |
| MA Hindi Vyavsayik Lekhan | MAHV |
| MA Vedic Studies | MAVS |
| MA Hindu Studies | MAHN |
| MA Bhagavadgita Studies | MABGS |
| MA Urdu | MAUD |
| MA Applied Urdu | MAAUD |
| MA Political Science | MPS |
| MA History | MAHI |
| MA Sociology | MSO |
| MA Psychology | MAPC |
| MA Economics | MAEC |
| MA Public Administration | MPA |
| MA Anthropology | MAAN |
| MA Gandhi and Peace Studies | MGPS |
| MA Rural Development | MARD |
| MA Education | MAEDU |
| MA Distance Education | MADE |
| MA Adult Education | MAAE |
| MA Tourism and Travel Management | MTTM |
| MA Philosophy | MAPY |
| MA Folklore and Culture Studies | MAFCS |
| MA Environmental and Occupational Health | MAENOH |
| MA Sustainability Science | MASS |
| MA Environmental Studies | MAEVS |
| MA Migration and Diaspora | MAMIDI |
| MA Development Studies | MADVS |
| MA Corporate Social Responsibility | MACSR |
| MA Urban Studies | MAUS |
| MA Population and Family Health Studies | MAPFHS |
| MA Women and Gender Studies | MAWGSR |
| MA Gender and Development Studies | MAGD |
| MA Translation Studies | MATS |
| MA Journalism and Mass Communication | MAJMC |
| MA Journalism and Digital Media | MAJDM |
| MA Journalism and Electronic Media | MAJEM |
| MA Development Journalism | MADJ |
| MA Entrepreneurship | MAER |
| MA Arabic | MAARB |
| MA Russian | MARUS |
| MA French | MAFL |
| MA Spanish | MASL |
IGNOU MA Syllabus
The IGNOU MA syllabus is designed under a modular approach compliant with NEP 2020, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, self-paced study, and practical applications. It includes core courses, electives, and projects/dissertations in the chosen specialization, with a credit system (each credit = 30 hours of study). The program totals around 64-80 credits, delivered via self-instructional printed/e-material, audio-video aids, counseling sessions, and term-end exams. Key highlights include:
- Focus on theoretical foundations, research methods, and contemporary issues in the discipline.
- Multimedia learning: Access to eGyanKosh repository, IGNOU e-Content App, and web-enabled support (WEAS).
- Evaluation: 30% continuous assessment (assignments) + 70% term-end exams; grading on a 5-point scale (A to E).
- Flexibility: Multiple entry/exit points; credit transfer options.
Below is a detailed table of program structure (generic; varies slightly by specialization, e.g., MEG focuses on literature, MAPC on psychology theories):
| Year/Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Type (Core/Elective/Project) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Varies (e.g., MEG-01 for English) | British Poetry/Literature (example for MEG) | 8 | Core |
| Year 1 | Varies | Research Methodology/Foundations | 4-8 | Core |
| Year 1 | Varies | Elective in Specialization (e.g., Political Theory for MPS) | 4-8 | Elective |
| Year 1 | Varies | Contemporary Issues/Applications | 4-8 | Core |
| Year 2 | Varies | Advanced Topics (e.g., Indian Writing in English for MEG) | 8 | Core |
| Year 2 | Varies | Dissertation/Project Work (mandatory in some like MAPC) | 8-12 | Project |
| Year 2 | Varies | Elective/Specialized Course | 4-8 | Elective |
| Year 2 | Varies | Interdisciplinary Course (e.g., Gender Studies) | 4 | Elective |
(Note: Full syllabus downloadable from eGyanKosh; practicals/projects for specializations like MAEDU include fieldwork.)
IGNOU MA Career Opportunities
Completing MA from IGNOU opens diverse career paths in academia, public sector, NGOs, media, and private industries, leveraging the program's flexible ODL mode for working professionals. Graduates gain analytical, research, and communication skills, making them suitable for roles requiring expertise in humanities, social sciences, or specialized fields like journalism or environmental studies. With IGNOU's NAAC A++ accreditation, degrees are recognized equivalently to conventional universities by UGC/AIU.
- Teaching & Education: Lecturer/Professor in colleges, schools, or online platforms; roles in educational administration.
- Government & Public Sector: Civil Services (IAS/IPS preparation), policy analyst in ministries, or jobs in PSUs/NGOs.
- Media & Journalism: Reporter, editor, content writer in print/digital media (especially for MAJMC/MAJDM).
- Research & Consultancy: Researcher in think tanks, NGOs; consultant in development/gender/sustainability sectors.
- Corporate Roles: HR specialist (for MAPC), CSR manager (for MACSR), or content strategist.
- International Opportunities: Roles in UN/UNESCO (for MGPS/MAMIDI), translation services (for MATS).
- Entrepreneurship: Startups in education, tourism (MTTM), or cultural heritage (MAFCS).
Average starting salary: INR 3-6 LPA; higher with experience (up to INR 10+ LPA in senior roles).
Check: IGNOU Placements
IGNOU MA Courses List
Other Courses Offered by IGNOU
| Course | Duration | Average Fees |
| MBA | 2 Years | ₹66,000 |
| MCA | 2 Years | ₹51,400 |
| MSc | 2 Years | ₹32,776 |
| M.Com | 2 Years | ₹19,300 |
| MSW | 2 Years | ₹36,667 |
| MFA | 2 Years | ₹18,000 |
| M.Lib.I.Sc | 1 Year | ₹12,000 |
| MTTM | 2 Years | ₹16,500 |
| Online MBA | 2 Years | ₹66,000 |
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