IGNOU MSc Environmental Science 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
| Detail | MSc Environmental Science |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MSCENV |
| School | School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (SOITS) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline Science/Engineering/Agricultural Science/Forestry/Veterinary Science from a recognized University |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 8,700/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 17,400 (Rs. 8,700 x 2 years) |
| Total credits | 72 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MSc Environmental Science: what the programme covers
The IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme requires 72 credits. It gives insight into the socio-economic causes and characteristics of pollution and degradation of the natural environment. The programme also provides learners with the necessary means to develop the capacity to carry out independent assessments on environmental issues.
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme covers 32 credits. It includes courses such as MEV 11 Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Ecology, MEV 12 Earth Processes, and MEV 13 Environmental Chemistry. There are two lab courses in the first year: MEVL 11 Environmental Science Lab Course -1 and MEVL 12 Environmental Science Lab Course -2, each worth 4 credits. The second year accounts for 24 credits, featuring MEV 17 Environmental Legislations and MEV 18 Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology. A significant component of the second year is the MEVP 11 Dissertation/Project, which carries 8 credits. The eGyanKosh study blocks for MEVE 12 include Block 1: Introduction to Management and Block 3: Introduction to Sustainable Development.
IGNOU MSc Environmental Science eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme, a candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree. This degree can be in any discipline, including Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science, Forestry, or Veterinary Science. The degree must be from a recognised university. All programme materials and examinations for the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science are conducted in English.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MSc Environmental Science fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme fee is Rs. 8,700 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. For the minimum duration of two years, the total programme fee is Rs. 17,400. This amount does not include additional charges such as registration, development, and exam fees.
Learners pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 at admission. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also paid at admission, on top of the programme fee. The application process is fully online through the ODL admission portal, the IGNOU Samarth admission portal. Payment modes involve net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
A 15% discount on the programme fee is available for learners who choose soft copies of study material instead of printed books. Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book and/or e-book.
MSc Environmental Science fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 8,700/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 17,400 (Rs. 8,700 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 MSc Environmental Science duration and credits
The IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. The total credits for the programme are 72.
The first year of the programme carries 32 credits. The second year requires 24 credits.
IGNOU MSc Environmental Science syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme requires students to complete 72 credits across two years. The first year covers foundational environmental science, while the second year focuses on advanced topics and a dissertation.
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme includes eight courses, totalling 32 credits. Students study MEV 11 Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Ecology, MEV 12 Earth Processes, and MEV 13 Environmental Chemistry, each worth 4 credits. Practical skills are developed through MEVL 11 Environmental Science Lab Course -1, also a 4-credit lab course. Later in the first year, MEV 14 Sustainable Natural Resource Management, MEV 15 Environmental Pollution, Control and Management, and MEV 16 Environmental Impact Assessment are covered, each contributing 4 credits. The first year concludes with MEVL 12 Environmental Science Lab Course -2, another 4-credit lab course.
The second year of the programme comprises five courses, accounting for 24 credits. Students take MEV 17 Environmental Legislations, MEV 18 Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, and MEV 19 Research Methodology for Environmental Science, each worth 4 credits. A significant component of the second year is the MEVP 11 Dissertation/Project, which carries 8 credits and requires independent research.
MSc Environmental Science structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 8 courses | 32 |
| 2nd year | 5 courses | 24 |
| Elective Courses | 9 courses | 36 |
MSc Environmental Science 1st year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEV 11 | Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Ecology | 4 | |
| MEV 12 | Earth Processes | 4 | |
| MEV 13 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 | |
| MEVL 11 | Environmental Science Lab Course -1 | 4 | Lab |
| MEV 14 | Sustainable Natural Resource Management | 4 | |
| MEV 15 | Environmental Pollution, Control and Management | 4 | |
| MEV 16 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 4 | |
| MEVL 12 | Environmental Science Lab Course -2 | 4 | Lab |
MSc Environmental Science 2nd year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEV 17 | Environmental Legislations | 4 | |
| MEV 18 | Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology | 4 | |
| MEV 19 | Research Methodology for Environmental Science | 4 | |
| MEVL 13 | Environmental Science Lab Course – 3 | 4 | Lab |
| MEVP 11 | Dissertation/Project | 8 | Project |
MSc Environmental Science Elective Courses
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEVE 11 | Global Climate Change | 4 | Elective |
| MEVE 12 | Environmental Management | 4 | Elective |
| MEVE 13 | Environmental Biotechnology | 4 | Elective |
| MEVE 14 | Biodiversity Conservation and Management | 4 | Elective |
| MEVE 15 | Disaster Management | 4 | Elective |
| MEVE 16 | Urban Environment | 4 | Elective |
| MEVE 17 | Environment and Society | 4 | Elective |
| MEVE 18 | Instrumentation Techniques for Environmental Monitoring | 4 | Elective |
| MEVE 19 | Environmental Issues | 4 | Elective |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Environmental Science admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
The IGNOU MSc Environmental Science admission for the July 2026 cycle is open on the Samarth portal. Applicants must apply online, as no printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre.
IGNOU conducts admissions for the MSc Environmental Science programme twice a year, in the January and July cycles. The current admission cycle available on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
To apply for the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme for the July 2026 session, follow these steps:
- Keep your APAAR ID ready before starting the application.
- Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Upload soft copies of relevant educational qualifications, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
- If applicable, upload a soft copy of your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC), under 200 KB.
- Pay the programme fee of Rs. 8,700/- per year for the July 2026 session.
- Pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 in addition to the programme fee.
- Pay a University Development fee of Rs. 400, also in addition to the programme fee.
- Complete the payment using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
IGNOU MSc Environmental Science exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme. Learners must submit their assignment responses before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026). Tutor Marked Assignments go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre (July 2026). Assignments for the current session are available for download on the University website (July 2026). If an assignment fails, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment passes, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-End Examinations (TEE) for IGNOU MSc Environmental Science are held twice a year, in June and December (July 2026). These examinations take place at centres across the country and abroad (July 2026). There are two daily exam sessions: 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 project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits (from 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 an answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026).
Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible. 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). Early declaration of results costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, and requires 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 MSc Environmental Science programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration of the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science is Rs. 17,400, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount does not include the registration, development, or examination fees.
How many credits are required to complete the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science?
The IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme requires a total of 72 credits for completion.
Which courses in the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme include lab work or a project?
The IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme includes three lab courses: MEVL 11, MEVL 12, and MEVL 13, each worth 4 credits. Additionally, the second year features a significant 8-credit Dissertation/Project, MEVP 11.
Which year of the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme has the heaviest credit load?
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme carries the heaviest credit load, with a total of 32 credits.
What is the fee per year for the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science programme?
The programme fee for the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science is Rs. 8,700 per year, according to the July 2026 prospectus.
Can I get a discount if I choose digital study materials for the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study materials instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Environmental Science is 2 years. Learners have a maximum of 4 years to finish the programme from their date of admission.
Where can I find the study blocks for courses like Environmental Management (MEVE 12)?
The self-learning material, including study blocks for courses like MEVE 12 Environmental Management, is available on eGyanKosh. For MEVE 12, the blocks cover Introduction to Management, Key Areas in Environmental Management, Introduction to Sustainable Development, and Tools for Environmental Management.
What is the examination fee for theory and project courses in IGNOU MSc Environmental Science?
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For projects and practicals, 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.