IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026 is a good option for students who want to study politics, government systems, public administration, and international relations through distance education. This two-year postgraduate course is suitable for fresh graduates as well as working professionals who want to improve their academic knowledge while managing other responsibilities.
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission: Latest Update 2026
- IGNOU has extended the last date to apply for the January 2026 academic session — including fresh admissions for programmes like MA Political Science — up to 28 February 2026. Eligible candidates who haven’t yet submitted their application can now complete the process online through the official IGNOU admission portal before this revised deadline. Source
- IGNOU has also extended the last date of re-registration for the MA Political Science Course, January session 2026, to 28 February 2026. Students are recommended to fill out the form before the deadline. Source
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026 admission process operates entirely through online registration system ensuring transparency and convenience for applicants nationwide. Indira Gandhi National Open University IGNOU MA Political Science holds UGC approval and NAAC accreditation establishing its credibility as a premier distance education institution. Established in 1985, IGNOU now serves millions of students across India and internationally.
The School of Social Sciences manages this postgraduate program, offering comprehensive political science education. Students must visit the official admission portal ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in to begin their application journey. The one-time registration fee for Admission stands at INR 200 which remains non-refundable regardless of admission outcome. The curriculum encompasses essential areas including political theory, comparative government, international relations, Indian politics, and public administratio. Program benefits include flexible study schedules, affordable fee structure, UGC-recognized degree certificate, experienced faculty guidance, and strong career prospects in both government and private sectors.
IGNOU MA Political Science Updates 2026
- Program Duration: The course requires a minimum of 2 years for completion while students can extend their studies up to 4 years maximum providing flexibility to balance education with personal and professional commitments effectively.
- Eligibility Requirements: IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from any recognized university with a minimum 45% marks for the general category while SC/ST/OBC candidates require 40% marks meeting university standards and government guidelines.
- Application Procedure: Candidates register online through official portal by filling application form accurately, uploading scanned documents, paying required fees through online payment gateway, and submitting form before deadline.
- Curriculum Structure: The IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus covers political theory concepts, comparative political systems, Indian government and politics, international relations, public administration principles, research methodology, and IGNOU MA Political Science Admission specialized elective subjects matching student career objectives.
- Learning Options: IGNOU delivers study materials in both printed and digital formats alongside online lecture access, recorded video sessions, virtual counseling facilities, online assignment submission, and examination centers throughout India.
- Fee Payment Schedule: The complete program costs approximately INR 9,600 spread across four semesters with each semester requiring payment of around INR 2,400 making education affordable for students from all backgrounds.
- Career Prospects: Graduates secure positions as political analysts, policy researchers, civil service officers, journalists, college teachers, political consultants, social workers, and roles in international organizations with competitive compensation packages.
- Academic Framework: The IGNOU MA Political Science Admission program operates on semester system including theory courses, practical assignments, research project work, and term-end examinations scheduled twice yearly in June and December at designated centers.
- Project Requirements: Students complete dissertation project during final semester under faculty supervision involving research planning, data collection, analysis, report writing, and submission carrying 8 credits toward degree completion.
- Admission Flexibility: IGNOU conducts admissions twice annually in January and July sessions enabling students to select preferred entry point and commence studies according to their schedule and convenience.
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Course Name | Master of Arts in Political Science |
| Course Code | MPS |
| Department | School of Social Sciences |
| Duration | Minimum 2 Years, Maximum 4 Years |
| Instruction Medium | English and Hindi |
| Course Fees | Approximately INR 9,600 (Total) |
| Age Requirements | No age limit for admission |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree with 45% marks (40% for reserved) |
| Admission Sessions | January and July (Twice a year) |
| Program Structure | Semester-based with assignments and exams |
Why Choose IGNOU MA Political Science in 2026
- Recognized Qualification: IGNOU MA Political Science Admission holds UGC approval making the MA Political Science degree valid nationwide and internationally for higher education, government employment, and private sector opportunities ensuring career advancement and academic progression.
- Flexible Study Mode: IGNOU Provides Students study from home using comprehensive learning materials, attend virtual classes, submit assignments online, and take examinations at convenient nearby centers eliminating need for regular campus attendance.
- Cost-effective Education: The program fee remains significantly lower than traditional universities making postgraduate education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds including working professionals and rural area learners.
- Diverse Subject Options: The IGNOU MA Political Science Admission curriculum provides multiple elective courses covering international relations, political economy, human rights, public policy, and regional studies allowing students to specialize according to career goals.
- Career Growth: IGNOU MA Political Science Graduates pursue civil services, teaching positions, research roles, journalism, NGO work, political consulting, and international organization jobs with initial salaries ranging from INR 3-8 lakhs annually.
- Employment Assistance: Program offers career counseling services, skill development programs, placement support, and competitive examination guidance for UPSC, state services, and government recruitment enhancing employment opportunities.
Admission Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Candidates must hold bachelor’s degree in any discipline from UGC-recognized university or institution with valid marksheets and degree certificates required for admission verification and documentation process.
- Minimum Marks: General category applicants need minimum 45% aggregate marks in graduation while SC/ST/OBC category students require 40% marks following government reservation policies and university admission norms.
- University Recognition: The bachelor’s degree must come from university recognized by UGC, AICTE, or respective state government ensuring qualification validity and acceptability for postgraduate admission at IGNOU.
- Age Criteria: IGNOU imposes no age restrictions for IGNOU MA Political Science Admission, welcoming fresh graduates, working professionals, retired individuals, and anyone interested in advancing political science knowledge.
- Special Requirements: Students graduating from open universities or distance mode must verify their degree holds UGC-DEB recognition while foreign degree holders need equivalence certificates from Association of Indian Universities.
- Reserved Category Benefits: SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates receive relaxation in minimum percentage requirements and fee concessions per government regulations requiring submission of valid caste or disability certificates for verification.
IGNOU MA Political Science Counselling Support
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission course provides extensive academic support through interactive contact sessions conducted at regional study centers spread across India facilitating student-faculty interaction and peer learning. These face-to-face sessions help students grasp complex political concepts, resolve doubts, and engage in meaningful discussions strengthening their understanding of course material. The university schedules counseling sessions during weekends and holidays accommodating working professionals who cannot attend weekday programs. Virtual counseling platforms enable students to access live lectures, watch recorded teaching sessions, and participate in online discussions from anywhere ensuring continuous learning support. Each student receives dedicated academic counselor who monitors progress, provides personalized guidance, suggests effective study techniques, and assists with assignment preparation ensuring academic success. Students access comprehensive digital learning resources including e-books, video lectures, study guides, and previous examination papers through university online portal supporting thorough exam preparation and concept revision.
IGNOU MA Political Science Fee Structure
- Total Course Fee: The complete IGNOU MA Political Science Admission program costs approximately INR 9,600 for two years positioning it among India’s most affordable postgraduate programs in political science.
- Registration Charges: Students pay one-time non-refundable registration fee of INR 200 during initial admission establishing student enrollment and generating university identification number for future correspondence.
- Semester Payment: Students pay approximately INR 2,400 per semester distributed across four semesters during two-year course duration enabling manageable financial planning without substantial upfront investment.
- Examination Charges: Term-end examination fees remain included in semester fee structure covering theory paper evaluation, practical assessment, and project evaluation eliminating additional financial burden on students.
- Re-registration Cost: Continuing students complete re-registration process by paying semester fees before specified deadline maintaining active enrollment status and ensuring uninterrupted access to university services and examinations.
- Category Concessions: SC/ST category students receive 50% fee reduction on tuition charges following government policy requiring submission of valid caste certificate during IGNOU MA Political Science Admission for claiming benefits.
- Additional Costs: Students may incur minimal expenses on study materials, internet access, travel to examination centers, and project-related work which remain optional and vary based on individual requirements.
IGNOU MA Political Science Application Process
- Access Official Portal: Visit ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and locate admission portal link reading all instructions thoroughly before starting application process ensuring accuracy and avoiding common mistakes during form filling.
- Register New Account: Create new user account providing essential details including full name, valid email address, active mobile number, and secure password followed by verification through OTP sent to registered contacts.
- Complete Application Form: Login using created credentials and fill comprehensive application form entering personal information, educational qualifications, correspondence address, category details, and select MA Political Science program from available courses.
- Upload Required Documents: Scan and upload mandatory documents including recent photograph, signature specimen, educational certificates, category certificate if applicable, and identity proof maintaining specified file format and size limits.
- Choose Study Center: Select preferred regional center and study center from dropdown menu based on geographical proximity to residence for attending counseling sessions and appearing in term-end examinations conveniently.
- Complete Fee Payment: Process IGNOU MA Political Science admission fee payment online using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI payment methods saving transaction receipt and payment confirmation for future reference and verification.
- Submit Final Application: Review all entered information carefully checking for errors or omissions, make necessary corrections, and submit final application form downloading confirmation page displaying unique enrollment number.
- Monitor Application Status: Check admission status after 30 days by visiting admission.ignou.ac.in entering enrollment number and program code to verify whether application received approval or requires additional documentation.
Required Documents
- Secondary Certificate for birth date verification
- Senior Secondary Certificate showing educational qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree and Marksheets proving eligibility criteria
- Category Certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates
- Recent Photographs meeting size specifications
- Digital Signature in prescribed JPG format
- Identity Proof like Aadhar Card
- Migration Certificate if changing university
- Transfer Certificate from last institution
- Gap Certificate explaining study breaks
IGNOU MA Political Science Examination Pattern
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission course implements comprehensive assessment methodology combining term-end examinations with continuous evaluation through assignment submissions ensuring holistic student performance measurement. The university conducts term-end examinations twice annually in June and December at examination centers located throughout India providing convenient access to students. Each theory paper carries maximum 100 marks with students requiring minimum 35% marks for passing individual courses maintaining academic standards. The university employs five-point grading system using grades A, B, C, D, and E where grade A represents excellent performance while grade E indicates failure requiring course repetition. Students receive detailed grade cards displaying subject-wise performance, credits earned, semester grade point average, and cumulative grade point average tracking overall academic progress. The evaluation process maintains transparency and fairness with experienced evaluators checking answer sheets and students having option to apply for re-evaluation by paying prescribed charges if dissatisfied with initial assessment.
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| IGNOU Admission January Session | IGNOU Result 2026 |
MA Political Science Learner Suggestions
- Master Credit System: IGNOU operates credit-based semester system where each course carries specific credit value and students must accumulate all required credits through successful course completion, assignment submission, and examination clearance.
- Maintain Study Routine: Develop consistent daily study schedule dedicating minimum 2-3 hours for reading study materials, preparing notes, and practicing previous year question papers maintaining steady academic progress throughout semester.
- Focus on Assignments: During IGNOU MA Political Science Admission session, students must complete assignments before submission deadlines as they contribute 30% weightage to final grades writing answers in original words, following proper format, and including relevant references for better evaluation.
- Utilize Counseling: Actively participate in personal contact programs and online counseling sessions organized by study centers to clarify doubts, interact with faculty members, and strengthen understanding of complex political theories.
- Plan Examination Strategy: Begin exam preparation early, revise important topics multiple times, practice answer writing skills, manage time effectively during examinations, and present answers with proper structure using headings and subheadings.
MA Political Science IGNOU Assignment Section
- Assignment Purpose: Assignments help students understand course content deeply, develop analytical writing skills, encourage independent study habits, and contribute 30% marks to final grade calculation for each course.
- Submission Method: Students download assignment questions from IGNOU website, prepare handwritten answers following guidelines, and submit completed assignments to study center coordinator before specified deadline maintaining punctuality.
- Evaluation Standards: During IGNOU MA Political Science Admission course Faculty members evaluate assignments based on content accuracy, presentation quality, relevance to questions asked, use of examples, proper citation of references, originality of work, and timely submission.
- Grade Significance: Assignment marks combine with term-end examination marks to determine final grade making them essential component of overall academic performance and successful degree completion.
MA Political Science Career Paths
- Civil Services: Administrative Officer – IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Graduates prepare for UPSC Civil Services Examination securing prestigious positions in Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and other central services earning initial salary of INR 8-10 lakhs annually with regular increments and benefits.
- Political Analysis: Policy Analyst – Work with television news channels, research institutes, think tanks, and political organizations analyzing electoral trends, government policies, and political developments earning INR 4-7 lakhs annually with experience and expertise.
- Academic Career: Assistant Professor – Teach political science in colleges and universities after qualifying UGC NET or SET examinations, conduct research projects, publish scholarly articles, and guide students earning INR 5-8 lakhs per annum.
- Research Field: Research Associate – IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Graduates Pursue doctoral studies and work in research institutions, policy centers, and universities conducting political research, publishing studies, and contributing to political knowledge earning competitive research grants and stipends.
- Media Journalism: Political Reporter – Report on political events, elections, parliamentary proceedings, and government policies for newspapers, news websites, and television channels earning INR 3-6 lakhs annually initially with growth potential based on experience.
IGNOU MA Political Science Syllabus
| Semester | Course Code | Subject | Credits |
| Semester 1 | MPS-001 | Political Theory | 8 |
| Semester 1 | MPS-002 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| Semester 1 | MPS-003 | India: State and Society | 8 |
| Semester 2 | MPS-004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 8 |
| Semester 2 | Elective-1 | Choose from available options | 8 |
| Semester 2 | Elective-2 | Choose from available options | 8 |
| Semester 3 | Elective-3 | Choose from available options | 8 |
| Semester 3 | Elective-4 | Choose from available options | 8 |
| Semester 4 | MPSE-046 | Dissertation/Project Work | 8 |
MA Political Science Placement Information
- Government Services: This IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Course offers secure positions in central and state government departments handling administration, policy implementation, and public welfare initiatives with starting compensation of INR 4-6 lakhs per annum.
- Political Consultancy: Provide strategic advice to political parties, election candidates, and organizations on campaign management, public relations, and voter outreach earning INR 5-8 lakhs annually in consulting firms.
- Policy Research: Analyze government policies, recommend improvements, and work with non-governmental organizations, research institutes, and international agencies in policy analysis roles earning INR 4-7 lakhs per annum.
- Content Development: IGNOU MA Political Science Admission Program help Write political articles, analytical pieces, and commentary for news portals, magazines, and online platforms covering political events and developments earning INR 3-5 lakhs annually with experience.
- Social Development: Work with NGOs, community organizations, and welfare departments implementing development programs, addressing social issues, and supporting communities earning INR 3-5 lakhs per annum with growth opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum duration for IGNOU MA Political Science?
A: The minimum duration is 2 years with maximum extension up to 4 years for completing all course requirements successfully.
Q: Can I apply IGNOU MA Political Science Admission with a degree from any stream?
A: Yes, graduates from any discipline with 45% marks can apply for MA Political Science admission without stream restrictions.
Q: Is there any entrance examination for Admission?
A: No, IGNOU MA follows merit-based selection using bachelor’s degree marks without entrance test requirement.
Q: What is the total course fee for the program?
A: The registration fee is INR 200 while total course fee is approximately INR 9,600 for complete two-year program.
Q: Can working professionals pursue this IGNOU MA Political Science Admission course?
A: Yes, IGNOU’s flexible distance learning mode enables working professionals to continue employment while pursuing studies conveniently.
Q: Are assignments mandatory for all students?
A: Yes, assignments are compulsory and carry 30% weightage in final grades making them essential for course completion and success.
