IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026 delivers a structured postgraduate curriculum in political theory, governance, and international relations through the university’s Open and Distance Learning mode. The course spans a minimum of 2 years, and candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university qualify under the eligibility criteria. Students pay an application fee of ₹300, and the programme fee stands near ₹18,000 to ₹20,000 depending on the academic cycle. The syllabus includes Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Indian Government & Politics, Public Administration, International Relations, and Peace Studies, ensuring strong academic grounding. Admissions for the January session will close on 31 January 2026, and students should refer only to the official IGNOU website: www.ignou.ac.in
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026 offers a flexible postgraduate pathway for learners who want a deeper understanding of political systems, governance, and global affairs. The programme is open to graduates from any recognised university, and no entrance exam is required, making it accessible to working professionals and UPSC aspirants. The annual fee is around ₹8,000, and the curriculum includes Political Theory, Indian Government, Public Administration, and International Relations. Admissions for the January session close on 31 January 2026.
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026: Highlights
| Features | Course Details |
| Course Name | Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Mode of Education | Open & Distance Learning Mode |
| Offered By | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Type of Course | Postgraduate (PG) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree from an approved university |
| Course Fee | INR 8,000 per year |
| Selection Process | Merit- Based |
What is the IGNOU MA Political Science Programme?
The MA Political Science programme at IGNOU is a two-year master’s course designed for students who want deep knowledge about politics, governance, public policy, diplomacy, and international relations. IGNOU is a UGC-recognized university with NAAC A++ grade, making its political science degree widely accepted.
The course covers political theory, comparative politics, Indian government and administration, international politics, public policy frameworks, and global institutions. The flexible distance mode helps students study from anywhere while managing jobs or competitive exam preparation.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026
- Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
- Stream: All streams accepted (Arts, Commerce, Science, etc.)
- Marks: Recommended forty-five to fifty percent
- Entrance Exam: No entrance exam; direct admission
- Age Limit: No age criteria
This programme is helpful for careers in government exams, research, journalism, teaching, policy analysis, and civil services.
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Fee Structure
- Total Programme Fee: An MA in Political Science at IGNOU can range from INR 16,000 for the entire programme.
- Per Year Programme Fee: The fee range per year of this programme is INR 8,000.
- Development Fee: A development fee also charged by the university, and the cost is INR 200.
- Registration Fee: A one-time registration fee range is INR 300, which is non-refundable and paid at the time of application process.
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Process 2026
IGNOU MA Political Science admission process will begin soon for the January 2026 academic session. Interested applicants can fill the registration form through their official portal in the academic year 2026- 27. The admission is fully based on merit score, which means you do not have to qualify for any entrance exam. Before applying for the programme, you must create your ABC (Academic Bank of Credits) ID and DEB ID (Distance Education Bureau ID).
Here’s the step-by-step procedure for applying to IGNOU
- Step 1: Visit IGNOU Site: Go to the official website of Indira Gandhi National Open University (www.ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/)
- Step 2: Create Account: Register in the portal with your name,email address and mobile number. Also you have to create a username and have to set a password.
- Step 3: Log In: Sign in at the portal by entering your credentials, including created password and user name.
- Step 4: Choose the MA Political Science programme from the given list.
- Step 5: Application Form: Fill out the application form mentioned at the portal. Enter your personal and academic information to complete the form.
- Step 6: Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of necessary documents, including your signature and recent passport-size photographs.
- Step 7: Carefully check all details before submitting the application form.
- Step 8: Fee Payment: By using online payment methods, pay the registration fee of INR 300.
- Step 9: Verification & Confirmation: Wait for the confirmation mail. After verification, the university will send you the confirmation.
Documents Required For IGNOU MA Political Science Admission
- Scanned Copy of 10th Mark Sheet & Certificate
- Scanned Copy of 12th Mark Sheet & Certificate
- Scanned Copy of Graduation Degree Certificate
- Migration Certificate Scanned Copy
- Transfer Certificate
- Experience Certificate (if any)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Scanned Copy of Signature
- Photographs
IGNOU MA Political Science Syllabus
IGNOU offers Master of Arts in Political Science courses in the duration of 2 years. This course focuses on core topics of international & national politics, world affairs, policies and societies etc.
The 1st year M.A. Political Science course covers topics like Political Theory, India: Democracy and Development, International Relations: Theory and Problems, Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends and many more.
In the 2nd year, students are going to learn about Social Movements and Politics in India,State Politics in India, The European Union in World Affairs etc.
IGNOU MA Political Science Study Material
The study materials of IGNOU’s Master of Arts in Political Science can be downloaded or accessed from the eGanKosh official portal. These materials help students to understand the concepts of the programme and provide a better understanding in an easy way. Enrolled students also access video/audio lectures from their respective YouTube and Radio channels.
FAQs for IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026
Q1. What is the eligibility for IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026?
Students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university can apply. IGNOU does not require a minimum percentage, and there is no age limit for admission.
Q2. How do I apply for IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026?
You can apply through the IGNOU Samarth Portal. Just register, fill out the MA Political Science form, upload your documents, and pay the fee online. The process is simple and completely online.
Q3. What is the fees structure for IGNOU MA Political Science?
The yearly fee usually falls between ₹7,000 to ₹12,000, depending on session updates. Students can pay the fees year-wise or semester-wise as per IGNOU rules.
Q4. How long is the IGNOU MA Political Science program?
The duration of the course is 2 years, but IGNOU allows students up to 4 years to finish the program, offering full flexibility for working professionals.
Q5. What subjects are included in the IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus?
The syllabus covers Political Theory, Indian Government & Politics, Public Administration, International Relations, Global Politics, Peace & Conflict Studies, and other important areas.
Q6. Does IGNOU provide study materials for this MA program?
Yes. IGNOU gives printed books, eGyankosh PDFs, video lectures, and e-content through the IGNOU mobile app, making learning easy for both regular and working students.
Q7. Is the MA Political Science degree from IGNOU valid for government exams?
Yes, the degree is UGC-approved and accepted for UPSC, State PCS, NET/JRF, teaching jobs, as well as higher studies like PhD in Political Science.
