IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Maidan Garhi, New DelhiOpen UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A++
Collegedunia Team's profile photo

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | J/hVSQ

The Master of Arts in Journalism and Digital Media (MAJDM) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a 2-year, 72-credit postgraduate programme offered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under the School of Journalism and New Media Studies (SOJNMS). The programme addresses the ongoing information revolution and provides educational opportunities for learners to pursue careers in digital media, journalism, and ICT-driven sectors. The total programme fee is Rs. 20,500 (tuition fee Rs. 20,000 + registration fee Rs. 300 + development fee Rs. 200), with a minimum duration of 2 years. The programme is structured on a yearly system and is popular among fresh graduates, working media professionals, and students from diverse disciplines who wish to build expertise in digital journalism, social media, data science, and online content production.

Admissions for the January 2026 cycle are currently ongoing. The last date to submit the application form is March 30, 2026 (extended). Students can apply 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 Learning Centres:

Since IGNOU is an open university, the MA Journalism and Digital Media programme is offered in distance mode through designated study centres across India. The programme is available at select study centres under regional centres including Hyderabad, Karnal, Shimla, Jammu, Bangalore, Cochin, Bhopal, Pune, Imphal, Shillong, Port Blair, Bhubaneshwar, Khanna, Jaipur, Chennai, Agartala, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi 2 (ITO), Itanagar, Srinagar, Dehradun, Ranchi, Nagpur, Delhi 3 (Naraina), Noida, Guwahati, Trivandrum, Jabalpur, Madurai, Koraput, Darbhanga, Varanasi, Mumbai, Patna, Raghunathganj, Chandigarh, Delhi 1 (Mohan Estate), Panaji, Bijapur, Deoghar, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Angul, and Army/Navy study centres. Students should verify the availability of this programme at their nearest study centre on the official IGNOU admission portal before applying.

Key Points

  • The programme is a 72-credit course comprising 14 theory courses, 1 practical (Digital Journalism Practical - MNML-012, 8 credits), and 1 project (Internet Research Project - MNMP-012, 8 credits).
  • Year 1 focuses on foundational digital media skills: understanding digital media, reporting techniques, digital photography and videography, broadcast and online journalism, media ethics and laws, social media and society, and a practical component.
  • Year 2 focuses on advanced and research-oriented topics: theorising digital media, internet research methods, ICT for development, data science and big data, mobile journalism, media and information literacy, digital media economics, and an internet research project.
  • The programme is specifically designed to address the growing demand for digital media professionals in India's rapidly expanding media and ICT sectors.
  • The practical component (MNML-012) in Year 1 provides hands-on training in digital journalism tools and techniques.
  • IGNOU's MAJDM degree is UGC and DEB recognized, valid for government jobs, NET/JRF eligibility, and further research.

IGNOU Latest Updates and News

26 May, 2026 IGNOU Admission 2026 (Jul Session) is open for all ODL programs. Apply by Jul 15, 2026.

06 May, 2026 IGNOU has opened re-registration for the Jul 2026 session for all ODL and Online programs. Register now! The last date to apply @ignou.ac.in is Jun 30, 2026.

IGNOU Important Events

ODL1

IGNOU MAJDM Fees

The MA Journalism and Digital Media programme at IGNOU has a tuition fee of Rs. 10,000 per year, totalling Rs. 20,000 for the 2-year programme. A one-time registration fee of Rs. 300 and a development fee of Rs. 200 are charged at the time of admission, bringing the total programme cost to Rs. 20,500. Since the programme is offered in distance mode, there are no hostel or campus facility charges.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (INR)
Tuition Fee (Year 1)10,000
Tuition Fee (Year 2)10,000
Registration Fee (one-time)300
Development Fee (one-time)200
Total Fees20,500
  • The registration fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable.
  • Fee paid will be refunded prior to confirmation of admission.
  • After confirmation of admission, 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted if cancellation is requested.
  • No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
  • Fee can be paid online via Credit Card (Master/Visa), Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay), or Net Banking.
  • There is no EMI option; the full year's fee is payable at the time of admission/re-registration.

IGNOU MAJDM Admission 2026

Admissions to the IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media programme are conducted twice a year - in January and July cycles. The January 2026 cycle is currently open with the last date extended to March 30, 2026. The admission process is entirely online through IGNOU's official admission portal. There is no entrance examination; admission is granted directly based on eligibility. Students must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and upload the required documents at the time of application.

Important Admission Dates

EventDate
Admission Portal Opens (January 2026 Cycle)December 16, 2025
Last Date for Submission of Application Form (January 2026)March 30, 2026 (Extended)
Distribution of Study Learning Material (SLM)January - March 2026
Contact Programmes / CounsellingFebruary - November 2026
Assignment Submission Last DateMarch - September 2026
Exam Form Submission (June 2026 TEE) - Without Late FeeMarch 10 - April 10, 2026
Exam Form Submission (June 2026 TEE) - With Late Fee (Rs. 1,100)April 11 - April 24, 2026
Term-End Examination (TEE) June 2026June 1 - July 15, 2026
Result DeclarationAugust 2026 (Tentative)
Admission Opens (July 2026 Cycle)May 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date for Submission of Application Form (July 2026 Cycle)August 2026 (Tentative)

Exam Dates

IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media does not require any entrance examination for admission. Admission is direct, based on eligibility. The Term-End Examinations (TEE) conducted by IGNOU are internal university examinations held twice a year (June and December).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
  • There is no minimum percentage requirement specified; any graduate is eligible to apply.
  • Students must have a valid APAAR ID ready before starting the application process.

Admission Process

  • Visit the official IGNOU admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
  • Click on "New Registration" and complete the registration using your own email ID and mobile number (OTP verification required).
  • Log in and select the MAJDM programme from the list of available programmes.
  • Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
  • Upload scanned copies of required documents: photograph (less than 100 KB), signature (less than 100 KB), educational qualification certificates (less than 200 KB), and category certificate if applicable (SC/ST/OBC).
  • Pay the programme fee online via Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking.
  • Submit the form and save/print the confirmation for future reference.
  • After confirmation of admission, study material will be dispatched to the student's address.

IGNOU MAJDM Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students pursuing the MA Journalism and Digital Media programme are eligible to apply for various Government of India scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). These scholarships are primarily targeted at students from SC, ST, OBC, minority communities, and economically weaker sections. IGNOU actively encourages eligible students to apply for these scholarships after confirmation of admission.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship NameEligibilityAmountApplication Portal
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC StudentsSC category studentsAs per state/central normsscholarships.gov.in
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST StudentsST category studentsAs per state/central normsscholarships.gov.in
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC StudentsOBC category studentsAs per state/central normsscholarships.gov.in
Central Sector Scholarship for MinoritiesMinority community studentsAs per scheme normsscholarships.gov.in
Top Class Education Scheme for SC StudentsSC students in top institutionsFull fee coverage + maintenancescholarships.gov.in
  • Students must apply for scholarships on the NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of IGNOU admission.
  • The NSP portal is open for Academic Year 2026-27.
  • One Time Registration (OTR) on NSP using Aadhaar/Aadhaar Enrollment Number (EID) is mandatory before applying.
  • Scholarship amounts and deadlines vary by scheme and state; students should check the NSP portal for the latest details.
  • IGNOU does not offer its own institutional scholarships for the MAJDM programme; all financial assistance is routed through government schemes.

IGNOU MAJDM FAQs

Ques. How is IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media different from MA Journalism and Mass Communication (MAJMC)?

Ans. MAJDM is specifically focused on digital media, online journalism, social media, data science, mobile journalism, and ICT-driven content production. MAJMC is a broader programme covering print, broadcast, and digital journalism. MAJDM is more suited for students who want to specialize in the digital and online media space, while MAJMC provides a more comprehensive overview of all media forms.

Ques. Is there a practical component in IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media?

Ans. Yes. Year 1 includes a Digital Journalism Practical (MNML-012, 8 credits) which provides hands-on training in digital journalism tools and techniques. Year 2 includes an Internet Research Project (MNMP-012, 8 credits) which involves independent research on a digital media topic. Both components are mandatory for the award of the degree.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Digital Journalists, Social Media Managers, Content Strategists, Data Journalists, Online News Editors, Mobile Journalists, Digital Media Researchers, ICT Consultants, and Media Educators. The programme is particularly relevant for careers in digital news portals, OTT platforms, social media agencies, government communication departments, and NGOs working in media and information literacy.

Ques. Can students from non-media backgrounds apply for IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media?

Ans. Yes. The eligibility criterion is simply a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Students from science, commerce, engineering, or any other background can apply. The programme is designed to be accessible to fresh graduates and working professionals from diverse fields who want to transition into digital media.

Ques. How is the Internet Research Project evaluated in IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media?

Ans. The Internet Research Project (MNMP-012) in Year 2 is worth 8 credits and involves independent research on a digital media or journalism topic. Students must submit a project report which is evaluated by the programme coordinator and an external examiner. Students should contact their study centre for specific guidelines on project topic selection and submission format.

Ques. Is IGNOU MA Journalism and Digital Media recognized for UGC NET/JRF?

Ans. Yes, IGNOU's MAJDM is a UGC-recognized postgraduate degree. Graduates are eligible to appear for UGC NET/JRF in Mass Communication and Journalism, which qualifies them for Assistant Professor positions and Junior Research Fellowships in journalism and media studies at Indian universities and colleges.

Course Finder

Search from 20K+ Courses and 35+ Streams

Clear

IGNOU: 47 Answered Questions

I made a mistake while applying for the BEd course at IGNOU. Can I make changes to the application form after the final submission?

Aditi Randhawa

This is a frequently asked question among students navigating higher education decisions.

Important considerations:

  • Research Thoroughly: Verify information through official websites, NIRF rankings, and authentic reviews.
  • Campus Visits: Attend open houses or virtual tours to understand infrastructure and culture.
  • Alumni Insights: Connect with graduates for honest feedback about academics and placements.
  • Document Verification: Check NBA/NAAC accreditation, UGC approval, and affiliations.
  • Career Alignment: Ensure the program aligns with your long-term professional goals.

For the most accurate information, contact the college admission office directly or consult the official prospectus and website.

...Read More
0
0

How to change IGNOU subject/course/medium?

Dev Anand

how to change subject/course/medium at IGNOU:

IGNOU allows changes in certain circumstances:

  • Subject change: possible within the first 30 days of admission for the current session. visit your regional center or apply through ignou.ac.in ? student zone ? program change/subject change
  • Program/course change: if you want to switch to a completely different program (e.g., BA to BCA), you generally cannot transfer — you must re-apply for the new program fresh. some provisions exist within the same school/faculty
  • Medium change: can typically be changed with a written request to your regional study center

the annual window for changes is narrow — usually the first month of each admission cycle (Jan or July). after the window, changes are not generally accepted. visit ignou.ac.in ? student support or your nearest IGNOU regional center. bring your enrollment ID and relevant documents. call your regional center to confirm the current process as IGNOU procedures can vary slightly by center.

...Read More
0
0

Can I get admission into the Early Childhood Course at IGNOU without the entrance exam?

ShreshthaAcademic Counsellor

The Diploma Programme in Early Childhood Care and Education at IGNOU is a 1 year program. It is a very suitable program with no age bar. It is a holistic program that trains the students and helps them develop the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary for working with young children who are up to 6 years of age. Through this course, you will be trained to organize and manage child-care centers like crèches, preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and day-care centers.

Students who are above 18 years old are eligible for the early childhood course at IGNOU. The minimum educational qualification for this course is 10+2 or its equivalent. After fulfilling the eligibility criteria you can fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents. The required documents for this course are proof of high school completion certificate, a criminal background check, and a certain GPA. There are 4 sections of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) course in IGNOU given below:

  • DECE-1 Organizing Child Care Services
  •  DECE-2 Child Health and Nutrition
  •  DECE-3 Services and Programmer for Children
  •  DECE-4 Project Work: Working With Young Children in a Child Care Setting

The admission process to Diploma in Childhood Care and Education at IGNOU does not require any entrance examination. 

...Read More
0
0

How can I apply for a certificate course at IGNOU?

RishitaFormer Student at IGNOU

To enrol in a certificate course at IGNOU, you simply need to go to their official website @https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in./ and submit the online application form.

...Read More
0
0

Why do we have to re-register for IGNOU courses?

Jyoti SinghStudent at IGNOU

IGNOU re-registration is required to allow students to continue taking classes for the upcoming semester or academic year. This applies to both Indian and international students enrolled in IGNOU.

For re-registration, one needs to go to the official website @https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in/, fill up the form and make the online payment. 

IGNOU July 2024 session re-registration will be done from May 1 - June 30, 2024.

...Read More
0
0

Who is eligible for the MSc course at IGNOU?

AyanM.Sc Student at IGNOU

Students who want to be admitted to the M.Sc program at IGNOU must fulfil the eligibility criteria. Students must be science graduates with 50% marks. Students can join the M.Sc program in both Hindi and English language.

...Read More
0
0

How to take admission in IGNOU BSc course?

Varnika Raturi

Students who are willing to be admitted to the B.Sc course must visit the official site of the IGNOU at @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Before applying for the B.SC course you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria that is students must pass class 12th successfully with at least 50% marks with science stream from a recognized board.

...Read More
0
0

Can anyone apply for an MCom course in IGNOU with a supplementary in a subject?

Bhawnastudying BCom from IGNOU

No, according to my knowledge, you cannot apply for an MCom in IGNOU having a supplementary in a subject. To be eligible for MCom in IGNOU, you need a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject. 

So, you first clear your supplement subject then you can apply for MCom in IGNOU.

...Read More
0
0

When can I take admission in IGNOU for MSc course?

Shailesh KhemkaStudies at IGNOU

IGNOU conducts admission in 2 phases, once in January and the next phase in July. The application form release date for the 2nd phase of admission has been released on 15th May 2024. 

The last date for admission to MSc for 2024 is 30th June. The last date for MSc re-registration is 30th June. And, the last date for submission of the exam form is 25th May. The MSc admission form for any specialization at IGNOU is available on the official website. The link to the admission portal is @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

The registration fee is INR 300 for the MSc course. IGNOU offers a total of 16 subjects as MSc specialization and it is a 2-year postgraduate degree.

...Read More
0
0

What are the eligibility and admission dates for the MEd course at IGNOU?

Abhay DagaStudies at IGNOU

IGNOU offers a 1-year MEd course at the postgraduate level. The eligibility criteria for taking admission in this course is that you will have to be a BEd graduate with a minimum of 55% with two years of learning experience from a Government-recognised school/research institution in education/NCTE-recognised teacher education. You will have to appear for the all-India test that is conducted to secure a seat for this course.

...Read More
0
0
View All Questions and Answers

Comments


No Comments To Show