The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced one-year master’s programmes for graduates who have completed a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP). Instead of spending another two years on a master’s degree, eligible FYUP graduates will have the option of completing selected postgraduate programmes in one year.The initiative is in line with the broader restructuring of higher education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which places greater emphasis on flexibility, credit-based learning and the four-year undergraduate model.
IGNOU announces nine one-year master’s programmes
IGNOU has announced nine postgraduate programmes under the new one-year route. The courses are:
- M.A. Economics
- M.A. Sociology
- M.A. History
- M.Com.
- M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication
- M.A. English
- M.A. Hindi
- M.A. Sanskrit
- M.A. Urdu
For students who have already invested four years in undergraduate education, the shorter postgraduate route could prove particularly attractive. It could allow them to obtain a master’s qualification sooner and move towards employment, competitive examinations, research, or other academic goals without spending an additional two years in postgraduate study.
IGNOU also extends July 2026 re-registration deadline
The announcement comes at a time when IGNOU is also handling admissions and re-registration for the July 2026 academic session.The university has extended the deadline for fresh admissions and re-registration to August 16, 2026. The extension covers notified programmes offered through both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes.Existing IGNOU students who need to re-register for the next year or semester should complete the process within the revised deadline. Prospective students seeking admission for the July 2026 session should also check whether their chosen programme is covered by the extension.
