New Delhi/Patna : Students who have completed a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) can now pursue a master’s degree in just one year through select programmes offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
The initiative has been introduced in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which provides for greater flexibility in postgraduate education, including a one-year master’s pathway for eligible students who complete a four-year undergraduate degree.
Applications Open Until August 16
Applications for IGNOU’s one-year postgraduate programmes are currently open. Eligible candidates can apply until August 16, 2026.
Candidates have been advised to keep their APAAR ID ready while completing the application process. Eligible students can also explore scholarship opportunities through the National Scholarship Portal.
IGNOU has also cautioned applicants to carefully verify the information they submit. Once official documents, photographs and signatures are uploaded, changes cannot be made, making it important to check all details before final submission.
9 One-Year Master’s Programmes Offered by IGNOU
The one-year postgraduate programmes are available in the following disciplines:
- MA Economics
- MA Sociology
- MA History
- M.Com
- MA Journalism and Mass Communication
- MA English
- MA Hindi
- MA Sanskrit
- MA Urdu
Who Can Apply?
The programmes are specifically intended for students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree under the FYUP system.
The initiative could particularly benefit students and working professionals who want to obtain a postgraduate qualification in a shorter period for further studies, career advancement or employment opportunities.
One-Year Master’s Programme Under NEP 2020
The introduction of the programmes reflects the emphasis of NEP 2020 on flexible and multidisciplinary higher education. The policy framework allows students completing a four-year undergraduate programme to pursue a one-year master’s degree, subject to applicable regulatory and institutional provisions.
IGNOU’s initiative provides an additional pathway for eligible graduates to continue their education without committing to a conventional two-year postgraduate programme.
With applications closing on August 16, eligible FYUP graduates interested in these programmes should complete the application process before the deadline and carefully verify their uploaded documents and personal details.


















