Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Master of Arts in Jyotish (MAJY) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a 2-year postgraduate programme offered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under the School of Humanities (SOH). The programme is designed to provide students with authentic and comprehensive knowledge of Indian classical astrology (Jyotish), covering topics such as the introduction and history of Indian Jyotish, Siddhanta Jyotish (astronomical principles), Panchang and Muhurta, Kundali Nirman (horoscope construction), Jyotirvigyan, mathematical astronomy, Samhita Jyotish, and Phal Vichar (predictive astrology). The programme fee is Rs. 7,000 per year (total Rs. 14,300 including registration fee). The medium of instruction is Hindi. No entrance exam is required; admission is based on graduation marks. The programme is popular among students interested in Indian classical knowledge systems, Vedic astrology, and those seeking to build a career as professional astrologers or researchers in Indian traditional sciences.

Admission for the January 2026 session is currently ongoing. The last date for submission of the application form (for ODL programmes) is 30 March 2026. Applications can be submitted online at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The next admission cycle (July 2026) is expected to open tentatively in May 2026, based on the previous year's schedule.

Distance Mode Centres:

The MAJY programme is offered exclusively through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode in Hindi medium. Students are assigned to a Study Centre near their location. The programme is available across a wide network of IGNOU Regional Centres and affiliated Study Centres across India, including:

Hyderabad (RC Hyderabad)
Karnal (RC Karnal)
Shimla (RC Shimla, Govt. P.G. College, Govt. Degree College)
Jammu (RC Jammu, University of Jammu, Central Sanskrit University Shri Ranbir Campus)
Bangalore (RC Bangalore)
Cochin (Nirmala College)
Bhopal (RC Bhopal, Central Sanskrit University Bhopal, Govt. P.G. College)
Pune (RC Pune, Jalna Education Society's College)
Imphal (RC Imphal, Manipur University)
Shillong (RC Shillong, North Eastern Hill University)
Aizawl (RC Aizawl)
Port Blair (RC Port Blair)
Kohima (RC Kohima)
Bhubaneswar (RC Bhubaneswar, B.J.B. Autonomous College, Central Sanskrit University Shree Sadashiva Campus, S.C.S. Autonomous College Puri)
Khanna (RC Khanna, Nirman Campus of Education Research and Training Sunam)
Jaipur (RC Jaipur, Central Sanskrit University Jaipur Campus, Govt. College Ajmer, Govt. Arts PG College Kota, Govt. PG College Kotputli, Lohiya Govt. PG College Churu, M.S.J. Govt. PG College Bharatpur, Maharana Pratap PG Govt. College Chittorgarh, N.M. Govt. PG College Hanumangarh, Rajrishi College Alwar, Sh. Bhawani Niketan PG Boys College Jaipur)
Gangtok (RC Gangtok)
Chennai (RC Chennai, DDGD Vaishnava College)
Agartala (RC Agartala, Tripura University, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar College, Women's College, Ambedkar College)
Lucknow (RC Lucknow, Jai Narain Degree College, Awadh Girls Degree College, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University Faizabad, Central Sanskrit University Lucknow Campus)
Kolkata (RC Kolkata, Jagannath Kishore College)
Delhi 2 (RC Delhi 2 Indraprastha Estate ITO)
Itanagar (RC Itanagar)
Srinagar (RC Srinagar, Govt. Eliezer Joldan Memorial College Leh, Govt. Degree College Kargil)
Dehradun (RC Dehradun, D.A.V. PG College Dehradun, MB PG College Haldwani, SSJ Campus Kumaon University Almora)
Ranchi (RC Ranchi, Marwari College Ranchi)
Vijayawada (RC Vijayawada)
Raipur (RC Raipur)
Nagpur (RC Nagpur, Guru Nanak Bhawan Nagpur, Pratibha Niketan Maha Vidyalaya Nanded)
Jorhat (RC Jorhat)
Delhi 3 Naraina (RC Delhi 3, Arya Bhatt College, Rajdhani College Raja Garden)
Noida (RC Noida, Hindu College)
Guwahati (RC Guwahati, Guwahati University)
Trivandrum (RC Trivandrum)
Jabalpur (RC Jabalpur)
Rajkot (RC Rajkot)
Koraput (RC Koraput)
Siliguri (RC Siliguri)
Darbhanga (RC Darbhanga, BRA Bihar University, C.M. College)
Aligarh (RC Aligarh, Aligarh Muslim University)
Varanasi (RC Varanasi, Allahabad Degree College, DDU University Gorakhpur, Faculty of Social Science BHU, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidya Peeth)
Mumbai (RC Mumbai)
Patna (RC Patna, Bihar National College, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College Bhabua)
Raghunathganj (RC Raghunathganj)
Chandigarh (RC Chandigarh, Department of CSE UIET South Campus Punjab University)
Delhi 1 (RC Delhi 1, Jamia Millia Islamia University)
Panaji (RC Panaji)
Bhagalpur (RC Bhagalpur)
Vatakara (RC Vatakara)
Visakhapatnam (RC Visakhapatnam)
Bijapur (RC Bijapur)
Saharsa (RC Saharsa, Purnea College Purnea)
Deoghar (RC Deoghar, Dr. Jagannath Mishra College)
Jodhpur (RC Jodhpur, Mahila P.G. Mahavidyalaya)
Ahmedabad (RC Ahmedabad, M.S. University)
Angul (G.M. University Sambalpur)

Key Points

The MAJY programme is offered under the School of Humanities (SOH) at IGNOU.
The medium of instruction is Hindi only, making it specifically designed for Hindi-medium students.
The programme carries 64 credits (8 credits per course, 4 courses per year) and is structured over 2 years (minimum), with a maximum duration of 4 years.
Year 1 covers Introduction and History of Indian Jyotish, Siddhanta Jyotish and Kala, Panchang and Muhurta, and Kundali Nirman.
Year 2 covers Jyotirvigyan, Mathematical Astronomy and Instruments, Samhita Jyotish, and Phal Vichar (predictive astrology).
The programme is rooted in the Vedanga tradition and covers both theoretical (Siddhanta) and applied (Phalit) aspects of Jyotish.
The degree is recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
No entrance examination is required; admission is based on qualifying examination marks.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IGNOU MAJY Fees

The MAJY programme at IGNOU is offered at a highly affordable fee of Rs. 7,000 per year. A one-time Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is payable at the time of admission, along with a Development Fee as notified by the university. Examination fees (Rs. 200 per subject per Term-End Exam) are charged separately. There is no hostel facility for this ODL programme.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (Year 1)	7,000
Tuition Fee (Year 2)	7,000
Registration Fee (one-time)	300
Total Fees	14,300

Examination fee (Rs. 200 per subject per Term-End Exam) is charged separately and is not included in the above total.
Development Fee is applicable as per university norms and is charged at the time of admission.
The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable.
Fee can be paid online via Credit Card (Master/Visa), Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay), or Net Banking.
Refund Policy: Fee paid will be refunded prior to confirmation of admission. After confirmation, 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted. No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
SC/ST students and other reserved category students may be eligible for fee exemption/reimbursement as per IGNOU norms.
There is no hostel facility for this ODL programme.

IGNOU MAJY Admission 2026

IGNOU conducts admissions for the MAJY programme twice a year - in January and July sessions. The January 2026 session is currently open, with the last date for application extended to 30 March 2026. Admission is merit-based (qualifying examination marks), and there is no entrance test. Students can apply online through the IGNOU Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Admission Portal Opens (January 2026 Session)	December 16, 2025
Last Date for Application Submission (ODL Programmes)	March 30, 2026
Tentative Batch Commencement / Study Material Dispatch	January - March 2026
Contact Programme / Counselling Sessions	February - November 2026
Assignment Submission (Year 1)	March - September 2026
Term-End Examination (June 2026)	June 1 - July 15, 2026 (Tentative)
Exam Form Submission Last Date	April 10, 2026
Result Declaration	August 2026 (Tentative)
July 2026 Session Admission Opens (Tentative)	May 2026
July 2026 Session Last Date (Tentative)	August 2026

Entrance Exam Details

Entrance Exam Details
No entrance examination is required for admission to the MAJY programme. Admission is based on merit in the qualifying examination (graduation).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or a higher degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
There is no minimum percentage requirement specified by IGNOU for the MAJY programme.
The programme is open to both fresh graduates and working professionals.

Admission Process

Visit the IGNOU Admission Portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Click on "New Registration" and complete the registration process with a valid email ID and mobile number.
Log in and select the MAJY programme.
Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and address details.
Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, educational qualification certificates, and category certificate (if applicable).
Pay the programme fee online (Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking).
Submit the application form and save/print the confirmation for future reference.
Students will be allotted a Study Centre based on their preferred location.
APAAR ID must be kept ready before starting the application process.

IGNOU MAJY Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students enrolled in the MAJY programme can avail of various government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of admission. IGNOU also provides fee exemptions and reimbursements for SC/ST students, physically challenged students, jail inmates, and economically weaker sections. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships as early as possible, as selection is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Benefit	How to Apply
IGNOU Fee Exemption (SC/ST/PwD/Jail Inmates/Weaver Community)	SC/ST, Physically Challenged, Jail Inmates, Weaver Community, Transgender; Family income less than Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum; Age below 35 years	Full or partial fee exemption/reimbursement as per IGNOU norms	Apply through IGNOU Regional Centre; submit form certified by Regional Director
Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses (Minority Students)	Minority community students; Family income less than Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum; Minimum 50% marks in previous exam	Rs. 20,000 per year (tuition + maintenance allowance up to Rs. 1,000/month for hostlers, Rs. 500/month for day scholars)	Apply online at scholarships.gov.in
Scholarships for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities	PwD students with more than 40% disability; Family income less than Rs. 6 lakh per annum	Tuition fee up to Rs. 2 lakh/year; Books/stationery up to Rs. 5,000/year; Maintenance allowance; One-time laptop allowance of Rs. 45,000	Apply online at scholarships.gov.in
Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students	SC students; Family income less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum; Admitted under general category seats	Tuition fee up to Rs. 2 lakh/year; Books/stationery; Living expenses; One-time laptop allowance of Rs. 45,000	Apply at Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment portal
State Government Scholarships	Varies by state; SC/ST/OBC/EWS students	Varies by state scheme	Apply through respective State Social Welfare Office or NSP portal

A student can avail only one scholarship at a time.
Scholarship forms must be certified by the IGNOU Regional Director before submission.
Students must apply for government scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of IGNOU admission.
The IGNOU fee exemption for SC/ST students covers the programme fee; the Registration Fee is non-refundable even for exempted categories.
Jail inmates are exempted from all fees including the Registration Fee during their incarceration; applicable fees must be paid upon release.

IGNOU MAJY FAQs

Ques. Is the IGNOU MA Jyotish degree recognised for teaching and research positions?

Ans. Yes. The MAJY degree from IGNOU is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is equivalent to degrees from conventional universities. Graduates can apply for teaching positions in Sanskrit and Jyotish departments in colleges and universities, and are eligible for UGC-NET in relevant subjects.

Ques. Is the IGNOU MA Jyotish programme available in English medium?

Ans. No. The MAJY programme is offered exclusively in Hindi medium. The study material, assignments, and Term-End Examinations are all in Hindi. Students who are not comfortable with Hindi medium should consider this before applying.

Ques. Can I pursue IGNOU MA Jyotish while working full-time?

Ans. Yes. The programme is offered through ODL mode, which means there are no mandatory daily classes. Students study through self-instructional printed material in Hindi and attend contact/counselling sessions at their assigned Study Centre on scheduled dates. This makes it ideal for working professionals, Sanskrit scholars, and others who cannot attend regular classes.

Ques. What is the difference between Siddhanta Jyotish and Phalit Jyotish covered in this programme?

Ans. Siddhanta Jyotish (covered in Year 1 and Year 2) deals with the mathematical and astronomical aspects of Jyotish - including planetary motions, eclipses, Panchang preparation, and astronomical calculations. Phalit Jyotish (Phal Vichar, covered in Year 2) deals with the predictive and applied aspects - including horoscope interpretation, Muhurta (auspicious timing), and Samhita (mundane astrology). The MAJY programme covers both aspects comprehensively.

Ques. What career options are available after completing IGNOU MA Jyotish?

Ans. MAJY graduates can pursue careers as: professional astrologers and Jyotish consultants, teachers of Jyotish in Sanskrit colleges, universities, and Gurukuls, researchers in Indian classical knowledge systems and Vedic sciences, Panchang makers and Muhurta specialists, and further research through MPhil or PhD programmes in Jyotish or Sanskrit. The programme also equips graduates with skills for self-employment as practicing astrologers.

Ques. Is prior knowledge of Sanskrit or Jyotish required for admission to IGNOU MA Jyotish?

Ans. No prior knowledge of Sanskrit or Jyotish is required for admission. The eligibility criterion is simply a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. However, since the medium of instruction is Hindi and the subject matter is rooted in Sanskrit texts, students with some familiarity with Sanskrit or Hindi classical literature may find it easier to follow the course material.