IGNOU Guide IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University · Delhi

IGNOU MA Fee Structure & Admission in MA English in IGNOU 2026

Updated 29 October 2026 Programmes 12 min read

IGNOU offers Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online Master of Arts (MA) degree programmes across disciplines including Psychology, Economics, English, and Education. Candidates with a recognized three-year bachelor’s degree can apply online via the Samarth portal. Admissions follow the official university prospectus schedule.

Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, was established by an Act of Parliament in 1985 and holds NAAC A++ accreditation while ranking first in the NIRF open university category. For the 2026 academic calendar, IGNOU offers Master of Arts (MA) degree programmes across distance and online learning modes through its 21 Schools of Studies. Learners complete coursework using printed self-learning material, eGyanKosh digital resources, Gyan Darshan telecasts, and term-end evaluations. This page details eligibility criteria, fee rules, credit structures, and application procedures for IGNOU MA courses.

IGNOU MA courses: Master of Arts programmes listed for 2026

Indira Gandhi National Open University offers postgraduate Master of Arts degrees across diverse humanities and social science disciplines. Candidates can review the complete list of ODL and online MA programmes published in the IGNOU Common Prospectus before submitting their admission form.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree Programmes Offered by IGNOU

Programme Name Programme Code Academic School
Master of Arts (English) MAEG School of Humanities
Master of Arts (Hindi) MAHD School of Humanities
Master of Arts (Bhagavad Gita Studies) MABGS School of Humanities
Master of Arts (Urdu) MAUD School of Humanities
Master of Arts (Applied Urdu) MAAUD School of Humanities
Master of Arts (Political Science) MAPS School of Social Sciences
Master of Arts (History) MAHI School of Social Sciences
Master of Arts (Sociology) MASO School of Social Sciences
Master of Arts (Economics) MAEC School of Social Sciences
Master of Arts (Public Administration) MPA School of Social Sciences
Master of Arts (Anthropology) MAANY School of Social Sciences
Master of Arts (Gandhi and Peace Studies) MGPS School of Social Sciences
Master of Arts (Rural Development) MARD School of Continuing Education
Master of Arts (Education) MAEDU School of Education
Master of Arts (Distance Education) MADE School of Education
Master of Arts (Adult Education) MAAE School of Education
Master of Arts (Philosophy) MAPY School of Humanities
Master of Arts (Folklore and Culture Studies) MAFCS School of Inter-Disciplinary Studies
Master of Arts (Environmental and Occupational Health) MAENOH School of Inter-Disciplinary Studies
Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) MASS School of Inter-Disciplinary Studies
Master of Arts (Environmental Studies) MAEVS School of Inter-Disciplinary Studies
Master of Arts (Migration and Diaspora) MAMIDI School of Inter-Disciplinary Studies
Master of Arts in Human Values and Ethics MAHUE School of Inter-Disciplinary Studies
Master of Arts (Development Studies) MADVS School of Extension and Development
Master of Arts (Corporate Social Responsibility) MACSR School of Extension and Development
Master of Arts (Urban Studies) MAUS School of Extension and Development
Master of Arts (Population and Family Health Studies) MAPFHS School of Extension and Development
Master of Arts (Women and Gender Studies) MAWGSR School of Gender and Development
Master of Arts (Gender and Development Studies) MAGD School of Gender and Development
Master of Arts (Translation Studies) MATS School of Translation Studies
Master of Arts (Journalism and Mass Communication) MAJMC School of Journalism and New Media
Master of Arts (Journalism and Digital Media) MAJDM School of Journalism and New Media
Master of Arts (Journalism and Electronic Media) MAJEM School of Journalism and New Media
Master of Arts (Development Journalism) MADJ School of Journalism and New Media
Master of Arts (Entrepreneurship) MAER School of Vocational Education
Master of Arts (Arabic) MAARB School of Foreign Languages
Master of Arts (Russian) MARUS School of Foreign Languages
Master of Arts (French) MAFL School of Foreign Languages
Master of Arts (Spanish) MASL School of Foreign Languages
Master of Arts (Psychology) MAPC School of Social Sciences

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU PhD English Admission Committee Meeting Minutes 2025
First page of the official document IGNOU PhD English Admission Committee Meeting Minutes 2025 (2025).
Main entrance gate of IGNOU, with its name, trees, and people.
The main entrance gate of Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, India.

IGNOU MA in Psychology: Master of Arts (Psychology) MAPC details

IGNOU offers the Master of Arts in Psychology under programme code MAPC through the School of Social Sciences. Students undergo theoretical evaluation, practical components, and project work administered by assigned Learner Support Centres.

The university also conducts a regular mode Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology under code PHDPC. IGNOU has not published separate term fees for the MAPC programme on its site as of 26 October 2026.

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU Notification 103 Revised Programme Fees 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU Notification 103 Revised Programme Fees 2026 (2027).

IGNOU MA Economics: Master of Arts (Economics) MAEC details

The Master of Arts in Economics programme is designated by programme code MAEC (also commonly searched as IGNOU MEC) under the School of Social Sciences. Course content focuses on core economic theories, quantitative techniques, and Indian economic policy.

Students complete continuous internal assessment assignments alongside term-end examinations. Detailed course materials and assignment booklets are uploaded session-wise on the IGNOU eGyanKosh digital platform.

IGNOU MA English admission: Master of Arts (English) MAEG overview

IGNOU provides the Master of Arts (English) programme under programme code MAEG in ODL mode and offers a One Year Masters in English under code MAEGOY. Candidates apply directly on the Samarth admission portal during active admission cycles.

Learning support includes printed self-instructional blocks, audio-video programs broadcast over Gyan Darshan, and academic counseling sessions at designated study centers.

IGNOU MA eligibility: Master’s degree admission criteria and rules

Candidates applying for any Master of Arts programme at IGNOU must possess a recognized bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration. Master’s degrees obtained without a prior three-year undergraduate degree are invalid for admission, except for five-year integrated Master’s degrees.

Degrees earned prior to 4 June 1986, or degrees awarded to students enrolled up to June 1986, are recognized at par with three-year degrees. Candidates with 40% or more disability receive an additional 2 years beyond the maximum program duration.

IGNOU MA fee structure: Course change and project evaluation charges

IGNOU assesses course modification fees and project evaluation fees separately from standard tuition charges. Students requesting an elective or course change within 30 days of receiving study material must pay fees via Demand Draft to their Regional Centre.

IGNOU has not published specific session fee amounts for Master of Arts programmes on its official portal as of 26 October 2026.

IGNOU Administrative and Evaluation Fee Slabs for Master’s Programmes

Fee Head Applicable Condition Fee Amount
Course Change Fee 2 or 4 credit course Rs. 600
Course Change Fee 6 or 8 credit course Rs. 1,200
Project Evaluation Fee Submitted with TEE form (from Jan 2023 cycle) As per university project slabs

Location of Indira Gandhi National Open University headquarters.

IGNOU MA syllabus and credits: Credit system and evaluation rules

IGNOU operates on a systemic Credit System where one credit equals 30 hours of total student learning effort. A 4-credit course requires 120 study hours covering self-learning print material comprehension, audio-video sessions, counseling, and assignment writing.

Programmes like MA Education (MAEDU) require completion of first-year core courses such as MES-011 to MES-016 and second-year specialized courses like MES-103 (Higher Education: Psycho-Social Context) and MES-104 (Higher Education: Planning and Management).

IGNOU MA application process: How to apply on Samarth portal

Prospective candidates register online through the official Samarth admission portal for distance learning or the IGNOU online portal for digital programmes. Incomplete applications or forms with false information face rejection without prior notice.

  • Clear scanned photograph and signature
  • Self-attested copy of 10th and 12th marksheets
  • Self-attested copy of Bachelor’s degree certificate and marksheets
  • Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC (if applicable)
  • Disability certificate (if seeking relaxation of 40% or more)
  1. Open the official Samarth admission portal and register a new user account.
  2. Fill in personal, academic qualification, and programme choice fields carefully.
  3. Select your preferred Regional Centre and Learner Support Centre.
  4. Upload clear scanned copies of self-attested certificates and photograph.
  5. Pay the required registration and programme fees using online payment methods.
  6. Download and print the completed application form receipt for future reference.

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU PhD Information Brochure July 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU PhD Information Brochure July 2026 (2026).

IGNOU MA student support: Address change and study material rules

Learners requiring address updates must download the official correction proforma from the IGNOU website www.ignou.ac.in and submit it to their Regional Director. Address updates take 4 to 6 weeks to process in the central database.

For non-receipt of physical self-learning material, learners must contact the Registrar, Material Production and Distribution Division (MPDD), IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068. Digital study materials remain accessible on the free eGyanKosh repository.

Brick buildings behind a decorative fence on the IGNOU campus.
Buildings on the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) campus in New Delhi.

Key facts

  • University Status: Central Open University (NAAC A++)
  • Minimum Qualification: 3-Year Recognized Bachelor’s Degree
  • Credit Standard: 1 Credit = 30 Study Hours
  • Course Change Fee (2/4 Credits): Rs. 600 per course
  • Course Change Fee (6/8 Credits): Rs. 1,200 per course
  • Disability Relaxation: 2 Additional Years
  • Primary Admission Portal: Samarth Online Portal

Notices and Documents from IGNOU

Common IGNOU Questions

Is there an upper age limit for taking admission in IGNOU MA programmes?

IGNOU enforces no upper age limit for admission into any of its Master of Arts (MA) degree programmes. Candidates holding a recognized three-year bachelor’s degree can apply regardless of age during the 2026 admission cycles. Applicants must register on the official Samarth online portal at samarth.edu.in by filling out personal details and uploading self-attested documents. Incomplete applications or forms with incorrect options will be rejected without prior notice.

Is an IGNOU Master’s degree eligible for Assistant Professor roles and government exam preparation?

Yes, Master’s degrees from IGNOU are fully recognized for UGC-NET eligibility, Assistant Professor recruitment, and government competitive examinations. IGNOU is a central open university established by an Act of Parliament in 1985 with NAAC A++ accreditation. Learners can complete their registration for distance Master’s programmes on the Samarth portal at samarth.edu.in during the 2026 sessions. If an online application contains false information, it will be summarily rejected without intimation.

Can I pursue a distance degree from IGNOU alongside a regular degree at another university?

UGC guidelines permit candidates to pursue a distance degree from IGNOU simultaneously with a regular degree under specified conditions. Applicants must verify program-specific course overlap and timing constraints in the IGNOU Common Prospectus before enrolling for 2026 sessions. Enrollment must be completed online via the Samarth admission portal at samarth.edu.in by selecting valid course options. Applications with conflicting or wrong options will be summarily rejected by the university.

What is the qualification required for IGNOU MA in Psychology (MAPC)?

Candidates seeking admission to IGNOU MA in Psychology (MAPC) must possess a recognized bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration. Applicants who graduated prior to 4 June 1986 are also eligible at par with three-year degree holders. Candidates must apply online on the Samarth portal at samarth.edu.in by uploading self-attested degree marksheets during active 2026 admission cycles. Incomplete application forms submitted on the portal will be rejected without intimation.

What is the programme code for IGNOU MA Economics?

The official programme code for IGNOU Master of Arts in Economics is MAEC under the School of Social Sciences. Applicants holding a recognized three-year bachelor’s degree can apply for this ODL programme for the 2026 academic calendar. Eligible candidates must complete registration on the Samarth admission portal at samarth.edu.in and upload required qualification certificates. If the submitted online application contains false information, IGNOU will summarily reject it.

What is the fee for changing an elective course in IGNOU MA?

Changing an elective course in IGNOU MA costs Rs. 600 for a 2 or 4 credit course and Rs. 1,200 for a 6 or 8 credit course. This request is permitted only within 30 days of receiving the first set of course material. Learners must submit a Demand Draft drawn in favor of IGNOU to their concerned Regional Centre along with the request. Requests sent directly to SRD New Delhi or other unspecified offices will not be entertained.

How many study hours are required for a 4-credit IGNOU MA course?

A 4-credit IGNOU MA course requires a total of 120 study hours based on the standard credit metric of 30 hours per credit. This requirement applies across all Master’s programmes for reading print material, attending counseling, and completing assignments. Learners can access self-learning modules on the eGyanKosh portal at www.egyankosh.ac.in to complete their coursework during the 2026 session. If physical study materials are not received, students must write to MPDD IGNOU Maidan Garhi.

How can I update my communication address in IGNOU records?

Learners must update their communication address by submitting the printed address correction proforma directly to their concerned Regional Director. This procedure applies to all enrolled Master’s students, and the form can be downloaded from www.ignou.ac.in. Updates take 4 to 6 weeks to reflect in the central database after submission. Requests sent directly to SRD New Delhi or other university offices will be rejected without processing.

What are the programme codes for Master of Arts in English at IGNOU?

IGNOU offers the Master of Arts in English under programme code MAEG in ODL mode and code MAEGOY for the one-year format. Candidates holding a recognized three-year bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply under the School of Humanities. Applications must be submitted online on the Samarth admission portal at samarth.edu.in during active 2026 admission cycles. Incomplete application forms or wrong course choices will lead to summary rejection without notice.

What is the programme code and admission mode for IGNOU PhD in Psychology?

IGNOU offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in regular mode under programme code PHDPC for the July 2026 admission session. Candidates must apply online through the main university portal at www.ignou.ac.in within 21 days from the activation of the online application link. Applicants should complete all required personal and academic columns before submitting. Offline application forms sent to unspecified IGNOU offices will not be considered or entertained.

Where can IGNOU Master of Arts students access digital study material if books are delayed?

IGNOU Master of Arts students can access free digital self-learning materials and video programmes on the eGyanKosh repository at www.egyankosh.ac.in. This free digital access applies to all enrolled ODL and online learners during their course of study in 2026. For physical material non-receipt, learners must submit a written query to the Registrar, Material Production and Distribution Division, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. Letters sent to unauthorized officers will not be entertained.

What is the Project Evaluation Fee for IGNOU MA programmes?

The Project Evaluation Fee for IGNOU MA programmes is charged as per university project slabs. This fee is applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle and must be submitted along with the Term-End Examination (TEE) form. Learners are required to submit the online receipt of the project fee when submitting their project report. Failure to submit the fee and receipt may result in the non-evaluation of the project work.

What documents are required for IGNOU MA admission?

For IGNOU MA admission, candidates must upload several self-attested documents online. These include clear scanned copies of their photograph, signature, 10th and 12th marksheets, and Bachelor’s degree certificate and marksheets. Category certificates for SC/ST/OBC and disability certificates for 40% or more disability are also required if applicable. All documents must be uploaded during the online application process on the Samarth admission portal, as incomplete submissions will be rejected.

More on Courses & Fees