IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) Program: Admission, Syllabus, and Study Resources 2026
The political science MA from IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) offers a flexible and comprehensive postgraduate program for those deepening their understanding of political systems and theories. This distance learning Master of Arts (MPS) degree is ideal for working professionals and students enhancing their academic credentials or career prospects. This article serves as your definitive guide, covering admission criteria, the detailed syllabus, effective study strategies, and essential resources for the 2026 academic year.
Master of Arts (Political Science) IGNOU: Program Overview 2026
The Master of Arts (Political Science) program, code MPS, offered by IGNOU provides a comprehensive foundation in political studies through Open Distance Learning. This 64-credit, two-year degree aims to enhance learners’ critical and analytical abilities in political phenomena. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a political science MA IGNOU.
| Aspect | Detail |
| Programme Type | DEGREE |
| Mode | Open Distance Learning |
| School | School of Social Sciences |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Medium | ENGLISH HINDI |
| Specialization | Political Science |
| Description | The aim of the Master’s Degree in Political Science (MPS) is to provide the learners a sound base in political studies by an in-depth investigation into a broad range of political phenomena at the national, regional, and international levels. The programme provides option for specialising in Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Indian Government and Politics. Learners would thus acquire skills in political analysis as well as sharpen their critical and analytical abilities. This is a 64 credits programme with compulsory and optional courses. The student has to take compulsory courses worth 32 credits in the first year and optional courses worth 32 credits in the second year |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized University. |
| Fee Structure | Rs.8200/- per year Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable |
| Programme Coordinator | Prof. Satish Kumar, Email: satishkumar@ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026: Eligibility, Fees, and Application
Admission for the political science MA IGNOU program for the July 2026 session is set to commence on June 03, 2026, with the application deadline on June 30, 2026. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the Master of Arts in Political Science, covering essential details like eligibility, course structure, and fees.
| 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 |
This table highlights that the political science MA IGNOU program is a postgraduate, distance learning course with a minimum duration of two years, offered in both English and Hindi, and costs INR 16,000.
IGNOU MA Political Science Syllabus PDF
IGNOU MA Political Science Syllabus
IGNOU MPS Syllabus 2026: Core Subjects and Course Structure Breakdown
The IGNOU Master of Arts (Political Science) (MPS) program for 2026 has its syllabus released, detailing a comprehensive course structure. This political science MA IGNOU program requires 64 credits, spread across compulsory first-year and optional second-year courses, offered in both English and Hindi.
| Category | Detail/Course Code | Description/Title | Credits |
| Program Overview | Program Name | Master of Arts (Political Science) (MPS) | |
| Total Credits | 64 credits | ||
| First Year Course Credits | 32 credits (compulsory courses) | ||
| Second Year Course Credits | 32 credits (optional courses) | ||
| Minimum Duration | 24 Months (2 Years) | ||
| Maximum Duration | 48 Months (4 Years) | ||
| Annual Fee | INR 8,000.00/- per year | ||
| Medium of Instruction | English & Hindi | ||
| Syllabus Status (2026) | Released | ||
| IGNOU MA Political Science 1st Year Syllabus 2026 (Compulsory Courses) | MPS 1 | Political Theory | 08 |
| MPS 2 | International Relations: Theory and Problems | 08 | |
| MPS 3 | India: Democracy and Development | 08 | |
| MPS 4 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends | 08 | |
| IGNOU MA Political Science 2nd Year Syllabus 2026 (Optional Courses) | MPSE-001 | India and the World | 04 |
| MPSE-002 | State and Society in Latin America | 04 | |
| MPSE-003 | Western Political Thought | 04 | |
| MPSE-004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 04 | |
| MPSE-005 | State and Society in Africa | 04 | |
| MPSE-006 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 04 | |
| MPSE-007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 04 | |
| MPSE-008 | State Politics in India | 04 | |
| MPSE-009 | Canada: Politics and Society | 04 | |
| MPSE-010 | Dissertation (Optional) | 08 | |
| MPSE-011 | The European Union in World Affairs | 04 | |
| MPSE-012 | State and Society in Australia | 04 | |
| MPSE-013 | Australia’s Foreign Policy | 04 | |
| MED-002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 04 | |
| MED-008 | Globalisation and Environment | 04 | |
| MGP-004 | Gandhi’s Political Thought | 04 | |
| MGPE-007 | Non- Violent Movements after Gandhi | 04 | |
| MGPE-008 | Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution | 04 | |
| MGPE-010 | Conflict Management, Transformation and Peace Building | 04 | |
| MGPE-011 | Human Security | 04 | |
| MGPE-013 | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict | 04 |
IGNOU MA Political Science Study Materials: eGyanKosh and Recommended Books 2026
eGyanKosh serves as a crucial resource for IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) students, offering free and easily accessible digital study materials. These resources are essential for assignment submission and exam preparation, ensuring students can achieve good marks in their annual examinations.
| Course Code | Name of the Course |
| MPS-01 | Political Theory |
| MPS-02 | International Relations: Theory and Problems |
| MPS-03 | India: Democracy and Development |
| MPS-04 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends |
| MPSE-01 | India and the World |
| MPSE-02 | State and Society in Latin America |
| MPSE-03 | Western Political Thought (Plato to Marx) |
| MPSE-04 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India |
| MPSE-05 | State and Society in Africa |
| MPSE-06 | Peace and Conflict Studies |
| MPSE-07 | Social Movements and Politics in India |
| MPSE-08 | State Politics in India |
| MPSE-09 | Canada: Politics and Society |
| MPSE-10 | Dissertation |
| MPSE-11 | The European Vision in World Affairs |
| MPSE-12 | State and Society in Australia |
| MPSE-13 | Australia’s Foreign Policy |
| MED-02 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges |
| MED-08 | Globalization, Environment, and Development |
| MGP-04 | Gandhi’s Political Thought |
| MGPE-08 | Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution |
| MGPE-10 | Conflict Management, Transformation, and Peace Building |
| MGPE-11 | Human Security |
| MGPE-13 | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict |
IGNOU MPS Previous Year Question Papers: Download for Term-End Exams 2026
Accessing IGNOU MPS previous year question papers is crucial for students pursuing a political science MA IGNOU. These papers, available for free download, serve as an invaluable resource for academic reference and familiarisation with the Term-End Exam pattern, covering sessions up to June 2025.
| Year | June TEE | December TEE |
| 2010 | Download | Download |
| 2011 | Download | Download |
| 2012 | Download | Download |
| 2013 | Download | Download |
| 2014 | Download | Download |
| 2015 | Download | Download |
| 2016 | Download | Download |
| 2017 | Download | Download |
| 2018 | Download | Download |
| 2019 | Download | Download |
| 2020 | Download | Download |
| 2021 | Download | Download |
| 2022 | Download | Download |
| 2023 | Download | Download |
| 2024 | Download | Download |
| 2025 | Download |
This table provides direct download access to previous year question papers for the IGNOU MPS program, spanning from June 2010 up to June 2025, facilitating exam preparation.
- Programme Name: Master of Arts (Political Science)
- Programme Code: MPS
- Examination Authority: Indira National Open University (IGNOU)
- TEE Sessions: June and December Cycles
- Purpose of Papers: Academic reference, exam pattern familiarisation
- 2026 Papers Status: Updated upon IGNOU release
The MPS Term-End Exam is a 100-mark paper to be completed in 3 hours. It is divided into two sections, requiring students to answer five questions in total, ensuring at least two from each section. Each answer should be roughly 500 words, with students allocating about 35 minutes per answer for effective time management.
How to Prepare for IGNOU MA Political Science Exams: Strategies and Tips 2026
Preparing for the political science MA IGNOU exams requires a strategic approach, focusing on key resources and understanding the program structure. This guide outlines essential components like study materials, assignments, and syllabus details to help students succeed in their MA Political Science program at IGNOU.
- Study Material: Comprehensive printed and digital material is provided via eGyanKosh, covering core topics.
- Assignments: Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) carry 30% weightage; timely submission is crucial.
- Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Practicing PYQs helps understand exam patterns, identify important topics, and improve time management.
- Books: Official IGNOU books are well-structured, available in English/Hindi, and aligned with the syllabus.
- Prospectus: Download the prospectus for complete program details, including syllabus, admission, and fees.
- Program Duration: The MA Political Science program is 2 years minimum, totaling 64 credits (32 compulsory, 32 optional).
Beyond these core elements, understanding the syllabus structure and accessing specific resources is vital for success in the program.
To download the IGNOU Political Science syllabus 2026, visit ignou.ac.in, navigate to “Student Support”, then “downloads”, select “School”, choose the relevant course, and download the PDF for future use. A direct link is also provided.
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the University | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Course Type | UG, PG, Diploma, M.phil and PhD |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Category | Syllabus |
| Status of Syllabus | Released |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
| Direct Link to Download IGNOU Political Science Syllabus PDF | Click Here |
This overview table provides essential administrative details and quick access to the official IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus.
| Course Code | Title of Course | Credits |
| MPS 1 | India and The World | 04 |
| MPS 2 | State and Society in Latin America | 04 |
| MPS 3 | Western Political Thought | 04 |
| MPS 4 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 04 |
| MPS 5 | State and Society in Africa | 04 |
| MPS 6 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 04 |
| MPS 7 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 04 |
| MPS 8 | State Politics in India | 04 |
| MPS 9 | Canada: Politics and Society | 04 |
| MPS 11 | The European Union in World Affairs | 04 |
| MPS 12 | State and Society in Australia | 04 |
| MPS 13 | Australia’s Foreign Policy | 04 |
| MED 2 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 04 |
| MED 8 | Globalization and Environment | 04 |
| MGP 4 | Gandhi’s Political Thought | 04 |
| MGPE 7 | Non- Violent Movements after Gandhi | 04 |
| MGPE 8 | Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution | 04 |
| MGPE 10 | Conflict Management, Transformation and Peace Building | 04 |
| MGPE 11 | Human Security | 04 |
| MGPE 13 | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict | 04 |
The second-year syllabus for the political science MA IGNOU program offers a diverse range of optional courses, each carrying 4 credits, allowing students to specialize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fees for IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026?
The IGNOU MA Political Science admission 2026 fees are INR 14,600, payable as INR 7,300 per year.
How do I apply for IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026?
Apply online at www.ignou.ac.in from June 03, 2026, for the July 2026-27 academic year. The last date for admission is June 30, 2026.
What are the key dates for IGNOU MA Political Science Admission 2026?
IGNOU MA Political Science Admission for the July 2026 session commences on May 25, 2026. The last date to apply for admission is July 31, 2026.
What is political science ma ignou?
The IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) provides a sound base in political studies, investigating phenomena at national, regional, and international levels. It is a 64-credit program offering specializations and developing analytical skills.
What are the eligibility requirements for political science ma ignou?
Applicants need a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. The eligibility criteria are inclusive and accessible, requiring online registration and an INR 8000 annual fee.
How do I apply for political science ma ignou?
Apply online via the official IGNOU website. Complete the application form, select MA Political Science, upload required documents, and pay the INR 300 registration fee.
