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Top Distance MA Political Science Universities in Delhi
For those who want to pursue political science but are not able to join regular classes, taking up a Distance MA Political Science can help you get a postgraduate degree along with your work or other commitments. If you are looking for institutes in Delhi which offer this course, then IGNOU, DU SOL of University of Delhi, and CDOE of Jamia Millia Islamia are worth considering. This guide gives you all information about the course, fee structure, eligibility criteria, admission process, and future prospects after completing the course.
Overview of Distance MA Political Science in Delhi
Distance MA Political Science course is a two-year postgraduate course which covers political theories, Indian Politics, International Relations and Comparative Politics. This course would be ideal for those who have just graduated, professional people, teachers and students appearing for UPSC or other government jobs, as classes are flexible and no daily attendance is required.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | MA Political Science |
| Learning Mode | Distance / Open and Distance Learning (ODL) |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Typical Duration | 2 years (minimum) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university |
| Major Subjects | Political Theory, Indian Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics |
| Suitable For | Graduates, working professionals, UPSC aspirants, teaching and research aspirants |
| Recognition | UGC-Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB) |
IGNOU’s programme, for instance, asks for a bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognised university and runs for a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years.
Top Distance MA Political Science Universities in Delhi
| University | Course | Mode | Duration | Eligibility | Fee | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | MA Political Science (MPS) | ODL | 2–4 years | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | INR 8,200 per year (INR 16,400 total, excluding exam fees) | UGC-DEB |
| DU SOL | MA Political Science | Distance/ODL | 2–4 years | Bachelor’s degree (50% marks for UR/OBC/EWS, 45% for SC/ST/PwBD), or a master’s degree, or BA (Hons) Political Science from DU | Around INR 12,820 for the first year (Category A) | UGC-DEB |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (CDOE) | MA Political Science (MAPS) | Distance Mode / Online Mode | 2–4 years | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline from a recognised university | INR 10,000 per year (INR 20,000 total, paid in advance each year) | UGC-DEB |
1. IGNOU Distance MA Political Science
The MPS (Master of Arts in Political Science) programme is available at IGNOU, School of Social Sciences. The duration of the programme is a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years, with classes being conducted both in English and Hindi languages. Admission to this programme requires a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in any field from a recognized university.
The annual fees for the programme are INR 8,200, bringing the total cost of the course to be INR 16,400, whereas exam fees will be levied separately, as decided by the university. This programme is of 64 credits, with 32 credits each compulsory and optional for the first and second year, respectively. Subjects which can be opted by candidates include Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Indian Government and Politics.
The structure of this programme makes it suitable for working individuals, as well as those aspiring to join civil services, as self-paced study material, assignment, and examination are planned.
2. DU SOL MA Political Science
The Department of Political Science of DU SOL happens to be one of the largest departments in the university and has developed over time thanks to many celebrated academicians like O.P. Gauba, whose books in political theory have been popular in most Indian universities. The course includes subjects of political systems, political governance, international relations and public administration over four semesters, with core papers on Political Philosophy, Theories of International Relations and Comparative Political Analysis, among others.
The eligibility criteria can be fulfilled by fulfilling any of the following requirements: bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD), master’s degree from a recognized university, and BA (Hons) in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Admissions will be made on the basis of merit with priority to those students who have applied based on CUET-PG scores and others through graduation marks.
The first year fee of the academic year 2026-27 for Category A consisting of candidates from general/OBC/SC/ST is Rs. 12,820 and this amount covers tuition fee, university and college development charges, facility charges, and examination fee. The program is appropriate for those students who wish to pursue their University of Delhi degree at reasonable charges with the advantage of counseling and revision classes.
3. Jamia Millia Islamia (CDOE) Distance MA Political Science
MA Political Science (MAPS) Programme by Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) of Jamia Millia Islamia Central University in Distance Mode as well as in Online Mode is available.
The programme is for a minimum period of four semesters (two years) and a maximum of eight semesters (four years). English will be the medium of instructions.
For eligibility, a graduate degree with 50% marks in any stream from a recognised university is required. It should be noted that unlike JMI MA, the MAPS programme of CDOE doesn’t have an entrance test. The fee is INR 10,000 per annum (INR 20,000 in total for two years).
The curriculum includes 20 papers in four semesters, which include Political Theory, Western Political Thought, Comparative Politics, International Politics, Indian Political System, Public Administration and Governance, Human Rights, and International Organization, apart from one paper on Research Methodology and the Final Semester Project with viva voce. The counseling takes place in the form of online sessions that are usually conducted during weekends via Learner Support Centres. This is suitable for those students who prefer to opt for a degree from the Central University but have an online-compatible curriculum in the last semester.
Distance MA Political Science Eligibility and Admission Process
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for all the universities include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, but it is not necessary that the candidate should have studied political science at the undergraduate level. IGNOU takes admission with a bachelor’s or even higher degree in any field. DU SOL demands a minimum mark percentage (50% in case of general/OBC/EWS category and 45% in case of SC/ST/PwBD category) along with a master’s degree or BA (Hons) in political science from DU.
Admission Process
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose the university and confirm the current eligibility criteria |
| 2 | Register online on the university’s admission portal |
| 3 | Fill in the application form with personal and academic details |
| 4 | Upload scanned academic and identity documents |
| 5 | Complete any merit-list or CUET-PG related formalities |
| 6 | Pay the programme fee and confirm admission |
Is Distance MA Political Science Valid?
The IGNOU MPS course, the DU SOL MA Political Science course, and the JMI CDOE MAPS course are all approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB), the official authority that approves distance and online postgraduate courses in India. An ODL degree that is approved by the UGC-DEB is equivalent to any other postgraduate degree for the purpose of admission to higher education like MPhil or PhD courses. The degree is also considered valid for the purposes of employment and competitive exams on the basis of the conditions specified by the employer/institution concerned.
Benefits of Studying MA Political Science Through Distance Mode
- Study schedule that is flexible enough to accommodate a career or preparation for an examination
- Does not require you to join classes daily, making things easier for working individuals and UPSC candidates
- Cost-effective as compared to joining regular college due to fewer traveling expenses
- Opportunity to learn postgraduate political science without having to be physically present on campus
- Good foundation to pursue future studies and careers in research or teaching
IGNOU vs DU SOL for Distance MA Political Science
| Comparison Factor | IGNOU | DU SOL | Jamia Millia Islamia (CDOE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Flexibility | Fully distance-based, English and Hindi medium | Distance-based, with optional academic counselling sessions on weekends | Distance/Online mode, with weekend online counselling sessions |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | Bachelor’s degree with minimum marks, master’s degree, or BA (Hons) Political Science from DU | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline |
| Fee | INR 16,400 (total, excluding exam fees) | About INR 12,820 for the first year (Category A) | INR 20,000 (total, INR 10,000 per year) |
| Study Support | Self-learning material, regional centres | Study material, library access, revision classes at SOL centres | Self-learning material, online counselling, Learner Support Centres |
| Curriculum | 64 credits across Political Theory, IR, Comparative Politics, Indian Government and Politics | Semester-wise papers in political philosophy, public administration, IR, and comparative political analysis | 20 papers across 4 semesters, plus a research project and viva voce in the final semester |
| Best Suitable For | Students who want flexibility across India and a wider choice of electives | Students who want a Delhi University degree with in-person counselling support | Students who want a central university degree with an online-friendly format and a research component |
All three options are UGC-DEB recognised, so the better choice really depends on the exact fee for your admission year, the eligibility route you qualify under, the kind of study support you prefer, and how you like to learn.
Important Points to Check Before Admission
- Recognition Status of UGC-DEB for the particular session which you wish to join
- Fee structure at present of that session
- Eligibility criteria, like minimum marks
- Admission process, whether it is through merit or CUET-PG
- Exam pattern, along with the internal evaluation system and semester examination
- Study material availability
- Period required to complete the course
Career Options After Distance MA Political Science
| Career Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Government & Competitive Exams | UPSC, SSC, state-level civil services exams |
| Education | Teaching or research roles, subject to meeting the required qualifications |
| Public Policy | Policy research, think tanks, NGOs |
| Media & Research | Political research, journalism-related roles, content writing |
| Higher Education | MPhil or PhD, subject to eligibility |
Conclusion
For the students from Delhi, CDOE from IGNOU, DU SOL and Jamia Millia Islamia are some of the important choices that need to be taken into consideration for pursuing Distance MA Political Science. All these programs have been approved by the UGC-DEB and provide affordable post-graduation education to their students. While selecting universities offering Distance MA Political Science, consider all these factors carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university is best for Distance MA Political Science in Delhi?
The three approved alternatives to pursue the given course in Delhi are IGNOU, DU SOL, and CDOE of JMI. The most suitable institution for flexible study in terms of medium of instruction and electives is IGNOU. For students who prefer Delhi University and weekend counselling, DU SOL is the best choice, whereas for those interested in a central university and research project, it is CDOE of JMI.
Does IGNOU offer Distance MA Political Science?
Yes. IGNOU provides the course Master of Arts in Political Science (MPS) from School of Social Sciences under ODL program. The language used for instructions is English and Hindi.
Does DU SOL offer MA Political Science through distance learning?
Yes. The Department of Political Science at DU SOL has an MA Political Science program for two years under the Department of Distance and Continuing Education.
What is the eligibility for Distance MA Political Science?
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is the minimum requirement in all the three universities. DU SOL requires completion of minimum aggregate percentage along with entry via a master’s degree or BA (Hons) in Political Science from DU. At the same time, JMI’s CDOE requires a minimum 50 percent marks in any subject.
Is a Distance MA Political Science degree valid for government jobs and higher studies?
Yes, as long as the programme is recognised by the UGC-DEB for that academic session. IGNOU’s, DU SOL’s, and JMI’s CDOE programmes all carry this recognition, making them valid for further studies and employment, subject to the specific rules of the employer or institution.
Does Jamia Millia Islamia offer Distance MA Political Science?
Yes. Jamia Millia Islamia’s Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) offers the MA Political Science (MAPS) programme in Distance Mode and Online Mode, spread across four semesters, with a research project and viva voce in the final semester.
What can I do after completing MA Political Science through distance education?
Graduates commonly move into government and competitive exams, teaching and research, public policy roles, media and journalism, or further studies such as an MPhil or PhD.