IGNOU MA Public Administration (MPA) 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 MA Public Administration is a two-year postgraduate programme with a fee of Rs. 8,200 per year for the July 2026 session. Any candidate holding a Bachelor's Degree or a higher degree from a recognised university is eligible to apply.
| Detail | MA Public Administration (MPA) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MPA |
| School | School of Social Sciences (SOSS) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognised University. |
| Medium | English & Hindi |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 8,200 /- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 16,400 (Rs. 8,200 x 2 years) |
| Total credits | 64 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MA Public Administration (MPA): what the programme covers
The IGNOU MA Public Administration (MPA) is a Master of Arts programme in Public Administration, offered through the School of Social Sciences (SOSS). The programme code is MPA. It requires 64 credits to complete.
The programme provides complete knowledge on public administration in India, focusing on the role of the State, Public Sector, and Public Private Interface. It also covers the growing role of Civil Society groups, human resources, e-governance, and Public systems management. Learners develop conceptual faculties on various administrative theories, postulates, models, processes, methods, instruments, and techniques. This course is recommended for those interested in pursuing further studies in Public Administration.
The first year of the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme consists of 32 credits across four compulsory courses. These are MPA 11 State, Society and Public Administration; MPA 12 Administrative Theory; MPA 13 Public Systems Management; and MPA 14 Human Resource Management. Each of these courses carries 8 credits.
The second year includes 16 compulsory credits from MPA 15 Public Policy and Analysis and MPA 16 Decentralisation and Local Governance. Both are 8-credit core courses. Optional courses include MPA 17 Electronic Governance (4 credits), MPA 18 Disaster Management (4 credits), MSO2 Research Methodologies and Methods (8 credits), MPS 3 India: Democracy and Development (8 credits), and MPAP 2 Project Work (8 credits). Learners who opt for Project Work must write a dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words.
IGNOU MA Public Administration (MPA) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognised University. The programme is offered in both English and Hindi mediums, allowing students to choose their preferred language of instruction for course materials and examinations. The application process occurs through the Samarth portal.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MA Public Administration (MPA) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU MA Public Administration programme fee is Rs. 8,200 per year for the July 2026 session. The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 16,400.
This amount excludes additional charges. A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 applies at admission, along with a University Development fee of Rs. 400. These are paid in addition to the programme fee. Learners who choose soft copy study materials instead of printed materials receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.
The application process is fully online via the IGNOU Admission Samarth portal. Payment modes include net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. Applicants must have their APAAR ID ready before applying.
MA Public Administration (MPA) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 8,200 /- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 16,400 (Rs. 8,200 x 2 years) |
| 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 MA Public Administration (MPA) duration and credits
The IGNOU MA Public Administration programme has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. Learners must complete the programme within this 4-year period from their admission date. The total credits for the programme are 64. The first year requires completion of 32 credits.
IGNOU MA Public Administration (MPA) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU MA Public Administration programme consists of 64 credits in total. The syllabus provides full knowledge on public administration in India, focusing on the role of the State, Public Sector, and Public Private Interface. It also covers the growing role of Civil Society groups, human resources, e-governance, and Public systems management.
The first year of the programme includes 32 credits across four compulsory courses. These are MPA 11 State, Society and Public Administration, MPA 12 Administrative Theory, MPA 13 Public Systems Management, and MPA 14 Human Resource Management. Each of these courses carries 8 credits.
In the second year, students complete 16 credits from two compulsory core courses: MPA 15 Public Policy and Analysis and MPA 16 Decentralisation and Local Governance. Both are 8-credit courses. These options include MPA 17 Electronic Governance (4 credits) and MPA 18 Disaster Management (4 credits). Other elective choices are MSO2 Research Methodologies and Methods (8 credits) and MPS 3 India: Democracy and Development (8 credits). Those who choose Project Work must write a dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words.
MA Public Administration (MPA) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 4 courses | 32 |
| 2nd year | 2 courses | 16 |
| 2nd year | 5 courses | 32 |
MA Public Administration (MPA) 1st year
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPA 11 | State, Society and Public Administration | 8 |
| MPA 12 | Administrative Theory | 8 |
| MPA 13 | Public Systems Management | 8 |
| MPA 14 | Human Resource Management | 8 |
MA Public Administration (MPA) 2nd year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPA 15 | Public Policy and Analysis | 8 | Core |
| MPA 16 | Decentralisation and Local Governance | 8 | Core |
MA Public Administration (MPA) 2nd year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPA 17 | Electronic Governance | 4 | Elective |
| MPA 18 | Disaster Management | 4 | Elective |
| MSO2 | Research Methodologies and Methods | 8 | Elective |
| MPS 3 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 | Elective |
| MPAP 2 | Project Work | 8 | Project |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Public Administration (MPA) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
IGNOU conducts admissions for its Master of Arts (Public Administration) (IGNOU MA Public Administration) twice a year, in January and July cycles. For the July 2026 session, applications are processed through the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
To apply for the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme for the July 2026 session, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of holding a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognised University. The application process is entirely online; no printed form needs to be sent to a Regional Centre. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 8,200 per year.
Follow these steps to apply for the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme:
- Keep your APAAR ID ready before starting the application.
- Prepare soft copies of documents: a colour passport-size photograph with a white background (under 100 KB, JPEG), relevant educational qualification proof (under 200 KB, JPEG/PDF), and a category certificate if applicable (under 200 KB).
- Visit the ODL admission portal for the July 2026 cycle: the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
- Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the fees online using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway. In addition to the Rs. 8,200 annual programme fee for the July 2026 session, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are also paid at admission.
IGNOU MA Public Administration (MPA) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme. Learners must write their assignment responses before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026). The assignments for the current session are available on the University website for download (July 2026). Tutor Marked Assignments must be submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre (July 2026). If an assignment fails, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment passes, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December (July 2026). These examinations take place at centres across the country 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 they registered in English medium, except for language programmes (December 2026 TEE). The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE). For project 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). The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request (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). Students who fall short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their division, with one opportunity only (January 2026). An early declaration of result costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, available only with 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 MA Public Administration programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 16,400. This amount covers the programme fee for both years, but excludes the registration, development, and examination fees as per the July 2026 prospectus.
What is the eligibility for admission to the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme, a learner must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognised University.
How many credits are in the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme?
The IGNOU MA Public Administration programme has a total of 64 credits.
Which courses in the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme involve project work? What is the fee per year for the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme?
The programme fee for the IGNOU MA Public Administration is Rs. 8,200 per year. This fee is stated in the July 2026 prospectus and is paid annually.
Can I choose to receive digital study materials instead of printed books?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of the self-learning material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The eGyanKosh repository also provides digital material for over 3923 courses.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Public Administration?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Public Administration programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum of 4 years to complete all requirements for the degree.
Are assignments compulsory for the IGNOU MA Public Administration?
Yes, assignments are compulsory. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before they can take the Term-End Examination for those courses.
Can I write my Term-End Examinations in Hindi for the MA Public Administration programme?
Yes, learners may write their Term-End Examinations in Hindi, even if they registered for the English medium. This rule applies to all programmes except specific language programmes, as per the December 2026 TEE guidelines.
What is the fee for appearing in the Term-End Examinations?
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.