IGNOU MA Admission 2026: Last Date, Syllabus, Fees & Eligibility

IGNOU MA Admission 2026 for the January session will commence soon, starting from 15th December 2025*. Students are expected to apply for their desired MA program online, along with the payment of a one-time registration fee of INR 300/-. IGNOU offers various specializations in the master of Arts, such as Hindi, English, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, etc. All these programs are offered online and in ODL mode. Master of Arts is available in IGNOU for a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. To be eligible, students must have a bachelor’s degree in their respective discipline. Except for the language courses, all the programs will be delivered in English or Hindi. Students can access assignments, study material, and project work, TEE assessment online on the IGNOU website. IGNOU MA course is around INR 9,000 to INR 15,000/-. students have to Register by 15th January 2026* only on @ignou.samarth.edu.in. 

IGNOU MA Admission Latest Update

• Dec Update: Re- registrations for Master of Arts (MA) program started from 1 December 2025 at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The last date of re- registration is 15 January 2026, and must fill the form before the final date. 
• 27 Nov 2025: IGNOU Master of Arts admission for the January 2026 session will begin soon on 15 December 2025*. For the latest updates, applicants are guided to visit the website. Source

IGNOU MA Admission 2026-27 Overview

• Full-Form: Master of Arts (MA)
• About the Course: MA programs develop advanced knowledge and research skills in humanities and social science subjects.
• Program Duration: Minimum 2 years.
• Average salary: A Postgraduate in the MA form IGNOU programme can expect an average salary ranging from INR 3 to 8 Lakh per annum.
• Eligibility: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories SC/ST) from a recognized university.
• Course Syllabus: MA Course covers the main topics like Political Science, English, and Hindi. It’s the main specialization and is divided into 80 credits.
• Fill out the application form: Candidates provide accurate academic, personal, and program-related information and pay the application fee of Rs 300.
• Fees Per Semester: Around Rs. 8,000 per year.
• Career Opportunities: After completing this course, you can choose these fields: Teachers, researchers, writers, civil servants, NGO workers, and more, depending on specialization.

IGNOU MA Admission Highlights

IGNOU MA Admission Course Details 

IGNOU- Indira Gandhi National Open University admissions offers a wide range of Master of Arts (MA) degrees in various fields including English, Hindi,History, Psychology, Sociology,Political Science and more.For pursuing any MA program from IGNOU, students need to pass their graduation in any related field with at least 45% to 50% aggregate marks. However the university takes admissions on the basis of merit score of the last qualifying examination without any entrance exam.  IGNOU provides education in open and distance learning ((ODL) mode which makes it easy for students to continue their education at their own pace at any time. The ODL mode allows students to study in a flexible way with an affordable fee structure. 

IGNOU MA Admission 2026-27 Status

The School of Advanced Studies at IGNOU is launching the Master of Arts (MA) Program. The new program, designed for students interested in humanities and social sciences, offers a fresh approach to advanced learning. It aims to help students develop strong analytical skills and aligns well with the goals of NEP 2020.

The MA program blends traditional knowledge with modern insights, helping students gain both a deep understanding of their field and practical skills. It uses digital tools and research methods to make learning more engaging and effective.

Candidates who are interested in taking admission can fill the application form by visiting the official web portal of the university, @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The fee for the IGNOU MA Course is Rs 8,000 per year, and Rs 300 is the registration fee (Non-Refundable).

IGNOU MA Admission: Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Master of Arts (MA) program from Indira Gandhi National Open University candidates generally need to hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an approved university. Securing a 45% to 50% aggregate mark is also required, however the university does not set any passing percentage. IGNOU provides 5% of marks relaxation to the SC/ST/OBC/PwD category candidates. There is no fixed minimum or maximum age limit for pursuing the MA specialization. Interested candidates can apply directly on the basis of their merit score of the last qualifying examination. It does not require any national level or state level entrance exam. 

GNOU MA Admission Fee Structure

Candidates who wish to take admission in the Master of Arts (MA) course at IGNOU can check the complete fee structure for the IGNOU MA programme given below.

• Total Program Fee: Rs. 16,000 per year
• Per Year Fee: Approximately Rs. 8,000
• Registration Fee: Rs. 300 (one-time)
• Exam Fee: Rs. 150 per course
• Late Fee: Rs. 1,000 for late admissions (if applicable)
• Re-registration Fee: Rs. 200 per year after the 2nd year
• Study Material: Included in the program fee
• Additional Expenses: Internet charges for online access, travel for exams or counseling sessions

Documents Required:

Students who want to take admission in any MA program in IGNOU in the upcoming academic session 2026-27 have to fill out the application form carefully. They have to upload some documents in the correct size and format.

• Scanned passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and final year mark sheet
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable
• ID proof (Aadhaar card/PAN card/Passport)

IGNOU MA Admission Application Process

Step 1: Visit the IGNOU Website: Go to www.ignou.ac.in and click on “Admissions“.

Step 2: Choose Program: Select the desired MA program from the list

Step 3: Register: Create an account with your email and mobile number

Step 4: Fill Application: Enter personal, educational, and program details carefully

Step 5: Upload Documents: Scan and upload required certificates and photos

Step 6: Pay Fees: Complete the payment of registration and program fees online

Step 7: Submit: Review all details and submit the application form

Step 8: Confirmation: Note down the application number for future reference

Candidates who want to submit their IGNOU MA application form offline can visit the nearest regional/study centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University.

IGNOU MA Login Process

To streamline the MA admission process, IGNOU has developed a login portal for applicants. Students can save their details on the login portal, such as subject preferences, application details, etc. Students can resume the admission process step by step. 

IGNOU MA Entrance Exam

• IGNOU does not conduct a separate entrance exam for MA programs.
• Admission is based on the eligibility criteria and availability of seats.
• Some programs may have additional requirements like an entrance test or interview.

IGNOU MA Evaluation System

• Continuous Assessment: Through assignments (30% weightage)
• Term-End Exams: Held twice a year in June and December (70% weightage)
• Practical/Project: Some courses may have practical components or projects
• Grading System: A 10-point grading scale is used for final results
• Minimum Pass Marks: 40% in assignments and term-end exams separately
• Re-appear Option: Students can re-appear for failed courses in subsequent exams
• Credit System: Each course is assigned credits based on the study hours required

IGNOU MA Admission Program Syllabus

Note: Exact course titles and credits vary by MA program. Check the specific program guide for a detailed syllabus.

IGNOU MA Course Specialization & Fee Structure

MA is a two-year course spread over 4 semesters. The syllabus consists of a semester-wise subject list. It is important to note that the subjects covered in an MA course may vary depending on the specialization chosen. IGNOU offers MA programs with various specializations in different subjects like Science, Commerce, Arts, etc. There are 67 specializations in the MA program. Students can choose from subjects like English, History, Political Science, etc.

IGNOU MA Political Science

IGNOU MA in Political Science is a 2-year postgraduate program that teaches students about international relations, political theory, and governance. You must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50% marks. Candidates can enhance their skills while doing internships or pursue their master’s degree, as Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers an MA degree in Political Science through distance learning.

IGNOU MA History 

IGNOU’s MA History program is a two-year postgraduate course. It is designed for students who are interested in historical research and analysis. It covers ancient, medieval, and modern history, including Indian and global perspectives. This MA course fee is approximately Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, and the registration fee. This course is an art course.

IGNOU MA Assignment

• Compulsory Component: Assignments are mandatory for all courses
• Submission: Submit to the assigned study center before the due date
• Purpose: To assess understanding and application of course concepts
• Weightage: 30% of the total course grade
• Feedback: Evaluated assignments help improve learning
• Minimum Score: 40% required to be eligible for the term-end exam
• Guidelines: Follow instructions in the program guide for proper formatting.

IGNOU  MA Assignment PDFs Download

Step 1: Go to the IGNOU website www.ignou.ac.in

Step 2: Click on the “Student Services” section.

Step 3: Click on the “Download” button in the list.

Step 4: Go to the link for “Current Assignment Portal”.

Step 5: Find the subject code for MA subjects.

Step 6: Click on the Assignment link.

Step 7: Save the assignment in PDF form.

IGNOU MA Multiple Exit and Multiple Entry points

IGNOU follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines for multiple entry and exit options. MA students can exit the program at different stages and receive appropriate certification:

• After completing 1 year (2 semesters): Post Graduate Certificate.
• After completing 2 years (4 semesters): Post Graduate Diploma.
• After completing the full program, a Master of Arts degree.

Students who exit can re-enter the program within 5 years to complete their MA degree. This flexibility allows learners to balance their education with other commitments.

What career goals can the IGNOU MA Program help achieve?

• Education Professional: Teach at schools or colleges, develop curriculum, or work in educational administration. Knowledge of pedagogy and subject expertise is key.
• Research Analyst: Conduct research in fields like sociology, economics, or political science. Skills in data analysis and report writing are valuable.
• Content Creator: Write for media, publishing houses, or digital platforms. Strong language skills and creativity are essential.
• Public Policy Advisor: Work with government agencies or think tanks to shape policies. Understanding of social issues and analytical skills is important.
• NGO Manager: Lead projects in non-profit organizations focusing on social development. Program management and communication skills are crucial.

IGNOU MA Placement Information

Placement opportunities in IGNOU MA depend on the specialization you choose. IGNOU provides support through its placement cell, which helps students connect with companies, NGOs, schools, and government projects. Although the university does not guarantee jobs, many students who pursue an MA from IGNOU find good career options in teaching, research, civil service, and the private sector.

• Teaching: School teachers (Rs. 3-5 lakhs per annum), College lecturers (Rs. 5-8 lakhs per annum)
• Content Writing: Freelance writers (Rs. 2-4 lakhs per annum), Content managers (Rs. 5-7 lakhs per annum)
• Research: Research assistants (Rs. 3-5 lakhs per annum), Market research analysts (Rs. 4-6 lakhs per annum)
• Government Jobs: Civil services, public sector undertakings (Rs. 5-10 lakhs per annum)
• Social Sector: NGO coordinators, social workers (Rs. 3-6 lakhs per annum)

Note: Salaries are approximate and may vary based on location, experience, and specific organization.

Conclusion

IGNOU’s MA programs offer a flexible and affordable way to earn a postgraduate degree. With a wide range of subjects, students can choose a specialization that aligns with their interests and career goals. The distance learning format allows working professionals to upgrade their skills without leaving their jobs. IGNOU’s emphasis on continuous assessment through assignments and term-end exams ensures a comprehensive learning experience. While the program demands self-discipline and time management, it opens doors to various career opportunities in teaching, research, content creation, and more. 

FAQs

Q: Can I apply for IGNOU MA if I have a gap year after my bachelor’s degree?

Ans: Yes, IGNOU does not have any restrictions regarding gap years. You can apply as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: Can I pursue two MA programs from IGNOU simultaneously?

Ans: No, IGNOU does not allow students to pursue two degree programs simultaneously. However, you can enroll in a certificate or diploma program along with your MA.

Q:Is admission start for IGNOU MA Admission 2026?

Ans: The admission process for IGNOU MA Admission will start from 15th December 2025*. Candidates who are willing to apply must have the required documents for the smooth application process.

Q: Does IGNOU provide a fee refund policy?

Ans: Yes, by registering for MA admission, students will get the benefit of the IGNOU fee refund policy 2026.