IGNOU MSc Chemistry Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MSc Chemistry syllabus structure: 4 semesters, 80 credits
The IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme is structured across four semesters, with a total of 80 credits. The minimum duration to complete the programme is two years, while the maximum duration extends to four years. The annual programme fee is Rs. 20,400/- per year, as per the July 2026 prospectus, making the full minimum duration fee Rs. 40,800, excluding registration, development, and exam fees.
The first year includes 22 credits in the first semester and 20 credits in the second semester. The second year carries 20 credits in the third semester and 28 credits in the fourth semester. Learners must choose between MCH014 (Mathematics for Chemists) and MCH015 (Biology for Chemists) in the first semester, each of value 2 credits, based on their 10+2 science background. The programme includes multiple lab courses, such as MCHL 011, MCHL 012, and MCHL 013 in the first semester, each carrying 2 credits. The final semester offers five elective courses, MCHE 011 to MCHE 015, each worth 4 credits.
MSc Chemistry structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 8 courses | 22 |
| 2nd semester | 7 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 4th semester | 8 courses | 28 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Chemistry 1st semester subjects: Inorganic Chemistry – I, Organic Chemistry – I
The IGNOU MSc Chemistry first semester includes three core theory courses, two optional foundational courses, and three lab courses. MCH 011 Inorganic Chemistry – I, MCH 012 Organic Chemistry – I, and MCH 013 General Physical Chemistry each carry 4 credits. These courses establish the theoretical base for advanced studies.
MCH 011 Inorganic Chemistry – I covers main group elements, transition elements, and organometallic chemistry across four eGyanKosh blocks. MCH 013 General Physical Chemistry also has four eGyanKosh blocks, covering thermodynamics, solid state, kinetics, and electrochemistry.
IGNOU MSc Chemistry 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCH 011 | Inorganic Chemistry – I | 4 | Theory |
| MCH 012 | Organic Chemistry – I | 4 | Theory |
| MCH 013 | General Physical Chemistry | 4 | Theory |
| MCH 014* | Mathematics for Chemists | 2 | Theory |
| MCH 015* | Biology for Chemists | 2 | Theory |
| MCHL 011 | Chemistry Lab -I | 2 | Lab |
| MCHL 012 | Chemistry Lab -II | 2 | Lab |
| MCHL 013 | Chemistry Lab -II | 2 | Lab |
MCH 011 Inorganic Chemistry – I: study blocks
- Block 1: Main Group Elements, Transition Elements, Structure of Morlecules
- Block 2: Organometallic Chemistry
- Block 3: Crystal Field Theory and its Application
- Block 4: d-Metal Complexes: Magnetism and Electronic Spectra
MCH 013 General Physical Chemistry: study blocks
- Block 1: Thermodynamics and Statistical Thermodynamics
- Block 2: Solid State and Reaction Rate Theories
- Block 3: Kinetics and Catalysis
- Block 4: Electrochemistry and Transport Phenomenon
IGNOU MSc Chemistry 2nd semester subjects: Inorganic Chemistry – II, Organic Chemistry – II
The IGNOU MSc Chemistry 2nd semester includes three theory courses worth 4 credits each: MCH 016 Inorganic Chemistry – II, MCH 017 Organic Chemistry – II, and MCH 018 Quantum Chemistry and group theory. A fourth theory course, MCH 019 Green Chemistry, carries 2 credits. The semester also features three lab courses, MCHL 014, MCHL 015, and MCHL 016, each worth 2 credits.
The second semester builds on foundational concepts, with MCH 016 covering reaction mechanisms in coordination compounds and bioinorganic chemistry, while MCH 017 explores heterocyclic compounds and organic synthesis approaches. MCH 018 introduces quantum chemistry fundamentals and group theory.
IGNOU MSc Chemistry 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCH 016 | Inorganic Chemistry – II | 4 | Theory |
| MCH 017 | Organic Chemistry – II | 4 | Theory |
| MCH 018 | Quantum Chemistry and group theory | 4 | Theory |
| MCH 019 | Green Chemistry | 2 | Theory |
| MCHL 014 | Chemistry Lab -IV | 2 | Lab |
| MCHL 015 | Chemistry Lab –V | 2 | Lab |
| MCHL 016 | Chemistry Lab -VI | 2 | Lab |
MCH 016 Inorganic Chemistry – II: study blocks
- Block 1: Reaction Mechanisms in Coordination Compounds
- Block 2: Molecular Rearrangements
- Block 3: Bioinorganic Chemistry
MCH 017 Organic Chemistry – II: study blocks
- Block 1: Heterocyclic Compounds Containing one Ring
- Block 2: Heterocycles with more than one Ring and Large Membered Heterocycles
- Block 3: Heterocycles with more than one Ring and Large Membered Heterocycles
- Block 4: Organic Synthesis: Some More Approaches
MCH 018 Quantum Chemistry and group theory: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Quantum Chemistry and Model Systems
- Block 2: Model Systems and Hydrogen Atom
- Block 3:
- Block 4:
MCH 019 Green Chemistry: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Green Chemistry
- Block 2: Applications of Green Chemistry
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSc Chemistry 3rd semester subjects: Atomic and Molecular spectroscopy, Chemistry of Materials
MCH 020 Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, MCH 021 Chemistry of Materials, MCH 022 Separation and Spectroscopic Methods, and MCH 023 Environmental Chemistry are all 4-credit theory courses. These theory courses are supported by two 2-credit lab components: MCHL 017 Separation and Spectroscopic Methods Lab and MCHL 018 Environmental Chemistry Lab.
The third semester focuses on advanced analytical and environmental topics. MCH 022 Separation and Spectroscopic Methods, for example, covers five eGyanKosh blocks, including solvent extraction, chromatography, and various spectroscopic methods. Its associated lab, MCHL 017, provides practical application for these techniques. Similarly, MCH 023 Environmental Chemistry covers four eGyanKosh blocks on soil, water, atmosphere, and pollutants, with MCHL 018 offering a practical lab component.
IGNOU MSc Chemistry 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCH 020 | Atomic and Molecular spectroscopy | 4 | Theory |
| MCH 021 | Chemistry of Materials | 4 | Theory |
| MCH 022 | Separation and Spectroscopic Methods | 4 | Theory |
| MCHL 017 | Separation and Spectroscopic Methods Lab | 2 | Lab |
| MCH 023 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 | Theory |
| MCHL 018 | Environmental Chemistry Lab | 2 | Lab |
MCH 020 Atomic and Molecular spectroscopy: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals and Atomic Spectroscopy
- Block 2: Rotational and Vibrational Spectroscopy
- Block 3: Raman and Electronic Spectroscopy
- Block 4: Resonance Spectroscopy
MCH 021 Chemistry of Materials: study blocks
- Block 1: Speciality Polymers-I
- Block 2: Speciality Polymers-II
- Block 3: Liquid Crystals and Surface Active Agents
- Block 4: Miscellaneous Materials
MCH 022 Separation and Spectroscopic Methods: study blocks
- Block 1: Solvent Extraction and Chromatographic Methods
- Block 2: Chromatographic Methods, Membrane Separations and Electrophoresis
- Block 3: Optical Spectroscopic Methods
- Block 4: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Methods
- Block 5: Mass Spectroscopy and Hyphenated Techniques
MCH 023 Environmental Chemistry: study blocks
- Block 1: Soil
- Block 2: Water
- Block 3: Atmosphere
- Block 4: Pollutants in Soil and Water
IGNOU MSc Chemistry 4th semester subjects: Introduction to research
MCH 024, “Introduction to research”, is a 2-credit theory course. MCH 025, “Electroanalytical and Other analytical methods”, carries 4 credits and has a corresponding 2-credit lab course, MCHL 019.
Learners select one 4-credit elective from MCHE 011, MCHE 012, MCHE 013, MCHE 014, or MCHE 015. MCHE 013, “Supramolecular Chemistry”, covers concepts like binding of hosts and self-assembly across its four eGyanKosh blocks. MCHE 015, “Advanced Kinetics and Electrochemistry”, also spans four eGyanKosh blocks, focusing on reaction kinetics and electrode kinetics.
IGNOU MSc Chemistry 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCH 024 | Introduction to research | 2 | Theory |
| MCH 025 | Electroanalytical and Other analytical methods | 4 | Theory |
| MCHL 019 | Electroanalytical and Other analytical methods Lab | 2 | Lab |
| MCHE 011 | Elective-I: Applications of spectroscopy to Inorganic & Bioinorganic molecules | 4 | Elective |
| MCHE 012 | Elective-II: Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds | 4 | Elective |
| MCHE 013 | Elective-III: Supramolecular Chemistry | 4 | Elective |
| MCHE 014 | Elective-IV: Primary and Secondary Metabolites | 4 | Elective |
| MCHE 015 | Elective-V: Advanced Kinetics and Electrochemistry | 4 | Elective |
MCH 025 Electroanalytical and Other analytical methods: study blocks
- Block 1: Electroanalytical Methods-I
- Block 2: Electroanalytical Methods-II
- Block 3: Thermal and Radioanalytical Methods
- Block 4: Surface Analysis Methods
MCHE 012 Elective-II: Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds: study blocks
- Block 1:
- Block 2:
- Block 3: 13C NMR and 2D NMR Spectroscopy
- Block 4:
MCHE 013 Elective-III: Supramolecular Chemistry: study blocks
- Block 1: Concepts of Supramolecular Chemistry
- Block 2: Binding of Hosts
- Block 3: Concepts of Supramolecular Chemistry
- Block 4: Self Assembly and Applications
MCHE 015 Elective-V: Advanced Kinetics and Electrochemistry: study blocks
- Block 1: Reaction Kinetics
- Block 2: Kinetics and Dynamics
- Block 3: Electrode Kinetics and Electrochemical Methods
- Block 4: Applications of Electrochemistry
IGNOU MSc Chemistry assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme assesses learners through compulsory assignments and term-end examinations. Practical sessions are compulsory for courses with a lab component. Assignments are called Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and must be submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre before taking the Term-End Examination (TEE).
IGNOU conducts term-end examinations twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across India and abroad. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For project and practical 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. Learners receive a hall ticket on the University website; it is not sent by post.
Learners may write the term-end examination in Hindi even if registered for the English medium, except for language programmes. A failed assignment must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation. The fee for a copy of an answer script is Rs. 100 per course, as of January 2026.
Students who fall short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their grade through one opportunity, as per the January 2026 rules. For an early declaration of results, Indian students pay Rs. 1000 per course, with proof of selection for a post or further studies required, as of January 2026.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MSc Chemistry study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book or e-book for the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme. Learners who opt for soft copy study material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The eGyanKosh repository contains self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes.
The eGyanKosh study blocks detail the content covered in each theory course. For example, MCH 011 Inorganic Chemistry – I includes Block 1: Main Group Elements, Transition Elements, Structure of Molecules, and Block 2: Organometallic Chemistry. MCH 013 General Physical Chemistry covers Block 1: Thermodynamics and Statistical Thermodynamics, and Block 2: Solid State and Reaction Rate Theories.
Learners can use these block lists to understand the topics within each course. MCH 016 Inorganic Chemistry – II includes Block 1: Reaction Mechanisms in Coordination Compounds. MCH 017 Organic Chemistry – II covers Block 1: Heterocyclic Compounds Containing one Ring. MCH 018 Quantum Chemistry and group theory begins with Block 1: Fundamentals of Quantum Chemistry and Model Systems. MCH 019 Green Chemistry starts with Block 1: Fundamentals of Green Chemistry.
Counselling sessions are held according to the schedule set by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is available 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 MSc Chemistry programme?
The programme fee for the full minimum duration of two years is Rs. 40,800. This amount covers the annual programme fee of Rs. 20,400 per year for the July 2026 session, but excludes additional charges like registration, development, and examination fees.
Which semester has the most credits in the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme?
The fourth semester of the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme carries the most credits, totalling 28. This includes core theory courses, a lab, and a choice of five elective courses, each worth 4 credits.
Are there any lab courses in the IGNOU MSc Chemistry syllabus?
Yes, the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme includes several lab courses. For example, the first semester has MCHL 011, MCHL 012, and MCHL 013, each worth 2 credits. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory for programmes with practicals.
What are the study blocks for MCH 011 Inorganic Chemistry – I?
The eGyanKosh study blocks for MCH 011 Inorganic Chemistry – I cover four main areas. These are Main Group Elements, Transition Elements, Structure of Molecules; Organometallic Chemistry; Crystal Field Theory and its Application; and d-Metal Complexes: Magnetism and Electronic Spectra.
How many credits are there in the first year of the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme?
The first semester accounts for 22 credits, while the second semester contributes 20 credits to the annual total.
Is there a project course in the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme?
The programme structure lists MCH 024 Introduction to Research as a 2-credit theory course in the fourth semester. The syllabus does not explicitly mention a separate project course with a specific project code.
What is the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme?
Candidates must hold a B.Sc. (Major/Honours) Degree in Chemistry from a recognised university. Alternatively, a B.Sc. Degree with Chemistry as one of three science subjects with equal weightage, or a B.Sc. Degree from an Open University with a minimum of 20 Chemistry credits, is also accepted.
Which course should I choose if I studied Mathematics at 10+2 level?
This 2-credit theory course is offered in the first semester of the programme.
Where can I find the study material for IGNOU MSc Chemistry courses?
Self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes, including IGNOU MSc Chemistry, is available on the eGyanKosh repository. Printed self-instructional study material is also provided.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Chemistry programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum duration of 4 years to complete all requirements for the degree.