The Master of Arts (MA) program from IGNOU offers advanced knowledge in several disciplines including English, Hindi, Political Science, Economics, History, Sociology, Psychology, and others. This 2-year postgraduate degree can be completed within 5 years, making it ideal for working professionals. The eligibility criteria is a Bachelor’s degree in any subject, and candidates from reserved categories enjoy a 25%–45% fee reduction. The fee structure ranges between ₹12,600 and ₹15,000, depending on the subject. Admission for July 2026 will likely open by June 1, 2026, and the entire process including form filling and fee payment is online. Assessments are based on assignments and Term-End Examinations (TEE) conducted in June and December. Students can download syllabus PDFs and previous year papers from the website.
IGNOU MA Admission 2026–27 offers a wide range of postgraduate specializations, including English, Hindi, Sociology, Political Science, History, Public Administration, and more. Graduates from any discipline can apply, and the degree follows a 2-year ODL format with flexible learning options. Students receive e-learning resources, printed books, and access to assignment guidelines through the portal. Each subject includes internal assessments and the TEE. Fees vary by specialization but remain affordable for all students. The admission form must be submitted online. The January 2026 last date is 31 January 2026, as announced on IGNOU’s official website.
IGNOU MA Admission 2026-27: Highlights
| Highlights | Details |
| Program Name | Master of Arts |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | Two years and four semesters |
| Course Fee | INR 8000/- to INR 10,500/- |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree |
| Mode of examination | Year wise |
| Approved by | UGC-DEB |
| Medium of instruction | Hindi and English |
| Mode | ODL |
About IGNOU
Indira Gandhi National Open University is the only open university in India to receive highest NAAC accreditation with an A++ grade. It was started by an act of parliament in 1985 to democratize higher education in a distant mode to all people regardless of their gender, caste, religion or region. It is offering more than 333 UG, PG, certificate, and diploma courses in ODL and online mode. It aims to provide equitable and inclusive education in India and abroad through oversea learner support centers. Universities provide study material in printed and digitized form, including library facilities and student support centers.
IGNOU MA Course Details
Master of arts is a 2 year and 4 semester degree courses offered in open and distance learning mode. Students can also avail these courses for maximum duration of 4 years and 8 semesters.It is a postgraduate course with various specializations such as MA in English, philosophy, political science, rural development, public administration, sociology, etc.
The main medium of instruction for all MA programs is Hindi and English, except for languages courses. Admissions will be held twice in a year usually in the months of January and July. IGNOU MA course fee may vary between INR 8000/- to INR 10,500/-. Students term end examination will be held on a yearly basis. For more details students can contact their respective program coordinator.
Eligibility Criteria For IGNOU MA Admission
Indira Gandhi National Open University has a flexible admission rule for each program. For admission to master of program students must have a bachelor degree or any other higher degree from a recognized university in respective discipline. Except languages courses, other programs will use hindi and english as main language for instruction. Hence, students must be able to speak and write in their respective course medium. Admission will be based on merit through scores obtained in the qualifying examination as IGNOu does not conduct separate entrance tests for the MA program. There is no upper age limit, hence eligible individuals can apply for admission to IGNOU before the given last date.
IGNOU MA Admission Fee Structure
Students desiring to pursue a master of Arts in any discipline through distance mode can opt for Indira Gandhi National Open University. It offers pocket-friendly course fees for all the MA specializations. Students can check the detailed fee structure of the IGNOU MA program given below.
| Particulars | Fee |
| Annual fee | INR 8000/- to INR 10,500/- |
| Total course fee | INR 12,000/- INR 16,000/- |
| Development fee | INR 400/- |
| Practical and project evaluation fee | Upto 4 credit: INR 300/-
Above 4 credit: INR 500/- |
| Examination fee | INR 200/- |
| Registration fee | INR 300/- INR 150/- |
| Late fee | INR 200/- |
IGNOU MA Admission Process 2026
IGNOU MA admission process will start soon for the January 2026 academic session. Eligible applicants have to apply online for admission. It is mandatory to create an individual DEB ID for registration purposes. Students are advised to read IGNOU common prospectus for all rules and regulations. Steps to fill IGNOU MA application form include:
- Step 1: Open URL-www.ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/.
- Step 2: Use an active phone number and email ID to register.
- Step 3: New applicants have to create their username and password.
- Step 4: Login to fill the admission form with education and personal details required.
- Step 5: Upload educational documents along with scan signatures and photographs.
- Step 6: Next make fee payments via net banking, credit card or debit card.
- Step 7: After payment confirmation mail is received, preview the form.
- Step 8: Download and print out the application form after final submission.
Document Required For IGNOU MA Admission
As per admission rules, students have to scan and upload all the required documents in JPG format under 100KB in size. Documents to be submitted at the time of admission for MA program at IGNOU include:
- 10th standard marksheet and passing certificate.
- 12th marksheet and certificate.
- Bachelor certificate and marksheet.
- Caste or category certificate if applicable.
- Experience certificate if required.
- Identity proof such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, or pan card.
IGNOU Grade Card And TEE
Indira Gandhi National Open University conducted term end examinations in the months of June and December. Its evaluation system includes self-assessment exercises within each unit of study material, continuous evaluation mainly through assignments, term end examination(TEE), and Project / Term-end Practical examination. Learners have to complete and submit their assignment before term end examination. IGNOU uses letter, point grades(numerical) and qualitative level grading for evaluation purposes. Students have to apply fresh for every examination with an examination fee of INR 200/- and acquire hall tickets online on the university website. In grade card students will be able to check their academic performance results like assignments, practicals, and term end examination.
Follow the steps to download the grade card.
- Go to the IGNBOU website.
- Click on STUDENTS SERVICE.
- Click on the RESULT box.
- Select GRADE CARD link.
- Choose SELECT GRADE CARD STATUS FOR – program name.
- Type enrollment number and click on search.
- Lerner will be able to view marks obtained.
IGNOU Assignment Status
It is very important for students to complete and submit their assignment before TEE. Learners have to submit their assignment online to their respective study center. Students can check whether their assignment has been evaluated, received or updated by the university online. They can also check their result for practical and project by following the steps given below.
- Open IGNOu website.
- Go to the student center and click on assignment status.
- Select desired session.
- Enter a 10 digit enrollment number.
- Enter program code and click on submit button.
- You will be able to see if your assignment has been marked or not, including submission date, receive status and mark obtained.
IGNOU MA Admission 2026-27: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the eligibility for IGNOU MA Admission 2026-27?
Students must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university. There is no age limit for admission.
2. What MA specializations does IGNOU offer?
IGNOU offers MA degrees in subjects like English, Sociology, Political Science, History, Economics, Psychology, and various other fields.
3. How can I apply for IGNOU MA Admission 2026-27?
Students need to apply online through the IGNOU Samarth portal, fill out the form, upload required documents, and pay the fee digitally.
4. What is the fee structure for the IGNOU MA program?
The average fee ranges between ₹7,000 to ₹12,000 per year depending on the specialization.
5. What is the course duration for IGNOU MA?
The MA program is 2 years long, with an extended limit of up to 4 years for completion.
6. Does IGNOU provide study materials for the MA course?
Yes, IGNOU provides printed books, eGyankosh materials, online resources, and video lectures for self-study.
