MPA – Master of Arts (Public Administration): IGNOU Syllabus, Fees & Notes
Master of Arts (Public Administration)
Explore how public institutions work, how policy is shaped and how administration connects with society. MPA brings together administrative theory, public systems, human resources and governance in the Indian context.
Official sources checked: 6 October 2026 · Independent student guide
MPA at a glance
Master of Arts (Public Administration) is a postgraduate degree programme offered by IGNOU through Open and Distance Learning. The programme code is MPA; individual papers have their own course codes in the syllabus below.
School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS)
Medium: English & Hindi
Duration: 2–4 years
Credits: 64
Sources: official MPA programme page and IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus, sections 3.22–3.26.
Eligibility, duration & fees
Who can apply?
Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a recognised university.
What is the programme fee?
The listed tuition is ₹8,200 per year. The standard programme tuition works out to ₹16,400 for two years. This excludes examination fees and any applicable registration, development or other charges; bridge-course charges may apply to MCA_NEW entrants.
The published completion window is 2–4 years. Choose MPA on the admission portal and check the selected mode, medium and supporting-document requirements.
Sources: official MPA programme page and IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus, sections 3.22–3.26.
MPA syllabus & course structure
The tables list the published programme structure. Course codes are shown in a consistent hyphenated format; the prospectus sometimes prints the same codes with spaces or without leading zeroes.
First year · compulsory · 32 credits
| Code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPA-011 | State, Society and Public Administration | 8 |
| MPA-012 | Administrative Theory | 8 |
| MPA-013 | Public Systems Management | 8 |
| MPA-014 | Human Resource Management | 8 |
Second year · compulsory · 16 credits
| Code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPA-015 | Public Policy and Analysis | 8 |
| MPA-016 | Decentralisation and Local Governance | 8 |
Second year · optional pool · select 16 credits
| Code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPA-017 | Electronic Governance | 4 |
| MPA-018 | Disaster Management | 4 |
| MSO-002 | Research Methodologies and Methods | 8 |
| MPS-003 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| MPAP-002 | Project Work | 8 |
Sources: official MPA programme page and IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus, sections 3.22–3.26.
Blocks, units & detailed syllabus
This is the programme-level course list. For the complete block and unit contents, open the official programme guide and the study material for each paper. Use the table of contents in the material matching your enrolled code; a similar title from an older curriculum may have a different structure.
Study material, assignments & examinations
Use the official study material first
Start with the registered course codes in your student record. Search the official eGyanKosh repository by those codes, check the title and work through the material systematically. Keep a list of concepts you need to discuss with your academic counsellor. Supplementary notes can help revision, but should be checked against the prescribed material.
Assignment preparation
Download the assignment booklet for your registered course code and admission session. Follow its questions, word limits and submission instructions. Use your own explanations, keep a copy and retain proof of submission. Confirm the centre’s accepted submission method and current deadline before sending your work.
Assessment & passing requirements
A single assessment percentage is not stated here because a programme-specific current rule was not independently confirmed for all components. Check your programme guide and the instructions for each registered paper, practical or project. Do not assume that a theory-course pass also completes a separately assessed component.
Examination checklist
- Check registration validity and whether you meet the examination eligibility conditions.
- Use the current examination notification, form and date sheet for your session.
- Confirm that the hall ticket shows the correct course codes and centre.
- For practicals, seminars and viva, follow the separate instructions issued by your centre.
- After results, check each required component in your grade card and keep submission receipts until all marks appear.
Project, practical & fieldwork requirements
MPAP-002 is an optional 8-credit project, also written as MPAP 2 in the prospectus. The prospectus specifies a dissertation of 10,000–15,000 words and recommends this option for learners interested in further study in Public Administration. Confirm proposal approval, supervision and submission instructions in the project handbook before starting.
Sources: official MPA programme page and IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus, sections 3.22–3.26.
A practical study approach
The suggestions below are revision advice, not additional IGNOU requirements.
Make a theory comparison sheet
Compare thinkers by their central idea, assumptions and limitations. Add a public administration example to each entry.
Connect ideas to institutions
Use examples of local governance, service delivery and public policy to make explanations concrete. Explain the link rather than simply naming a scheme.
Plan your optional papers
Choose a combination that meets the credit requirement and suits your interests. If you select the project, reserve time for research and supervisor feedback.
Build a simple weekly routine
Choose a small reading target, write a one-page summary and test yourself without looking at the notes. Keep assignment preparation separate from last-minute exam revision. At the end of the week, review weak areas and decide which questions to raise with your counsellor.
Useful IGNOU links
- MPA official programme page — programme details and linked resources.
- July 2026 Common Prospectus — published programme structure, eligibility and fees.
- ODL admission portal — check session availability and admission requirements.
- IGNOU student portal — student account and registration information.
- eGyanKosh — search for official self-learning material.
- IGNOU official website — latest assignment, examination and student-service links.
Frequently asked questions
Is MPA a Master of Public Administration degree at IGNOU?
The official IGNOU name is Master of Arts (Public Administration). MPA is its programme code.
Is project work compulsory in MPA?
No. MPAP-002 is in the optional pool. MPA-017 and MPA-018 form a paired option.
How long can I take to finish MPA?
The programme page lists a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years.
What is the listed MPA fee?
The official programme page lists ₹8,200 per year. Examination fees are additional; check the admission portal before payment.