IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
| Detail | MA Sociology (MSO) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MASO |
| School | School of Social Sciences (SOSS) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized University. |
| Medium | English & Hindi |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 8,200 /- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 16,400 (Rs. 8,200 x 2 years) |
| Total credits | 80 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO): what the programme covers
The IGNOU MA Sociology programme, also known by its programme code MASO, is a Master of Arts in Sociology from the School of Social Sciences (SOSS). It requires completion of 80 credits. This programme provides advanced sociological knowledge, perspectives, and skills, aligning with the NEP 2020 framework.
The curriculum focuses on classical and contemporary concepts and theories, research methods, and social issues. It covers topics such as the sociology of development, health and medicine, food, rural sociology, education, and transnational communities. The programme also addresses urbanisation and emerging concerns in contemporary society. Students can exit with a Post Graduate Diploma in Research Methodology if they complete the required courses.
The first year of the IGNOU MA Sociology programme consists of 40 credits. The First Semester includes MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I, MSO 102 Sociological Concepts and Theories-II, MSO 103 Sociology in India -I, MSO 104 Sociology in India -II, and MSOE 105 Introduction to Urban Sociology, each worth 4 credits. The Second Semester includes MSO 106 Rural Sociology, MSO 107 Foundations of Social Science Research, MSO 108 Advanced Research Methods, MSO 109 Analysis and Presentation of Data, and MSOE 110 Urbanisation and Urban Development, each also worth 4 credits.
The Third Semester includes MSO 111 Sociology of Development and MSO 112 Development and Global Society, both core courses. Students choose from various DSE courses like MSOE 113 Sociology of Religion or MSOE 114 Sociology of Diaspora. The Fourth Semester includes core courses MSO 116 Sociology of Education -I and MSO 117 Sociology of Education -II, alongside DSE options such as MSOE 118 Sociology of Food or MAN 107 Environmental Anthropology.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme, a candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree.
The programme is offered in both English and Hindi mediums. Students choose their preferred medium during the application process. The Master of Arts (Sociology) (MASO) programme is administered by the School of Social Sciences (SOSS) at IGNOU.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU MA Sociology programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 8,200 per year. For the full minimum duration of two years, the total programme fee is Rs. 16,400. This amount excludes additional charges such as registration, development, and examination fees.
At the time of admission, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 is payable. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also charged at admission. These are besides the annual programme fee. Applicants can pay these fees online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway on the ODL admission portal.
Learners who choose soft copies of study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.
MA Sociology (MSO) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 8,200 /- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 16,400 (Rs. 8,200 x 2 years) |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) duration and credits
The IGNOU MA Sociology programme has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. The programme requires a total of 80 credits for completion. The first year carries 20 credits in the first semester and 20 credits in the second semester.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The first year consists of 40 credits, divided into two semesters of 20 credits each. The programme is designed in line with NEP 2020.
In the first semester, students complete four core courses: MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I, MSO 102 Sociological Concepts and Theories-II, MSO 103 Sociology in India -I, and MSO 104 Sociology in India -II. Each of these core courses carries 4 credits. MSO 101 includes study blocks on Approaching Sociological Theory and Theories of Social Stratification.
The second semester of the first year includes four more core courses: MSO 106 Rural Sociology, MSO 107 Foundations of Social Science Research, MSO 108 Advanced Research Methods, and MSO 109 Analysis and Presentation of Data. Each of these courses is worth 4 credits. MSO 108 covers Types, Methods and Design of Research, and Data Collection. MSO 109 includes study blocks on Qualitative Analysis of Data and Report Writing and Presentation of Research Findings.
The second year offers a broader range of specialisations. The third semester includes core courses like MSO 111 Sociology of Development and MSO 112 Development and Global Society, each worth 4 credits. Students then choose from a wider selection of DSEs, including MSOE 113 Sociology of Religion, MSOE 114 Sociology of Diaspora, and MSOE 115 Globalisation and Transnational Communities. Electives from other disciplines are also available, such as MPSE 004 Social and Political Thought in Modern India from Political Science, and MJM 024 Media and Society from SOJNMS. MJM 024 covers Mass Media and Society and Media and Development.
The fourth semester continues with core courses MSO 116 Sociology of Education -I and MSO 117 Sociology of Education -II, each carrying 4 credits. The DSE options expand further, with choices like MSOE 118 Sociology of Food, MAN 107 Environmental Anthropology, and MSOE 119 Sociology of Health. MAN 107 includes blocks on Envisioning Environmental Anthropology and Environmental Movements in India. Other interdisciplinary electives include MGSE 1 Gender Planning and Development Policies from SOGDS, and MED 002 Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges from SOS. MED 002 covers Introduction to Sustainable Development and Strategy for Sustainable Development. A Post Graduate Diploma in Research Methodology is available as an exit option.
MA Sociology (MSO) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 8 courses | 32 |
| 4th semester | 11 courses | 44 |
MA Sociology (MSO) 1st semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSO 101 | Sociological Concepts and Theories-I | 4 | Core 1 |
| MSO 102 | Sociological Concepts and Theories-II | 4 | Core 2 |
| MSO 103 | Sociology in India -I | 4 | Core 3 |
| MSO 104 | Sociology in India -II | 4 | Core 4 |
| MSOE 105 | Introduction to Urban Sociology | 4 | DSE1* |
MA Sociology (MSO) 2nd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSO 106 | Rural Sociology | 4 | Core 5 |
| MSO 107 | Foundations of Social Science Research | 4 | Core 6 |
| MSO 108 | Advanced Research Methods | 4 | Core 7 |
| MSO 109 | Analysis and Presentation of Data | 4 | Core 8 |
| MSOE 110 | Urbanisation and Urban Development | 4 | DSE2** |
MA Sociology (MSO) 3rd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSO 111 | Sociology of Development | 4 | Core 9 |
| MSO 112 | Development and Global Society | 4 | Core 10 |
| MSOE 113 | Sociology of Religion | 4 | DSE 003 |
| MSOE 114 | Sociology of Diaspora | 4 | DSE 004 |
| MSOE 115 | Globalisation and Transnational Communities | 4 | DSE 005 |
| MPSE 004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 | Discipline of Political Science |
| MPSE 007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 4 | Discipline of Political Science |
| MJM 024 | Media and Society (SOJNMS) | 4 | SOJNMS |
MA Sociology (MSO) 4th semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSO 116 | Sociology of Eduation -I | 4 | Core 11 |
| MSO 117 | Sociology of Eduation -II | 4 | Core 12 |
| MSOE 118 | Sociology of Food | 4 | DSE 006 |
| MAN 107 | Environmental Anthropology | 4 | DSE 007 |
| MSOE 119 | Sociology of Health | 4 | DSE 008 |
| MAN 105 | Tribes in India | 4 | DSE 009 |
| MGSE 1 | Gender Planning and Development Policies | 4 | SOGDS |
| MGSE 7 | Gender, Organisation and Leadership | 4 | SOGDS |
| MGSE 10 | Gender and Entrepreneurship Development | 4 | SOGDS |
| MED 002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 4 | SOS |
| MED 008 | Globalisation and Environment | 4 | SOS |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
IGNOU conducts admissions for its Master of Arts (Sociology) programme twice a year, in the January and July cycles. The July 2026 admission cycle is currently open on the ODL admission portal. Applicants for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognised university.
No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. This includes the annual programme fee of Rs. 8,200, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, and a University Development fee of Rs. 400.
Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting the online application:
- A colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- A soft copy of the relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
- A soft copy of the category certificate if the applicant belongs to SC/ST/OBC, under 200 KB.
- Applicants are also told to keep their APAAR ID ready.
Payment for the admission can be made through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI via the payment gateway.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme. A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
There are two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM (December 2026 TEE). Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes (December 2026 TEE).
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE). For projects and practicals, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle (July 2026). Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post (July 2026). The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request (July 2026). A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026).
Master’s students who fall short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their grade, with one opportunity only (January 2026). An early declaration of result costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, only with proof of selection for a post or further studies (January 2026).
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration of the IGNOU MA Sociology is Rs. 16,400. This amount is calculated as Rs. 8,200 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus, and does not include registration, development, or examination fees.
What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the IGNOU MA Sociology programme?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized University. This is the primary requirement for admission.
How many credits are required to complete the IGNOU MA Sociology?
The IGNOU MA Sociology programme requires a total of 80 credits for completion. These credits are distributed across the courses over the minimum two-year duration.
Does the IGNOU MA Sociology programme include any courses from other disciplines?
Yes, the IGNOU MA Sociology programme includes courses from other disciplines, particularly in the second year. For example, in the third semester, learners can choose MPSE 004 Social and Political Thought in Modern India from Political Science, and MJM 024 Media and Society from SOJNMS.
Are there any project or practical components in the IGNOU MA Sociology programme?
However, the examination fee structure indicates a fee of Rs. 300 for projects/practicals up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for those above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Sociology?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Sociology programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum duration of 4 years to finish all requirements for the degree.
Can I choose to receive my study material digitally for the IGNOU MA Sociology?
Yes, learners can opt for soft copies of the self-learning material instead of printed books. Choosing this digital material option provides a 15% discount on the programme fee.
What is the admission cycle for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme?
IGNOU offers admission to the MA Sociology programme twice a year, during the January and July admission cycles. The current cycle open on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
Where can I find the study blocks for individual courses like MSO 101?
The study blocks for individual courses, such as MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I, are available on eGyanKosh. For MSO 101, these include Block 1: Approaching Sociological Theory and Block 2: Concept, Structure and Function.