IGNOU MA Urdu 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 Urdu is a two-year postgraduate programme with a total fee of Rs. 15,000 for the July 2026 session. Any candidate holding a Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a recognised university can apply.
| Detail | MA Urdu |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MAUD |
| School | School of Humanities (SOH) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a recognized University. There would be no admission test knowledge of reading and writing in Urdu is necessary. |
| Medium | Urdu |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 7,500/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 15,000 (Rs. 7,500 x 2 years) |
| Total credits | 80 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MA Urdu: what the programme covers
The IGNOU MA Urdu programme provides an immersive exploration of Urdu Language and Literature, requiring a strong foundation in reading comprehension and writing skills. This two-year master’s degree totals 80 credits, with 40 credits completed in each year. Students can choose to exit the programme after the first year, having completed 40 credits, and receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Urdu.
The second year also consists of 40 credits, with four compulsory 8-credit courses: MUD 005 Premchand aur Qurrat-ul-Ain Hyder ka Khusoosi Mutala, MUD 006 Nazeer Akbar Abadi aur Allama Iqbal ka Khusoosi Mutala, MUD-007 Urdu Nazm, and MUD-008 Classical Urdu Poetry: Qasida, Masnavi, Mrsiya. The optional course for the second year is MUD 011 Urdu Mass Media aur Tarjuma Nigari, also worth 8 credits.
IGNOU MA Urdu eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU MA Urdu programme, a candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a recognized University. However, knowledge of reading and writing in Urdu is necessary, as the medium of instruction and examination is Urdu.
The School of Humanities (SOH) offers this programme. Recognition for a university degree typically means it is UGC approved, or from a state or central university. Without the required degree, an application for the IGNOU MA Urdu programme will not be processed.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MA Urdu fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
IGNOU MA Urdu fees for the July 2026 session are Rs. 7,500 per year. The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 15,000. This amount excludes additional charges.
A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 is paid at admission. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also due at admission. These are besides the programme fee. Learners who opt for soft copy study material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book or e-book.
MA Urdu fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 7,500/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 15,000 (Rs. 7,500 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 Urdu duration and credits
The IGNOU MA Urdu programme has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. Learners must complete 80 credits in total to earn the degree. The first year requires 40 credits, and the second year also requires 40 credits.
If a learner falls behind, the 4-year maximum duration provides flexibility.
IGNOU MA Urdu syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU MA Urdu programme, officially Master of Arts (Urdu) (MAUD), requires the completion of 80 credits. Students complete 40 credits in the first year and 40 credits in the second year. There is a Postgraduate Diploma in Urdu exit option after completing the for starters year with 40 credits.
In the first year, students study four compulsory courses: MUD-001 History of Urdu Language and Literature, MUD-003 Urdu Fiction, MUD-004 Urdu Non-Fiction, and MUD-009 Criticism and Research. Each of these courses carries 8 credits. Students also choose one optional course from MUD-002 Urdu Ghazal, which also carries 8 credits. This makes a total of 40 credits for the first year.
The second year of the IGNOU MA Urdu programme includes four compulsory courses. These are MUD 005 Premchand aur Qurrat-ul-Ain Hyder ka Khusoosi Mutala, MUD 006 Nazeer Akbar Abadi aur Allama Iqbal ka Khusoosi Mutala, MUD-007 Urdu Nazm, and MUD-008 Classical Urdu Poetry: Qasida, Masnavi, Mrsiya. Each of these compulsory courses is worth 8 credits. This completes the remaining 40 credits for the second year.
The programme offers an immersive exploration into Urdu Language and Literature, building a strong foundation in reading comprehension and writing skills. It also provides an opportunity to engage with other literary traditions, including Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, English, and Hindi.
MA Urdu structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 5 courses | 40 |
| 2nd year | 5 courses | 40 |
MA Urdu 1st year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUD-001 | History of Urdu Language and Literature | 8 | Compulsory |
| MUD-003 | Urdu Fiction | 8 | Compulsory |
| MUD-004 | Urdu Non-Fiction | 8 | Compulsory |
| MUD-009 | Criticism and Research | 8 | Compulsory |
| MUD-002 | Urdu Ghazal | 8 | Optional |
MA Urdu 2nd year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUD 005 | Premchand aur Qurrat-ul-Ain Hyder ka Khusoosi Mutala | 8 | Compulsory |
| MUD 006 | Nazeer Akbar Abadi aur Allama Iqbal ka Khusoosi Mutala | 8 | Compulsory |
| MUD-007 | Urdu Nazm | 8 | Compulsory |
| MUD-008 | Classical Urdu Poetry: Qasida, Masnavi, Mrsiya | 8 | Compulsory |
| MUD 011 | Urdu Mass Media aur Tarjuma Nigari | 8 | Optional |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Urdu admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
IGNOU conducts admissions for its MA Urdu programme twice a year, in the January and July cycles. The current admission cycle open on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
To apply for the IGNOU MA Urdu programme for the July 2026 session, applicants must use the fully online Samarth the IGNOU Samarth admission portal. No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. The total fees payable at admission for the July 2026 session are Rs. 7,500 for the first year’s programme fee, plus a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, and a University Development fee of Rs. 400.
Applicants must keep several documents ready before starting the application process. These include:
- A colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- A soft copy of the relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format. A Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a recognized University is the eligibility requirement.
- A soft copy of the category certificate if applying as SC/ST/OBC, under 200 KB.
- Applicants are also told to keep their APAAR ID ready.
Payment for the fees can be made through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI via the payment gateway.
IGNOU MA Urdu exams and assignments
IGNOU conducts Term-End Examinations (TEE) twice a year, in June and December. These examinations are held across the country and abroad. Assignment responses must be written before sitting for the TEE.
Assignments for the current session are available for download from the University website. A failed assignment must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For projects 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. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
Learners may write their exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes. Examinations are conducted in two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as per the December 2026 TEE schedule. On request, the University provides numerical marks and a division (I, II, or Pass) for master’s degrees. A copy of an answer script costs Rs. 100 per course as of January 2026. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible.
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 Urdu programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration of the IGNOU MA Urdu is Rs. 15,000, as per the July 2026 prospectus.
How many credits are required to complete the IGNOU MA Urdu?
Learners must complete a total of 80 credits to earn the IGNOU MA Urdu degree. The first year comprises 40 credits, and the second year also requires 40 credits for completion of the programme.
Can I exit the IGNOU MA Urdu programme early?
Yes, learners have a multiple exit option. After completing the first year with 40 credits, a learner may choose to exit the programme and will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Urdu.
Which year of the IGNOU MA Urdu programme has the heaviest workload?
Both the first and second years of the IGNOU MA Urdu programme carry an equal workload of 40 credits each.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MA Urdu?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MA Urdu, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a recognized university. Knowledge of reading and writing in Urdu is also necessary, but there is no admission test.
How many years does it take to complete the IGNOU MA Urdu?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Urdu is two years. Learners have a maximum duration of four years to finish the programme from the date of admission.
When are admissions open for the IGNOU MA Urdu?
Admissions for the IGNOU MA Urdu are conducted twice a year, during the January and July admission cycles. The current admission cycle open on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
Are assignments compulsory for the IGNOU MA Urdu?
Yes, assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MA Urdu programme. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before appearing for the Term-End Examination for each course.
Where can I find the study materials for IGNOU MA Urdu?
Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book and/or e-book. Additionally, self-learning material for over 3923 courses is available on the eGyanKosh repository. Learners opting for soft copy materials receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.