IGNOU MSc Physics Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MSc Physics syllabus structure: 4 semesters, 72 credits
The IGNOU MSc Physics programme has a total of 72 credits, distributed across four semesters. 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. 14,200 per year, making the total fee for the minimum duration Rs. 28,400, excluding registration, development, and exam fees.
The programme includes three compulsory laboratory courses: MPHL-009 General Physics Laboratory, MPHL-010 Electronics Laboratory, and MPHL-015 Computational Physics: Laboratory. Attending these laboratory courses at a Learner Support Centre (LSC) is mandatory. The university may organize these laboratory courses at an LSC other than your assigned one. Students can appear for term-end examinations for first and second semester theory courses one year after admission, and every six months thereafter. For third and fourth semester theory courses, examinations are available one year after re-registration, and every six months thereafter.
MSc Physics structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 5 courses | 16 |
| 2nd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 7 courses | 24 |
| 4th semester | 5 courses | 20 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Physics 1st semester subjects: Mathematical Methods in Physics, Classical Mechanics I
The IGNOU MSc Physics first semester includes five core theory courses. MPH 001 Mathematical Methods in Physics and MPH 004 Quantum Mechanics I are the heaviest courses, each carrying 4 credits. The total credit load for the first semester is 16 credits out of the programme’s 72 credits.
For example, MPH 001 covers Partial Differential Equations, Vector Spaces, and Complex Analysis, which are essential for understanding topics in Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetic Theory. MPH 002 introduces the Lagrangian Formulation of Mechanics, a concept built upon in later mechanics courses. The eGyanKosh blocks for each course, such as Block 1: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics for MPH 004, outline the specific topics covered.
IGNOU MSc Physics 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPH 001 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 002 | Classical Mechanics I | 2 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 003 | Electromagnetic Theory | 2 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 004 | Quantum Mechanics I | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 005 | Electronics | 4 | Theory (Core) |
MPH 001 Mathematical Methods in Physics: study blocks
- Block 1: Partial Differential Equations and Special Functions
- Block 2: Vector Spaces, Matrices and Tensors
- Block 3: Complex Analysis
- Block 4: Fourier and Laplace Transforms
- Block 5: Group Theory
MPH 002 Classical Mechanics I: study blocks
- Block 1: The Lagrangian Formulation of Mechanics
- Block 2: Central Force and Small Oscillations
MPH 003 Electromagnetic Theory: study blocks
- Block 1: Electrostatics
- Block 2: Magnetostatics
MPH 004 Quantum Mechanics I: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- Block 2: Applications of Quantum Mechanics
- Block 3: Quantum Mechanics in Hilbert Space
IGNOU MSc Physics 2nd semester subjects: Classical Mechanics II, Classical Electrodynamics
The IGNOU MSc Physics second semester includes five core courses, totalling 20 credits. Students study Classical Mechanics II (MPH 006), Classical Electrodynamics (MPH 007), and Quantum Mechanics II (MPH 008), each carrying 4 credits. These theory courses are complemented by two laboratory components: General Physics Laboratory (MPHL 009) and Electronics Laboratory (MPHL 010), each also worth 4 credits.
The theory courses build on foundational concepts. For instance, Classical Mechanics II covers Hamiltonian Dynamics and Rigid Body Dynamics across its four eGyanKosh blocks. Classical Electrodynamics includes Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves in Material Media. Quantum Mechanics II introduces Symmetry and Conservation Laws, along with Approximation Methods. The laboratory courses provide practical application for these theoretical subjects, ensuring a balanced understanding of physics principles.
IGNOU MSc Physics 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPH 006 | Classical Mechanics II | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 007 | Classical Electrodynamics | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 008 | Quantum Mechanics II | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPHL 009 | General Physics Laboratory* | 4 | Laboratory (Core) |
| MPHL 010 | Electronics Laboratory* | 4 | Laboratory (Core) |
MPH 006 Classical Mechanics II: study blocks
- Block 1: Hamiltonian Dynamics
- Block 2: Canonical Transformations
- Block 3: Hamilton – Jacobi Theory
- Block 4: Rigid Body Dynamics
MPH 007 Classical Electrodynamics: study blocks
- Block 1: Maxwell’s Equations, and Electromagnetic waves and Dynamics of Charged Particles
- Block 2: Electromagnetic Waves in Material Media
- Block 3: Radiating Systems and Radiation from Moving Charges
- Block 4: Special Theory of Relativity and Electrodynamics
MPH 008 Quantum Mechanics II: study blocks
- Block 1: Symmetry and Conservation Laws In Quantum Mechanics
- Block 2: Approximation Methods in Quantum Mechanics
- Block 3: Time-Dependent Perturbation and Scattering
- Block 4: Introduction to Relativistic Quantum Mechanics (OER)
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSc Physics 3rd semester subjects: Statistical Mechanics, Condensed Matter Physics, Optics
Students study Statistical Mechanics (MPH 011), Condensed Matter Physics (MPH 012), Optics (MPH 013), and Computational Physics (MPH 014) as core theory subjects. This lab course builds directly on the theoretical concepts introduced in MPH 014 Computational Physics, covering C programming language and numerical methods.
Both MPH 011 Statistical Mechanics and MPH 012 Condensed Matter Physics also carry 4 credits each. The eGyanKosh blocks for MPH 011 include topics from classical and quantum ensemble theory to phase transitions. MPH 012 covers crystal structure, electrons in solids, and superconductivity.
IGNOU MSc Physics 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPH 011 | Statistical Mechanics | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 012 | Condensed Matter Physics | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 013 | Optics | 2 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 014 | Computational Physics | 2 | Theory (Core) |
| MPHL 015 | Computational Physics : Laboratory | 4 | Laboratory (Core) |
| MPHE 025 | Materials Science | 4 | Theory (Elective) |
| MPHE 026 | Elements of Reactor Physics | 4 | Theory (Elective) |
MPH 011 Statistical Mechanics: study blocks
- Block 1: Basics of Statistical Mechanics
- Block 2: Classical Ensemble Theory
- Block 3: Quantum Ensemble Theory
- Block 4: Interacting System and Phase Transitions
MPH 012 Condensed Matter Physics: study blocks
- Block 1: Crystal Structure and Lattice Vibrations
- Block 2: Electrons in Solids
- Block 3: Dielectric and Magnetic Properties
- Block 4: Superconductivity
MPH 013 Optics: study blocks
- Block 1: Electromagnetic Wave Propagation In Media
- Block 2: Lasers and Optical Waveguides
MPH 014 Computational Physics: study blocks
- Block 1: Numerical Methods-I
- Block 2: Numerical Methods-2
MPHL 015 Computational Physics : Laboratory: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to the C Programming Language
- Block 2: Programming in C
- Block 3: Laboratory Manual
MPHE 026 Elements of Reactor Physics: study blocks
- Block 1: Basic Concepts of Reactor Physics
- Block 2: Neutron Moderation
- Block 3: Neutron Transport
- Block 4: Diffusion Equation
IGNOU MSc Physics 4th semester subjects: Atomic and Molecular Physics, Nuclear and Particle Physics
The IGNOU MSc Physics 4th semester includes two core theory courses, MPH 016 Atomic and Molecular Physics and MPH 017 Nuclear and Particle Physics, each carrying 4 credits. Learners also select elective courses from options like MPHE 025 Materials Science, MPHE 026 Elements of Reactor Physics, and MPHE 027 Nanoscience, each worth 4 credits.
MPH 016 covers four eGyanKosh blocks, including Atomic Physics and Molecular Spectroscopy. MPH 017 also has four eGyanKosh blocks, focusing on Static Properties of Nuclei and Particle Physics. For those choosing MPHE 026, the course covers four blocks, from Basic Concepts of Reactor Physics to Diffusion Equation. MPHE 027, Nanoscience, details four blocks, including Fundamentals of Nanoscience and Applications of Nanomaterials.
IGNOU MSc Physics 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPH 016 | Atomic and Molecular Physics | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPH 017 | Nuclear and Particle Physics | 4 | Theory (Core) |
| MPHE 025 | Materials Science | 4 | Theory (Elective) |
| MPHE 026 | Elements of Reactor Physics | 4 | Theory (Elective) |
| MPHE 027 | Nanoscience | 4 | Theory (Elective) |
MPH 016 Atomic and Molecular Physics: study blocks
- Block 1: Atomic Physics
- Block 2: Molecular Structure
- Block 3: Molecular Spectroscopy
- Block 4: Interaction of Atoms with Radiation
MPH 017 Nuclear and Particle Physics: study blocks
- Block 1: Static Properties of Nuclei and Nuclear Interactions
- Block 2: Nuclear Models, Decay Processes and Nuclear Reactions
- Block 3: Particle Physics
MPHE 026 Elements of Reactor Physics: study blocks
- Block 1: Basic Concepts of Reactor Physics
- Block 2: Neutron Moderation
- Block 3: Neutron Transport
- Block 4: Diffusion Equation
MPHE 027 Nanoscience: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Nanoscience
- Block 2: Types of Nanostructures
- Block 3: Properties of Nanomaterials
- Block 4: Applications of Nanomaterials
IGNOU MSc Physics assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MSc Physics programme assesses learners through assignments and term-end examinations. Laboratory courses also have a compulsory attendance requirement at the Learner Support Centre (LSC).
Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before they can appear for the Term-End Examination (TEE). Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. 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. Learners can appear for the TEE for first and second semester theory courses one year after admission. For third and fourth semester theory courses, learners can appear for the TEE one year after re-registration. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For practical and project exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
The IGNOU MSc Physics programme includes three laboratory courses: MPHL-009 General Physics Laboratory, MPHL-010 Electronics Laboratory, and MPHL-015 Computational Physics: Laboratory. Attending these laboratory courses at the LSC is a compulsory requirement. The University reserves the right to organise laboratory courses at a different LSC.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MSc Physics study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material as a print book and/or e-book for the IGNOU MSc Physics programme. Learners who opt for soft copy instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee of Rs. 14,200 per year for the July 2026 session.
The self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes is available on eGyanKosh. For MPH 001 Mathematical Methods in Physics, eGyanKosh offers five study blocks: Partial Differential Equations and Special Functions; Vector Spaces, Matrices and Tensors; Complex Analysis; Fourier and Laplace Transforms; and Group Theory. MPH 002 Classical Mechanics I has two study blocks: The Lagrangian Formulation of Mechanics and Central Force and Small Oscillations.
Counselling sessions are held as per the schedule drawn up by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is also available through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based support. The IGNOU MSc Physics programme has three compulsory laboratory courses: MPHL-009 General Physics Laboratory, MPHL-010 Electronics Laboratory, and MPHL-015 Computational Physics: Laboratory. Attendance at these practical sessions at the Learner Support Centre is compulsory.
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
Which semester has the most credits in the IGNOU MSc Physics programme?
The third semester of the IGNOU MSc Physics programme carries the most credits, totalling 24. This includes core theory courses, a computational physics laboratory, and elective options like Materials Science or Elements of Reactor Physics.
How many laboratory courses are there in the IGNOU MSc Physics syllabus?
The IGNOU MSc Physics programme includes three compulsory laboratory courses. These are MPHL-009 General Physics Laboratory, MPHL-010 Electronics Laboratory, and MPHL-015 Computational Physics: Laboratory. Attending these at a Learner Support Centre is mandatory.
What is the total programme fee for the IGNOU MSc Physics?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MSc Physics is Rs. 28,400 for the minimum two-year duration, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount excludes additional charges such as registration, development, and examination fees.
What is the annual fee for the IGNOU MSc Physics programme?
The annual programme fee for the IGNOU MSc Physics is Rs. 14,200, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. This fee is paid per year of study, not per semester.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MSc Physics programme?
To be eligible, you need a B.Sc. Degree with Physics and Mathematics, or a B.Sc. with Major/Honours in Physics. Graduates from IGNOU or other recognised Open Universities require a minimum of 32 credits in Physics, with Mathematics as a subject.
How many total credits are required to complete the IGNOU MSc Physics?
You must complete 72 credits to earn the IGNOU MSc Physics degree. This includes a combination of core theory courses, laboratory courses, and elective options spread across four semesters.
When can I appear for the term-end examinations for the first and second semesters?
You can appear for the term-end examinations for the first and second semester theory courses one year after your admission. After this initial period, you can sit for these exams every six months.
What are the study blocks for MPH 001 Mathematical Methods in Physics?
The MPH 001 Mathematical Methods in Physics course has five study blocks available on eGyanKosh. These cover Partial Differential Equations and Special Functions, Vector Spaces, Matrices and Tensors, Complex Analysis, Fourier and Laplace Transforms, and Group Theory.
Can I opt for digital study material and get a fee discount?
Yes, you can receive a 15% discount on the programme fee if you choose to receive soft copies of the self-learning material instead of printed books. This option is available during the admission process.
When can I appear for the term-end examinations for the third and fourth semesters?
You can appear for the term-end examinations for the third and fourth semester theory courses one year after your re-registration for the second year. Following this, you can take these exams every six months.