IGNOU MA Sociology Admission 2026 is now accepting fresh forms, and students can join easily as the admission cycle is active; The Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology offered by IGNOU is perfect for students keen on understanding social behavior, cultural patterns, and societal change. It prepares learners for academic, research, and social work careers. Important study areas include sociological theories, Indian society, research methodology, urban and rural sociology, and social movements. To be eligible, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 45% marks. The course runs for a minimum of 2 years, with a maximum duration of 4 years. Admissions are open from December 25 to December 31, 2025, and applications are accepted online only. The fee structure is ₹6,300 per year, totaling ₹12,600, with random tuition fee relaxation of 20%–40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates, plus 1%–4% admission reservation. The application fee is ₹300 and must be paid at the time of form submission. The program is ideal for students aiming to work in NGOs, academics, or civil services.
IGNOU MA Sociology Admission 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Course Details |
| Course Name | Master of Arts (MA) Sociology |
| Offered By | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Course Type | Postgraduate (PG) |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Medium of Instruction | English/ Hindi |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree from a certified university |
| Mode of Study | Open & Distance Learning Mode |
| Course Fee | INR 7,500 per Year |
What is the IGNOU MA Sociology Programme?
The MA Sociology programme at IGNOU is a two-year postgraduate degree that helps students understand how society works, how people interact, and how social structures shape daily life. IGNOU, a central government university with NAAC A++ accreditation, offers this course in distance mode, making it suitable for both fresh graduates and working learners.
The programme covers social theories, research methods, cultural systems, modernization, development studies, gender relations, inequality, and social change. Students learn to analyse real-life social issues using simple and practical methods. The curriculum is divided into four semesters, allowing flexible study from home.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU MA Sociology Admission 2026
- Entrance Exam: Not required; direct admission
- Age Limit: No age restriction
- Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university
- Stream Flexibility: Students from Arts, Commerce, Science, or Professional degrees can apply
- Marks Requirement: No strict cutoff; forty-five percent or above is recommended
Eligibility Criteria For IGNOU MA Sociology Admission
- Qualification Requirements: Applicants who have successfully completed their graduation and hold a Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a recognized university are eligible to apply for this programme.
- Subject Preference: There is no subject preference for pursuing this programme, candidates from any field (humanities, science, management, commerce) can apply.
- Marks Required: IGNOU has no any marks requirement, but it is advisable to secure at least 45% aggregate grade at graduation level.
- Entrance Exam: There is no entrance exam required, students can take direct admission on the basis of their merit score.
- Age Limit: There is no minimum or maximum age limit for applying.
IGNOU MA Sociology Admission Fee Structure
IGNOU has a very affordable fee range for its MA Sociology course. The fee range for the Master of Arts in Sociology programme is between INR 14,600 to INR 15,000 for the entire programme. It is a 2 year postgraduate course which consists of 4 semesters. The university is also required to pay registration fees and development fees. Candidates need to pay an examination fee of INR 200 per course.
| Total Programme Fee | INR 14,600 |
| Programme Fee Per Year | INR 7,300 |
| Registration Fee | INR 300 |
| Development Fee | INR 200 |
| Examination Fee | INR 200 |
IGNOU MA Sociology Admission Process 2026
IGNOU MA Sociology admission process will start soon for the January 2026 academic session. Applicants must visit the official IGNOU website and fill the online application form before the deadline. Students also have to pay a registration fee of INR 300 at the time of registration process.
Here’s the entire process of applying for the MA Sociology programme.
- Step 1: Visit Site: Go to the official IGNOU admission portal (www.ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/)
- Step 2: Registration: Create an account at the portal by entering your basic details like name, mobile number,email address and also you need to create your username & set a password.
- Step 3: Log In: Log in with your created user name and password.
- Step 4: Selection the MA Sociology programme from the mention list
- Step 5: Application Form: Complete the online application form by providing your personal information and academic details in the portal.
- Step 6: Submit Documents: Upload all scanned documents including your scanned signature and passport-sized photographs.
- Step 7: Review Form: Must check all details and uploaded documents before submitting the form for payment processing.
- Step 8: Pay Fee: Pay the application fee via net banking, UPI, Debit Card of Credit Card.
- Step 9: Confirmation: After verifying your details, you will receive an acknowledgement letter or a confirmation email from the university.
Required Documents For IGNOU MA Sociology Admission
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets & Certificates
- Graduation Degree Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Transfer Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Experience Letter (if any)
- Scanned Copy of Signature
- Passport-Size Photographs
IGNOU MA Sociology Assignment
It is mandatory for all students to complete their assignments before the term end examination. Caring a 30% weightage in the programme and obtaining at least 45% marks in assessment to pass the course is compulsory. Applicants can download the assessment form IGNOU’s official site.
FAQs for Students
1. What is the minimum eligibility for IGNOU MA Sociology Admission 2026?
Students must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university. There is no age limit, and final-year students can also apply.
2. Is IGNOU MA Sociology difficult for working professionals?
No. The program is designed for flexible study, with self-learning materials, recorded lectures, and weekend sessions. Working students can easily balance studies with a job.
3. How can I apply for IGNOU MA Sociology Admission 2026?
You need to visit the IGNOU Samarth portal, register online, fill the form, upload documents, and pay the fee digitally. The entire process is online, with no need to visit the center.
4. What is the duration of MA Sociology at IGNOU?
The course duration is 2 years, but IGNOU allows students up to 4 years to complete the program if needed.
5. What are the career options after completing MA Sociology from IGNOU?
Graduates can work in social research, NGOs, teaching, community development, HR departments, welfare organizations, or pursue PhD for advanced careers.
