IGNOU MA History (MAH) Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
The first semester begins with three theory courses: MHI 101, MHI 104, and MHI 105.
IGNOU MA History (MAH) syllabus structure: 4 semesters, 80 credits
The IGNOU MA History programme is structured across four semesters, with a total of 80 credits. Each semester carries 20 credits, except for the third semester, which has 24 credits. The minimum duration to complete the programme is two years, with a maximum duration of four years. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 8,200 per year, making the total fee for the minimum duration Rs. 16,400, excluding registration, development, and exam fees.
The MA History programme is offered semester-wise, with admissions available in both January and July cycles. Students with a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognised university are eligible. The curriculum moves beyond conventional period-based history, focusing instead on themes such as social, economic, and political developments in Indian history. This approach helps students understand continuity and change in a comparative perspective, and elective courses offer interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary options.
MA History (MAH) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 3 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 3 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 4 courses | 24 |
| 4th semester | 3 courses | 20 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA History (MAH) 1st semester subjects: Ancient and Medieval Societies
The IGNOU MA History (MAH) first semester syllabus includes three core theory courses. These courses are MHI 101 Ancient and Medieval Societies, MHI 104 Political Structures in India through the Ages, and MHI 105 History of Indian Economy-1: From Earliest Times to C.1700. The total credits for the first semester are 20, with MHI 104 being the heaviest course at 8 credits.
There is no project or lab component in the first semester. All three courses are theory-based. MHI 101 and MHI 105 each carry 6 credits.
IGNOU MA History (MAH) 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHI 101 | Ancient and Medieval Societies | 6 | Theory |
| MHI 104 | Political Structures in India through the Ages | 8 | Theory |
| MHI 105 | History of Indian Economy-1: From Earliest Times to C.1700 | 6 | Theory |
IGNOU MA History (MAH) 2nd semester subjects: Modern World, Social Structures in India through the Ages
The 2nd semester focuses on theoretical understanding, with MHI 106 carrying 8 credits, making it the heaviest course in this semester.
The 2nd semester subjects, MHI 106 Social Structures in India through the Ages covers eight eGyanKosh blocks, from “Introduction” to “Social Questions Under Colonialism.” MHI 107 History of Indian Economy-2: C.1700 to 2000 is another 6-credit theory course offered in this semester.
IGNOU MA History (MAH) 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHI 102 | Modern World | 6 | Theory |
| MHI 106 | Social Structures in India through the Ages | 8 | Theory |
| MHI 107 | History of Indian Economy-2: C.1700 to 2000 | 6 | Theory |
MHI 106 Social Structures in India through the Ages: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction
- Block 2: Cultures in Transition
- Block 3: Early Historic Societies: 6th Century B.C. to 4th Century A.D.
- Block 4: Early Medieval Societies
- Block 5: Medieval Society-1: Historiography of the Rural Society
- Block 6: Medieval Society-2
- Block 7: Modern Society
- Block 8: Social Questions Under Colonialism
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA History (MAH) 3rd semester subjects: Historiography and Research Methods, Indian National Movement
MHI 103 Historiography and Research Methods and MHI 109 Indian National Movement are the heaviest courses, each carrying 8 credits. These courses establish foundational knowledge for advanced historical study.
Learners also study MPSE 004 Social and Political Thought in Modern India and MGP 004 Gandhi’s Political Thought, each worth 4 credits. MGP 004 is supported by eGyanKosh blocks covering topics such as Gandhi on State and Nation and Political Ideologies.
IGNOU MA History (MAH) 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHI 103 | Historiography and Research Methods | 8 | Theory |
| MHI 109 | Indian National Movement | 8 | Theory |
| MPSE 004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 | Theory |
| MGP 004 | Gandhi’s Political Thought | 4 | Theory |
MGP 004 Gandhi’s Political Thought: study blocks
- Block 1: Gandhi on State and Nation
- Block 2: Individual and the State
- Block 3: Political Ideologies
- Block 4: Peace by Pacific Means
IGNOU MA History (MAH) 4th semester subjects: Environmental Histories of the Indian Subcontinent
MHI 108, “Environmental Histories of the Indian Subcontinent,” is the heaviest course, carrying 8 credits, while MHI 110 and MHI 111 each carry 6 credits. “
MHI 110, “Urbanization in India-1,” covers topics like “The Earliest Cities in the Subcontinent” and “Early Historic Cities: North India.” MHI 111, “Urbanization in India-2,” builds on the foundational concepts introduced in MHI 110.
IGNOU MA History (MAH) 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHI 108 | Environmental Histories of the Indian Subcontinent | 8 | Theory |
| MHI 110 | Urbanization in India-1 | 6 | Theory |
| MHI 111 | Urbanization in India-2 | 6 | Theory |
MHI 108 Environmental Histories of the Indian Subcontinent: study blocks
- Block 1: Writing Environmental History
- Block 10: Provincialising the Anthropocene
- Block 2: Paleo-environments
- Block 3: Monsoon Ecologies
- Block 4: Agro-Pastoral Regimes
- Block 5: Agrarian Regimes Under Colonial Rule
- Block 6: Global Connections
- Block 7: Control and Conservation of Nature
- Block 8: Waterscapes
- Block 9: Urban Spaces
MHI 110 Urbanization in India-1: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Urban History
- Block 2: The Earlest Cities in the Subcontinent
- Block 3: Early Historic Cities: North India
- Block 4: Early Historic Cities: Deccan and South India
- Block 5: Patterns of Early Medieval Urbanisation
IGNOU MA History (MAH) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MA History programme assesses learners through compulsory assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments must be submitted before taking the Term-End Examination. Learners submit Tutor Marked Assignments to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre. Assignments for the current session are available for download on the IGNOU website.
A failed assignment requires re-submission. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade. The term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across India and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course, applicable for the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, from the January 2023 admission cycle. Learners can 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.
IGNOU 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. Students who fall short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their score, with one opportunity only.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MA History (MAH) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book or an e-book for the IGNOU MA History programme. Learners who opt for soft copy instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The full minimum duration fee for the programme is Rs. 16,400 (Rs. 8,200 x 2 years), excluding registration, development, and exam fees for the July 2026 session.
IGNOU’s eGyanKosh repository contains self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes. For instance, MHI 106 Social Structures in India through the Ages includes eight study blocks, starting with an Introduction and ending with Social Questions Under Colonialism. MGP 004 Gandhi’s Political Thought has four blocks, covering topics such as Gandhi on State and Nation. MHI 108 Environmental Histories of the Indian Subcontinent offers ten blocks, from Writing Environmental History to Provincialising the Anthropocene. MHI 110 Urbanization in India-1 has five blocks, beginning with an Introduction to Urban History.
Counselling sessions are held according to the schedule set by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is also available through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based resources. One credit in the IGNOU system equals 30 hours of learner study.
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
How many credits are there in the IGNOU MA History programme?
The IGNOU MA History programme has a total of 80 credits.
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MA History programme?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MA History is Rs. 16,400 for the minimum two-year duration, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This excludes the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400, both paid at admission.
Which semester is the heaviest in terms of credits for IGNOU MA History?
The second year's third semester is the heaviest in terms of credits, with a total of 24 credits. The other three semesters each have 20 credits.
Can I find the study blocks for specific courses like MHI 106 or MHI 108?
Yes, study blocks for courses like MHI 106, MHI 108, MHI 110, and MGP 004 are available on eGyanKosh. For example, MHI 106 has eight blocks covering topics from 'Introduction' to 'Social Questions Under Colonialism'.
Is the IGNOU MA History programme offered semester-wise or yearly?
The IGNOU MA History programme is offered semester-wise. It is divided into four semesters, with each semester having a specific set of courses and credits.
What is the fee per year for the IGNOU MA History programme?
The programme fee for the IGNOU MA History is Rs. 8,200 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. This annual fee is paid for each of the two years of the minimum duration.
Can I write the term-end examination in Hindi even if I registered in English medium?
Yes, learners may write the term-end examination in Hindi, even if they registered for the English medium. This rule applies to all programmes except language programmes.
What is the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MA History programme?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MA History programme, an applicant must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized university. Graduates from any discipline can apply.
Are there any courses shared with other programmes in the IGNOU MA History syllabus?
Yes, the third semester includes courses like MPSE 004 Social and Political Thought in Modern India and MGP 004 Gandhi’s Political Thought.