IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) Syllabus 2026: Detailed Course Structure
IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus includes 4 core subjects (first year) and 20 electives (second year). The programme comprises a total of 64 credits. Find detailed IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus here.
The IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus for the 2026 academic session provides a robust two-year postgraduate curriculum, designed to offer a deep understanding of political theories, comparative politics, international relations, and Indian government. IGNOU’s MA Political Science is a 64-credit programme, including core and elective subjects. While the first year focuses on 4 core subjects, the second year introduces nearly 20 electives. Along with an updated curriculum, IGNOU MA Political Science students also get free study material and resources on the eGyanKosh Portal. Here, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of 1st year subjects, core and elective courses, recommended study materials, and a comparison with the UPSC PSIR optional syllabus.
IGNOU MA Political Science Syllabus 2026: Complete Course Overview
The IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus for 2026, released and available, offers a comprehensive postgraduate program from the School of Social Sciences. It is structured into compulsory first-year courses (32 credits, 8 per subject) and optional second-year courses (32 credits), providing a complete overview.
| 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 16,400 |
| 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 Syllabus
First Year
The first year of IGNOU’s Master of Arts (Political Science) programme consists of four compulsory core courses worth 32 credits in total. These courses build a foundation in political theory, international relations, Indian politics, and comparative politics.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| MPS-001 | Political Theory | 8 |
| MPS-002 | International Relations: Theory and Problems | 8 |
| MPS-003 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| MPS-004 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends | 8 |
| Total Credits | 32 |
Second Year
In the second year, students must choose elective courses totaling 32 credits from the available option pool. Each elective carries 4 credits, allowing learners to tailor the programme according to their interests in political theory, international relations, comparative politics, peace studies, Gandhian studies, and environmental governance.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| MPSE-001 | India and the World | 4 |
| MPSE-002 | State and Society in Latin America | 4 |
| MPSE-003 | Western Political Thought | 4 |
| MPSE-004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 |
| MPSE-005 | State and Society in Africa | 4 |
| MPSE-006 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 4 |
| MPSE-007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE-008 | State Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE-009 | Canada: Politics and Society | 4 |
| MPSE-011 | The European Union in World Affairs | 4 |
| MPSE-012 | State and Society in Australia | 4 |
| MPSE-013 | Australia’s Foreign Policy | 4 |
| MED-002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 4 |
| MED-008 | Globalisation and Environment | 4 |
| MGP-004 | Gandhi’s Political Thought | 4 |
| MGPE-007 | Non-Violent Movements after Gandhi | 4 |
| MGPE-008 | Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| MGPE-010 | Conflict Management, Transformation and Peace Building | 4 |
| MGPE-011 | Human Security | 4 |
| MGPE-013 | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict | 4 |
IGNOU MA Political Science: Semester-wise Syllabus
IGNOU MPS syllabus is typically divided into 2 years. Here is a semester-wise division of the core and elective subjects:
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| MPS-001 | Political Theory | 8 |
| MPS-002 | International Relations: Theory and Problems | 8 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| MPS-003 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| MPS-004 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends | 8 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Semester 3
Students may choose elective courses worth approximately 16 credits from the available elective pool.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| MPSE-001 | India and the World | 4 |
| MPSE-002 | State and Society in Latin America | 4 |
| MPSE-003 | Western Political Thought | 4 |
| MPSE-004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 |
| MPSE-005 | State and Society in Africa | 4 |
| MPSE-006 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 4 |
| MPSE-007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE-008 | State Politics in India | 4 |
Semester 4
Students may choose additional elective courses worth approximately 16 credits to complete the required 32 elective credits.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| MPSE-009 | Canada: Politics and Society | 4 |
| MPSE-011 | The European Union in World Affairs | 4 |
| MPSE-012 | State and Society in Australia | 4 |
| MPSE-013 | Australia’s Foreign Policy | 4 |
| MED-002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 4 |
| MED-008 | Globalisation and Environment | 4 |
| MGP-004 | Gandhi’s Political Thought | 4 |
| MGPE-007 | Non-Violent Movements after Gandhi | 4 |
| MGPE-008 | Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| MGPE-010 | Conflict Management, Transformation and Peace Building | 4 |
| MGPE-011 | Human Security | 4 |
| MGPE-013 | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict | 4 |
IGNOU MA Political Science: List of Elective Subjects
The IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) programme offers a wide range of elective subjects in areas such as political theory, international relations, peace studies, Gandhian thought, environmental governance, and comparative politics. These become available to students in the second year:
| Subject Name | Subject Description (One-Liner) |
| India and the World | Examines India’s foreign policy and its role in global affairs. |
| State and Society in Latin America | Studies political systems, social structures, and development in Latin America. |
| Western Political Thought | Explores major Western political thinkers and their ideas. |
| Social and Political Thought in Modern India | Covers the contributions of modern Indian political and social thinkers. |
| State and Society in Africa | Analyzes political institutions and social transformations in African nations. |
| Peace and Conflict Studies | Introduces theories of conflict, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. |
| Social Movements and Politics in India | Examines the role of social movements in shaping Indian politics. |
| State Politics in India | Focuses on political processes and governance at the state level in India. |
| Canada: Politics and Society | Studies Canada’s political institutions, society, and public policies. |
| The European Union in World Affairs | Explores the EU’s evolution and influence in international politics. |
| State and Society in Australia | Examines Australia’s political system, society, and governance structures. |
| Australia’s Foreign Policy | Analyzes Australia’s diplomatic relations and strategic interests. |
| Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | Discusses environmental sustainability and development-related concerns. |
| Globalisation and Environment | Explores the environmental impact of globalization and economic growth. |
| Gandhi’s Political Thought | Covers Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas on politics, ethics, and governance. |
| Non-Violent Movements after Gandhi | Studies major non-violent movements inspired by Gandhian principles. |
| Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution | Examines Gandhi’s methods for resolving conflicts peacefully. |
| Conflict Management, Transformation and Peace Building | Focuses on approaches to managing and transforming conflicts. |
| Human Security | Explores security from a human-centered perspective beyond military threats. |
| Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict | Analyzes the relationship between civil society, governance, and political conflicts. |
Recommended Books & Study Materials for IGNOU MPS Syllabus 2026
IGNOU provides comprehensive and easy-to-understand study material for its MA in Political Science program, serving as the primary academic resource for distance learners. This material is crucial for success in the Term End Examination and is aligned with the latest ignou ma political science syllabus.
| Course Code | Course Title |
| MPS-001 | Political Theory |
| MPS-002 | International Relations: Theory and Problems |
| MPS-003 | India: Democracy and Development |
| MPS-004 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends |
| MPSE-001 | India and the World |
| MPSE-002 | State and Society in Latin America |
| MPSE-003 | Western Political Thought |
| MPSE-004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India |
| MPSE-005 | State and Society in Africa |
| MPSE-006 | Peace and Conflict Studies |
| MPSE-007 | Social Movements and Politics in India |
| MPSE-008 | State Politics in India |
| MPSE-009 | Canada: Politics and Society |
| MPSE-011 | European Union in World Affairs |
| MPSE-012 | State and Society in Australia |
| MPSE-013 | Australia’s Foreign Policy |
| MED-002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges |
| MED-008 | Globalisation and Environment |
| MGP-004 | Gandhi’s Political Thought |
| MGPE-007 | Non-Violent Movements after Gandhi |
| MGPE-008 | Gandhian Philosophy of Peace and Conflict Resolution |
| MGPE-010 | Conflict Management, Transformation and Peace Building |
| MGPE-011 | Human Security |
| MGPE-013 | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflict |
How to Access the Study Material?
- Visit the IGNOU eGyanKosh Portal and search for your course code (e.g., MPS-001, MPSE-006, MGPE-011) to access free digital study material.
- Browse by Programme or Course Code to find the relevant self-learning modules aligned with the latest MA Political Science syllabus.
- Download PDF Study Material for offline reading. Most course blocks are available chapter-wise as well as in complete PDF format.
- Check the IGNOU e-Content Mobile App for convenient access to study material, assignments, and academic resources on smartphones and tablets.
- Receive Printed Study Material if opted for during admission. IGNOU dispatches hard-copy books to eligible students at their registered address.
- Access Course Resources Through the Student Portal, where learners can find programme updates, assignment guidelines, and examination-related information.
- Refer to Additional Resources such as recorded lectures, audio-video content, and online counseling sessions available through IGNOU’s digital learning platforms.
- Match Study Material with Course Codes before downloading to ensure you are using the correct books for your selected core and elective subjects.
How to Access IGNOU MA Political Science Syllabus During Admission 2026
To access the IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus for admission in 2026, students have several verified methods. These include downloading the official prospectus, obtaining a dedicated syllabus PDF from the website, or exploring detailed study material through the eGyanKosh portal, ensuring comprehensive access to the ignou ma political science syllabus.
Method 1: Download the IGNOU MA Political Science Prospectus
The prospectus offers complete information about the MA Political Science programme, covering its course structure and the ignou ma political science syllabus.
- Visit the official IGNOU website: https://ignou.ac.in.
- Navigate to the ‘Student Zone’ or ‘Admission’ section.
- Download the MA Political Science prospectus for 2026.
Method 2: Download the Syllabus PDF from the Official Website
A dedicated syllabus PDF is available for direct download from the official IGNOU website, providing a straightforward way to access course details.
- Visit the official website: ignou.ac.in.
- Click on the ‘Student Support’ tab.
- Select ‘downloads’ from the drop-down menu.
- Select the ‘School’ option.
- Choose the relevant course option (MA Political Science).
- Download the PDF for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the total number of credits in the IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) syllabus?Â
The IGNOU MA Political Science programme comprises 64 credits in total, including 32 credits of compulsory core courses and 32 credits of elective courses completed over a minimum of two years.
Q2. Is the IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus useful for UPSC PSIR preparation?
Yes, several topics in the IGNOU MPS syllabus overlap with the UPSC Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) optional, particularly Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Indian Political Thought.
Q3. Can I download the IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus PDF online?Â
Yes, students can download the latest MPS syllabus and programme guide from the official IGNOU website and access detailed course material through the eGyanKosh portal.
Q4. Are study materials provided by IGNOU for all MPS subjects?Â
Yes, IGNOU provides self-learning study materials for all core and elective courses. Students can access them online through eGyanKosh and may also receive printed books if selected during admission.
Q5. What are the core subjects in the first year of IGNOU MA Political Science?
The first year consists of four compulsory courses: Political Theory (MPS-001), International Relations (MPS-002), India: Democracy and Development (MPS-003), and Comparative Politics (MPS-004).
Q6. How many elective subjects can I choose in IGNOU MA Political Science?
Students must complete 32 elective credits in the second year. Since most elective courses carry 4 credits each, learners typically select eight electives based on their academic interests.
Q7. What is the duration of the IGNOU MA Political Science programme?Â
The minimum duration is 2 years, while students are allowed a maximum of 5 years to complete all coursework, assignments, and examinations.
Q8. Is IGNOU MA Political Science valid for government jobs and higher studies?Â
Yes, the MA Political Science degree awarded by IGNOU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is valid for government jobs, competitive examinations, PhD admissions, and other higher education opportunities.
