IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026: Indira Gandhi National Open University offers MA in Political Science (MPS) is a postgraduate course that helps students understand politics at both national and international levels. The course has 64 credits and is completed in two years. The course covers important subjects such as political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and Indian government and politics.
In the first year, students study compulsory subjects like Indian democracy and development. In the second year, students can choose elective subjects such as social movement and state politics in India based on their interests. This course helps students improve their analytics and thinking skills, which are useful for careers in civil services, teaching, research, and journalism.
To apply for this course, students must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university. The course is viable in English and Hindi, making it suitable for any student. The minimum course duration is 2 years, and students can take up to 4 years to complete it and course fee is INR 8,000 per year and registration fee is INR 300.
For the January 2026 session, Indira Gandhi National Open University started the admission procedure for MA Political Science course, and last date to apply is 15 February 2026. This distance learning course is a good option for both working professionals and regular students who want to study politics in a flexible way.
IGNOU MA Political Science Course Highlights Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science |
| Conducting University | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| Course Code | MPS |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | Minimum 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 5 Years |
| Mode of Study | Distance / Open Learning |
| Medium of Instruction | English & Hindi |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from a recognized university |
| Total Credits | 64 Credits |
| Course Fee | INR 16,000 |
| Admission Cycle | January & July Session |
| Examination Mode | Term-End Examination (Offline) |
| Study Material | Printed + Online (eGyanKosh) |
| Evaluation Method | Assignments + Term-End Exams |
| Degree Awarded By | IGNOU |
IGNOU MA Political Science Course Details
IGNOU MA in political science is a two-year postgraduate course that helps students understand how political systems work. The course builds a strong base in politics at the national, regional, and international levels. Students study subjects such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and Indian government and politics. The total course has 64 credits. In the first year, students study compulsory subjects. In the second year, they can choose elective subjects based on their interests.
To apply for this course, students only need a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university. The course is available in English and Hindi and can be completed in 2 to 4 years, giving students enough flexibility. The course fee is INR 8000 per year, which makes it very affordable. This program is a good choice for students who want to prepare for civil services or build a career in teaching, research, and journalism.
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026
IGNOU admission for the Master of Arts in Political Science (MPA) for the January 2026 session is currently ongoing, and the last date to apply is 15 February 2026. Students who have completed a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline are eligible for admission. Students should have secured a minimum of 45% marks in their bachelor’s degree.
Admission is granted directly to all eligible students who complete the online registration on the IGNOU portal, where they must fill in personal and academic details, upload required documents, and pay the annual program fee of INR 8000. IGNOU offered this course in both English and Hindi. This 64-credit program allows students to study flexibly over 2 to 4 years, making it a convenient option for those looking to advance their career while remaining employed.
IGNOU MA Political Science Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MA political science course are designed to be inclusive and accessible. Here are the key requirements:
- Students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in any discipline, such as Arts, Science, Commerce, and more, from a recognised university.
- There is no minimum percentage set by IGNOU, but students must secure a minimum of 50% marks.
- There is no age bar for seeking admission, making it suitable for both young students and working professionals.
- Students can opt for either English or Hindi as their medium of instruction, provided they meet the basic graduation criteria.
IGNOU MA Political Science Course Fee
The fee structure for the IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) program is highly affordable. Here are the specific details for the January 2026 session:
- The course fee for the MA in Political science is INR 8000 per annum.
- The total course is INR 16000 for the two years.
- A one-time refundable fee of INR 300 will be charged by the IGNOU while submitting the application form.
- An additional INR 200 is usually applicable as a university development charge.
- Students must pay INR 200 per subject separately when filling out the examination form before the term-end exams.
Why Choose IGNOU MA Political Science?
Choosing the MA in political science from IGNOU is a good option for both students and working professionals. Below are the main reasons why the course is popular:
- Flexible study schedule: This is a distance learning course that students can study according to their own time schedule. Students can complete the degree in 2 to 4 years, which is helpful for people who are working or preparing for exams.
- Low Course Fee: The annual fee is only INR 8000, making it one of the most affordable MA courses in India.
- Choice of subjects: Students can choose their areas of interest, such as political theory, comparative politics, and international relations, in the final year.
- Available in Two Languages: the study material and exam are provided in English and Hindi; students can choose the language they are comfortable with.
- Direct admission: There is no entrance exam. Any student with a bachelor’s degree can apply directly, which makes the admission process easy.
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Process 2026
Interested students applying for the MA Political Science course at IGNOU need to follow the steps below to complete the procedure:
- Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU admission website https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
- Step 2: Click on the button with New Registration.
- Step 3: Enter your basic details like your name, phone number, and email address.
- Step 4: Choose a username and a password for your account. You will get a code on your phone to verify it.
- Step 5: Once registered, log in using your new username and password.
- Step 6: Fill out the application form with your personal and educational details.
- Step 7: Choose MA Political Science as your desired program and select your nearest study center.
- Step 8: Upload the scanned copies of your documents (like your photo and degree).
- Step 9: Pay the fee of INR300, which is the registration fee online.
- Step 10: Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records.
Required Documents
- Recent passport-size photos
- Class 10th certificate
- Class 12th certificate
- Bachelor degree
- Signature
- Id proofs
- Category certificate
- Caste certificate
- Migration certificate
- Transfer certificate
IGNOU MA Political Science Course Syllabus
I Year
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPS 1 | Political Theory | 8 |
| MPS 2 | International Relations: Theory and Problems | 8 |
| MPS 3 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| MPS 4 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends | 8 |
II Year (Choose 32 Credits Only)
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPSE 1 | India and the World | 4 |
| MPSE 2 | State and Society in Latin America | 4 |
| MPSE 3 | Western Political Thought | 4 |
| MPSE 4 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 |
| MPSE 5 | State and Society in Africa | 4 |
| MPSE 6 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 4 |
| MPSE 7 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE 8 | State Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE 9 | Canada: Politics and Society | 4 |
| MPSE 11 | The European Union in World Affairs | 4 |
| MPSE 12 | State and Society in Australia | 4 |
| MPSE 13 | Australia’s Foreign Policy | 4 |
| MED 2 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 4 |
| MED 8 | Globalisation and Environment | 4 |
| MGP 4 | Gandhi’s Political Thought | 4 |
| MGPE 7 | Non-Violent Movements after Gandhi | 4 |
| MGPE 8 | Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| MGPE 10 | Conflict Management, Transformation & Peace Building | 4 |
| MGPE 11 | Human Security | 4 |
| MGPE 13 | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict | 4 |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU MA Political Science
An MA in political science from IGNOU opens up different career paths in both government and private sectors. Many graduates pursue civil services or state-level administration roles, where entry-level officers earn between INR 60,000 and INR 80,000 per month. If you are interested in teaching, qualifying for the UGC NET allows students to become an assistant professor, starting with a salary of INR 50,000 to INR 70,000 per month.
In the private sector, students can work as political analysts for media houses or policy researchers with starting salaries ranging from INR 4 LPA to INR 7 LPA. Other popular roles include public relations (PR) specialist, Legislative Assistant, or Social Media Manager for political campaigns, offering around INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA for freshers. With experience, salaries in specialized fields like International Relations or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can grow significantly, often crossing INR 10 LPA at senior levels.
Jobs After Completing IGNOU MA Political Science Course
| Job Role | Average Salary (India) |
|---|---|
| Political Analyst | INR 5 – INR 10 LPA |
| Policy Analyst | INR 5 – INR 12 LPA |
| Civil Services | As per govt norms |
| Lecturer (After NET/PhD) | INR 5 – INR 12 LPA |
| Research Assistant | INR 4 – INR 8 LPA |
| Content Writer | INR 3 – INR 6 LPA |
| Public Relations Officer | INR 4 – INR 8 LPA |
| NGO Program Officer | INR 4 – INR 9 LPA |
| Election Campaign Manager | INR 5 – INR 15 LPA |
| Journalist | INR 4 – INR 8 LPA |
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