Programme at a glance: a restructured, NEP-aligned MA in Economics
MAEC is IGNOU's Master of Arts (Economics) programme, restructured in line with NEP 2020 and UGC guidelines on multiple entry-exit and credit norms. Semesters 1 to 3 are compulsory, and Semester 4 lets you specialise.
Programme overview
IGNOU states the programme aims to help learners explain how the economy functions, build theoretical and applied analytical skills, and develop research potential. In Semester 4 learners may choose a specialisation group: A (Data Analytics), B (Energy and Environmental Economics), C (Insurance and Finance) or D (Social Policy), by completing 20 credits from that group, or take any 20 credits across the groups.
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💬 GET NOTES ON WHATSAPPEligibility, duration and fees
- Eligibility: Bachelor's degree or a higher degree from a recognised university.
- Entrance test: none, as stated on the official page.
- Duration: minimum 24 months, maximum 48 months.
- Medium: English and Hindi.
Course structure and syllabus
Semesters 1 to 3 below are taken from IGNOU's official MAEC page. Each carries 20 credits.
Semester 1
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MEC-101 | Microeconomic Analysis | 6 |
| MEC-102 | Macroeconomic Analysis | 6 |
| MEC-203 | Quantitative Methods | 8 |
| Total | 20 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MEC-104 | Economics of Growth and Development | 8 |
| MEC-109 | Research Methods in Economics | 6 |
| MEC-205 | Indian Economic Policy | 6 |
| Total | 20 | |
Semester 3
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MEC-106 | Public Economics | 6 |
| MEC-107 | International Trade and Finance / International Trade and Development | 6 |
| MEC-110 | Money, Financial Institutions and Markets | 8 |
| Total | 20 | |
Assignments, exams and passing requirements
- Evaluation at IGNOU combines continuous assessment through assignments with a Term-End Examination (TEE). Assignment submission rules and last dates are announced by IGNOU each session, so always check the latest notice.
- Under the commonly followed IGNOU pattern, assignments carry about 30% weightage and the TEE about 70%, and a minimum of 40% is generally required in each. Confirm the exact scheme in your Programme Guide before relying on it.
- Assignments must be your own handwritten work, submitted to your Study Centre as per the current instructions.
- Exam fees are not included in the programme fee and are paid separately as decided by the university.
Study tips for students
- Download the study blocks from eGyanKosh early and read the unit objectives first.
- Match each course code with the latest programme structure; older codes are no longer used for fresh admissions.
- Plan assignment writing course by course instead of leaving it for the last week.
- Revise using short notes and previous question papers for the course code you are appearing for.
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💬 GET NOTES ON WHATSAPPCareer and future prospects
IGNOU lists careers in banking, insurance, the industrial sector, data analysis, environmental economics, teaching at school, college and university level, research and policy practice. It also suits graduates aiming for the Indian Economic Service and civil services.
Useful official resources
- Official IGNOU programme page (MAEC)
- IGNOU admission portal (Samarth)
- eGyanKosh – IGNOU study material
Frequently asked questions
What is MAEC at IGNOU?
MAEC is the programme code for IGNOU's Master of Arts (Economics) in ODL mode.
How many credits is MAEC?
80 credits across four semesters of 20 credits each.
Are there specialisations?
Yes. In Semester 4 you can choose groups A (Data Analytics), B (Energy and Environmental Economics), C (Insurance and Finance) or D (Social Policy).
Is there an entrance test?
No, IGNOU states there is no entrance test.
What is the fee?
IGNOU's page lists ₹9,500 per year, with exam fees separate.
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💬 GET NOTES ON WHATSAPPThis is an independent educational support website and is not the official website of IGNOU. Students should verify important academic information through official IGNOU sources.