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Online MA (Master of Arts)

Postgraduate · 8 UGC-entitled universities compared

Updated 23 Oct 2026

Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Total fee

₹15,000 – ₹3 lakh

Universities

8 compared

What is an Online MA?

An online MA (Master of Arts) is a two-year postgraduate degree in a humanities or social-science subject, studied online over four semesters. Universities offer it in subjects such as English, Economics, Political Science, History, Sociology, Psychology and Journalism and Mass Communication.

It suits graduates who want deeper knowledge of a subject for teaching, civil-services preparation, media, policy or research, and working people who need a master's degree for promotion.

Only universities entitled by UGC-DEB for the subject and session may offer it, and an online MA from an entitled university is to be treated as equivalent to an MA earned on campus.

The subject you choose shapes everything: reading lists, assignments and the final dissertation. Plan for 8 to 12 hours a week.

Key highlights

Quick read

  • Two years, four semesters; most universities allow up to four years
  • Open to graduates of any stream at most universities, usually with 40% to 50% marks
  • Choose a subject: English, Economics, Political Science, History, Sociology, Psychology, Journalism and more
  • Useful for teaching (with NET, SET or B.Ed), civil services, media, policy and research careers
  • Online, remotely proctored exams at most universities
  • Equivalent to a campus MA when the university is UGC-DEB entitled for that subject

Online MA from top universities

Compare these universities side by side

Validity and approvals

Approvals
ApprovalWhat it means for you
UGC-DEB entitlementThe one that matters most. Under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, a university may run an online degree only if the UGC's Distance Education Bureau lists it, for that programme, for your admission session. Check the university and the programme on deb.ugc.ac.in before you pay.
Equivalence with a regular degreeThe 2020 Regulations say a degree earned online from an entitled university is to be treated as equivalent to the same degree earned on campus. Some employers, exam boards and foreign bodies apply their own rules, so check them if you have a specific job or exam in mind.
NAAC gradeThe National Assessment and Accreditation Council grades a university's overall quality. A strong NAAC score is also one of the routes by which a university becomes eligible to offer online programmes.
NIRF rankThe Ministry of Education's annual National Institutional Ranking Framework. A rank shows how the university as a whole compares; it is not a ranking of its online programme.
AIU membershipMembership of the Association of Indian Universities helps when another university or an employer abroad assesses your degree, for example for admission to a higher degree.
WES and other foreign evaluationsIf you may study or work abroad later, ask World Education Services (or the evaluator your destination uses) whether it evaluates online degrees from your chosen university. Several universities say theirs are accepted; confirm with the evaluator before you rely on it.

Online vs regular MA

Online vs regular
FactorOnlineRegular (on campus)
Where and when you studyFrom home, around your job; recorded lectures plus scheduled live sessionsOn campus, on the college timetable
Total costUsually lower; no hostel or relocation costsHigher tuition at many institutes, plus living costs
Can you keep working?Yes, most learners doUsually not for a full-time programme
ExamsOnline, with remote proctoring at most universitiesIn-person exams at the institute
Networking and campus lifeOnline forums, live classes and occasional meet-upsDaily contact with classmates, clubs and campus events
PlacementsCareer support and job portals; campus-style placement is limitedCampus placement for many MA programmes
RecognitionEquivalent to the regular degree if the university is UGC-DEB entitledRecognised if the university is UGC-recognised

Is an Online MA right for you?Tell us your job and goals; a counsellor will compare universities and fees for you.

Online MA subjects and syllabus

MA syllabuses depend entirely on the subject; this is the common pattern across the online MA programmes on this site (core papers, electives, research methods and a dissertation). Each university page lists its subjects.

Semester 1

  • Foundation courses in your subject (e.g. Literary Theory, Microeconomics, Political Theory)
  • Research and Academic Writing
  • One elective

Semester 2

  • Core courses in your subject (e.g. Indian Writing in English, Macroeconomics, Indian Government and Politics)
  • Research Methodology
  • One elective

Semester 3

  • Advanced core courses
  • Two subject electives
  • Skill or value-added course

Semester 4

  • Advanced core course
  • Subject elective
  • Dissertation or project

Eligibility

A bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Most universities accept any stream, often with 40% to 50% marks; a few ask for the subject at graduation level, especially for Psychology and Economics.

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university
  • Usually 40% to 50% aggregate marks, depending on the university
  • Some subjects, such as Psychology or Economics, may require the subject at graduation at some universities
  • No entrance exam at most universities

Duration and mode

Duration
Programme length2 years (4 semesters)
Maximum time allowedUsually 4 years
CreditsAround 72 to 80 credits, depending on the university
ModeOnline lectures, reading material, assignments, discussion forums and a dissertation
ExamsEnd-of-semester exams, mostly online with remote proctoring
Weekly study timePlan for 8 to 12 hours a week

Online MA fees by university

Total programme fees range from ₹15,000 to ₹3,00,000 across the 8 universities we compare. These are list prices from the universities' websites (October 2026), before scholarships or offers.

Fees by university
UniversityDurationTotal feePer semester
Jain OnlineBengaluru, Karnataka2 years₹15,000–Details
Parul University OnlineVadodara, Gujarat2 years (4 semesters)₹66,000₹16,500Details
LPU OnlinePhagwara, Punjab2 years (4 semesters)₹80,000₹20,000Details
Online ManipalJaipur, Rajasthan24 months (4 semesters)₹80,000–Details
Shoolini University OnlineSolan, Himachal Pradesh2 years (4 semesters)₹84,000–Details
Chandigarh University OnlineMohali, Punjab2 years (4 semesters)₹1,00,000–Details
Amity University OnlineNoida, Uttar Pradesh2 years (4 semesters)₹1,30,000–Details
O.P. Jindal Global University OnlineSonipat, Haryana12–24 months (12 courses)₹3,00,000–Details
Is it worth the fee? Try the ROI calculator

Admission procedure

  1. Check the university and the online MA subject on deb.ugc.ac.in for your session
  2. Apply on the university's official portal and choose your subject
  3. Upload mark sheets, degree certificate, ID and photo
  4. Pay the first-semester fee to the university's own account
  5. Get access to the learning platform and reading material

Top Online MA specialisations

Career scope and salary

Careers
RoleTypical salary
Teacher (with B.Ed) or Lecturer (with NET/SET)Average base pay about ₹3.6 lakh a year for high-school teachers; middle 80% earn ₹1.1 lakh–₹8.8 lakh (PayScale India, updated May 2026). Government school pay follows the state or central pay scale.
Content Writer or EditorAverage base pay about ₹3.4 lakh a year; middle 80% earn ₹1.8 lakh–₹6.7 lakh (PayScale India, updated June 2026)
JournalistAverage base pay about ₹3.8 lakh a year; middle 80% earn ₹2 lakh–₹9.9 lakh (PayScale India, updated July 2025; small sample)
Social Media ManagerAverage base pay about ₹3.6 lakh a year; middle 80% earn ₹1.8 lakh–₹8.4 lakh (PayScale India, updated June 2026)
Research or Policy AnalystVaries widely by organisation; think tanks and NGOs often pay less than corporate roles.

Is it worth it?

  • Worth it if you want to teach (alongside B.Ed or NET/SET), prepare for civil services with a subject you'll use, or move into media, policy or research.
  • Choose the subject first and the university second: check that the university is entitled by UGC-DEB for that exact subject.
  • Don't take an online MA in Psychology expecting to practise clinically; that needs separate RCI-recognised training.

Online MA: FAQs

Which subjects can I study in an online MA?

It depends on the university. Common subjects are English, Economics, Political Science, History, Sociology, Psychology and Journalism and Mass Communication. Each university page lists its options.

Can I do an MA in a subject I didn't study at graduation?

Most universities accept graduates of any stream for most subjects. A few ask for the subject at graduation, especially for Psychology and Economics.

Is an online MA valid for NET, SET and teaching jobs?

Under the UGC's 2020 Regulations, an online degree from an entitled university is to be treated as equivalent to the regular degree. Check the specific exam or job notification for any additional conditions.

Can I become a psychologist with an online MA in Psychology?

Not a clinical psychologist. Practising clinically in India requires training recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India. An MA can lead to counselling-support, HR and research roles.

How much time does it need?

Plan for 8 to 12 hours a week, more when you write your dissertation.

Is there an entrance exam?

Most universities admit on graduation marks without a test.

Sources

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