What is Online MA: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2026, Colleges, Syllabus, Salary & Scope

Akansha BishtSenior Executive
An Online MA or Online Master of Arts is a 2-year PG degree course available in a variety of specializations. Online MA courses give students the best of both worlds- the comfort and flexibility with the equivalent that is acquired through an on-campus, conventional Degree.
Hundreds of colleges in India and abroad provide an MA Online in different specializations. The average course fee in India ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 4.5 Lakh. Though some recruiters require you to have a regular MA degree, plenty of companies in different fields hire Online MA postgrads.
These fields include Education, Research, Media, Public Relations, NGOs, etc. If interested, you can continue reading the article for more details on Online M.A. courses.
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Online MA Course Details: Highlights
An Online MA is indeed flexible and affordable. You can refer to the following table, highlighting key points of Online MA courses.
| Particulars | Course Details |
|---|---|
| Online MA Course Duration | 2 Years (But Flexible) |
| Online MA Course Eligibility Criteria | A BA or any other relevant degree. |
| Online MA Course Admission Criteria | Primarily Merit-based |
| Online MA Course Entrance Exams | CUET-PG |
| Top Online MA Colleges | Aligarh Muslim University, Amity Online, Chandigarh University, Parul University, Gujarat University, Dr MGR Chennai, etc. |
| Online MA Course Fees | INR 5,000 - INR 4.5 Lakh |
| Online MA Jobs | Journalist, Photographer, Writer, Professor, Social Worker, Public Relations Specialist, Translator, Interpreter, Historian, etc. |
| Top Online MA Recruiters | Jagran New Media, India Today Group, UnAcademy, Wipro, Infosys, BBC India, The Hindu, etc. |
| Average Online MA Salary | INR 3.9 LPA |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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You'll find more than 80 MA colleges abroad offering Online MA courses. Some of the top options are here. Take a look
| Online MA Colleges Abroad | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| The of Oxford | INR 33 Lakh |
| The University of British Columbia | INR 15 - 16 Lakh |
| The University of Melbourne | INR 17 Lakh |
| Felician University | INR 5 Lakh |
| The University of Edinburgh | INR 13 - 15 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
Know more about -
- Online MA Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2026
- Online MA Course Syllabus
- Best Online MA Colleges in India
- Popular Private Online M.A. Colleges in India
- Online MA Salary: Job Profiles, Career Scope & Top Recruiters
- Online MA Course FAQs
- Most Popular Courses
- Course Cutoffs
- Popular Online M.A. Specializations
- Top Ranked Colleges by Location
Online MA Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2026
The eligibility requirements for an Online MA course are pretty similar to a regular degree. Here are some basic conditions you can fulfill for a seamless admission procedure.
| Particulars | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | |
| Entrance Exams |
|
| Age Limit |
|
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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Online MA Admission Process 2026
The admission process for an Online MA course in India is similar to the regular MA admission but is generally simpler and less time-consuming. Here are some steps you can follow to complete it.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Check the eligibility criteria for your desired college and ensure its fulfillment. |
| Registration & Application | Register on the college's official website. With the login credentials, fill out the application form, upload documents, and pay the application fee. |
| Verification | Wait for the college/university to verify your application/documents. You'll then receive a confirmation email. |
| Fee Payment | Lastly, complete the admission formalities by paying the course fees. |
| Access Learning Management System (LMS) | Now, you'll receive the login credentials to access the online classes and study materials. |
Some documents that you must keep handy during the Online MA application process are
- A UG degree from a recognised university
- A Photo ID Proof like Adhaar, Passport, DL, PAN Card
- Passport-sized photographs (at least two)
- Caste Certificate (if any)
Since it's an online process, you must have online attested copies of these docs.
Yes, you can find admission for online MA with any entrance exam in many UGC-recognised institutions in India. IGNOU, CU-Online, and similar do not require you to take any national- or university-level test. But you will require to have a valid bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised university.
Online MA Course Syllabus
The Online MA course syllabus and subjects are similar to regular MA courses. The only difference between the subjects and curriculum is because of the specializations. For your reference, here are some top Online MA specializations with their syllabi.
Online MA in English Syllabus
You can refer to the following table offering the MA English course syllabus idea in an online mode.
| Online MA English Subjects Semester I | |
|---|---|
| Drama – I | Poetry – I |
| Fiction – I | Literary, Theory, and Criticism – I |
| Online MA English Subjects Semester II | |
| Drama – II | Poetry – II |
| Fiction – II | Literary, Theory, and Criticism – II |
| Online MA English Subjects Semester III | |
| American Literature | Indian English Literature |
| Literature and Environment (Elective) | Introduction to Cinema Studies (Elective) |
| Commonwealth Literature (Elective) | - |
| Online MA English Subjects Semester IV | |
| Gender Studies in Literature | Dissertation |
| Postcolonial Literature (Elective) | Evolution of Theatre (Elective) |
| World Literature (Elective) | - |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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IGNOU MA Political Science Syllabus
Online MA in Political Science Syllabus
The MA Political Science course syllabus in an online mode is given below. Take a look
| Online MA Political Science Subjects Semester I | |
|---|---|
| Comparative Politics | Public Administration |
| Western Political Thought | Indian Knowledge System |
| Foundation of Indian Culture (IDC) | - |
| Online MA Political Science Subjects Semester II | |
| Political Theory | Indian Political Thought |
| International Relations | Federalism in India |
| Political Sociology | Ancient Indian Political Institutions |
| Cultural Heritage of Bharat (IDC) | - |
| Online MA Political Science Subjects Semester III | |
| India and South Asia | India and Regional Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific |
| India and Central Asia | Research Methodology in Social Sciences |
| Indian Foreign Policy | Review of Literature in Research: A Basic Guide |
| The Basics of Writing a Research Proposal | - |
| Online MA Political Science Subjects Semester IV | |
| International Organizations | Issues and Challenges of Indian Democracy |
| Dissertation | Indian Administrative System |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Online MA students generally get their study material from the Learning Management System (LMS) portal. They usually have login credentials for their specific university, where they get the study material, including e-books, live sessions, recorded lectures, syllabus PDF, etc.
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Of course, you can. These modern online classrooms are designed in a way they give you the freedom to get academic support from your mentors.
They have multiple channels for student-faculty interactions, sometimes even more flexible than in-campus learning.
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Best Online MA Colleges in India
More than 60 Humanities & Social Sciences colleges in India provide Online MA courses. These courses are offered in various specializations; hence, the curriculum, subjects, course fee, placement stats, etc., can differ. You can refer to this section for more details on some of the top Online MA colleges in India.
| Best Online MA Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Directorate of Correspondence Courses and Distance Education, Bangalore University | INR 11,460 |
| Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | INR 18,000 |
| SASTRA (Deemed to be University) | INR 18,000 - 60,000 |
| School of Distance Education, University of Kerala | INR 20,610 |
| Parul University | INR 50,000 |
| Parul University Online | INR 60,000 |
| Chandigarh University (CU) | INR 75,000 |
| Shoolini University | INR 80,000 |
| Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute | INR 1 Lakh - 1.32 Lakh |
| Amity University Online | INR 1.3 Lakh - 2.5 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
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#8 NIRF
Of course. Some top Online MA colleges in India with a fee range under INR 50,000 are here. Take a look
| Online MA colleges in India | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| School University | INR 50,000 |
| School of Distance Education, University of Kerala | INR 20,610 |
| Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | INR 18,000 |
| Bangalore University | INR 11,460 |
| Sri University | INR 24,000 |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
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Some of the top government colleges for an Online MA course are here. Take a look
| Top Government Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Periyar University | INR 40,000 - 60,000 |
| Kuvempu University | INR 81,510 - 83,510 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | INR 21,000 - 31,000 |
| Kurukshetra University Online | INR 40,000 |
| Barkatullah University | INR 10,100 |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
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Online MA Courses
Popular Private Online M.A. Colleges in India
#53 Outlook
Humanities & Social Sciences Applications open. Apply Now
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Online MA Salary: Job Profiles, Career Scope & Top Recruiters
Though many recruiters in India and abroad prefer a regular degree as a job criterion, you can still get plenty of career options in many fields.
Online MA Salary and Job Profiles
| Job Profiles | Job Description | MA Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Teachers |
A teacher must also mentor pupils daily for them to not only study their curriculum but also grow into responsible adults. | INR 3 LPA |
|
Administrative Officers |
An administrative officer manages office stocks, prepares reports on expenses as well as the office budget, and also organizes the records of the company. |
INR 5.5 LPA |
|
Social Workers |
In this particular job profile, one needs to identify and thereafter help people cope with the problems at hand. |
INR 2.9 LPA |
|
Journalists |
A Journalist is expected to research, write, and present the events/ news in an honest, unbiased, and ethical manner. |
INR 4.2 LPA |
|
Counsellors |
In this job profile, one needs to speak to individuals who are facing personal or professional difficulties and help them overcome their problems, and thereafter make appropriate changes in their lives. |
INR 3.8 LPA |
|
Content writers |
A content writer creates well-crafted written material for offline and online platforms. |
INR 3.8 LPA |
I believe the preference for regular degrees has narrowed in recent years. Now recruiters mainly focus on a candidate's skills and expertise. To be honest, there are certain industries and roles where regular degrees are still preferred. For example, Law courses are not recognised by the Bar Council of India. Medicine or specific engineering fields do not prefer online or distance courses.
On the other hand, IT, Media, Digital Marketing, etc., fields consider them equal.
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There are many. It's you who'll choose where you want to go via your chosen specialization. You can join
- Higher Education & Research
- Corporate Sector
- Mass Communication & Media
- Journalism
- Or even prepare for the Government Competitive exams
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Online MA Course FAQs
You can refer to this section for some frequently asked questions on Online MA courses in India.
There are many. First, online courses are flexible and affordable. You can literally attend your class from the sofa in your living room.
There's no restriction on attending a class at a specific time. You can access your study materials at any time of the day and even use them as your go-to notes.
In many colleges, they even provide faculty interaction flexibility, which means you can talk to your professors at any time of the day and clear your queries.
Online MA courses are generally cheaper than the regular ones.
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Most Popular Courses
Course Cutoffs
Popular Online M.A. Specializations
Popular Specializations
- English
42 Colleges
- Hindi
7 Colleges
- Public Administration
6 Colleges
- Public Policy
6 Colleges
- International Relations
3 Colleges
- Clinical Psychology
2 Colleges
Top Ranked Colleges by Location
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 5 days ago
The M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication at Lovely Professional University (LPU) covers diverse core subjects including digital journalism, broadcast media, advertising, public relations, media ethics, corporate communication, and advanced video production. The curriculum blends contemporary th
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 5 days ago
The M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication at Lovely Professional University (LPU) offers expansive career scope across digital media, broadcasting, public relations, and content creation. Supported by world-class infrastructure and robust corporate placements, it equips postgraduates with practi
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 5 days ago
Completing an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Lovely Professional University (LPU) unlocks extensive career pathways across digital media, broadcast journalism, corporate communications, and public relations.
LPU's dedicated Division of Career Services bridges academia and industry thr
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
The Northumbria University offers a total of 30 specializations for M.A Courses for the International students for a time span of 1-2 years. The tuition fee for M.A Courses is between INR 21 L – 47 L.
Popular specializations among international students are as follows:
Publishing
Social Work
Creative Wr
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The Northumbria University offers 30 courses in M.A for a period of 1-2 years. The tuition fee for M.A Courses at the University is INR 21 L – 47 L. Northumbria University has been placed at #328 in the world and #50 in UK. There are no particular rankings for M.A Courses but the University as a who
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The University of Chester offers 21 M.A Courses for 1-2 years to finish them within. The International students can apply via AIMS International Portal for postgraduate courses. There is no application charges applicable for any PG Courses for the University, it is only charges for UG Courses. The a
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The University of Chester offers 21 M.A courses in many fields for international students to opt from. The duration of these courses is for 1 – 2 years with a tuition fee of INR 12 L – 20 L. The most popular M.A course among students are-
- Language, Cultures and Translation
- Social Work
- MSc Policing, Law
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
MA in History means Master of Arts in History. It is a postgraduate degree that focuses on the study of past events, societies, cultures, political developments and major changes across different periods. The course usually involves subjects such as ancient, medieval and modern history, historiograp
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 weeks ago
There is no single best country for an MA in English Literature because it depends on the area of literature and career plans. The UK, USA, Canada and Australia are popular choices for strong literature studies and wider academic exposure. In India, LPU is also worth considering because its MA Engli
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 3 weeks ago
The University of St Andrews offers a 1-year MA programme where Creative & Professional Writing is one of the most popular specialisation courses for students from India. The tuition cost for the programme varies from INR 23.88 L to INR 39.94 L, based on the individual programme selected by student
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, DAV College, Chandigarh offers MA programme at PG level for a duration of 2 years. The mode of study is full time. Students who are Class 12 or equivalent pass from a recognised board can apply for admission.
a
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
While evaluating international tuition structures, overseas currency exchange considerations, and overall educational investment for the MA in Business Management at Bath Spa University provides a helpful baseline for your financial planning, Lovely Professional University (LPU) serves as an excelle
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
The total tuition fees for MA is INR 14,000-INR 27,000 at IGNOU. The fees is the highest for MA in Education. For most of language programmes, the fees is at lower end.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, candidates do not require passing any entrance exam for admission in MA at IGNOU. Aspirants are selected based on their scores in the qualifying exam. Selected candidates have to pay course fees to confirm their seat.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a month ago
MA Sociology courses are available in various modes of education. This creates an ease and accebility among students. The following table some of the most popular modes of education for MA Sociology:
Mode of MA Sociology Courses | Description |
|---|---|
Full-time/Regular Course | This is where students attend their classes regularly on campus. It's a good fit for those who prefer direct interactions with teachers and peers. |
Distance/Correspondence Degree | In this mode, students can study at their own pace using materials provided by the university. It's suitable for those who need flexibility, as they can manage their studies alongside other commitments, for example, IGNOU |
Online Course | Some universities offer fully online courses where they can attend virtual classes, access study material, and complete assignments; exams are taken online only. |
Part-time Course | This mode allows one to study according to one's convenience it is designed for working professionals; this mode offers classes according to their flexibility, allowing students to balance work and study. |
B
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
No, CUET is not required to get admission in MA from IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University. Admission is offered based on university-level entrance exam. It is followed by essay evaluation and personal interview.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The total tuition fee of MA from IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University is INR 9 lakhs. Including other fee components, the total fee is INR 15.91 lakhs. Note: this number is taken from the official website of the university. It can change.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University does not offer direct admission. Applicants have to undergo selection rounds that includes: entrance exam, essay evaluation and personal interview.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, CUET is not required for admission in MA programme of IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University. Applicants are given admission based on their performance in entrance exam, essay and personal interview.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The MA in Computational Linguistics at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) Hyderabad is a specialized 2-year program and it serves as a strong stepping stone for academic research or a PhD.
The median post-graduate salary package at EFLU is around INR 4.5 LPA to INR 5.16 LPA. So, acco
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Many colleges require a BA Hindi degree or Hindi as one of the core subjects in the UG degree or diploma.There are also colleges that accept admission without having a mandatory hindi requirement.
B
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
The main intake for Master of Arts courses are the Fall Intake (September). Majority of the courses are available in the Fall Semester. The deadlines for the courses are very course-specific and differ for every specification at McGill University.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The University of Leeds provide a large variety of M.A Courses over 80 of them for the Indian students for a duration of 1 year. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
· UG Degree (55%-65%)
· English Language Requirements (IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88)
· SOP
· LOR
· CV
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Winter Semester is the main intakes for most of the M.A Courses at University of Hamburg. The University offers a wide range of 76 M.A Courses for International students. Deadlines are given below:
Winter Sem – 31 Mar 2027
Summer Sem – 15 Jan 2027
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The University of California Berkeley Campus offers 12 M.A courses for international students for a period of 1 -3 years. The tuition fee of M.A Courses are between INR 25 L – 47 L. The students are required to have at least 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale to get into the University for M.A Courses. The othe
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes. LPU offers Mathematics programmes, and hostel accommodation is available on campus for students, including girls and boys. Admission and hostel availability depend on the specific Mathematics programme and current intake.
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
There are mainly 2 intakes for M.A Courses at La Trobe University – Semester 1 and Semester 2. Sem 1 is the primary intake, it starts in early March.
· Sem 1 (early March) – Jan 15
· Sem 2 (July start) – Mid May
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The University of Queensland offers 26 M.A courses for international students. It is most likely opted by Indian students. The UQ provides two intakes for M.A courses – Semester 1 and Semester 2
· Sem 1 (Feb Intake) – Nov 30, 2026
· Sem 2 (Jul Intake) – May 31, 2027
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The University of New South Wales offers 9 M.A Courses for a duration of 18 months to 2 years. The admissions for M.A Course are on the rolling and multiple round bases. The interested students can apply vis UNSW Application Portal.
· Term 3 (September Intake) – Late Aug, 2026.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Coventry University has been ranked #41 for M.A Courses. University offers about 23 M.A Courses for duration of 12 months - 2 years. Tuition fee of M.A courses for Indian students are from INR 21 L - INR 25 L.
Admission requirements –
· UG Degree from well-known University or its equivalent
·
K
Contributor-Level 10
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Of course, it is. An Online MA degree is valid in both India and abroad. You need to pursue it from a UGC-approved university.
If you get your online MA degree from an accredited university, you're equally employable in both government and private sectors.
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Online MA Courses