Online MA: An online Master of Arts (MA) degree is an adjustable program for students who wish to study at home. It makes students know more about topics such as humanities, social science, communication, and education. This course is suitable for individuals who are employed or cannot attend college. It has video lessons, group discussion, and assignments online. It takes approximately 2 years to finish. The students can pursue full-time or part-time courses. If the course is taken from a well-known college, it can provide students with improved job opportunities, higher studies, or a PhD in the future.
The deadline for applying to online MA courses varies at each university. Most colleges have already shut down the admissions process for the January term. However, some have vacancies available for the July term. For instance, IGNOU is accepting applications until July 15 for the July 2025 term. You will also require a DEB ID for it.
Why choose an online MA course?
Before one enrolls in an online MA course, one should know why one does so. We need to realize the course first before we make a decision.
Why do students opt for an MA?
- It makes us learn teaching techniques and improve at them.
- We can develop our careers and learn something new throughout our lives.
- It provides a sense of achievement and facilitates meeting professional individuals.
- Students have the option to choose from various topics or specific fields.
- It enhances thinking, speaking, and research abilities.
- It may provide opportunities to become a leader.
- It assists in making solid job contacts and networking.
What does the online MA course offer?
The online MA course offers many helpful things to students. It is good to know about all the benefits before joining. Here’s what you can get from it:
| Category |
What It Offers
|
| Cost Effectiveness |
– Fees are low
– You spend less money overall – No travel costs |
| Flexibility |
– Study at your speed
– Can study from anywhere – More courses to pick – Learn from top colleges |
| Networking |
– Know about computer networks
– Talk to teachers and old students – Attend online sessions – Use university tools – Learn to use digital platforms |
| Professional Growth |
– Learn new work skills
– Earn better in the future – Keep learning new things – Can help change your job |
| Personal Growth |
– Learn important life skills
– Get more knowledge – Improve talking and behavior – Learn time management – Become more confident |
| Online MA Acknowledgement |
– Learn theory and practical topics
– Understand difficult ideas – Become better at explaining things – Helps in job life and future career |
| Offered Benefits |
– Time management
– Career growth – Flexibility and freedom – Learn from home – Less cost – Talk better and write better – Study your way – Learn many things – Easy class time – Good learning experience – Learn any subject – More free time – Meet new people – Online options are flexible and cheaper |
| Placements |
– After the course, jobs may be available in companies like TCS, Google, Infosys, Wipro, ICICI Bank
|
Where can I study the online MA course?
There are many good universities in India and other countries where students can do an online MA course. Some of the best and affordable ones are listed below. These universities are known and trusted because they have proper approvals and recognitions.
Top Affordable Universities for Online MA Courses
|
University Name
|
Approved By / Recognized By
|
| Amity University, Noida Online |
UGC-DEB, AICTE, NIRF, WES, QS World University
|
| Jain University Online |
UGC, AICTE, AIU, NIRF, WES, NAAC A++, QS World Rankings, AUAP
|
| Sikkim Manipal University Online |
UGC-DEB, NIRF, NAAC A+
|
| LPU Online |
UGC-DEB, AICTE, AIU, NIRF, WES, NAAC A++, SACSCOC
|
| Chandigarh University Online |
UGC-DEB, AICTE, NIRF, WES, NAAC A+, QS Rankings, ACCA, Harvard Business Publishing Education
|
| Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur |
UGC, AICTE, AIU, NAAC A+
|
| Parul University Online |
UGC, NIRF, NAAC A++
|
| Kurukshetra University Online |
UGC, AICTE, NAAC A+
|
| Shoolini University Online |
UGC, NIRF, NAAC, ISO
|
| Aligarh Muslim University Online |
UGC, AICTE, AIU, NIRF, NAAC A+
|
Online MA Eligibility & Duration
Joining the online MA course is easy. If you are confused about who can apply or how long it takes, here is the simple information below:
Eligibility for Online MA Course:
-
You need at least 50% marks if you are from the General Category. For the Reserved Category, you need at least 45%.
-
The course should be approved by UGC-DEB.
-
There is no age limit to join this course.
-
An entrance exam is not needed for most programs.
Duration of the Online MA Course:
The online MA course usually takes 24 months (2 years) to finish. But this can change depending on the university.
Online MA Course Subjects / Syllabus 2025
Here is the list of subjects you will study in each semester and the skills you will learn during the course.
Online MA Course Syllabus
| Semester I | Semester II |
| Drama – I | Drama – II |
| Poetry – I | Poetry – II |
| Fiction – I | Fiction – II |
| Literary Theory & Criticism – I |
Literary Theory & Criticism – II
|
| Gender Studies in Literature |
Environment and Climate Change
|
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| American Literature |
Diaspora Literature
|
| Indian English Literature |
Post-Colonial Literature – II
|
| Post-Colonial Literature – I | World Literature |
| Research Methodology | Dissertation |
|
Literature and Environment
|
Skills You Will Learn in an Online MA Course
| Skills – Part 1 | Skills – Part 2 |
| Communication |
Virtual teamwork
|
| Time management | Coding |
| Motivation and discipline | Critical thinking |
| Basic computer knowledge | Networking |
| Solving problems |
Project management
|
| Research |
Leadership skills
|
| PQRST (study skill method) |
Interpersonal skills
|
| Planning and teamwork | Writing skills |
Comparison Between Top Universities Offering Online MA Course Fees
Different universities charge different amounts for the online MA course. Some take fees semester-wise, and some ask for full payment. Below is a table showing how much each university charges and how they take the payment.
Top Universities of Online MA Course Fees
|
University Name
|
Total Fees |
How the Fee is Taken
|
| Amity University Online MA | ₹1.70 Lakhs |
– ₹42,500 per semester
– ₹1.56 Lakhs if paid all at once |
| Jain University Online MA | ₹90,000 |
– ₹22,500 per semester
– One-time Registration: ₹2500 – Yearly Exam Fee: ₹3000 |
| Sikkim Manipal University Online MA | ₹75,000 |
– ₹18,750 per semester
|
| LPU Online MA | ₹59,840 |
– ₹16,400 per semester
– One-time Registration: ₹600 – Exam Fee (per sem): ₹2000 |
| Chandigarh University Online MA | ₹75,000 |
– ₹18,750 per semester
|
| Vivekananda Global University MA | ₹64,000 |
– ₹16,000 per semester
– One-time Registration: ₹500 |
| Parul University Online MA | ₹60,000 |
– ₹15,000 per semester
– One-time full payment option: ₹40,000 |
| Kurukshetra University Online MA | ₹47,000 |
– ₹10,000 per semester
– One-time Registration: ₹1000 – Exam Fee (per sem): ₹1500 |
| Shoolini University Online MA | ₹40,000 |
– ₹10,000 per semester
|
| Aligarh Muslim University Online MA | ₹31,000 |
– Full payment at once: ₹31,000
|
| Mizoram University Online MA | ₹29,200 |
– Full payment at once: ₹29,200
|
Program Fees for Online MA
Online MA course fees can start from ₹6,776 per month. The total fee can be between ₹7,600 to ₹2,50,000, depending on the university.
Low-Cost EMI Option is Available
The total cost of the online MA course is different at each university. It usually ranges between ₹20,000 to ₹3.5 Lakhs (this is an estimate). The final fee depends on which college or university you choose.
How Can Students Pay the Fees?
-
You can pay the full amount at once (one-time).
-
You can pay semester-wise.
-
You can also pay yearly.
-
EMI (monthly installment) option is also available.
Online MA has the Same Value as Offline (Even in 2025 and After)
Now people don’t think online degrees are less important. UGC (a government body) has said that online master’s and bachelor’s degrees are equal to offline ones. UGC also gives a list of colleges that offer online degrees. So, before taking admission, check the official UGC website to see if your course is approved.
You can now easily study for an online MA in India from well-known places like IGNOU or LPU, which are approved by the Indian government.
Some famous foreign universities also offer online MA courses that are known all over the world. For example, Arizona State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Leeds have proper online MA programs that are just like their regular classroom ones — only online.
But always make sure the university and the course you choose have proper approval and are recognised.
FAQ
What is an Online MA course?
An online MA is a master’s degree that you can study from home using the internet. It includes video classes, assignments, and online exams.
Is an online MA degree equal to a regular offline MA degree?
Yes, UGC has said that online degrees are the same as offline degrees if they are from approved universities.
How long does it take to complete an online MA?
Most online MA programs take 2 years (24 months) to finish. It may change based on the university.
Can I work while doing an online MA?
Yes, you can work and study at the same time. Online MA courses are flexible and allow you to learn at your own pace.
