If you’re planning to pursue a Master of Arts in Political Science (MPS) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in 2025, you’re in the right place. This detailed guide offers a complete breakdown of the IGNOU MA Political Science syllabus, course structure, credit system, and key subjects you’ll study throughout the two-year program. Designed with both beginners and continuing students in mind, this article will help you make an informed decision and prepare better for your academic journey.
Whether you’re aiming to deepen your understanding of political theory or build a career in public administration, international relations, or academia, the IGNOU MPS program provides the flexibility and comprehensive content to support your ambitions. The curriculum is designed in a manner that allows students from different educational and professional backgrounds to grasp the subjects with ease. Let’s dive into the full syllabus structure.
Overview of IGNOU MPS Program
The IGNOU MA Political Science (MPS) is a two-year postgraduate program designed for students interested in the political domain, including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration. The course is spread across four semesters and follows a credit-based system.
- Total Duration: 2 Years (can be extended up to 5 years)
- Medium of Instruction: English and Hindi
- Total Credits Required: 64 Credits
To complete the degree, students must accumulate at least 64 credits through a mix of compulsory and optional courses. Each course is meticulously curated to reflect both theoretical and applied dimensions of political science, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the discipline.
IGNOU MPS Syllabus Structure (2025)
The MPS program is divided into two main components:
- First Year: Four core compulsory courses worth 8 credits each
- Second Year: Optional courses chosen by the student totaling 32 credits
First Year: Core Courses (Each 8 Credits)
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPS-001 | Political Theory | 8 |
| MPS-002 | International Relations: Theory and Problems | 8 |
| MPS-003 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| MPS-004 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends | 8 |
| Total | 32 |
These foundational courses introduce key political concepts, debates, and global frameworks. From classical political thought to the dynamics of democracy in India, they lay a strong academic base for further specialization.
Second Year: Optional Courses (Choose subjects totaling 32 credits)
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
| MPSE-001 | India and the World | 4 |
| MPSE-002 | State and Society in Latin America | 4 |
| MPSE-003 | Western Political Thought | 4 |
| MPSE-004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 |
| MPSE-005 | State and Society in Africa | 4 |
| MPSE-006 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 4 |
| MPSE-007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE-008 | State Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE-009 | Canada: Politics and Society | 4 |
| MPSE-011 | The European Union in World Affairs | 4 |
| MPSE-012 | State and Society in Australia | 4 |
| MPSE-013 | Australia’s Foreign Policy | 4 |
| MPSE-014 | Globalization and International Relations | 4 |
| MED-002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 4 |
| MGP-004 | Gandhi’s Political Thought | 4 |
| MGPE-010 | Conflict Management, Transformation, and Peace Building | 4 |
| MGPE-013 | Civil Society, Political Regimes, and Conflict | 4 |
| MGPE-014 | Gandhi and Contemporary World | 4 |
Students can tailor their second year to align with career aspirations. Whether it’s international diplomacy, conflict resolution, or regional politics, the electives offer rich insights and specialized knowledge.
Evaluation and Credit System
The IGNOU MPS program follows a credit-based system. One credit is equivalent to 30 hours of study, including reading and assignments. Students must complete a total of 64 credits to be eligible for the degree. Marks are calculated based on both term-end examinations and assignments. Typically:
- Assignments: 30% of total score
- Term-End Exams: 70% of total score
Each course has specific assignment submission deadlines, and students are advised to keep track of these via the official IGNOU website or regional centers.
Key Benefits of IGNOU MPS Program
1. Flexible Learning: Ideal for working professionals, homemakers, and students who require flexible study hours without compromising on quality education.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum: The program includes both foundational and advanced topics in political science, offering academic depth and professional relevance.
3. Affordable Education: IGNOU offers one of the most cost-effective postgraduate programs in India, making higher education accessible to all.
4. Recognized Degree: The MPS degree is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), making it valid for employment in public and private sectors.
5. Exam Preparation Friendly: The program is an excellent choice for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSC, NET, and similar assessments.
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Graduates looking to specialize in political science and public affairs
- Civil services aspirants needing theoretical grounding in political and constitutional matters
- Teachers and academicians wanting to enhance their subject expertise
- Journalists and social workers dealing with political reporting or policy work
- Professionals in NGOs and government agencies working in development, foreign policy, or public administration
How to Choose Optional Subjects?
While selecting second-year optional papers, consider:
- Your career goals (e.g., International Relations for diplomats or Peace Studies for NGOs)
- Your interests in regional politics (e.g., Latin America, Africa, Canada)
- The overlap with syllabus of competitive exams
- Reading material availability and complexity of the subject
A balanced mix of theoretical and applied subjects usually provides the best results.
FAQs: IGNOU MA Political Science Syllabus 2025
Q1. Can I complete the IGNOU MPS program in less than 2 years? No. The minimum duration is 2 years. However, you can take up to 5 years to complete it if needed.
Q2. Is there any project work or dissertation in MPS? Currently, there is no project or dissertation required. The evaluation is entirely based on assignments and term-end exams.
Q3. What is the passing criteria for MPS courses? To pass a course, students need at least 40% marks in both the assignment and the term-end examination components.
Q4. Can I switch optional subjects after submission? Optional subjects once selected and registered cannot be changed mid-session. Plan your selection carefully.
Q5. Is the IGNOU MA Political Science degree valid for government jobs? Yes. The IGNOU MPS degree is UGC-recognized and valid for government jobs, academic roles, and further studies like M.Phil or Ph.D.
For official updates, assignments, and term-end exam schedules, visit the IGNOU Official Website.
Stay focused, stay consistent, and all the best with your MPS journey!
