IGNOU MSc Information Security Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MSc Information Security syllabus structure: 4 semesters, 64 credits
The IGNOU MSc Information Security programme has a total of 64 credits, structured across four semesters. Each semester carries 16 credits. The minimum duration to complete the programme is two years, with a maximum duration of four years.
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme covers foundational aspects like MSEI 21 Introduction to Information Security and MSEI 22 Network Security in Semester I. Semester II includes MSEI 27 Digital Forensics and MSEP 28 Project-1, which is a project-based course. The second year, Semesters III and IV, introduces more advanced topics. For instance, Semester III includes MSE 31 Cyber Security using Python and MCS 226 Data Science and Big Data. Semester IV features MSE 33 Web Application Testing and Audit, along with MSEP 38 Project-II. The programme fee for the full minimum duration is Rs. 44,000, based on the July 2026 prospectus, which is Rs. 22,000 per year.
MSc Information Security structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 4 courses | 16 |
| 2nd semester | 4 courses | 16 |
| 3rd semester | 5 courses | 16 |
| 4th semester | 6 courses | 16 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Information Security 1st semester subjects: Introduction to Information Security, Network Security
The IGNOU MSc Information Security programme begins with 16 credits in its first semester. Learners study four courses: MSEI 21 Introduction to Information Security, MSEI 22 Network Security, MSEI 23 Cyber Security, and MSE 24 Policy, Standards and Laws. Each course carries 4 credits. This semester establishes foundational concepts in information security and network security, which are essential for later, more advanced topics in the 64-credit programme.
The workload is evenly distributed, as each course contributes 4 credits to the total. Learners must complete assignments (TMA) for each course and appear for the term-end examination (TEE).
IGNOU MSc Information Security 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSEI 21 | Introduction to Information Security | 4 |
| MSEI 22 | Network Security | 4 |
| MSEI 23 | Cyber Security | 4 |
| MSE 24 | Policy, Standards and Laws | 4 |
IGNOU MSc Information Security 2nd semester subjects: Application and Business Security Developments, BCP
The IGNOU MSc Information Security second semester focuses on applying security principles to business operations and incident response. Students study four courses, totaling 16 credits. MSEI 25, Application and Business Security Developments, carries 4 credits and covers how to secure business applications. MSEI 26, BCP, DR Planning and Audit, also 4 credits, addresses business continuity and disaster recovery.
Digital Forensics (MSEI 27) is a 4-credit course that introduces methods for investigating digital crimes. This project requires learners to apply the theoretical knowledge from courses like MSEI 25 and MSEI 26.
IGNOU MSc Information Security 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSEI 25 | Application and Business Security Developments | 4 | |
| MSEI 26 | BCP, DR Planning and Audit | 4 | |
| MSEI 27 | Digital Forensics | 4 | |
| MSEP 28 | Project-1 | 4 | Project |
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSc Information Security 3rd semester subjects: Cyber Attack: use of Technology in Cyberspace
The IGNOU MSc Information Security 3rd semester focuses on practical applications and advanced concepts in cybersecurity. These courses provide foundational knowledge for the practical component.
The practical component, MSEL 32, also carries 4 credits and covers Cyber Attacks, Cloud Security, and Data Recovery. This practical course directly applies the theoretical knowledge gained from MSE 29 Cyber Attack: use of Technology in Cyberspace and MSE 30 Cloud and Infrastructure Security. MCS 226 Data Science and Big Data includes four eGyanKosh blocks, covering topics from the Basics of Data Science to Programming for Data Analysis, preparing learners for advanced data analysis in security contexts.
IGNOU MSc Information Security 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSE 29 | Cyber Attack: use of Technology in Cyberspace | 2 | |
| MSE 30 | Cloud and Infrastructure Security | 2 | |
| MSE 31 | Cyber Security using Python | 4 | |
| MCS 226 | Data Science and Big Data | 4 | |
| MSEL 32 | Practical (Cyber Attacks, Cloud Security and Data Recovery etc.) | 4 | Practical |
MCS 226 Data Science and Big Data: study blocks
- Block 1: Basics of Data Science
- Block 2: Big Data and its Management
- Block 3: Big Data Analysis
- Block 4: Programming for Data Analysis
IGNOU MSc Information Security 4th semester subjects: Web Application Testing and Audit, E-commerce and Cyberspace
The IGNOU MSc Information Security 4th semester covers advanced topics in cyber security, including practical applications and a project.
Learners focus on specialised areas such as E-commerce and Cyberspace (MSE 34) and IoT Security (MSE 35), each worth 2 credits. The semester concludes with MSE 38 Project-II, a 2-credit project, and MSE 36 Latest Trends in Information and Cyber Security, a 2-credit course based on OERs. The practical component (MSEL 37) integrates web application, audit, e-commerce security, and IoT concepts, connecting directly to the theoretical courses.
IGNOU MSc Information Security 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSE 33 | Web Application Testing and Audit | 4 | |
| MSE 34 | E-commerce and Cyberspace | 2 | |
| MSE 35 | IoT Security | 2 | |
| MSE 36 | Latest Trends in Information and Cyber Security (This course is based on OERs) | 2 | |
| MSEL 37 | Practical (Web Application, Audits, e-commerce security and IoT) | 4 | Practical |
| MSEP 38 | Project-II | 2 | Project |
IGNOU MSc Information Security assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MSc Information Security programme assesses learners through compulsory assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. Learners must submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before appearing for the Term-End Examination. If an assignment is failed, it 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, at examination centres across the country and abroad. There are two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. 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. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes. 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. Bachelor’s and Master’s students who are within 2% marks of a 2nd or 1st division may improve their grade, with one opportunity only. Early declaration of results is available for Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, with proof of selection for a post or further studies.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MSc Information Security study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
Learners receive printed self-instructional study material for the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme. A 15% discount on the programme fee is available for those who opt for soft copies instead of printed material. The eGyanKosh repository contains self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes. For example, the MCS 226 Data Science and Big Data course has four eGyanKosh study blocks: Basics of Data Science, Big Data and its Management, Big Data Analysis, and Programming for Data Analysis.
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. Practical sessions are compulsory for programmes that include them. The IGNOU MSc Information Security programme includes practical courses like MSEL 32 Practical (Cyber Attacks, Cloud Security and Data Recovery etc.) with 4 credits in Semester III, and MSEL 37 Practical (Web Application, Audits, e-commerce security and IoT) with 4 credits in Semester IV. One credit 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
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme?
The total programme fee for the full minimum duration of two years is Rs. 44,000. This amount is calculated at Rs. 22,000 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus, and does not include registration, development, or examination fees.
Which semester has the heaviest workload in the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme?
All four semesters of the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme carry an equal workload of 16 credits each. This means the credit distribution is consistent across I Year Semester-I, I Year Semester-II, II Year Semester-III, and II Year Semester-IV.
Does the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme include practical or project courses?
Yes, the programme includes both practical and project courses. II Year Semester-IV has MSEL 37 Practical (4 credits) and MSEP 38 Project-II (2 credits).
Can I exit the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme early with a diploma?
Yes, the programme offers an exit option after completing 32 credits, which corresponds to the PGDIS (Post Graduate Diploma in Information Security) programme. This allows students to obtain a diploma if they do not wish to continue to the full Master's degree.
Are there any shared courses with other programmes in the IGNOU MSc Information Security syllabus?
Yes, the course MCS 226 Data Science and Big Data (4 credits) in II Year Semester-III is shared with other programmes. Its study blocks, covering Basics of Data Science, Big Data and its Management, Big Data Analysis, and Programming for Data Analysis, are available on eGyanKosh.
What is the eligibility for the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme?
To be eligible, you need a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline or its equivalent from a recognized University/Institute. There is also a lateral entry option for students who have already passed the PGDIS Programme, allowing them to join the 2nd Year of the MSCIS programme.
How many credits do I need to complete each year for the IGNOU MSc Information Security?
The programme has a total of 64 credits, with 16 credits assigned to each of the four semesters, ensuring an even distribution across the two-year minimum duration.
Where can I find the study blocks for the courses in the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme?
The self-learning material for courses like MCS 226 Data Science and Big Data is available on eGyanKosh. This repository contains study blocks for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes, including those for the IGNOU MSc Information Security.
What is the fee for practical and project examinations in the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme?
The examination fee for practicals and projects is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits, and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits. This fee structure applies from the January 2023 admission cycle onwards, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Information Security?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Information Security programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum duration of 4 years to complete all requirements for the degree.