IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
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The IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML is a two-year postgraduate programme with a total fee of Rs. 52,000 for the July 2026 session, paid at Rs. 13,000 per semester. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree of at least three years duration from a recognised University or Institution.
| Detail | MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MSCAIML |
| School | School of Computer & Information Sciences (SOCIS) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor degree of at least 3 years duration from a recognized University/Institution. |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 13,000/- per semester. Total=Rs. 52,000/-* |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 52,000 (Rs. 13,000 x 4 semesters) |
| Total credits | 80 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML: what the programme covers
IGNOU’s Master of Science (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) (IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML) is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS). This programme totals 80 credits and focuses on data science, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and intelligent systems. It prepares students for careers as Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and AI Research Scientists.
The programme is structured across four semesters. For example, MCS 061 covers Set, Relations and Functions, Progressions, Matrices and Determinants, Linear Spaces and Counting Techniques, and Calculus. Semesters III and IV deepen conceptual understanding through advanced topics such as Deep Learning, Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision (MCS 230), Cloud Computing (MCS 227), Natural Language Processing, Soft Computing, and Reinforcement Learning. The final semester includes project work, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. There are two examinations every year: one in December for July to December semester courses and another in June for January to June semester courses.
IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree. This degree must be of at least three years duration. It must also be from a university or institution recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The medium of instruction for the entire Master of Science (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) (MSCAIML) programme is English.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme fee is Rs. 13,000 per semester for the July 2026 session. This means the total programme fee for the minimum four-semester duration is Rs. 52,000. This amount excludes additional charges such as registration, development, and examination fees.
At the time of admission for the July 2026 session, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 is payable. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also paid at admission. These are plus the first semester’s programme fee.
Learners who choose the soft copy of self-instructional study material instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material as a print book and/or e-book. For SC/ST students, programme fee exemption applies as per University policy, which is reviewed every admission cycle. Prison inmates are exempt from both programme and registration fees.
Government of India scholarships are available to IGNOU learners through the National Scholarship Portal. If an application is cancelled before admission confirmation, the fee paid is refunded in full. After confirmation, 15% of the programme fee, capped at Rs. 2,000, is deducted from any refund. No refund is issued after 60 days from the closing date of admissions for the July 2026 session.
MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 13,000/- per semester. Total=Rs. 52,000/-* |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 52,000 (Rs. 13,000 x 4 semesters) |
| 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 MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML duration and credits
The IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme has a minimum duration of 2 years. Students have a maximum of 4 years to complete all requirements. This extended period allows flexibility for learners who may need more time to complete assignments or prepare for term-end examinations (TEE). The programme requires a total of 80 credits. Each of the four semesters carries a workload of 20 credits.
For learners who fall behind, re-registration for subsequent semesters is crucial to avoid losing a session.
IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme has 80 credits. The programme is structured across four semesters, with examinations held in December for July to December semester courses and in June for January to June semester courses.
The first two semesters build foundational knowledge. MCS 061 covers Set, Relations and Functions, Progressions, Matrices and Determinants, Linear Spaces and Counting Techniques, and Calculus. MCS 208 focuses on Algorithms and Data Structures, Stacks, Queues and Trees, Graph Algorithms and Searching Techniques, and File Structures. MCS 081 covers Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Representation, Decision Making, and Implementation and Applications of AI. MCS 066 includes Descriptive Statistics, Probability and Distributions, Parameter Estimation and Hypothesis Testing, and Analysing data and Optimisation.
Semesters III and IV deepen conceptual understanding through advanced topics. Semester III features Deep Learning, Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision (MCS 230), Cloud Computing (MCS 227), and Natural Language Processing. MCS 230 covers Digital Images Processing and Computer Vision. MCS 227 includes Cloud Computing Fundamentals and Virtualization, Resource Provisioning, Load Balancing and Security, IoT Fundamentals and Connectivity Technologies, and Application Development, Fog Computing and Case Studies. The final semester also includes project work, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Students can appear for any examinations conducted by the University during the year, subject to completing the minimum time framework.
MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 4th semester | 3 courses | 20 |
MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML 1st semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS 061 | Mathematical Foundations- I | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 208 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 081 | Artificial Intelligence | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 082 | Programming Using Python | 4 | Theory |
| MCSL 209 | Data Structures and Algorithms Lab | 2 | Lab (Practical) |
| MCSL 083 | Programming & AI Lab | 2 | Lab (Practical) |
MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML 2nd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS 066 | Mathematical Foundation –II | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 084 | Machine Learning | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 085 | Pattern Recognition | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 207 | Database Management Systems | 4 | Theory |
| MCSL 086 | Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition Lab | 2 | Lab (Practical) |
| MCSL 087 | Database Management Systems Lab | 2 | Lab (Practical) |
MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML 3rd semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS 072 | Deep Learning | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 230 | Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 077 | Natural Language Processing | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 227 | Cloud Computing & IoT | 4 | Theory |
| MCSL 076 | Deep Learning Lab | 2 | Lab (Practical) |
| MCSL 088 | Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision Lab | 2 | Lab (Practical) |
MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML 4th semester
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS 073 | Soft Computing | 4 | Theory |
| MCS 089 | Reinforcement Learning | 4 | Theory |
| MCSP 90 | Project Work | 12 | Project |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
Admissions are open twice a year, in January and July. The current cycle open on the ODL admission portal is the July 2026 cycle.
No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. Applicants pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at admission, along with the programme fee of Rs. 13,000 per semester for the July 2026 session. Payment modes include Net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
Before applying, applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Photograph: A colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Qualification Proof: A soft copy of the relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format. A Bachelor degree of at least 3 years duration from a recognized University/Institution is required for eligibility.
- Category Certificate: A soft copy of the category certificate if applying as SC/ST/OBC, under 200 KB.
- APAAR ID: Applicants are told to keep their APAAR ID ready.
IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML exams and assignments
IGNOU conducts two Term-End Examination (TEE) sessions annually, in June and December, across examination centres throughout India and abroad. Each day has two sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as seen in the December 2026 TEE schedule. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. 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.
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme. Assignment responses must be submitted before taking the Term-End Examination for courses in the July 2026 session. Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the University website. A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request. Re-evaluation is only for term-end theory exams; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible. Students falling short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their grade once, as per the January 2026 rule. An early declaration of result costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, requiring proof of selection for a post or further studies, as of 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 MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 52,000 for the July 2026 session. This amount is calculated at Rs. 13,000 per semester for four semesters, excluding additional registration, development, and examination fees.
How many credits are required to complete the IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML?
Learners must complete a total of 80 credits to earn the IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML degree. Each of the four semesters carries 20 credits, ensuring a consistent workload throughout the programme.
Which courses in the IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme include practical lab work?
Several courses include practical lab work. In Semester I, MCSL 209 Data Structures and Algorithms Lab and MCSL 083 Programming & AI Lab are practicals. Semester II has MCSL 086 Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition Lab and MCSL 087 Database Management Systems Lab. Semester III includes MCSL 076 Deep Learning Lab and MCSL 088 Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision Lab.
Does the IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme include a project?
Yes, the programme includes a significant project component. MCSP 90 Project Work is a 12-credit course in Semester IV, allowing learners to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and foster independent research.
Which semester is the heaviest in terms of project or lab credits?
Semester IV is the heaviest in terms of project credits, with MCSP 90 Project Work carrying 12 credits. This is a substantial portion of the semester's total 20 credits, requiring focused effort on application and research.
What are the study blocks for MCS 061 Mathematical Foundations- I?
The study blocks for MCS 061 Mathematical Foundations- I cover four key areas. These are Block 1: Set, Relations and Functions; Block 2: Progressions, Matrices and Determinants; Block 3: Linear Spaces and Counting Techniques; and Block 4: Calculus.
Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I choose digital study materials?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study materials instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available at the time of admission for the July 2026 session.
What is the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MSc Artificial Intelligence & ML programme?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree of at least three years duration from a recognized University or Institution. This is the primary academic requirement for admission to the programme.
When are the term-end examinations held for this programme?
Term-end examinations are conducted twice a year, in June and December. Learners can appear for examinations for their courses in either session, provided they meet the minimum time framework and other programme formalities.
What is the fee for appearing in a practical or project examination?
The examination fee for practicals and projects depends on the credit weight. For courses up to 4 credits, the fee is Rs. 300. For courses above 4 credits, such as the 12-credit project, the fee is Rs. 500, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.