IGNOU launches one-year MA Development Studies for FYUP graduates, check eligibility

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced a new One-Year Master of Arts in Development Studies (MADVSOY) for the July 2026 session. Graduates of four-year undergraduate programmes (FYUP) seeking advanced knowledge and practical skills in development, policy, research and social change.

The MADVSOY programme carries 40 credits across two semesters. The first semester includes compulsory courses such as Introduction to Development and Development Theories, Dynamics of Development, and Issues and Challenges of Development.

The second semester includes Research Methodology in Development Studies as a compulsory course, along with electives covering areas such as Gender Studies, Development Planning and Communication, Training and Development, Local Self Governance, Health and Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Urban Development and Project Work.

The total fee for the programme is Rs 8,000. Eligible candidates can apply through IGNOU’s official Samarth admission portal. Applicants are required to register, select the programme and study centre, provide personal and academic details, upload documents, pay the applicable fee and submit the application.

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FYUP students can apply

The programme is being offered by IGNOU’s School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS). The course launch is in line with flexibility and multidisciplinary approach promoted under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

IGNOU has also announced one-year MA programmes in economics, sociology, history, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, and journalism and mass communication, along with a one-year Master of Commerce (M.Com.).

For the Development Studies programme, admission is open to graduates who have completed a four-year undergraduate programme in any discipline. Graduates of professional four-year or five-year programmes in agriculture and allied fields and candidates holding a four-year BTech or BE degree in any branch are also eligible to apply online.

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Students with traditional three-year undergraduate degrees cannot apply for one-year Master’s route. Rather, they will have to pursue the conventional two-year postgraduate programme.

The programme aims to prepare learners for opportunities in NGOs, government organisations, corporate CSR divisions and international development organisations, while combining theoretical learning with applied research and field-oriented perspectives.

Candidates should check the official IGNOU admission portal for the latest admission dates, programme availability, eligibility requirements and fee-related information.