IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
The IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics is a two-year programme with a fee of Rs. 13,000 per semester for the July 2026 session. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree of at least three years from a recognised university or institution.
| Detail | MSc Data Science & Analytics |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MSCDSA |
| School | School of Computer & Information Sciences (SOCIS) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor degree of at least 3 years duration from a recognized University/Institution. |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 13,000/- per Semester |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 52,000 (Rs. 13,000 x 4 semesters) |
| Total credits | 80 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics: what the programme covers
The IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics is a two-year programme, requiring 80 credits for completion. It trains learners in computational and statistical skills for data-driven problem solving. The programme prepares learners to apply data science techniques to solve real-world problems across various domains, including business, healthcare, social sciences, and engineering. The programme fee is Rs. 13,000/- per Semester, as per the July 2026 prospectus.
Learners can exit the programme with a Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics (PGDDSA) after successfully completing the first year. The first year consists of two semesters, each contributing 20 credits. The first semester includes courses like MCS 061 Mathematical Foundations- I and MCS 062 Introduction to Data Science, along with lab courses such as MCSL 064 Data Structures using Python Lab. The second semester covers MCS 066 Mathematical Foundations – II and MCS 224 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The second year’s third semester includes MCS 071 Big Data Analytics and MCS 072 Deep Learning. The final, fourth semester features MCS 077 Natural Language Processing and a significant MCSP 079 Project Work, which carries 12 credits.
IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree. This degree needs to be of at least three years’ duration. The entire programme is delivered in English medium.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme fee is Rs. 13,000 per semester for the July 2026 session. For the minimum duration of four semesters, the total programme fee is Rs. 52,000. This amount does not include additional charges.
Learners pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 at the time of admission. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also payable at admission. These fees are in addition to the per-semester programme fee.
The programme fee is eligible for a 15% discount if a learner chooses soft copy study materials instead of printed self-instructional study material.
MSc Data Science & Analytics fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 13,000/- per Semester |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 52,000 (Rs. 13,000 x 4 semesters) |
| 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 Data Science & Analytics duration and credits
The IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme has a minimum duration of 2 years. Learners can take up to 4 years to complete the programme.
The programme requires a total of 80 credits for completion. Each year is divided into two semesters, with 20 credits assigned to the first semester of the first year and 20 credits to the second semester. Similarly, the second year also has 20 credits for the third semester and 20 credits for the fourth semester.
IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme is a two-year course with 80 credits. It trains learners in computational and statistical skills for data-driven problem solving. The programme has 14 theory courses, 6 practical courses, and 1 project.
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme covers foundational concepts. The first semester includes MCS 061 Mathematical Foundations- I and MCS 062 Introduction to Data Science, each worth 4 credits. Learners also complete MCS 063 Data Structures using Python and MCSL 064 Data Structures using Python Lab, which are 4 and 2 credits respectively. The total credits for the first semester are 20. The second semester includes MCS 066 Mathematical Foundations – II and MCS 067 Data Wrangling and Visualization, each carrying 4 credits. MCS 224 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is also a 4-credit course in this semester. The total credits for the second semester are 20.
The second year focuses on advanced topics and a significant project. The third semester includes MCS 071 Big Data Analytics and MCS 072 Deep Learning, both 4-credit courses. Learners also study MCS 073 Soft Computing and MCS 074 Cloud Computing, each worth 4 credits. The total credits for the third semester are 20. The final semester, the fourth, includes MCS 077 Natural Language Processing (4 credits) and MCS 078 Data Security (4 credits). The programme concludes with MCSP 079 Project Work, which is a substantial 12-credit component. The total credits for the fourth semester are 20.
Learners can exit the programme after successfully completing the first year with a Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics (PGDDSA). The programme fee is Rs. 13,000/- per semester, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. The eGyanKosh study blocks provide detailed content for each course, such as MCS 061, which covers Set, Relations and Functions, and MCS 062, which introduces Data Science concepts.
MSc Data Science & Analytics structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 4th semester | 3 courses | 20 |
MSc Data Science & Analytics 1st semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS 061 | Mathematical Foundations- I | 4 | |
| MCS 062 | Introduction to Data Science | 4 | |
| MCS 063 | Data Structures using Python | 4 | |
| MCS 207 | Database Management Systems | 4 | |
| MCSL 064 | Data Structures using Python Lab | 2 | Lab |
| MCSL 065 | Data Science Lab | 2 | Lab |
MSc Data Science & Analytics 2nd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS 066 | Mathematical Foundations – II | 4 | |
| MCS 067 | Data Wrangling and Visualization | 4 | |
| MCS 224 | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | 4 | |
| MCS 068 | Predictive Data Analysis | 4 | |
| MCSL 069 | Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Lab | 2 | Lab |
| MCSL 070 | Data Analysis Lab | 2 | Lab |
MSc Data Science & Analytics 3rd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS 071 | Big Data Analytics | 4 | |
| MCS 072 | Deep Learning | 4 | |
| MCS 073 | Soft Computing | 4 | |
| MCS 074 | Cloud Computing | 4 | |
| MCSL 075 | Big Data Analytics Lab | 2 | Lab |
| MCSL 076 | Deep Learning Lab | 2 | Lab |
MSc Data Science & Analytics 4th semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS 077 | Natural Language Processing | 4 | |
| MCS 078 | Data Security | 4 | |
| MCSP 079 | Project Work | 12 | Project |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
The application process for the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics is fully online. Applicants do not need to send any printed forms to a Regional Centre. Admissions are open twice a year, for the January and July cycles. The current cycle open on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
Applicants must keep several documents ready before starting the application:
- A colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB in JPEG format.
- Soft copies of relevant educational qualifications, under 200 KB in JPEG or PDF format.
- A soft copy of the category certificate (SC/ST/OBC), if applicable, under 200 KB.
- Applicants are also told to keep their APAAR ID ready.
The application steps on the Samarth portal are:
- Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
- Register as a new user or log in if already registered.
- Fill out the application form with personal and academic details.
- Upload the required documents, ensuring they meet the specified size and format.
- Pay the fees online. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 13,000/- per semester.
- An additional non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are also paid at admission for the July 2026 session.
- Payment can be made via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
- Submit the application.
IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics exams and assignments
The IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme includes 14 theory courses, 6 practical courses, and one project, totalling 80 credits. Assignments are compulsory; responses must be submitted before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026). Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) 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). A failed assignment requires re-submission; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across India and abroad (July 2026). 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 practical exams, 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). 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 (January 2026). Bachelor’s and Master’s students who are within 2% marks of a 2nd or 1st division may improve their division, with one opportunity only (January 2026). Early declaration of results costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, requiring 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 Data Science & Analytics programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 52,000, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount covers four semesters at Rs. 13,000 each, but does not include the registration, development, or examination fees.
How many credits are in the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme?
The IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme has a total of 80 credits. Each of the four semesters carries 20 credits, ensuring a consistent workload throughout the two-year minimum duration.
Which courses in the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme include practical components?
The programme includes six practical courses and one project. These are MCSL 064, MCSL 065, MCSL 069, MCSL 070, MCSL 075, MCSL 076, and the MCSP 079 Project Work, which carries 12 credits in the final semester.
Can I exit the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme early with a qualification?
Yes, learners can exit with a Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics (PGDDSA) after successfully completing the first year. This option provides a recognised qualification if you cannot continue to the full Master's degree.
What is the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree of at least three years duration. This degree must be from a university or institution recognised by IGNOU.
How many theory courses are in the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics syllabus?
The IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme includes 14 theory courses. These are complemented by six practical courses and one project, making up the total of 80 credits.
What is the maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme?
Learners have a maximum of four years to complete the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme. The minimum duration for completion is two years.
Are there any courses shared with other programmes in the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics syllabus?
Yes, some courses appear in other programmes. For example, MCS 207 Database Management Systems and MCS 224 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are part of this programme, and may be found in other IGNOU offerings.
What are the examination fees for the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics programme?
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For projects 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.
Where can I find the study materials for the IGNOU MSc Data Science & Analytics courses?
The self-learning materials for courses like MCS 061 Mathematical Foundations- I and MCS 062 Introduction to Data Science are available on eGyanKosh. This repository contains study blocks for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes.