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
- JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
UGCNAACAICTE
Total fee ₹15,000
- Parul University
Vadodara, Gujarat
UGCNAACNIRF
Total fee ₹66,000
- Lovely Professional University
Phagwara, Punjab
UGC-DEBNAACAICTE
Total fee ₹80,000
- Manipal University Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan
UGCNAACNIRF
Total fee ₹80,000
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences
Solan, Himachal Pradesh
UGCNAACTHE
Total fee ₹84,000
- Chandigarh University
Mohali, Punjab
UGC-DEBNAACNIRF
Total fee ₹1,00,000
- Amity University, Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
UGCNAACNIRF
Total fee ₹1,30,000
- O.P. Jindal Global University
Sonipat, Haryana
Government of IndiaUGC
Total fee ₹3,00,000
Validity and approvals
| Approval | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| UGC-DEB entitlement | The 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 degree | The 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 grade | The 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 rank | The 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 membership | Membership 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 evaluations | If 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
| Factor | Online | Regular (on campus) |
|---|---|---|
| Where and when you study | From home, around your job; recorded lectures plus scheduled live sessions | On campus, on the college timetable |
| Total cost | Usually lower; no hostel or relocation costs | Higher tuition at many institutes, plus living costs |
| Can you keep working? | Yes, most learners do | Usually not for a full-time programme |
| Exams | Online, with remote proctoring at most universities | In-person exams at the institute |
| Networking and campus life | Online forums, live classes and occasional meet-ups | Daily contact with classmates, clubs and campus events |
| Placements | Career support and job portals; campus-style placement is limited | Campus placement for many MA programmes |
| Recognition | Equivalent to the regular degree if the university is UGC-DEB entitled | Recognised 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
| Programme length | 2 years (4 semesters) |
|---|---|
| Maximum time allowed | Usually 4 years |
| Credits | Around 72 to 80 credits, depending on the university |
| Mode | Online lectures, reading material, assignments, discussion forums and a dissertation |
| Exams | End-of-semester exams, mostly online with remote proctoring |
| Weekly study time | Plan 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.
| University | Duration | Total fee | Per semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jain OnlineBengaluru, Karnataka | 2 years | ₹15,000 | – | Details |
| Parul University OnlineVadodara, Gujarat | 2 years (4 semesters) | ₹66,000 | ₹16,500 | Details |
| LPU OnlinePhagwara, Punjab | 2 years (4 semesters) | ₹80,000 | ₹20,000 | Details |
| Online ManipalJaipur, Rajasthan | 24 months (4 semesters) | ₹80,000 | – | Details |
| Shoolini University OnlineSolan, Himachal Pradesh | 2 years (4 semesters) | ₹84,000 | – | Details |
| Chandigarh University OnlineMohali, Punjab | 2 years (4 semesters) | ₹1,00,000 | – | Details |
| Amity University OnlineNoida, Uttar Pradesh | 2 years (4 semesters) | ₹1,30,000 | – | Details |
| O.P. Jindal Global University OnlineSonipat, Haryana | 12–24 months (12 courses) | ₹3,00,000 | – | Details |
Admission procedure
- Check the university and the online MA subject on deb.ugc.ac.in for your session
- Apply on the university's official portal and choose your subject
- Upload mark sheets, degree certificate, ID and photo
- Pay the first-semester fee to the university's own account
- Get access to the learning platform and reading material
Top Online MA specialisations
- EnglishLiterature in English from different periods and places, literary theory and language. Good for teaching, writing, editing and content careers.4 universities offer it →
- EconomicsMicro and macroeconomics, econometrics, public finance and development. Useful for policy, banking, research and civil-services preparation.2 universities offer it →
- Political SciencePolitical theory, Indian government, international relations and public administration. A popular choice for civil-services aspirants.3 universities offer it →
- SociologySociety, social change, institutions and research methods. Useful for social-sector, development and research work.1 university offer it →
- HistoryIndian and world history, historiography and research. Useful for teaching, heritage, archives and civil-services preparation.1 university offer it →
- PsychologyHuman behaviour, development, counselling and research methods. Note: an online MA alone does not license you to practise as a clinical psychologist, which needs an RCI-recognised M.Phil or Professional Diploma.Ask which universities offer it →
- Journalism and Mass CommunicationReporting, editing, digital media, advertising and public relations. Offered as an MA (JMC) at several universities.5 universities offer it →
Career scope and salary
| Role | Typical 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 Editor | Average base pay about ₹3.4 lakh a year; middle 80% earn ₹1.8 lakh–₹6.7 lakh (PayScale India, updated June 2026) |
| Journalist | Average 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 Manager | Average 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 Analyst | Varies 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
- UGC Distance Education Bureau: list of entitled universities and programmes (opens in a new tab)
- University Grants Commission (opens in a new tab)
- NAAC: accreditation status of institutions (opens in a new tab)
- NIRF rankings (Ministry of Education) (opens in a new tab)
- Rehabilitation Council of India (opens in a new tab)
- PayScale India: salary data by job (read October 2026) (opens in a new tab)