IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) Syllabus 2026: Year-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
The IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) programme spans two years, requiring 80 total credits, and includes a 12-credit project in the second year. The first year begins with six core courses, including MDV 101 Introduction to Development and Development Theories.
IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) syllabus structure: 2 years, 80 credits
The IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) programme spans a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. It carries a total of 80 credits.
The programme fee for the full minimum duration is Rs. 16,000, based on the Rs. 8,000 per year fee from the July 2026 prospectus. This excludes registration, development, and exam fees. The admission cycle occurs in January and July. Students who complete the Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies (PGDDVS) can take lateral entry directly into the second year of the MADVS programme. The project work, MDVP 117, is equivalent to 2 courses or 12 credits, which is a significant portion of the second year’s workload.
MA Development Studies (MADVS) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 6 courses | 36 |
| 2nd year | 8 courses | 54 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) 1st year subjects: Introduction to Development and Development Theories
The IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) first year covers six core courses, totalling 36 credits out of the programme’s 80 credits. Learners begin with foundational concepts in MDV 101 Introduction to Development and Development Theories, which carries 6 credits and is supported by four eGyanKosh blocks. This theoretical grounding is then built upon in MDV 102 Dynamics of Development and MDV 103 Issues and Challenges of Development, both also 6-credit courses.
MDV 106 Research Methodology in Development Studies is a 6-credit course with five eGyanKosh blocks, providing essential skills for later academic work. MDV 109 Development in India – An Overview, another 6-credit course with five eGyanKosh blocks, focuses on the Indian context. MDV 4 Gender and Development also contributes 6 credits to the first year.
IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) 1st year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MDV 101 | Introduction to Development and Development Theories | 6 |
| MDV 102 | Dynamics of Development | 6 |
| MDV 103 | Issues and Challenges of Development | 6 |
| MDV 4 | Gender and Development | 6 |
| MDV 106 | Research Methodology in Development Studies | 6 |
| MDV 109 | Development in India – An Overview | 6 |
MDV 101 Introduction to Development and Development Theories: study blocks
- Block 1: Development : An Overview
- Block 2: Classical and Neo-Classical Theories
- Block 3: Developmentalist Theories
- Block 4: Heterogeneous Theories
MDV 102 Dynamics of Development: study blocks
- Block 1: Dynamics of Change
- Block 2: Dynamics of Development-I
- Block 3: Dynamics of Development-II
- Block 4: Dynamics of Development-III
MDV 103 Issues and Challenges of Development: study blocks
- Block 1: Basics Issues in Development
- Block 2: Sectoral Issues in Development
- Block 3: Social Issues in Development
- Block 4: Emerging Issues in Development
- Block 5: Governance
MDV 106 Research Methodology in Development Studies: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamental of Social Science Research
- Block 2: Development Research
- Block 3: Measurement and Sampling
- Block 4: Data Collection
- Block 5: Data Analysis
MDV 109 Development in India – An Overview: study blocks
- Block 1: Development Initiatives and Planning
- Block 2: Rural Development in India
- Block 3: Urban Development in India
- Block 4: Social Development
- Block 5: Role of Public, Private and Service Sectors in Development
IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) 2nd year subjects: Development Planning and Management
The second year of the IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) programme focuses on applying development theories to practical scenarios. The curriculum includes MDV 105 Development Planning and Management, which carries 6 credits and covers programme planning, appraisal, monitoring, and evaluation. This course provides foundational knowledge for managing development initiatives.
The heaviest course in the second year is MDVP 117 Project Work, which accounts for 12 credits. This project requires students to apply their learning to a specific development issue. Other courses like MDV 108 Development Communication and Extension, MDV 110 Training and Development, and MDV 111 Local Self Governance and Development each carry 6 credits. These courses build on the theoretical understanding gained in the first year, providing skills in areas such as communication strategies, training methodologies, and decentralized governance.
Choose any 36 Credits.
IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) 2nd year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDV 105 | Development Planning and Management | 6 | |
| MDV 108 | Development Communication and Extension | 6 | |
| MDV 110 | Training and Development | 6 | |
| MDV 111 | Local Self Governance and Development | 6 | |
| MDV 115 | Health and Development | 6 | |
| MEDS 41 | Introduction to Urban Development | 6 | |
| MEDS 42 | Issues and Challenges in Urban Planning and Development | 6 | |
| MDVP 117 | Project Work* | 12 | Project |
MDV 105 Development Planning and Management: study blocks
- Block 1: Programme Planning
- Block 2: Appraisal Monitoring And Evaluation
- Block 3: Project Management Techniques
- Block 4: Development Management
- Block 5: Case Studies On Development Planning And Management
MDV 108 Development Communication and Extension: study blocks
- Block 1: Extension Education
- Block 2: Extension Teaching Methods and Audio Visual Aids
- Block 3: Communication in Extension and Development
- Block 4: ICT for Development
- Block 5: Diffusion of Innovations for Development
- Block 6: Innovations, Innovativeness and Adopter Categories
MDV 110 Training and Development: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Training
- Block 2: Training Needs Assessment
- Block 3: Trainer and Training Management
- Block 4: Process of Training
- Block 5: Emerging Developments in Training
MDV 111 Local Self Governance and Development: study blocks
- Block 1: Democratic Decentralization
- Block 2: Local Governance And Local Organizations
- Block 3: Decentralized Planning and Development
- Block 4: Peoples Participation
- Block 5: Empowerment of Local Bodies
MDV 115 Health and Development: study blocks
- Block 1: Population and Health Care
- Block 2: Issues and Challenges in Health Care
- Block 3: Health Care System and Strategies
- Block 4: Training and Research in Health Development
- Block 5: Socio- Economic Dimensions of Health Care
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA Development Studies (MADVS) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MA Development Studies programme assesses learners through two components: Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Term-End Examinations (TEEs). Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before appearing for the Term-End Examination for that course.
IGNOU conducts Term-End Examinations twice a year, in June and December. Learners can appear for TEEs at examination centres across India and abroad. Each theory course requires an examination fee of Rs. 200 (December 2026 TEE). For project work, such as MDVP 117 Project Work, the fee is Rs. 500 as it is above 4 credits (from January 2023 admission cycle).
Learners can download assignments for the current session from the IGNOU website. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted. However, once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade. Hall tickets for the TEE are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
For the IGNOU MA Development Studies, learners may write their Term-End Examination in Hindi, even if they registered in the English medium. The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II, or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request. 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 Development Studies (MADVS) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material for the IGNOU MA Development Studies programme. Learners also have access to eGyanKosh, a digital repository with self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes. Opting for soft copy study material instead of printed books gives a 15% discount on the programme fee for the July 2026 admission cycle.
The eGyanKosh study blocks break down each course into manageable units. For instance, MDV 101 Introduction to Development and Development Theories has four blocks: Development : An Overview, Classical and Neo-Classical Theories, Developmentalist Theories, and Heterogeneous Theories. MDV 102 Dynamics of Development also has four blocks, focusing on different aspects of change and development.
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.
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 Development Studies programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration of IGNOU MA Development Studies is Rs. 16,000, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount does not include the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, the University Development fee of Rs. 400, or examination fees.
How many credits are in the first year of IGNOU MA Development Studies?
The first year of IGNOU MA Development Studies has a total of 36 credits. This includes six compulsory courses, each carrying 6 credits, such as MDV 101 Introduction to Development and Development Theories and MDV 106 Research Methodology in Development Studies.
Which courses in the IGNOU MA Development Studies programme involve project work?
MDVP 117 Project Work is the course that involves project work in the IGNOU MA Development Studies programme. This project carries 12 credits, which is equivalent to two regular courses, and is an option in the second year.
Are there any courses shared with other programmes in the IGNOU MA Development Studies syllabus?
Yes, the IGNOU MA Development Studies programme includes courses that may be shared with other programmes. For example, MEDS 41 Introduction to Urban Development and MEDS 42 Issues and Challenges in Urban Planning and Development are available as choices in the second year.
What are the study blocks for MDV 101 Introduction to Development and Development Theories?
The study blocks for MDV 101 Introduction to Development and Development Theories are available on eGyanKosh. They cover Block 1: Development: An Overview, Block 2: Classical and Neo-Classical Theories, Block 3: Developmentalist Theories, and Block 4: Heterogeneous Theories.
What is the fee for the IGNOU MA Development Studies programme per year?
The programme fee for IGNOU MA Development Studies is Rs. 8,000 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus.
Can I take lateral entry into the second year of IGNOU MA Development Studies?
Yes, students who have completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies (PGDDVS) are eligible for lateral entry into the second year of IGNOU MA Development Studies.
How many credits must a learner choose in the second year of IGNOU MA Development Studies?
The available options include courses like MDV 105 Development Planning and Management, MDV 108 Development Communication and Extension, and MDVP 117 Project Work.