IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) Syllabus 2026: Year-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) syllabus structure: 2 years, 72 credits
The IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies requires 72 credits for completion, spread across a minimum duration of 2 years. Learners must complete five core courses and one project in the first year, which include MGS 1 Gender and Development: Concepts, Approaches and Strategies (6 credits) and MGS 5 Research Methodologies in Gender and Development Studies (8 credits).
The second year includes MGSP 2 Internship-II / Field based Research Project-II (4 credits) and eight electives from a choice of ten. The programme fee for the full minimum duration is Rs. 15,000, based on the July 2026 prospectus, with Rs. 7,500 payable per year. Learners can exit with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Gender and Development Studies if they successfully complete all first-year courses.
MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 6 courses | 36 |
| 2nd year | 11 courses | 44 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) 1st year subjects: Gender and Development: Concepts, Approaches and Strategies, Gender
The first year of the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) programme covers foundational concepts and research methodologies. Learners complete 36 credits across six courses in the first year. MGS 4, Gender-Sensitive Planning and Policy Making, and MGS 5, Research Methodologies in Gender and Development Studies, are the heaviest courses, each carrying 8 credits. These courses build a base for understanding gender analysis and policy frameworks.
The first year also includes a practical component, MGSP 1 Internship-I / Field based Research Project-I, which carries 4 credits. Learners must submit assignments (TMAs) for all first-year courses before appearing for the term-end examination (TEE). Successful completion of these 36 credits is necessary to progress to the second year of the 72-credit programme.
IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) 1st year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGS 1 | Gender and Development: Concepts, Approaches and Strategies | 6 | Core |
| MGS 2 | Gender, Development Goals and Praxis | 6 | Core |
| MGS 3 | Gender Analysis | 4 | Core |
| MGS 4 | Gender-Sensitive Planning and Policy Making | 8 | Core |
| MGS 5 | Research Methodologies in Gender and Development Studies | 8 | Core |
| MGSP 1 | Internship-I / Field based Research Project-I | 4 | Project |
IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) 2nd year subjects: Internship-II / Field based Research Project-II
The second year of the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) programme includes a compulsory internship or field-based research project. MGSP 2, Internship-II / Field based Research Project-II, carries 4 credits and is mandatory for all learners. This course builds on the theoretical foundations from the first year, requiring practical application.
Other options are MGSE 4 Gender Issues in Agriculture, Rural Livelihoods and Natural Resource Management, and MGSE 6 Gender, Resources and Entitlements. MGSE 7 Gender, Organization and Leadership, MGSE 9 Gender Issues in Work, Employment and Productivity, MGSE 10 Gender and Entrepreneurship Development, MGSE 13 Gender Training and Empowerment, and MGSE 20 Gender and Financial Inclusion are also available.
IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) 2nd year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGSP 2 | Internship-II / Field based Research Project-II | 4 | Compulsory Course |
| MGSE 1 | Gender Planning and Development Policies | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 2 | Gender Audit and Gender Budgeting | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 3 | Gender Mainstreaming | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 4 | Gender Issues in Agriculture, Rural Livelihoods and Natural Resource Management | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 6 | Gender, Resources and Entitlements | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 7 | Gender, Organization and Leadership | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 9 | Gender Issues in Work, Employment and Productivity | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 10 | Gender and Entrepreneurship Development | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 13 | Gender Training and Empowerment | 4 | Elective |
| MGSE 20 | Gender and Financial Inclusion | 4 | Elective |
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
Each course in the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies programme is assessed through assignments and a term-end examination. Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit assignment responses before they can take the Term-End Examination for that course.
Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is 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. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE). For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits, and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits (from 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.
The first year includes MGS 1, MGS 2, MGS 3, MGS 4, MGS 5, and MGSP 1, totalling 36 credits. The second year includes MGSP 2, a compulsory 4-credit course, and eight electives from a choice of ten, each worth 4 credits. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated, not projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars. A copy of an answer script costs Rs. 100 per course.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies (MAGD) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
Learners receive printed self-instructional study material for the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies programme. This material comes as a print book or an e-book. Learners who choose the soft copy option instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The eGyanKosh repository also hosts self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes.
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 15,000 (July 2026 prospectus), excluding registration, development, and exam fees. The annual fee is Rs. 7,500 per year (July 2026 prospectus). 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. One credit equals 30 hours of learner study (July 2026 prospectus).
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 Gender & Development Studies programme?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 15,000. This amount does not include the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, the University Development fee of Rs. 400, or examination fees, as per the July 2026 prospectus.
How many credits are required to complete the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies?
Learners must complete a total of 72 credits to earn the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies degree.
Which year of the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies has the most credits?
The first year has 36 credits.
Does the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies include any project work?
Yes, the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies includes project work in both years. In the first year, learners complete MGSP 1 Internship-I / Field based Research Project-I, which carries 4 credits. The second year includes MGSP 2 Internship-II / Field based Research Project-II, also worth 4 credits.
Can I exit the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies with a diploma?
Yes, learners can exit with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Gender and Development Studies. This option is available if they successfully complete all first-year courses: MGS 1, MGS 2, MGS 3, MGS 4, MGS 5, and MGSP 1.
How many elective courses must be completed in the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies?
Learners must complete eight elective courses from the ten options available in the second year. Each elective course carries 4 credits. The electives include MGSE 1, MGSE 2, MGSE 3, MGSE 4, MGSE 6, MGSE 7, MGSE 9, MGSE 10, MGSE 13, and MGSE 20.
What is the fee per year for the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies?
The programme fee for the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies is Rs. 7,500 per year. This fee is stated in the July 2026 prospectus. Additional fees apply for registration, university development, and examinations.
Are assignments compulsory for the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies?
Yes, assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses before they can appear for the Term-End Examination for each course. These assignments are available for download from the IGNOU website.
Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I choose digital study material?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available during the admission process, as per the July 2026 prospectus.
What is the maximum time allowed to complete the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies?
Learners have a maximum of four years to complete the IGNOU MA Gender & Development Studies. The minimum duration for the programme is two years. This flexibility allows learners to manage their studies alongside other commitments.