Online Master’s Degree Duration in India: 1 Year, 2 Year and Fast Track Rules Explained
An online master’s degree is a postgraduate qualification earned through virtual learning platforms. Indian universities offer 175 distinct online master’s programmes. The published total fee for these programmes ranges from Rs 28,000 to Rs 280,000.
The duration for online master’s degrees in India is 24 months. There are 65 Indian universities publicly offering master’s degrees in online mode. These programmes cover 355 distinct specialisations.
Eligibility for an online master’s degree requires a completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, normally three years or more. Minimum marks vary by university and are published on each university’s own admission page.
Universities and fees
| University | Programme | Total fee | Duration | Specialisations | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jain University | MA | ₹28,000 – ₹98,000 | 24 months | 8 | Deemed University-Private |
| Mangalayatan University | MA | ₹28,000 | 24 months | 8 | State Private University |
| Integral University | MA | ₹28,000 | 24 months | 5 | State Private University |
| Noida International University | MA | ₹28,000 | 24 months | — | State Private University |
| Vivekananda Global University | MA | ₹28,000 | 24 months | 2 | State Private University |
| Guru Kashi University | MA | ₹28,000 | 24 months | 6 | Private (verified manually) |
| Guru Kashi University | M.Lib | ₹28,000 | 24 months | — | Private (verified manually) |
| Jagannath University Jaipur | MA | ₹28,000 | 24 months | 2 | State Private University |
| P.P. Savani University | MA | ₹28,000 | 24 months | 2 | Private (verified manually) |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies | M.Com | ₹33,000 | 24 months | — | State Private University |
| Jain University | M.Com | ₹35,000 – ₹109,000 | 24 months | 5 | Deemed University-Private |
| Mangalayatan University | M.Com | ₹35,000 | 24 months | — | State Private University |
| Sharda University | M.Com | ₹35,000 | 24 months | 3 | State Private University |
| Integral University | M.Com | ₹35,000 | 24 months | — | State Private University |
| Guru Kashi University | M.Com | ₹35,000 | 24 months | — | Private (verified manually) |
Duration as published
An online Master’s degree in India is a postgraduate academic programme delivered through digital platforms. The published duration for these programmes is 24 months. There are 65 Indian universities publicly offering Master’s degrees in online mode.
The duration of 24 months applies to all 175 distinct programme listings across these universities. The UGC (Minimum Standards of Instruction for Grant of Degrees and Other Awards through Online Mode) Regulations, 2020, govern the duration of online degrees. These regulations specify that the minimum duration for a Master’s degree is two years.
There is no provision for a “fast track” option that allows students to complete an online Master’s degree in less than 24 months. The regulations ensure that the academic rigour and learning outcomes are comparable to traditional on-campus programmes over the stipulated two-year period.
What extending or pausing a programme costs
Extending an online master’s programme beyond its standard duration is possible at many Indian universities. This extension typically incurs additional fees. The specific fee for an extension is not published centrally and varies by university.
Pausing a programme, also known as taking a break or a sabbatical, is also an option. Universities often charge a fee for this service. The fee structure for pausing a programme is determined by individual universities and is not published centrally.
The standard duration for online master’s degrees in India ranges from 24 to 24 months. Any period beyond this standard duration, whether due to an extension or a pause, may involve extra costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical duration for an online Master's degree in India?
The duration for online Master’s degrees in India is 24 months.
How many Indian universities offer online Master's degrees?
65 Indian universities publicly offer Master’s degrees in online mode.
What is the fee range for online Master's degrees in India?
The published total fee for online Master’s degrees in India ranges from Rs 28,000 to Rs 280,000. The median fee is Rs 70,000.
What are the most common specialisations available for online Master's degrees?
Common specialisations include Human Resource Management, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Data Science.
What are the eligibility criteria for an online Master's degree in India?
Eligibility requires a completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, normally three years or more. Minimum marks vary by university and are published on each university’s admission page.
