Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is India’s one of the most famous universities in the distance domain which offers more than 227 distance learning courses. Indira Gandhi National Open University offers undergraduate, doctoral, postgraduate, postgraduate diploma, diploma, and certificate programs all over the country with 21 schools and 67 regional centers.
What’s new at IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)?
IGNOU has extended the January 2026 ODL Admission and re-registration deadline till March 15th, 2026 Click here
About IGNOU Overview
The university offers approximately 227 programs and also offers education on islands like Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. IGNOU has a decentralized system of providing education as it has divided its functioning into five different zones, such as North, East, West, South, and North-East.
IGNOU is a central university that is run and controlled by the centre and it was established under the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act 1985.
IGNOU was the second university in India to provide distance learning courses after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University. All the courses of IGNOU have gained prominence because the university has been approved by UGC-DEB and accredited by NAAC with an A++ Grade.
What Are the Benefits of Doing MA from IGNOU through Distance Education Mode?
Master’s in Arts or MA is a postgraduate course offered to students who have completed their graduation from a UGC-recognized university with a minimum percentile.
Distance MA of IGNOU has its own importance because the university offers different specializations to pursue this course. Students will get certain benefits from pursuing a distance MA from IGNOU and these benefits are:
- Distance MA of IGNOU is a recognized program and hence valued by all employers.
- IGNOU offers distance MA in both Hindi and English language.
- Students can pursue a distance MA in any discipline.
- There are options of online learning platforms like the IGNOU e-content app or the eGyanKosh portal.
- The program is affordable and provides comprehensive learning.
What is the Eligibility for IGNOU Distance MA Courses?
Every university sets different admission criteria to admit students in different courses. IGNOU has its criteria to decide whether a candidate is fit for the distance MA program or not. Here are the eligibility criteria for distance MA in IGNOU to certain the eligibility of a candidate:-
- The candidate must have a graduate degree or a higher degree.
- The graduation degree must have been issued from a UGC-recognized university.
How to Apply for Distance MA in IGNOU? – Admission Procedure 2026
IGNOU’s distance MA admissions process is quite conventional and based on a set of requirements. Students must apply to the relevant regional center, along with the required fees and documentation.
Students can look up the eligibility requirements for any distance learning course on the website’s prospectus. Students enrolled in the distance MA program must have earned their bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution or their application will be rejected by the university. Also Read: IGNOU MA Admission Process Step by Step
Students may apply for admissions in the online mode as well, which is one of the most convenient options since it eliminates the need to visit any IGNOU centre. Students simply need to go to IGNOU’s official website and fill out the application form.
Students must use any digital payment method to send their information, required documents, and academic fees. In the end, students will receive a confirmation mail after the verification process of the university.
IGNOU Distance MA Fees Structure 2026
The fee structure of distance MA is as per the program structure which means students need to submit their academic fees before every year.
The aggregate academic fee of distance MA courses is dependent on the specialization you have chosen.
- The aggregate fee of MA History is Rs. 12,600 which is to be paid as Rs.6,300 per year.
- The aggregate fee of MA Sociology is Rs. 12,600 which is to be paid as Rs.6,300 per year.
- The aggregate fee of MA Psychology is Rs. 18,600 which is to be paid as Rs.9,300 per year.
- The aggregate fee of MA Public Administration is Rs. 12,600 which is to be paid as Rs. 6,300 per year.
- The aggregate fee of MA Anthropology is Rs. 17,200 which is to be paid as Rs. 8,600 per year.
- The aggregate fee of MA Gandhi and Peace Studies is Rs. 9,600 which is to be paid as Rs. 4,800 per year.
IGNOU Distance MA Prospectus 2026
IGNOU has different prospectuses for the different schools of studies in order to get detailed information about the courses. Students can also find the option of the common prospectus of 2026 on the official site of the IGNOU.
The common prospectus includes all the nitty-gritty regarding all the courses offered by IGNOU. The prospectus includes the information related to the eligibility criteria, admission procedure, study material, and fee structure of all the programs. Also Read: LPU Online MA Program
IGNOU Distance MA Syllabus
IGNOU offers a distance MA in different disciplines like History, Public Administration, Anthropology, and others. The MA syllabus of IGNOU varies as per the specialization of MA and students need to mention their MA specialization while taking admission and then they will get to study their subjects only.
The program structure of MA IGNOU is in the yearly mode which means students have to give exams once a year to clear the program. Students can check the prospectus of IGNOU to get the syllabus of MA in any specialization.
IGNOU Distance MA study Material
IGNOU generally provides study material for every single course in both printed and online mode and students can either get both or go for the online material only.
Students have to mention if they want the printed study material at the time of admission and have to pay some extra charges for this but it is optional. Also Read: Manipal Online MA JMC Program
However, students get the option of downloading the study material of any course from the mobile application of IGNOU which is IGNOU e-content, or can visit the portal eGyank Kosh where students can find the learning material of more than 2500 courses.
IGNOU Distance MA Placement
In 2005, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) formed a Campus Placement Cell. The placement cell is in charge of all placement-related activities and supports students in finding suitable jobs.
The cell was founded to provide on-campus placements for all students in all courses, including distance MA students, as well as to resolve placement-related issues.
Students who are pursuing a distance MA in any specialization can take placement assistance from the Campus Placement Cell of IGNOU. At the regional centers, IGNOU’s campus placement cells conduct placement campaigns, career fairs, and other events to improve employable skills. Also Read | Online MA Courses In India
As a result, these job fairs or placement drives encourage students who are unable to attend traditional colleges to pursue their higher education through distance learning. IGNOU, for example, is a well-known distance university that assists students in getting jobs in large corporations.
MA Specialization Courses Offered by IGNOU Distance Education
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the program MA in different disciplines and all these courses are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Here is the list of all the MA specialization courses available in IGNOU:
| MA in History | MA in Economics |
| MA in English | MA in Public Administration |
| MA in Political Science | MA in Anthropology |
| MA in Sociology | MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies |
| MA in Psychology | MA in Rural Development |
IGNOU MA Psychology
MA in Psychology is a program that makes students scholars in the area of human psychology. This program will make you analyze all sorts of human behaviour which can help you understand the anomalous situations of life.
This is a 2-year PG program offered to students who have completed their graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
This program is in English mode and students will get a comprehensive learning of psychology. IGNOU offers MA Psychology in the yearly mode and students have to follow the same curriculum:-
Subjects of 1st Year | Subjects of 2nd year (Choose any one group from 3 groups) |
| Cognitive Psychology, Learning, and Memory | Group A: Clinical Psychology |
| Lifespan Psychology | Psychopathology |
| Personality: Theories and Assessment | Psychodiagnostics |
| Advanced Social Psychology | Psychotherapeutic methods |
| Research Methods in Psychology | Practicum in Clinical Psychology |
| Statistics in Psychology | Group B: Counselling Psychology |
| Practicum in Experimental Psychology & Psychological Testing | Counseling Psychology |
| — | Assessment in Counselling and Guidance |
| — | Interventions in Counselling |
| — | Practicum in Counselling Psychology |
| — | Group C: Industrial and Organizational Psychology |
| — | Organizational Behaviour |
| — | Human Resource Development |
| — | Organisational Development |
| — | Practicum in Industrial and Organisational Psychology |
IGNOU MA English
MA in English is a 2-year PG program offered to students who have completed their graduation from a recognized university. The program aims to provide deep learning of Literature of different cultures and backgrounds.
In this course, students learn about the history of literature and will get a sound knowledge of books and authors. IGNOU offers the MA English program in the yearly mode and hence the syllabus is also in accordance with this mode.
Subjects of 1st year | Subjects of 2nd year |
| British Poetry | Compulsory Subjects |
| British Drama | Literary Criticism and Theory |
| British Novel | Optional Course |
| Aspects of Language | American Literature |
| — | Indian English Literature |
| — | New Literatures in English |
| — | Australian Literature |
| — | English Studies in India |
| — | American Novel |
| — | A Survey Course in 20th Century Canadian Literature |
| — | Writing from the Margins |
| — | Contemporary Indian Literature in English Translation |
| — | Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice |
| — | Indian Folk Literature |
IGNOU MA Economics
MA with a specialization in Economics is one of the popular courses in India because it makes you aware of the inherent concepts of economics and all the emerging areas of economics. This is a 2-year postgraduate program that includes mathematical applications at a certain level. Students can pursue MA in English from IGNOU right after completing their graduation from any recognized university.
Subjects of 1st year | Subjects of 2nd year |
| Microeconomic Analysis | Compulsory subjects |
| Macroeconomic Analysis | Public Economics |
| Quantitative Methods | International Trade and Finance |
| Economics of Growth and Development | Economics of Social Sector and Environment |
| Indian Economic Policy | Research Methods in Economics |
| — | Optional Subjects |
| — | Econometric Methods |
| — | Actuarial Economics: Theory and Practice |
| — | Financial Institutions and Markets |
| — | Women in the Economy |
| — | Gender Issues in Work Employment and Productivity |
| — | Development Issues and Perspectives |
IGNOU MA Political Science
MA Political Science is a complete study of political aspects at the national, regional, and international levels. This 2-year PG program provides an in-depth understanding of concepts like Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Theory of International Relations, and more.
MA Political Science is a course of 2 years and students will get the maximum time of 4 years to complete this and it is available in both English and Hindi language.
Subjects of 1st year | Subjects of 2nd year |
| Political Theory | India and the World |
| International Relations: Theory and Problems | State and Society in Latin America |
| India: Democracy and Development | Western Political Thought |
| Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends | Social and Political Thought in Modern India |
| — | State and Society in Africa |
| — | Peace and Conflict Studies |
| — | Social Movements and Politics in India |
| — | State Politics in India |
| — | Canada: Politics and Society |
| — | The European Union in World Affairs |
| — | State and Society in Australia |
| — | Australia’s Foreign Policy |
| — | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges |
| — | Globalization and Environment |
| — | Gandhi’s Political Thought |
| — | Non-Violent Movements after Gandhi |
| — | Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution |
| — | Conflict Management, Transformation & Peace Building |
| — | Human Security |
| — | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict |
IGNOU MA Sociology
MA Sociology is a program that is deeply rooted in the knowledge of society and provides different perspectives related to societal problems and development.
IGNOU offers a comprehensive curriculum of distance MA Sociology that a student will get varied insights about the topics like urbanization, migration, communities, and other significant concerns of the society.
Subjects of 1st year | Subjects of 2nd year |
| Sociological Theories and Concepts | Sociology of Education |
| Research Methods and Methodologies | Diaspora and Transnational Communities |
| Sociology of Development | Sociology of Religion |
| Sociology in India | Urban Sociology |
| — | Decentralization and Local Governance |
| — | India: Democracy and Development |
IGNOU MA Geography
MA in Geography is a 2-year PG course that provides in-depth knowledge of the physical features of the earth. Students can get admission in MA Geography right after their graduation from a recognized university.
As of now, IGNOU doesn’t offer you any particular course of MA in Geography but it offers B.Sc in Geography.
IGNOU MA History
MA in History is a 2-year PG program that has been developed to provide advanced knowledge of the transitions of history, also includes Indian history.
Students will not only learn about ancient and medieval history but also about modern history that can help teachers, and scholars to do research in a better way.
Anyone can take admission in MA History of IGNOU if they have a graduation degree from a recognized university.
Subjects of 1st year | Subjects of 2nd year |
| Ancient and Medieval Societies | Compulsory subjects |
| Modern World | Historiography |
| Political Structures in India | Optional Courses |
| History of Indian Economy | Western Political Thought |
| — | Social and Political Thought in Modern India |
| — | Evolution of Social Structures in India through the Ages |
| — | History of Ecology and Environment: India |
| — | Indian National Movement |
| — | Urbanization in India |
IGNOU MA Hindi
IGNOU offers MA in Hindi program to all the graduates who are willing to gain knowledge in the area of Hindi literature. This is a 2-year PG program for students who have completed their graduation in any discipline from a recognized university. You can get the entire syllabus of IGNOU MA in Hindi on the official website of IGNOU.
IGNOU MA Degree
IGNOU MA degree is a valid and recognized program offered to graduates. This program comes with specialization in different subjects so that students can get the expertise in whichever subject they wish for.
