IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) syllabus structure: 40 of 80 credits listed so far
The IGNOU MA Political Science programme has a total weightage of 80 credits. The July 2026 prospectus lists courses for the first and second semesters, covering 40 credits. The courses for the remaining 40 credits are not yet published.
The first and second semesters consist entirely of core courses. These include MPS 101 Political Theory: Key Concepts and MPS 103 Approaches to International Relations in Semester I, each carrying 4 credits. Semester II includes MPS 106 Political Theory: Contemporary Debates and MPS 110 Research Methodology, also each worth 4 credits. The programme’s minimum duration is 2 years, with a maximum duration of 4 years. The programme fee is Rs. 8,200 per year for the July 2026 session, totaling Rs. 16,400 for the full minimum duration, excluding other fees. Eligibility requires a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized University. The programme is offered in both English and Hindi mediums.
MA Political Science (MPS) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
IGNOU's July 2026 prospectus lists the courses for the 1st and 2nd semesters (40 credits). The courses for the remaining 40 of the programme's 80 credits are not listed in it yet.
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) 1st semester subjects: Political Theory: Key Concepts
The total credits for the first semester amount to 20.
The first semester also includes MPS 102 Indian Political System: Constitutional Framework and Institutions, which has four eGyanKosh blocks covering constitutional development and institutions. MPS 104 Comparative Politics also features four eGyanKosh blocks, focusing on an introduction to the state and political actors.
IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPS 101 | Political Theory: Key Concepts | 4 | Core |
| MPS 102 | Indian Political System: Constitutional Framework and Institutions | 4 | Core |
| MPS 103 | Approaches to International Relations | 4 | Core |
| MPS 104 | Comparative Politics | 4 | Core |
| MPS 105 | Western Political Thought | 4 | Core |
MPS 102 Indian Political System: Constitutional Framework and Institutions: study blocks
- Block 1: Constitutional and Constitutional Development
- Block 2: Governance and Institutions
- Block 3: Indian Federalism
- Block 4: Constitutional Bodies and Non-Constitutional Bodies
MPS 104 Comparative Politics: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction
- Block 2: State in Comparative Perspective
- Block 3: Institutions and Processes
- Block 4: Actors
IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) 2nd semester subjects: Political Theory: Contemporary Debates
MPS 107 Indian Political System: Processes and Dynamics includes eGyanKosh blocks on Political Processes and Actors, Social Inequalities and Politics, Region and Regionalism, and Contemporary Issues and Debates. Similarly, MPS 109 Comparative Politics: Issues and Debates covers Nationalism and Ethnicity, Political and Social Movements, Politics of Development, and Democratisation through its eGyanKosh blocks. Students access study materials for these courses via eGyanKosh.
IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPS 106 | Political Theory: Contemporary Debates | 4 | Core |
| MPS 107 | Indian Political System: Processes and Dynamics | 4 | Core |
| MPS 108 | Contemporary Issues in International Relations | 4 | Core |
| MPS 109 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Debates | 4 | Core |
| MPS 110 | Research Methodology | 4 | Core |
MPS 107 Indian Political System: Processes and Dynamics: study blocks
- Block 1: Political Processes and Actors
- Block 2: Social Inequalities and Politics
- Block 3: Region and Regionalism
- Block 4: Contemporary Issues and Debates
MPS 109 Comparative Politics: Issues and Debates: study blocks
- Block 1: Nationalism and Ethnicity
- Block 2: Political and Social Movements
- Block 3: Politics of Development
- Block 4: Democratisation
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MA Political Science programme assesses learners through compulsory assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments for the current session are available on the IGNOU website for download. Learners must submit their Tutor Marked Assignments to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before appearing for the Term-End Examination. A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across India and abroad. The December 2026 TEE has two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible. A copy of an answer script costs Rs. 100 per course. Master’s students who are short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division have one opportunity to improve their division. An early declaration of result costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, available only with proof of selection for a post or further studies.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material for the Master of Arts (Political Science) programme. Learners receive this as a print book or an e-book. Choosing the soft copy of study material instead of printed material offers a 15% discount on the programme fee for the July 2026 admission cycle.
The eGyanKosh repository also hosts self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes. For instance, MPS 102 Indian Political System: Constitutional Framework and Institutions includes four study blocks: Constitutional and Constitutional Development, Governance and Institutions, Indian Federalism, and Constitutional Bodies and Non-Constitutional Bodies. MPS 104 Comparative Politics covers Introduction, State in Comparative Perspective, Institutions and Processes, and Actors in its four blocks.
For MPS 107 Indian Political System: Processes and Dynamics, the study blocks are Political Processes and Actors, Social Inequalities and Politics, Region and Regionalism, and Contemporary Issues and Debates. MPS 109 Comparative Politics: Issues and Debates features blocks on Nationalism and Ethnicity, Political and Social Movements, Politics of Development, and Democratisation. These blocks structure the course content, guiding learners through specific topics within each 4-credit course. Learners can also access technology-enabled support through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based resources.
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MA Political Science programme?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MA Political Science is Rs. 16,400 for the minimum two-year duration. This amount is calculated at Rs. 8,200 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus, and does not include registration, development, or examination fees.
How many credits are in the first year of the IGNOU MA Political Science programme?
The first year of the IGNOU MA Political Science programme carries 40 credits. This includes 20 credits from five core courses in Semester I and another 20 credits from five core courses in Semester II, as listed in the July 2026 prospectus.
Does the IGNOU MA Political Science programme have a project or practical component?
The July 2026 prospectus for the IGNOU MA Political Science programme does not list any project or practical courses for the first two semesters. The programme structure for the third and fourth semesters is not yet published, so it is not stated if these later semesters include such components.
Which semester has the most courses in the IGNOU MA Political Science programme?
Both Semester I and Semester II of the IGNOU MA Political Science programme have five core courses each. Each of these courses is worth 4 credits, making both semesters equally weighted at 20 credits according to the July 2026 prospectus.
Where can I find the study blocks for courses like MPS 102?
The study blocks for courses like MPS 102 Indian Political System: Constitutional Framework and Institutions are available on eGyanKosh.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Political Science programme?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Political Science programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum duration of 4 years to complete all requirements for the degree, as per the programme details.
Are there any interdisciplinary courses in the IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus?
The revised IGNOU MA Political Science programme is designed to include a mix of core and elective courses, with scope for interdisciplinary courses. While the first two semesters focus on core courses, the third and fourth semesters will feature core and elective courses, including some interdisciplinary options from other Schools of study.
What is the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MA Political Science programme?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MA Political Science programme, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized University. This is the only stated eligibility requirement for admission.
How many credits are required to complete the entire IGNOU MA Political Science programme?
The IGNOU MA Political Science programme requires a total of 80 credits for completion. The July 2026 prospectus lists courses for the first two semesters, accounting for 40 credits, with the remaining 40 credits to be covered in subsequent semesters.
What is the fee per year for the IGNOU MA Political Science programme?
The programme fee for the IGNOU MA Political Science is Rs. 8,200 per year, as specified in the July 2026 prospectus. This fee is paid annually and does not include additional charges like the registration or examination fees.