IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) syllabus structure: 4 semesters, 80 credits
The IGNOU MA Anthropology programme spans four semesters, with each semester carrying 20 credits, for a total of 80 credits. The minimum duration to complete the programme is two years, but students have up to four years to finish their studies. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 9,500 per year, making the total fee for the minimum duration Rs. 19,000, excluding registration, development, and exam fees.
The first year, comprising the first and second semesters, includes ten compulsory theory courses, each worth 4 credits. In the second year, students select elective courses in the third semester from two groups, choosing two courses from Group A and two from Group B. The third semester also requires selecting one multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary course. The fourth semester includes two compulsory courses: MANL 101 Practical in Physical/Biological Anthropology, an 8-credit practical course, and MANP 101 Dissertation, an 8-credit project, alongside one multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary elective. The programme is offered in both English and Hindi mediums.
MA Anthropology (MAAN) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 4 courses | 16 |
| 3rd semester | 4 courses | 16 |
| 3rd semester | 2 courses | 8 |
| 4th semester | 2 courses | 16 |
| 4th semester | 2 courses | 8 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 1st semester subjects: Introducing Anthropology, Physical/Biological Anthropology
The first semester introduces core anthropological concepts through five theory courses, each carrying 4 credits. These courses cover foundational areas such as MAN 101 Introducing Anthropology and MAN 103 Social and Cultural Anthropology. These initial courses establish the theoretical framework for later, more specialised study within the programme.
Each of the five first-semester courses, including MAN 102 Physical/Biological Anthropology and MAN 104 Archaeological Anthropology, has four eGyanKosh blocks. MAN 105 Tribes in India, for example, covers concepts, definitions, and debates related to tribal studies. There are no lab or project components in the first semester; all 20 credits are from theory courses, preparing learners for subsequent semesters that may include practical applications or research.
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAN 101 | Introducing Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
| MAN 102 | Physical/Biological Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
| MAN 103 | Social and Cultural Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
| MAN 104 | Archaeological Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
| MAN 105 | Tribes in India | 4 | Theory |
MAN 101 Introducing Anthropology: study blocks
- Block 1: Emergence of Anthropology
- Block 2: Components of Anthropology
- Block 3: Fieldwork Tradition in Anthropology
- Block 4: Anthropology and ITS Concerns
MAN 102 Physical/Biological Anthropology: study blocks
- Block 1: Understsnding Physical/ Biological Anthropology
- Block 2: Classical Fields of Physical/ Biological Anthropology
- Block 3: Fields of Physical/ Biological Anthropology Past and Present
- Block 4: Arenas in Physical/ Biological Anthropology
MAN 103 Social and Cultural Anthropology: study blocks
- Block 1: Introducing Social and Cultural Anthropology
- Block 2: Concepts of Social and Cultural Anthropology
- Block 3: Theoretical Perspectives
- Block 4: Fieldwork in Social and Cultural Anthropology
MAN 104 Archaeological Anthropology: study blocks
- Block 1: The Framework of Archaeology
- Block 2: Dating Methods, Tool Types and Techniques
- Block 3: Palaeolithic Cultures
- Block 4: Mesolithic and Neolithic Cultures
- Block 5: Chalcolithic, Megalithic Cultures & Harappan (Indus valley) Civilization
MAN 105 Tribes in India: study blocks
- Block 1: Concepts, Definition, and Debates
- Block 2: Social Organisations and Institutions
- Block 3: Challenges for the Tribes
- Block 4: Provisions, Policies and Development for the Tribes in India
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 2nd semester subjects: Applied Dimensions in Anthropology, Environmental Anthropology
The IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) second semester includes five theory courses, each carrying 4 credits. These courses are MAN 106 Applied Dimensions in Anthropology, MAN 107 Environmental Anthropology, MAN 108 Research Methods in Anthropology-I, MAN 109 Research Methods in Anthropology-II, and MAN 110 Epidemiology and Public Health. The total credits for the second semester are 20, contributing to the programme’s overall 80 credits.
The second semester focuses on building research skills and understanding applied and environmental aspects of anthropology. MAN 108 Research Methods in Anthropology-I and MAN 109 Research Methods in Anthropology-II introduce scientific research in anthropology, data investigation, and statistical analysis. MAN 106 explores applied dimensions in physical, social, and archaeological anthropology. MAN 107 covers environmental issues and movements in India, while MAN 110 focuses on epidemiology and public health. All course materials are available on eGyanKosh.
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAN 106 | Applied Dimensions in Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
| MAN 107 | Environmental Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
| MAN 108 | Research Methods in Anthropology-I | 4 | Theory |
| MAN 109 | Research Methods in Anthropology-II | 4 | Theory |
| MAN 110 | Epidemiology and Public Health | 4 | Theory |
MAN 106 Applied Dimensions in Anthropology: study blocks
- Block 1: Introducing Applied Anthropology
- Block 2: Applied Dimensions in Physical Anthropology
- Block 3: Applied Dimensions in Social Anthropology
- Block 4: Applied Dimension in Archaeological Anthropology
MAN 107 Environmental Anthropology: study blocks
- Block 1: Envisioning Environmental Anthropology
- Block 2: Approaches
- Block 3: Environmental Issues and Concern
- Block 4: Environmental Movements in India
MAN 108 Research Methods in Anthropology-I: study blocks
- Block 1: Scientific Research in Anthropology
- Block 2: Investigation of Data-I
- Block 3: Investigation of Data-II
- Block 4: Research Methods in Archaeology
- Block 5: Data Analysis and Report Writing
MAN 109 Research Methods in Anthropology-II: study blocks
- Block 1: Traditional Anthropological Tools
- Block 2: Genetic Tools
- Block 3: DNA Variations
- Block 4: Physiological & Biochemical variables
- Block 5: Statistical Analysis
MAN 110 Epidemiology and Public Health: study blocks
- Block 1: Epidemiology
- Block 2: Public Health
- Block 3: Occupational Health and Public Nutrition
- Block 4: Health policy, Health Economics and Bio-statistics
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 3rd semester subjects: Human Genetics, Human Growth and Development
All four courses contribute equally to the semester’s credit load, with no single course being heavier looking at credits.
Learners must submit assignments (TMA) for each of these four courses before appearing for the term-end examination (TEE).
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANE 101 | Human Genetics | 4 | Theory |
| MANE 102 | Human Growth and Development | 4 | Theory |
| MANE 103 | Physiological Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
| MANE 104 | Forensic Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 3rd semester subjects: Ethnography, Ethnographic Training, Urban Anthropology
The IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 3rd semester includes four courses: MANE 105 Ethnography, MANE 106 Ethnographic Training, MANE 107 Urban Anthropology, and MANE 108 Visual Anthropology.
MANE 106 Ethnographic Training is a project-based course, distinct from the theory courses MANE 105, MANE 107, and MANE 108. The Ethnography course (MANE 105) provides the theoretical foundation for the practical Ethnographic Training project (MANE 106).
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANE 105 | Ethnography | 4 | Theory |
| MANE 106 | Ethnographic Training | 4 | Project |
| MANE 107 | Urban Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
| MANE 108 | Visual Anthropology | 4 | Theory |
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 3rd semester subjects: Introduction to Disaster Management, Globalisation
MED 008 also has four eGyanKosh blocks, focusing on global concerns, responses, movements, and emerging issues related to globalisation, environment, and development. Since both courses are theory-based and carry an equal credit weight of 4, neither course is heavier looking at credit load.
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPA 033 | Introduction to Disaster Management | 4 | Theory |
| MED 008 | Globalisation, Environment and Development | 4 | Theory |
MPA 033 Introduction to Disaster Management: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction
- Block 2: Disaster Management: Concepts, Strategies, Financial Arrangements and Institutional Framework
- Block 3: Disaster Management: Selected Case Studies
- Block 4: Disaster Management to Disaster Risk Reduction
MED 008 Globalisation, Environment and Development: study blocks
- Block 1: Global Concerns
- Block 2: Global Responses
- Block 3: Global Movements and Experiences
- Block 4: Emerging Concerns
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 4th semester subjects: Practical in Physical/Biological Anthropology
The 4th semester of the IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) programme includes two courses: MANL 101 Practical in Physical/Biological Anthropology and MANP 101 Dissertation. Both courses carry 8 credits each, making them significant components of the 80-credit programme.
MANL 101 is a practical course, requiring hands-on engagement with physical and biological anthropology concepts. MANP 101 is a project-based dissertation, which involves independent research and writing. Learners must submit their dissertation through the Samarth portal.
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANL 101 | Practical in Physical/Biological Anthropology | 8 | Practical |
| MANP 101 | Dissertation | 8 | Project |
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 4th semester subjects: *Gender, Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion
MGS 109, titled *Gender, Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion*, focuses on specific aspects of gender and economic participation. MED 002, Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges, covers broader developmental themes, with its eGyanKosh blocks detailing topics from an introduction to sustainable development to strategies for its implementation.
Each course contributes 4 credits towards the total 80 credits required for the MAAN programme. Learners must complete assignments for both MGS 109 and MED 002 leading up to appearing for the term-end examination (TEE).
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGS 109 | *Gender, Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion | 4 | Theory |
| MED 002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 4 | Theory |
MED 002 Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Sustainable Development
- Block 2: Developmental Issues
- Block 3: Initiatives Towards Sustainable Development
- Block 4: Strategy for Sustainable Development
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before they can take the Term-End Examination (TEE).
IGNOU conducts Term-End Examinations twice a year, in June and December. These examinations take place at centres across India and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For project and practical components, 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.
The IGNOU MA Anthropology programme includes practical and project courses. MANL 101 Practical in Physical/Biological Anthropology is an 8-credit practical course in the fourth semester. MANP 101 Dissertation is an 8-credit project course, also in the fourth semester. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory for programmes that include them. Hall tickets for the Term-End Examination are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
A failed assignment must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade. Learners can write the exam in Hindi, even if they registered for the English medium, except for language programmes. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MA Anthropology (MAAN) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material as print books or e-books. Learners who choose the soft copy option receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The eGyanKosh repository contains self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes.
The IGNOU MA Anthropology programme uses study blocks for its courses. For example, MAN 101 Introducing Anthropology has four blocks: Emergence of Anthropology, Components of Anthropology, Fieldwork Tradition in Anthropology, and Anthropology and Its Concerns. MAN 104 Archaeological Anthropology has five blocks, covering topics from The Framework of Archaeology to Chalcolithic, Megalithic Cultures & Harappan (Indus valley) Civilization.
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. Learners must complete assignments before taking the Term-End Examination.
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 MA Anthropology programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration of IGNOU MA Anthropology is Rs. 19,000. This amount does not include the Rs. 300 registration fee, Rs. 400 university development fee, or examination fees, which are paid separately at the time of admission and before exams.
How many credits are in each semester of the IGNOU MA Anthropology programme?
The programme is structured into four semesters, with a total of 80 credits required to complete the degree.
Which semester has practicals or a project in the IGNOU MA Anthropology syllabus?
The Fourth Semester includes both a practical and a project. MANL 101 Practical in Physical/Biological Anthropology is an 8-credit practical course, and MANP 101 Dissertation is an 8-credit project course.
Are there any courses shared with other programmes in the IGNOU MA Anthropology syllabus?
Yes, the Third and Fourth Semesters include multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary courses that are part of other programmes. For example, MPA 033 Introduction to Disaster Management and MED 008 Globalisation, Environment and Development are options in the Third Semester.
Where can I find the study blocks for the IGNOU MA Anthropology courses?
The study blocks for courses like MAN 101 Introducing Anthropology are available on eGyanKosh. For MAN 101, you will find Block 1: Emergence of Anthropology, Block 2: Components of Anthropology, Block 3: Fieldwork Tradition in Anthropology, and Block 4: Anthropology and ITS Concerns.
What is the fee for each year of the IGNOU MA Anthropology programme?
The programme fee for IGNOU MA Anthropology is Rs. 9,500 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. This fee is paid annually for the minimum two-year duration.
Which courses are elective in the IGNOU MA Anthropology programme?
Elective courses are introduced in the Third Semester. Learners choose two courses from Elective Courses Group A, such as MANE 101 Human Genetics or MANE 104 Forensic Anthropology, and two from Elective Courses Group B, which includes MANE 105 Ethnography and MANE 106 Ethnographic Training.
What is the minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Anthropology programme?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Anthropology programme is two years. Learners have a maximum of four years to complete all requirements.