Online MA Course
(Master of Arts from Top Online Universities)
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Online MA is a postgraduate degree of 2 years in the humanities stream which can be done after the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or graduation from any other stream. Students pursue this online Master of Arts degree to manage their studies & other obligations at the same time. For working professionals, this online master’s program is a blessing that makes them upgrade their knowledge without causing any disturbance to their job routines.
- Online MA Course Duration: 2 years (24 months)
- Study Mode: 100 % Online
- Accreditation: UGC, WES approved & NAAC accredited
- EMI Options: You’ll have access to budget-friendly payment plans
- Last date of admission: Ongoing
This information is provided for audience reference only. Please visit the university official website for the most accurate and updated details.
Admissions for online MA programs for the academic year 2026 are currently ongoing.
Programmes prohibited through Regulation 2020. Click here for the the list!
DEB ID is a mandatory unique ID for learners seeking admission in Open and Distance Learning/Online programs from UGC-recognized HEIs. Students can create an ABC ID via Digilocker. For additional precautions, refer to UGC Notice.
Stay updated with all official notifications. Visit the Notice Board at deb.ugc.ac.in for the latest updates on online and distance learning programs.
Overview of Online MA Courses India
The online MA course is a PG course that is specially designed for students who want to pursue higher education in humanities after their bachelor’s level education but want to do so remotely, i.e., without attending regular physical classes. Many colleges like IGNOU, the University of Delhi (DU), Chandigarh University, etc. are providing online MA courses & have even built their reputation for the quality education that they offer.
Online learning in Master of Arts is the study of Humanities, Arts, and Liberal Arts. If you are interested in studying literature, history, political sciences, psychology, or other subjects related to the discipline of humanities in the online mode, an online MA is the right educational choice for you.
This course is cost-effective and helps students from every background to effectively pursue higher education. It can be completed within a budget of approximately INR 20,000 to INR 40,000 if pursued by a government university/institution. If taken up from a private online university, this course can include a total fee of INR 70,000 to INR 1,50,000.
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Program Highlights & Advantages of Online MA In India
- The online MA course is a PG degree in Arts that is offered in several specializations.
- The duration for completing this online course is 2 years which is subdivided into 4 semesters.
- Students don’t need to take regular classes to complete this online course, as the classes are conducted either through Personal Contact Programs or through virtual lectures.
- This degree will help you enhance your knowledge and lift your career and credentials.
- This online program will give you the time flexibility to learn the subjects of the course at your own pace.
- Unlimited access to the LMS portal where all the relevant academic resources and recorded lectures are provided makes you understand the concepts with better clarity.
- Students with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Arts can apply to this course. However, those from other streams are also entertained by the universities.
- The updated curriculum of this program enables you to develop & implement strategies for more profits.
- Explore a variety of career options in multiple fields with a UGC-DEB-approved online MA degree.
Why Online MA Programs?……
Online MA has multiple benefits and the topmost on that list is flexibility, i.e., study from anywhere, whenever. This feature is highly appreciated by aspirants (students & working professionals) who were not able to enroll in one due to their busy schedules.
In addition to flexibility, another major attraction of online MA is its affordable fee range. The low cost of this program has made a way for millions of masses to higher education. Getting equipped with the latest knowledge with an advanced course curriculum & promising career prospects at a low budget transforms the question of “Why online MA” to “Why not online MA.
Who Should Pursue Online MA?
An online MA is one example of how digital advancements have transformed the education industry. For those who were finding it difficult to maintain a balance between family, work, and other commitments, this course is highly beneficial.
Even for the students who fail to get admission to regular colleges due to either high cut-off or high fee packages, this online master’s program has become a prime choice. Thus, all MA aspirants including students and working professionals should pursue this convenient online program to achieve their career goals.
When to Do an Online MA?
There is no right time to gain knowledge but if your situation does not allow you to gain it from a traditional mode then you need the right course instead of the right time! Well, an online MA is there to help you get through all your situations to complete your higher education. To make it feasible for you, universities offering this program have not put any age cap on the applicants.
Moreover, this program is open to all graduates either from the arts stream or from any other discipline without any special requirements. Thus, this online master’s course can be pursued at any stage of your life provided you have completed your graduation from a recognized university.
Top Online MA Courses from Top Universities In India
Amity University Online
MA Online from Amity University
📍 Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Industry Collaborations
Master’s Degree
24 Months
₹ 32,500/- Per Semester
LPU University Online
MA Online from LPU University
📍 Jalandhar, Punjab
Guest Lectures by Industry Experts Master’s Degree 24 Months
₹ 20,000/- Per Semester
Manipal University Online
MA Online from Manipal University
📍 Manipal, Karnataka
Google Cloud Computing Curr. Master’s Degree 24 Months
₹ 18,700/- Per Semester
Online MA Eligibility Criteria & Duration
Eligibility (Graduation or its equivalent): Online MA is a postgraduate-level degree course in which most universities conduct admissions based on the marks obtained in their graduation program and that’s why students must have proper qualifications to take admission to the program. The eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill for this online program are as follows:
- The candidates must have graduated with a minimum percentage in any stream (ranging between 45% to 50% aggregate marks).
- The candidates must be graduated from a recognized university.
Duration (24 months): – The minimum duration of online MA courses is 2 years and the curriculum is divided into 4 semesters. Each semester includes both practical and theoretical subjects. The maximum period of completing the course is 4 years which acts as an added flexibility for the learners of this course.
Skills Required for Online MA Programs
If you are planning on enrolling in an online MA program, you must self-analyze yourself for some basic skills. These skills will help you understand the relevant concepts of your field to serve your organization with enhanced efficiency.
A few general skills that will be helpful for you in your long career journey are listed here:
Clear Communication Skills: Clear communication in verbal & non-verbal terms is quite important for a professional. Any glitches or gaps between the message conveyed by you & the message understood by others can cause serious troubles for you & your organization.
Analytical Skills: The intrinsic approach to analyzing something & drawing valuable interpretation from it is a key factor that recruiters highly admire in professionals. This will help you identify & sort the loopholes in the existing strategies of your company for better response.
Time Management Skills: Managing time is the prime requirement in a profession either serving at an executive level or a managerial post. Time management skills will help you deliver your projects timely by making you plan your work as per the set deadlines.
Team Management Skills: Managing people is equally important as managing your time but you need an entirely different approach to manage them. Team handling or management skills make you coordinate with each member of your team effectively & get the work smoothly done.
Problem-solving Skills: Problem-solving skills are closely associated with an attentive mind. In case of any issue, your presence of mind can make you understand it & your knowledge will help you provide a quick solution for the same.
Online MA Course Fees Structure In 2026
Academic fee is a variable factor that keeps on changing when you compare several universities. Even for the same university, you might observe a variation in the fees for every new batch.
Online MA Domestic Fee – The fee of this online degree course starts at 50,000 INR & goes up to a maximum of 1,60,000 INR. This variation in the fee range is a reflection of the wide range of universities offering this program. Some relaxations in the total fee amount are also offered by some universities based on the caste, merit, & family income of the applicants.
Online MA International Fee – The international fee package for this course ranges between $1,000 to $1,500. This variation is again a reflection of the university options available for this course. For SAARC applicants, this package is quite low in comparison to general foreign candidates.
Top Online MA Universities Fees Comparison
| University / Program | Course Fees | Detailed Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Amity University Online MA | INR 1.70 Lakhs | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 42,500 Full-Time Payment — INR 1.56 Lakhs |
| Jain University Online MA | INR 90,000 | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 22,500 Registration Fee (one-time) — INR 2,500 Yearly Exam Fees — INR 3,000 |
| Sikkim Manipal University Online MA | INR 75,000 | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 18,750 |
| LPU Online MA | INR 59,840 | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 16,400 Registration Fee (one-time) — INR 600 Exam Fees (semester-wise) — INR 2,000 |
| Chandigarh University Online MA | INR 75,000 | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 18,750 |
| Vivekananda Global University Online MA | INR 64,000 | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 16,000 Registration Fee (one-time) — INR 500 |
| Parul University Online MA | INR 60,000 | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 15,000 Full Payment (one-time) — INR 40,000 |
| Kurukshetra University Online MA | INR 47,000 | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 10,000 Registration Fee (one-time) — INR 1,000 Exam Fees (semester-wise) — INR 1,500 |
| Shoolini University Online MA | INR 40,000 | Semester-Wise Fees — INR 10,000 |
| Aligarh Muslim University Online MA | INR 31,000 | Full Program Fees — INR 31,000 |
| Mizoram University Online MA | INR 29,200 | Full Program Fees — INR 29,200 |
Why Opt for an Education Loan for an Online MA Program?
Do you know that online MA programs qualify for student loans as well? Yes, this is true there are various educational loan options available out there for all kinds of online programs including an online MA program. One may simply obtain a loan of education for the same by opting for this facility in the fee payment options.
To avail of this facility, you need to check for the loan partners of your chosen university & their set terms & conditions for providing the loan.
Online MA Programs are Accredited
Gain industry-oriented knowledge from leading faculty and industry experts through Online MA program from top online universities. Learn through a dynamic mix of video lectures, real-world case studies, hands-on projects, assignments, and interactive live sessions.
Top Online MA specializations
Some top in-demand specializations of online MSc programs are listed here. These courses can help you achieve your career goals at a faster pace without causing any significant changes to your existing routine…
1) MSc Online in Mathematics – Focuses on advanced mathematical theories, modeling, and problem-solving skills applicable to research and analytics.
2) MSc Online in Data Science – Provides training in data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, and big data technologies.
3) MSc Online in Applied Finance – Covers financial modeling, investment analysis, risk management, and practical finance applications.
4) MSc Online in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – Emphasizes AI algorithms, deep learning, neural networks, and real-world machine learning applications.
5) MSc Online in Information Technology – Focuses on IT infrastructure, programming, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and modern IT solutions.
Online MA Program Curriculum (Syllabus/Subjects)
The subjects of online MA vary as per the subject of specialization you choose. In these MA specializations, you get in-depth knowledge of the subjects in addition to the general theoretical concepts and field experience. You can choose from a variety of specializations that you wish to pursue and explore the curriculum in a span of a few clicks.
The subject list of Online MA English is provided here to make you understand the depth & quality of education you will earn in this mode of learning.
- Drama – I
- Poetry—I
- Fiction—I
- Literary, Theory, and Criticism – I
- Gender Studies in Literature
- Drama – II
- Poetry – II
- Fiction – II
- Literary, Theory, and Criticism – II
- Environment and Climate Change
- American Literature
- Indian English Literature
- Post-Colonial Literature – I
- Research Methodology
- Literature and Environment
- Diaspora Literature
- Post-Colonial Literature – II
- World Literature
- Dissertation
Apart from the above topics, you will be provided with an industry project that will help you understand the challenges of the real corporate world & their resolutions.
Is Online MA Degree Worth It In 2026?
Pursuing a master’s degree related to your field of work or in the interested domain is always beneficial. Coming to the online mode of education, completing it from a government-approved university will provide you with the same recognition as expected from a regular mode of program.
An online MA makes you learn the concepts in a deeper manner that were studied on a basic level in the bachelor’s program. With a detailed understanding of subjects, you can get promoted to higher designations at your workplace or even get hired by another organization at a higher salary package.
Upon completion of an online MA degree, you gain deeper insights into the industry trends that prepare you well for the corporate world. With the required skillsets & trending techniques, you can explore multiple course options in different employment sectors based on your specialization. Thus, this online master’s degree is vital in elevating your salary package & job designations.
Advantages of Online MA Programs
Specializations in English, Maths, General, History, and more.
Learn at your own pace via LMS, recorded lectures, and digital resources.
Best for working professionals looking to upskill and land managerial or leadership roles.
Online MA often include access to international faculty, industry mentors, and global case studies.
Lower tuition fees compared to regular MA programs.
Online MA degrees from UGC-approved universities are treated at par with regular MA degrees.
Precaution to be taken by the students before enrolling in Programmes
What Are the Different Types of MA Programs Available?
A brief of other popular types of MA are mentioned here to help you choose one based on your specific needs.
Regular MA: Regular MA is the typical mode of learning that involves the delivery of physical classes by qualified professors at the university campus. This program demands a full-time commitment from learners & thus, for the entire 2 years of this program, you cannot engage yourself in any other obligations.
Distance MA: Distance MA is a flexible option for learning advanced concepts of arts & humanities. It involves a hybrid module in which you need to visit regional centers or the university campus at weekends to attend professors-led classes. This education mode is highly beneficial for those who are involved in jobs or other personal commitments.
Part-Time MA: When you have the option to attend weekend classes like distance MA along with unlimited access to digital study materials like online MA, you are experiencing another type of remote learning, i.e., part time MA. This mode has higher flexibility than distance MA but less flexibility than that of the online one.
The table below enlists the major differences between a regular, distance, online, & part-time MA…
| Specification | Regular MA / Distance MA / Part-time MA / Online MA |
|---|---|
| Flexibility Level | Very Limited / Low / Moderate / High |
| Course Duration | 2 Years / 2–4 Years / 2–4 Years / 2–4 Years |
| Location Constraints | Yes / Yes / Depends on your choice / No |
| Technology-based Learning | Moderate / Low / Moderate / High |
| Fee Range | High / Low / Affordable / Affordable |
| Industry Exposure | Domestic / Domestic / Global via online forums / Global via online forums |
| Class Schedule | Daily / Fixed Timings / Flexible with certain class timings / Flexible |
| Industry Acceptance | Very High / Equivalent to a regular MA / High / Equivalent to a regular MA |
Is an Entrance Exam Conducted For an Online MA?
Online MA comes with the advantage of having an entrance exam-free admission process. Although there are universities that conduct some entrance exams for admission purposes. A few of the common & popular entrance exams for MA are listed here:
| Entrance Exam For Online MA | |
| DU Common University Entrance Test (DUCET/DUET) | CT University Scholarship Entrance Test (CT SET) |
| Common University Entrance Test (CUET) | Presidency University Bachelor Degree Entrance Test (PUBDET) |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University adopted Common University Entrance Test (JNUCET/JNUEE) | |
Recommended Books
To crack any of the above-mentioned entrance exams, you need to strengthen your foundation knowledge. This can be done by brushing up on your basics either by joining coaching classes or by reading some books curated to crack these exams only.
Here are some top-rated books for the preparation of the MA entrance exam….
| Books | Author Names |
| History of English Literature | David Daiches |
| DU: MA English Entrance Test Guide | R. Gupta |
| JNU MA History Entrance Exam | R. Gupta |
| Business Economics | P.M. Salwan |
| DU: MA Political Science Entrance Test Guide | RPH Editorial Board |
| Psychology: Indian Subcontinent Edition | Rober A. Baron & Misra |
| Sociology: Principles with an Introduction to Social Thought | C. N. Shankar Rao |
Admission requirements for an Online MA Degree
Here is a short brief to give an overview of the admission process for the online MA course..
July Admission Session 2026 Started
Admissions for the Online MA program for the 2026 session are now open. To apply, follow the steps mentioned above and secure your seat early.
- Visit the official website of the university to which you are willing to take admission for your online MA.
- Register yourself as a new user and proceed to fill out the application form.
- Fill out the application form with the necessary details such as your personal details, academic details, professional details (if any), etc.
- Upload the required documents in digital format and submit the form.
- In the end, proceed to submit the academic fee. You may opt for any of the payment options for this as offered by your chosen university.
- Then the university will send you a confirmation mail along with the enrollment number after which you will be on-boarded with the university for the course.
There is no need of entrance exams for online MA admission. You only need to passed graduation examination.
Recommended, but Not Mandatory, No prior work experience is needed. A background in business management can help in understanding concepts faster.
Universities will assess the candidate’s academic and extracurricular background.
Some universities will conduct an online interview to evaluate communication skills, technical aptitude, and motivation. You need to always check the specific admission requirements of your preferred university, as they can vary.
Job Opportunities After Online MA
An online Master in Arts opens the best career opportunities for students as they can apply for both private and government jobs. Students who are planning for government jobs for posts such as IPS, IAS, Teacher, Lecturer, etc. can also apply for the online MA degree as it helps in conveniently managing studies and preparation for entrance exams. This will even help them prepare their security plan while preparing for the entrance examination for government jobs.
There are many career opportunities that students can explore after finishing an online MA course, some of which are listed here:-
| Job Profiles after Online MA | ||
| Teacher | Professor | Archaeologist |
| Editor | Civil Services | Insurance |
| Communications Officer | Journalism | Politics |
| Human Resource | Social Services | Content Writer |
These job titles are based on the specialization chosen in the program & your skillsets acquired from it. With the UGC approval of this degree, you are eligible to apply for jobs in both public & government sectors of the industry.
Top Recruiters for Online MA…..
The updated curriculum & your learnings from this online program are capable of putting you in the spotlight for the top hiring firms in the country. This online PG degree not only fulfills your desire to work with a top-notch firm but also improves your financial conditions.
The pay scale offered to the fresh MA graduates in these reputed organizations ranges between 3-6 LPA which is a quite decent package for a newbie.
| Wipro | Infosys |
| Accenture | Sathyam Mahindra |
| Infotech | IBM |
| TCS | Cognizant |
Regulatory Authorities
Stay informed about recent developments in regulatory authorities overseeing various industries, including finance, education, healthcare, and technology. These updates cover policy changes, compliance guidelines, new regulations, and government initiatives…
Disclaimer
This platform is an independent information and guidance provider for Online MA programs offered by various UGC-approved universities in India. We are not a university and are not affiliated with any government or private university unless explicitly stated….
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of information; however, applicants are advised to verify details such as eligibility, fees, curriculum, and university recognition directly from the official university websites before applying. We do not guarantee admission, placement, or certification outcomes.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career ?
Frequently Asked Question About Online MA Programs
Some of the top universities offering quality online MA programs in India include:
Amity University
Jain University
Sikkim Manipal University
Lovely Professional University (LPU)
Chandigarh University
Vivekananda Global University
Parul University
Kurukshetra University
Shoolini University
Aligarh Muslim University
Mizoram University
These universities offer flexible schedules, well-structured curricula, and recognized degrees.
Yes, in most cases, an online MA degree from a recognized university is considered equivalent to a regular MA. The recognition depends on whether the university is UGC-approved or recognized by the relevant educational authorities. Employers and institutions increasingly value online degrees, especially when offered by reputed universities.
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (in a relevant discipline depending on the MA specialization).
- Some universities may require a minimum percentage or CGPA.
- No strict age limit or work experience is usually needed, making it accessible for both fresh graduates and working professionals.
It depends on the university:
- Some universities conduct entrance exams (e.g., DUET, CUET, JNUCET).
- Others offer direct admission based on your undergraduate marks or merit.
- Some universities also consider scholarship tests or their own internal assessments.
Most online MA programs conduct semester-end exams in one of the following ways:
- Online proctored exams (you take the test from home under online supervision).
- Offline exams at designated centers (some universities require you to appear at specific centers).
- Assignments, projects, and presentations may also contribute to your final grade in addition to exams.
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