Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Master of Arts in Sociology (programme code: MSO) through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode, under the School of Social Sciences (SOSS). The 2-year programme provides advanced sociological knowledge, perspectives, and skills to a wide cross-section of learners, including those in remote and inaccessible areas. It covers classical and contemporary sociological theories, research methodologies, sociology of development, sociology in India, urbanization, migration, education, diaspora, religion, and emerging social concerns. With a total programme fee of Rs. 14,600 (Rs. 7,300 per year), no entrance exam, and the flexibility to complete the degree over a maximum of 5 years, the MSO programme is popular among working professionals, social workers, NGO professionals, and competitive exam aspirants. The programme is available in both English and Hindi medium and is recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Admission for the January 2026 cycle is currently ongoing. The last date for submission of the application form (for ODL programmes) has been extended to 30th March 2026. Students who have already enrolled for January 2026 can submit their Term-End Examination (TEE) forms for June 2026 TEE between 10th March 2026 and 10th April 2026 (without late fee), and between 11th April 2026 and 24th April 2026 (with a late fee of Rs. 1,100).

Distance Mode Study Centres:

The MSO programme is offered exclusively in Distance/ODL mode. IGNOU has an extensive network of study centres across India. Key regional centres offering this programme include:

- Hyderabad, Karnal, Shimla, Jammu, Bangalore, Cochin, Bhopal, Pune, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Port Blair, Kohima, Bhubaneshwar, Khanna, Jaipur, Gangtok, Chennai, Agartala, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi (multiple centres), Itanagar, Srinagar, Dehradun, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Raipur, Nagpur, Jorhat, Guwahati, Trivandrum, Jabalpur, Rajkot, Madurai, Koraput, Siliguri, Darbhanga, Aligarh, Varanasi, Mumbai, Patna, Raghunathganj, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Angul, Bhagalpur, Jodhpur, Bijapur, Saharsa, Deoghar, Vatakara, Vishakhapatnam, Panaji, and many more.

Students must select a study centre at the time of admission. A full list of study centres is available on the IGNOU admission portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in).

Key Points

No entrance exam required; admission is direct based on eligibility.
Available in both English and Hindi medium.
Covers classical and contemporary sociological theories, research methods, sociology of development, urbanization, migration, diaspora, religion, and education.
Flexible duration: minimum 2 years, maximum 5 years to complete the programme.
Exams are held twice a year (June and December TEE), giving students the option to appear at their own pace.
Assessment is based on 30% weightage for assignments and 70% for Term-End Examinations (TEE).
The degree is recognised by AIU and is valid for government jobs, NET/SET eligibility, and further academic pursuits.
IGNOU has been accredited with A++ grade by NAAC.

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Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IGNOU MSO Fees

The MSO programme at IGNOU is one of the most affordable postgraduate Sociology programmes in India. The total programme fee is Rs. 14,600 for the full 2-year course, payable at Rs. 7,300 per year. This includes the programme fee, registration fee, and development fee. Exam fees are charged separately at the time of TEE form submission and are not included in the programme fee.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Year 1 (Rs.)	Year 2 (Rs.)	Total (Rs.)
Programme/Tuition Fee	6,800	6,800	13,600
Registration Fee (one-time)	300	-	300
Development Fee	200	200	400
Study Material (printed, optional)	Included	Included	Included
Examination Fee (per course/paper)	As applicable	As applicable	~200 per paper
Total Fees (excl. exam fee)	7,300	7,000	14,300
Total Fees (incl. registration)	7,600	7,000	14,600

The registration fee of Rs. 300 is a one-time, non-refundable charge.
Development fee is Rs. 200 per year.
Students opting for soft copy (e-SLM) of study material instead of printed material may be eligible for a partial fee refund if they cancel admission before confirmation.
An amount equivalent to 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted if cancellation is requested after confirmation of admission.
No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
There is no hostel facility at IGNOU headquarters; hostel is not mandatory.
No EMI option is officially available; fee is paid year-wise at the time of re-registration.

IGNOU MSO Admission 2026

Admission to the MSO programme at IGNOU is straightforward and merit-based, with no entrance examination. The January 2026 admission cycle is currently open, with the last date extended to 30th March 2026. Students admitted in the January 2026 cycle will be eligible to appear for the June 2026 Term-End Examination. The next admission cycle (July 2026) is expected to open around June 2026, based on previous year patterns.

IGNOU MSO Admission and Examination Dates

Event	Date
January 2026 Admission Cycle Opens	December 16, 2025
Last Date for Fresh Admission (January 2026 ODL)	March 30, 2026
June 2026 TEE Exam Form Submission (without late fee)	March 10, 2026 - April 10, 2026
June 2026 TEE Exam Form Submission (with late fee of Rs. 1,100)	April 11, 2026 - April 24, 2026
June 2026 TEE Hall Ticket Release	May 2026 (tentative)
June 2026 Term-End Examination	June 1, 2026 - July 15, 2026
July 2026 Admission Cycle Opens (tentative)	June 2026
Last Date for July 2026 Admission (tentative)	September/October 2026
December 2026 TEE (tentative)	December 2026

Note: IGNOU does not conduct any entrance examination for the MSO programme. No external exam dates are applicable.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

A Bachelor's degree or higher from a recognised university in any discipline is required.
There is no minimum percentage requirement specified for general category students.
There is no upper age limit for admission.

Admission Process

Visit the IGNOU Online Admission Portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Click on 'New Registration' and complete the registration process using your own email ID and mobile number (OTP verification required).
Log in and select the MSO programme from the list of available programmes.
Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and programme details.
Select your preferred medium of study (English or Hindi).
Upload scanned copies of required documents: photograph, signature, educational qualification certificates, and category certificate (if applicable).
Pay the programme fee online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
Select your preferred study centre from the available list.
Submit the form and save/print the confirmation for future reference.
Study material will be dispatched to the registered address after confirmation of admission.

IGNOU: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 6 Reviews

IGNOU courses focus on self-study and have limited faculty interaction due to their online nature. Students must take four exams each year, totaling eight over the course duration. The program covers both classical and advanced concepts, theories, and research methods. While the faculty is considered cooperative, interaction is minimal. Exams are annual with moderate difficulty, requiring little preparation, and study materials and assignments are useful despite the course being lengthy and theoretical.

Placement programs are available from the 3rd or 5th semester, with internships in various fields, often organized by government and semi-government bodies. The MA Sociology program has a registration fee of INR 6,000 per year for two years, totaling INR 12,000. Exam fees are INR 200 per subject, with an annual total of INR 800, bringing the program's total cost to about INR 14,600. SC/ST students are exempt from the registration fee, paying only exam fees, reducing their cost to less than INR 2,000.

IGNOU does not offer scholarships, internships, or campus placements for this course, but registration and exam processes are straightforward and conducted online. Students register through the official website and pay an admission fee of INR 600.

By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

IGNOU MSO Scholarships 2026

IGNOU offers several scholarship and fee concession options for eligible students enrolled in the MSO programme. Given the already affordable fee structure, these scholarships provide additional financial relief to deserving students. SC/ST students and economically weaker sections are the primary beneficiaries, and students can also apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of admission.

Scholarship Schemes

Scholarship / Scheme	Eligibility	Benefit	How to Apply
IGNOU Fee Concession for SC/ST Students	SC/ST students; family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum	Up to 50% fee concession on programme fee	Apply through Regional Centre; submit caste and income certificate
Fee Exemption for Jail Inmates	Students enrolled from jail/correctional facilities	Full exemption from programme fee and registration fee (exam fee and re-registration fee applicable after release)	Through Regional Centre/Jail authorities
Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities (NSP)	Minority community students; family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum; minimum 50% in previous exam	Rs. 20,000 per year (course fee + maintenance allowance)	Apply online at scholarships.gov.in
Scholarship for Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities	Students with 40%+ disability; family income below Rs. 6 lakh per annum	Full tuition fee (up to Rs. 2 lakh/year) + maintenance allowance + book allowance + device allowance	Apply online at scholarships.gov.in
Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students	SC students admitted under general category seats; family income below Rs. 8 lakh per annum	Full tuition fee (up to Rs. 2 lakh/year) + living and book allowances	Apply via 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 scholarship portals

A student can avail only one scholarship at a time.
Scholarship forms must be certified by the Regional Director at the respective IGNOU Regional Centre before submission.
Application deadlines vary by scheme; students should check the National Scholarship Portal and their respective state portals for current deadlines.
IGNOU also directs eligible students to apply for Government of India scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal after confirmation of admission.

IGNOU MSO FAQs

Ques. What is the course structure of IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO)? What subjects are covered?

Ans. The MSO programme covers four compulsory courses in Year 1: MSO-001 (Sociological Theories and Concepts), MSO-002 (Research Methodologies and Methods), MSO-003 (Sociology of Development), and MSO-004 (Sociology in India). In Year 2, students choose elective courses from options such as MSOE-001 (Sociology of Education), MSOE-002 (Diaspora and Transnational Communities), MSOE-003 (Sociology of Religion), MSOE-004 (Urban Sociology), MPS-003 (India: Democracy and Development), and MPA-016 (Decentralization and Local Governance).

Ques. Can I pursue IGNOU MA Sociology while working or preparing for competitive exams?

Ans. Yes. The MSO programme is offered in distance/ODL mode with no mandatory daily attendance. You study using IGNOU's self-learning material, submit assignments, and appear for Term-End Examinations (held twice a year in June and December). This makes it ideal for working professionals, social workers, NGO employees, and competitive exam aspirants who need a flexible postgraduate degree.

Ques. Is the IGNOU MA Sociology degree valid for government jobs and NET/SET eligibility?

Ans. Yes. The IGNOU MSO degree is recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is valid for government jobs requiring a postgraduate degree. It is also accepted for UGC-NET/SET eligibility, enabling graduates to become Assistant Professors or qualify for JRF in Sociology. IGNOU's A++ NAAC accreditation further strengthens the degree's recognition.

Ques. How are marks calculated in IGNOU MA Sociology? What is the passing criteria?

Ans. The final marks are calculated as: 30% from Assignments + 70% from Term-End Examination (TEE). You need to score a minimum of 40% in TEE and 40% overall (combined) to pass each course. Assignments must be submitted before the TEE to be eligible to appear for the exam. Scoring well in assignments (aim for 85+/100) significantly boosts your overall percentage.

Ques. Is IGNOU MA Sociology useful for social work, NGO, or development sector careers?

Ans. Yes, the MSO programme is particularly well-suited for those working in or aspiring to work in the social development sector. The curriculum covers sociology of development, urbanization, migration, marginalized communities, and grassroots activism, which are directly relevant to NGO work, social welfare programmes, and development sector careers. Many students pursue MSO alongside their work in social organisations.

Ques. What career options are available after IGNOU MA Sociology?

Ans. Graduates of IGNOU MSO can pursue a wide range of careers. Popular options include: qualifying UGC-NET/SET to become an Assistant Professor or Lecturer in Sociology; working in NGOs, social welfare organisations, and development agencies; appearing for UPSC Civil Services Examination (with Sociology as optional); applying for state PSC examinations; pursuing PhD in Sociology; working in research organisations, think tanks, and policy institutes; working in journalism, media, or content writing on social issues; and applying for government jobs in social welfare departments where a postgraduate degree is required.

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Why To Join IGNOU - Reviews & Rating

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Ritu Rai

3.6Helpful

M.A, Sociology

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2025(Enrolled 2022)

All about IGNOU

Fees and Financial Aid:

IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) fees: • ?7,300 per year • Total 2-year fee: ?14,600 • Registration fee: ?300 Scholarship: • IGNOU offers a PG Fellowship (?2,500/month for 24 months) • Eligibility: 60%+ in graduation & age below 25 yrs at admission • You can also apply for National/State scholarships through

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Muskan Shafi

3.0

M.A, Sociology

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2025(Enrolled 2022)

IGNOU- Great Option to Pursue Your Desired Course from Distance!

Fees and Financial Aid:

The annual fee that I had to pay for MA (Sociology) was approximately INR 9,000, which included the charges for the study material sent to us for our course. There weren't any other charges except from that, but we do had to pay the exam fee for our annual exams.

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Aditya Chahal

4.0Helpful

M.A, Sociology

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2024(Enrolled 2024)

COURSE AND THEIR RELAITY

Fees and Financial Aid:

The total fee is approximately Rs14,600 for the full program. Register at the university's official website with the valid details. Login again to the account through the username and password fill the admission form and upload the necessary documents After the completion of the application form filling process, one has to do a payment of admission fees of INR 600. Candidates can track the admission process through the registration status portal

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Arun choudhary

4.5

M.A, Sociology

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2024(Enrolled 2021)

Ignou is Best

Likes

Exam and assignment details provided on website, easily accessible .
Affordable to pursue any course in this university

Dislikes

Some times results get delayed and assignments marks doesn't updated .

Fees and Financial Aid:

For first year registration fee was 6000 rupees And second year again 6000 Exams fees has to pay differently which is 800, (200 for a subject), each year . So, total cost to complete this course is 13600. Registration and exam pattern is very easy and smooth. It's very affordable. If someone belongs to SC/ST, they don't need to pay any yearly registration fee, only exam fee per subject has to pay by them. So they can complete their course just in less than 2000 rupees.

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jitendra kumar yadav

3.5Helpful

M.A, Sociology

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2024(Enrolled 2022)

IGNOU: A Complete Overview

Fees and Financial Aid:

IGNOU course takes almost 6700 for MA Sociology in one year. There is no campus because IGNOU is online platform. Also in IGNOU there is nothing like scholarship and internship. IGNOU doesn't provide any placement in MA Sociology Course.

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Abhinav Dhananjay

3.5

M.A, Sociology

Reviewed on May 1, 2023(Enrolled 2019)

Ignou lko.

Fees and Financial Aid:

the fee hike is generally not seen for years. scholarships you can apply for state and nationals once else not sure about that. campus placement is rarely seen. cost to study is fine and yes for every subject there are exam fees of Rs.200 too.

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