
IGNOU M.Sc Courses: List of Specializations and Program Details
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IGNOU offers several Master of Science (M.Sc) specializations including Dietetics & Food Service Management, Counselling & Family Therapy, Environmental Science, Food & Nutrition, and Mathematics with Applications in Computer Science. Course fees for IGNOU M.Sc programs start from ₹2,500 per semester or ₹16,800 to ₹36,000 for the total program, spanning a minimum duration of 2 years.
With starting salaries ranging from ₹4 to ₹8 LPA across scientific and industry roles, selecting the right postgraduate specialization is a critical decision. Below, you will find complete program details including specialization lists, eligibility criteria, exact fee breakdowns, top hiring sectors, alternative university comparisons, and a step-by-step registration roadmap.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years (Extendable up to 5 Years) |
| Semester Fee (Online M.Sc) | ₹2,500 per semester |
| Registration Fee | ₹300 |
| Examination Fee | ₹200 per subject |
| Accreditation & Approvals | UGC-DEB approved, NAAC A++ accredited |
| Admission Cycles | Twice a year (January & July sessions) |
List of IGNOU M.Sc Courses and Specializations
IGNOU offers a range of Master of Science specializations across distance learning and online delivery formats. These courses cater to diverse fields ranging from clinical dietetics and mental health therapy to core physical and life sciences.
The specialized M.Sc programs available through IGNOU’s academic schools include:
- M.Sc in Dietetics and Food Service Management (MSCDFSM)
- M.Sc in Counselling and Family Therapy (MSCCFT)
- M.Sc in Environmental Science
- M.Sc in Food and Nutrition
- M.Sc in Mathematics with Applications in Computer Science
- M.Sc in Hospitality Administration
- M.Sc in Physics
- M.Sc in Chemistry
- M.Sc in Zoology
- M.Sc in Psychology
- M.Sc in Biochemistry
Eligibility Criteria and Course Duration for IGNOU M.Sc
The minimum duration for IGNOU M.Sc degree programs is 2 years, with flexibility given to students to complete their coursework within a maximum duration of 5 years. Academic eligibility varies according to the chosen specialization to ensure foundational knowledge in the relevant scientific domain.
- M.Sc in Dietetics and Food Service Management (MSCDFSM): Requires a B.Sc in Home Science with specialization in Food & Nutrition or Dietetics, or a PG Diploma in Dietetics & Public Health Nutrition, or a relevant B.Sc/MBBS along with DNHE/CNCC/CFN qualifications.
- M.Sc in Counselling and Family Therapy (MSCCFT): Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Medicine, or allied disciplines from a recognized university.
- General Scientific Streams: Applicants must hold a prerequisite Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc or equivalent) in the respective subject area.
Career Options, Top Recruiters, and Salary After M.Sc
Completing an M.Sc opens professional pathways across technical industries, research laboratories, healthcare institutions, and corporate consulting firms. The overall median average placement package reported across 103 tracked Indian M.Sc colleges stands at 2.78 LPA, while average starting salaries for specialized postgraduates range between ₹4 to ₹8 LPA depending on technical expertise.
- Data Scientists: Average salary ranges from ₹8–12 LPA.
- Software Developers: Average salary ranges from ₹6–10 LPA.
- Research Scientists: Average salary ranges from ₹6–10 LPA.
- Clinical Research Associates: Average salary ranges from ₹4–7 LPA.
| Sector | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|
| IT & Software | TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, Cognizant |
| Healthcare & Pharma | Pfizer, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Cipla, Biocon |
| Research Bodies | ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, BARC |
| Finance & Consulting | Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young, HDFC Bank |

| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | Average package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Oxford College of Science | Bangalore | Private | ₹50,000 | 7.11 LPA |
| Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira | Howrah | Private (aided) | — | 6.6 LPA |
| Deogiri College | Aurangabad | Private (aided) | — | 4.27 LPA |
| Christ Academy Institute for Advanced Studies | Bangalore | Private | ₹1.40 lakh | 4 LPA |
| Christ Church College | Kanpur | Private (aided) | ₹22,974 | 4 LPA |
| Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College | Mumbai | Private (aided) | ₹43,075 | 3.6 LPA |
| A.V. College of Arts Science and Commerce | Hyderabad | Private (aided) | ₹81,960 | 3.55 LPA |
| Thakur College of Science and Commerce | Mumbai | Private (aided) | ₹95,322 | 3.51 LPA |
| Bangalore City College | Bangalore | Private | — | 3.49 LPA |
| Fergusson College | Pune | Private (aided) | ₹26,504 | 3.47 LPA |
How to Choose the Right M.Sc Program and College
When selecting an M.Sc degree route, evaluate academic recognition, learning delivery models, practical laboratory access, total financial investment, and regional availability. State-level presence for science colleges is highest in states like Tamil Nadu (605 colleges), Maharashtra (460 colleges), Karnataka (351 colleges), Uttar Pradesh (344 colleges), Kerala (328 colleges), and Madhya Pradesh (210 colleges).
Distance and online programs like IGNOU provide maximum flexibility for working professionals, allowing balance between job responsibilities and higher scientific education.
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | NIRF rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbiosis Skills & Open University | Pune | — | ₹1.90 lakh | 1 (Overall, 2025) |
| Hindu College New Delhi | Delhi | University | ₹55,510 | 1 (Overall, 2025) |
| Indian Institute of Science | Bangalore | — | ₹89,200 | 1 (Overall, 2025) |
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Chennai | Government | ₹40,800 | 1 (Overall, 2025) |
| Miranda House | Delhi | Government | ₹32,060 | 2 (Overall, 2025) |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi | Government | — | 2 (Overall, 2025) |
| Hans Raj College | Delhi | Government | ₹53,425 | 3 (Overall, 2025) |
| Manipal University Manipal | Manipal | — | ₹96,000 | 3 (Overall, 2025) |
| Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | Mumbai | Government | ₹45,400 | 3 (Overall, 2024) |
| Punjab Agricultural University | Ludhiana | — | ₹1.34 lakh | 3 (Overall, 2025) |

| City | Colleges | Fee range | Well-known options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | 182 | ₹23,992 – ₹23.28 lakh | Alliance University, Christ University |
| Chennai | 147 | ₹22,576 – ₹10.50 lakh | Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Madras Medical College |
| Mumbai | 110 | ₹22,875 – ₹7.80 lakh | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies |
| Pune | 110 | ₹25,655 – ₹27.65 lakh | Armed Forces Medical College, Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth |
| Delhi | 92 | ₹10,000 – ₹30.22 lakh | All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia University |
| Coimbatore | 83 | ₹23,680 – ₹7.40 lakh | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, P.S.G College of Technology |
| Jaipur | 82 | ₹10,725 – ₹6.00 lakh | Manipal University Jaipur, University of Rajasthan |
| Kolkata | 81 | ₹10,000 – ₹7.10 lakh | Jadavpur University, The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences |
How to Apply for M.Sc Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Admission Cycles: IGNOU conducts admissions twice a year for the January and July academic cycles.
- Create Academic IDs: Applicants must create a mandatory APAAR ID / ABC ID and DEB ID before applying on the IGNOU Online Admission Portal.
- Access the Official Portal: Candidates can register directly through the official IGNOU Samarth Online Admission Portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in).
- Pay Application & Course Fees: IGNOU Online M.Sc courses require a ₹300 registration fee, a ₹2,500 course fee per semester, and a ₹200 exam fee per subject.
- Utilize Resources and Attend TEE: Academic resources are delivered through e-GyanKosh, Gyandarshan TV Channel, GyanDhara Audio Service, and Gyan Vani FM Radio, with Term-End Examinations (TEE) conducted in June and December.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| application | IGNOU Online Admission Portal (Samarth) | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | M.Sc colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
Applicants can complete IGNOU M.Sc admission online during the January or July academic cycles. Enrolled students access digital learning streams and appear for Term-End Examinations held twice a year in June and December.

FAQs
Does IGNOU have an MSc in physics?
Yes, IGNOU includes M.Sc in Physics among its distance and online M.Sc program offerings alongside Chemistry, Zoology, Environmental Science, and Mathematics.
Is PG from IGNOU valid?
Yes. IGNOU is a central university recognized by UGC-DEB and NAAC A++ accredited. Its post-graduate degrees are 100% valid for private and government employment, higher education, and competitive exams.
What is the fee structure for IGNOU M.Sc courses?
Online M.Sc tuition fees start at ₹2,500 per semester plus a ₹300 registration fee and ₹200 exam fee per subject. Specialized programs like MSCDFSM cost ₹36,000 in total.
What is the salary of an MSc in India?
Average starting salaries for M.Sc graduates in India range between ₹4 to ₹8 LPA, reaching ₹8 to ₹12 LPA for technical roles like Data Scientists.
Where can I find the IGNOU online admission portal?
You can register for IGNOU M.Sc programs directly through the official IGNOU Samarth Online Admission Portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in).
How long does an IGNOU M.Sc degree take to complete?
IGNOU M.Sc programs are structured for a minimum duration of 2 years, with flexibility to complete the program in up to 5 years.
