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IGNOU Launches 9 One-Year Master’s Programmes for FYUP Graduates

By | Education | 14-Aug-2026 11:37:20

News Story

New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has introduced nine one-year Master’s degree programmes for students who have completed a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP). The move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages flexible learning pathways, multidisciplinary education and greater academic mobility.

The one-year Master’s route is intended specifically for graduates who have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree and want to pursue postgraduate education through an accelerated pathway. 

IGNOU One-Year Master’s Programmes

The nine Master’s programmes introduced under the new pathway cover subjects across humanities, social sciences, commerce, languages and journalism.

The programmes include:

The programmes will provide FYUP graduates with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education without following the conventional two-year Master’s structure. 

Who Is Eligible for IGNOU One-Year Master’s Programmes?

The one-year Master’s pathway is intended for students who have successfully completed a four-year undergraduate degree under the FYUP structure.

Students with a traditional three-year undergraduate degree are not eligible for the one-year Master’s route and will need to pursue the applicable conventional two-year postgraduate programme, subject to programme-specific eligibility criteria. 

Therefore, students should carefully check the eligibility criteria of the individual programme before applying.

One-Year Master's Route Linked to NEP 2020

The introduction of these programmes comes as higher education institutions continue to implement the four-year undergraduate structure under NEP 2020.

The FYUP framework gives students additional opportunities for deeper academic study, research, credit accumulation and multidisciplinary learning. The additional year of undergraduate study can also create a pathway towards accelerated postgraduate education.

IGNOU has already been implementing FYUP-related academic reforms, including multiple-entry and multiple-exit provisions under its FYUP framework.

For learners studying through the Open and Distance Learning system, the new postgraduate pathway could also offer greater flexibility to continue education alongside work or other professional commitments.

How to Apply for IGNOU One-Year Master’s Programme?

Eligible students can apply through the official IGNOU Samarth admission portal when the relevant programme and admission window are notified.

The general application process for IGNOU ODL programmes is:

  1. Visit the IGNOU admission portal.

  2. Click on “New Registration” and create an account using a valid email ID and mobile number.

  3. Select the applicable programme, regional centre and study centre.

  4. Enter personal and academic details.

  5. Upload the required documents.

  6. Pay the applicable programme fee online.

  7. Review and submit the application form.

  8. Download the acknowledgement or submitted application for future reference.

IGNOU's official admission guidance confirms that applicants need to register on the Samarth portal, select their programme and centre, provide the required details, upload documents, make the online payment and download the acknowledgement after submission.

Students are advised to check the official IGNOU admission portal for programme-specific eligibility, fees, admission dates and availability before submitting an application.