IGNOU M.Sc: Admission 2026, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Last Date & How to Apply

IGNOU M.Sc is a flexible and affordable 2-year postgraduate degree—extendable up to 4 years. Conducted fully through Online/Distance mode, it’s ideal for working professionals, homemakers, and learners across India. With a UGC-recognized degree, flexible timelines, and an extensive alumni base, IGNOU M.Sc is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across various scientific and technical fields.

IGNOU M.Sc 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of M.Sc programmes at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU M.Sc Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU M.Sc programs, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification:
  • MSCDFSM: B.Sc (Home Science) with specialization in Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, and Clinical Nutrition, or PG Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition, or equivalent.
  • MSCCFT: Bachelor’s degree with specialization in subjects like Home Science, Psychology, Social Work, or related fields.
  • MSCHSC: B.Sc (Home Science) General or specialization in Community Development and Extension Management.
  • MSCENV: Any Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
  • MSCGG: Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Arts with Geography or related fields.
  • MSCAST: Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics/Mathematics or related fields.
  • MSCPH: B.Sc in Physics or related fields.
  • MSCGI: Graduate in any discipline.
  • MSCZOO: B.Sc in Zoology or related fields.
  • MSCBCH: B.Sc in Biochemistry or related fields.
  • MSCANCHEM: B.Sc with Chemistry as one of the subjects.
  • MSCCHEM: B.Sc with Chemistry as one of the subjects.
  • MSCIS: Graduate in any discipline with Mathematics at 10+2 level.
  • MSCRWEE: Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Engineering or related fields.
  • MSCFSQM: B.Sc in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fields.
• Minimum Marks Required: 50% in relevant subjects (45% for reserved categories in some programs).
• Age Limit: No age limit.
• Entrance Exam: None required.
• Other Requirements: Specific work experience or additional qualifications may apply for certain specializations (e.g., MSCCFT requires relevant background).

IGNOU M.Sc Admission 2026

IGNOU offers merit-based admission to the M.Sc programs; you are not required to appear for any entrance examination. Admission to M.Sc programs at IGNOU takes place twice a year, in January and July sessions. The admission process is straightforward—you’ll apply through the Samarth Portal ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, upload your documents, and pay the registration fee online. Past applicants suggest keeping scanned copies of your ID, mark sheets, and a passport-size photo ready to avoid delays. Unlike many universities, IGNOU allows you to complete the entire process online, without the need to visit the campus.

How To Apply for IGNOU M.Sc Online

Admission to M.Sc programs at IGNOU is done entirely online through the IGNOU Online Admission System. Follow the step-by-step process below to successfully submit your application.

Step 1: Review Course Details

• Go to the “Available Programmes” section on the IGNOU admission portal.
• Select your desired M.Sc specialization and check:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Programme fees
  • Duration
  • Study mode (distance/online)
• Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus and read the university rules carefully.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents

Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready (from originals only):

Step 4: Fill and Submit the Online Application 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.

Step 5: 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 application. Please create your DEB ID before starting the application process.

Tip from past students: Apply early in the cycle (July–August) to avoid last-minute portal slowdowns. IGNOU’s online system works well on desktop but can be slow on mobile devices. Once your documents are verified, you’ll receive an email confirmation along with your student ID.

IGNOU M.Sc Admission Dates 2026

Important dates for IGNOU M.Sc admission 2026 are given below.

Check: IGNOU Admissions 2026

Fees for IGNOU M.Sc in 2026

The annual fees for M.Sc programs from IGNOU vary by specialization, ranging from INR 7,300 to INR 16,800 per year, with total fees between INR 14,600 to INR 33,600 for the entire duration. This is significantly lower than traditional M.Sc programs offered by institutions like Delhi University or Jawaharlal Nehru University, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India.

IGNOU M.Sc Fee Structure 2026

IGNOU M.Sc Fees 2026: Specialization-Wise

IGNOU M.Sc is offered in 15 specializations via Online Distance Learning (ODL). The annual fees for all IGNOU M.Sc courses are given below.

Additional Fee:

• Project evaluation fees: ₹300 (up to 4 credits), ₹500 (above 4 credits).
• Practical examination fees: ₹300 (up to 4 credits), ₹500 (above 4 credits).

IGNOU M.Sc Syllabus

The syllabus for IGNOU M.Sc programs covers core and elective subjects to provide comprehensive knowledge in the respective fields. Below is a summary of the syllabus for key M.Sc specializations, along with detailed course structures.

M.Sc Food Nutrition (MSCDFSM)

The program focuses on advanced nutrition science, food safety, and clinical dietetics. It includes practical components and a dissertation.

M.Sc Counselling and Family Therapy (MSCCFT)

This program emphasizes counseling techniques, family therapy, and mental health interventions, with practical training and fieldwork.

M.Sc Environmental Science (MSCENV)

Covers environmental management, conservation, and sustainable development, with a focus on practical applications.

M.Sc Geography (MSCGG)

Focuses on physical and human geography, GIS, and environmental geography, with practical components.

M.Sc Information Security (MSCIS)

Covers cybersecurity, network security, and ethical hacking, with practical labs and projects.

Note: Detailed syllabi for other specializations (e.g., MSCAST, MSCPH, MSCGI, etc.) are available in the IGNOU Prospectus. Each program includes core courses, electives, practicals, and a dissertation/project where applicable.

Check: IGNOU Courses & fee

IGNOU M.Sc Career Opportunities

What are the career opportunities after completing an M.Sc from IGNOU?

Completing an M.Sc from IGNOU opens diverse career paths in academia, research, industry, and government sectors. The programs are designed to provide specialized knowledge and practical skills, making graduates competitive in fields like environmental management, nutrition, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more. IGNOU’s UGC-recognized degree enhances employability across India and abroad.

Highlights:

• Diverse Career Options: Roles in research, consultancy, teaching, and industry-specific positions.
• Average Salary: ₹3–8 LPA (varies by specialization and experience).
• Top Recruiters: Government agencies (e.g., FSSAI, DRDO), NGOs, private firms (e.g., TCS, Wipro for MSCIS), hospitals, and research institutes.
• Career Roles:
  • MSCDFSM: Nutritionist, Dietician, Food Safety Officer.
  • MSCCFT: Counselor, Family Therapist, Social Worker.
  • MSCENV: Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Analyst.
  • MSCGG: GIS Analyst, Urban Planner.
  • MSCIS: Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker.
  • MSCFSQM: Quality Control Manager, Food Inspector.