Ruchika Kumari | August 14, 2026 | 08:12 AM IST | 2 mins read
New IGNOU programmes offer an accelerated postgraduate pathway for four-year degree graduates across humanities, social sciences, commerce and journalism.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched nine one-year master’s degree programmes for graduates of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP). This is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, which promotes flexibility in higher education, multidisciplinary learning and multiple pathways for students. It is to provide flexible, learner-centric and multidisciplinary pathways in higher education.
Only those who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree and want to pursue Master’s can enroll in these programme.
The nine programmes launched by IGNOU are Master of Arts (MA) in Economics, Sociology, History, Journalism and Mass Communication, English, Hindi, Sanskrit and Urdu, along with Master of Commerce (M.Com.). The programmes cover disciplines across social sciences, humanities, commerce, languages and journalism.
Students pursuing or completing a traditional three-year undergraduate degree are not eligible for the one-year Master’s route. In case the want to pursue masters, they will have to opt for conventional two-year postgraduate programme.
The launch comes as universities implement the four-year undergraduate structure introduced under NEP 2020. The FYUP model provides students with additional academic credits and opportunities for deeper learning, research and multidisciplinary study. The fourth year can also create a pathway to accelerated postgraduate study.
The nine programmes include MA Economics, MA Sociology and MA History, along with MA English, Hindi, Sanskrit and Urdu. IGNOU is also offering MA Journalism and Mass Communication for students seeking postgraduate-level study in media and communication, and M.Com. for those interested in advanced commerce education.
Also read IGNOU July 2026 re-registration deadline extended to August 16 for ODL, online programmes
Eligible candidates can apply through IGNOU’s official Samarth admission portal when the relevant admission window is open.
Candidates must download the acknowledgement after submission. They must check the official IGNOU admission portal for latest dates, programme availability, eligibility criteria and fee details. IGNOU’s open and distance learning programmes allows learners to pursue higher education alongside professional commitments.
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