Should I do MA in Economics from IGNOU?

Pursuing IGNOU MA in Economics is good if you are a working professional or preparing for competitive examination. The course structure is flexible and gives students time to study at their own pace. You can apply for Govt. examinations such as Indian Economic Service Examination after completing the course. You can take NET/JRF as well. Pursuing the course will only be worth the investment if you secure a good percentage. So, concentrate on studies from the first year itself.

Is it really difficult to get into PhD economics programs of universities like DSE, ISI or JNU with an M.A. Economics degree from IGNOU?

PhD or research is all about finding out new concepts. Thus we provide a deeper in already existing knowledge. PhD in Social Science is very much different from that of pure sciences, yet the goal is the same. As you know for doing research/PhD at the university level, the qualification required is PG degree. Every university has different criteria for selecting candidates. As you know DSE, JNU, ISI, IEW, IIPA, and IIMs are the prime institutions for teaching, learning and researching in economics, management and public administration. If you are willing to get into one of these institutions, a Master’s from IGNOU will have the same value as that from any other university. To get selected into these prestigious institutions, you will have to pass through a rigorous selection process of Entrance Group discussion Personal interview Moreover you will have to provide testimonials from your professors about your academic developments.

IGNOU M.A Economics: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Course Highlights	Details
duration	2 Years (Part Time)
course level	PG (Degree)
mode of study	Distance
total fees	₹ 19,700
median package	₹ 3.5 Lakhs
eligibility	Graduation

Fee Type	Total Amount (INR)
tuition fee	₹19,000
total fee	₹19,700

Events	Dates
Submission of Applications Dates for Admission [MA]	Oct 15, 2025

The post-graduation program at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers direct admission to candidates with a graduation degree in any field. Functioning predominantly as a distance learning institution, the college provides minimal direct interaction between students and faculty, except during assignment submissions and certain practical courses. Study materials are available online, with options for physical book delivery. Faculty is described as qualified and supportive, maintaining communication mainly through mobile interactions.

Exams vary in difficulty, but materials are comprehensive, aiding most students in passing. IGNOU occasionally conducts placement drives focusing on internal positions, but regular campus placements are not offered. Post-PhD candidates can apply for teaching roles, and various internships with notable companies are accessible. The Master of Arts in Economics (MEC) program costs Rs. 18,400 in total, with Rs. 9,200 per year and a one-time registration fee of Rs. 300.

Additional examination fees are Rs. 200 per subject. Delhi University charges Rs. 240 for tuition and additional fees of approximately Rs. 10,350 annually. While IGNOU doesn't offer direct scholarships, students from marginalized backgrounds can seek financial aid from the government. Fee increases are infrequent and minimal, making the program affordable, particularly for economically disadvantaged students.

By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

Yearly Placement Package Comparison
Median Package	₹3.50 Lakhs	₹3.36 Lakhs	₹2.88 Lakhs

Why To Join IGNOU - Reviews & Rating

3.8

(8 Verified Reviews)

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3(9%)

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Eswari

M.A, Economics

Reviewed on Dec 24, 2024(Enrolled 2021)

A comprehensive review for a distance education

Likes

The material will be in most comprehensive because the person who are preparing for higher studies it will be mpre useful
They providing material in both ways like in hardcopy and online
They give assignment within 1 or 2 month time period. If we prepare thoroughly for assignment then will get good marks in final examination

Dislikes

They provide result as one subject not as complete course result
One don't like is they said in starting they conduct class weekly once or twice but they don't as per my course

Fees and Financial Aid:

I am a postgraduate student from Indira Gandhi national open university, when i studying the fee structure are 9,200 per annum. In my 2 years i would pay nearly 18,400 for only course then i want to pay for exam Rs. 200 per theory course, project fee : Rs. 300 per course and Rs. 500 per course. And i don't get any scholarships or financial aid from any source because iam from unreserve category. My friends also have to pay nearly same amount but some people who regarding to reserve category they pay less amount comparing to unreserved.

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Yashika Ahuja

4.0Helpful

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024(Enrolled 2020)

Masters in open university- A good decision

Faculty for Masters in Economics course was commendable.
Study materials for the course was well-organised and helpful for future references also.

The fee structure for Master of Arts in Economics (MEC) program in IGNOU is as follows: -Total program fees: Rs.18,400 -Annual fee: Rs.9200 -One-time registration fee: Rs.300 {non-refundable} The fee structure in Delhi University is as follows: -Tuition fees:Rs. 240 -University Student Welfare Fund: Rs.200 -College Student Welfare Fund: Rs.1560 -Univ Development Fund and other charges: Rs.8210 Total would be around : Rs. 10,350

Khusroo Tauheed

3.9

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2024(Enrolled 2021)

IGNOU Review

If student has taken admission in July he can also give exam in Jan cycle, but the gap should be one year minimum. Like, one has taken admission in Jan 2024 in Masters, he can give exam in Jan 2025 & July 2025 as per convenience.

Student Snaps:

Yearly fee of MA in Economics (MEC) program in 2021 was 8600 + exam fee. As per my knowledge there was no scholarship from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). You can check the details for more fee and scholarship details.

PAVNEET SINGH

2.9

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2024(Enrolled 2022)

Indra Gandhi National Open University Review

overall the academic programs exceeded my expectations in every aspect.Affordability can also be the reason to be a paet of the IGNOU programmes.however,you have to study your own as it doesnot offer any mentorship programme.
in short,IGNOU courses offers flexible and affordable education that caters to the diverse needs of learners.whether you are a busy professional,stay at home parent,or someone looking to further their education,it is a flexible approach to learning.
this college has diverse course offerings and have supportive learning environment.if you are thinking about doing a course sidewise without giving your much time then this college will be a best option for you.

while IGNOU provides the theoretical knowledge through its course materials,some programmmes may lack hands on practical components.this can be disadvantage for students seeking practical skills and real world experience in their chosen field.
One of the major drawback of the distance learning is face to face onteraction with professors and peers while ignou offers some online virtual classrooms and discussion forums but student may find it challenging to fully engage.
IGNOU courses primarily rely on self study which may not be suitable for all learning styles.some students amy prefer more stuctured and interactive learning environment where they can engage in discussions,group activities etc.

you will not see any sudden hike in the tution fee or course fee.there are very minor change in the fee structure in year or two years which you will not even notice. as i have done my masters in economics i have given about 7300 for my first year,the fee is bit more but as i have not ordered any study material from ignou so i had to pay less amount.however,the examination fee is also taking when you fill the examination form which is around 200rs per subject. the reserved candidates can get the scholarships or finanicial aid from the institution. i have not taken any campus employment till now but IGNOU offers many opportunties for job in their campus.

Anonymous

2.5

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2024(Enrolled 2021)

MA Economics - IGNOU

Exams are conducted twice a year, you can appear in exams in any sessions.

Fees is reasonable, you can opt for pdf's of books rather than books delivery as it will minimize your fees and plus pdf's are much better as it is accessible and convenient. The total cost for two year program of MA Economics is 20000 + examination fees depend on your total subjects you enrolled for, for eg per subject is 200/ + late fees charges are also applicable.

Rakhi

3.7

Reviewed on May 11, 2023(Enrolled 2021)

IGNOU University (Pros and cons)

Fees policy is reasonable as it is a government University. Government Scholarships and Financial Assistant from the central government were provided to the students. Placement and internship are not there for students.

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022(Enrolled 2021)

Good Place to get a Degree

This is the best place to get a remarkable degree at an affordable price. The fee for MA in economics is 7000 per year only. Scholarships are not provided by the college because fees are already not so high.

HIMANSHU THAKUR

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2021(Enrolled 2019)

Ignou : complete honest review

My course masters in economics fees are 8000 per year. And it's very affordable for students with poor financial background too. The university rarely hikes the fees. Many students from the marginalized community get financial aid or scholarship in their education from the central government.

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