About IGNOU MAHI – Master of Arts (History)
This postgraduate programme focuses on the deep study of historical events, social movements, and political changes across different eras. It prepares students for careers in research, teaching, archaeology, and administrative services by building a strong base in historical methodology.
The curriculum of the Master of Arts (History) is designed to help students look at the past through different lenses, including economic, social, and political perspectives. Instead of just memorizing dates, learners are encouraged to understand the “why” behind major historical shifts. This approach is very helpful for students who want to clear competitive exams like the UPSC or state PSCs, where a deep understanding of Indian and world history is required. The subjects are divided into clear sections that cover ancient, medieval, and modern periods, giving a well-rounded view of how societies have evolved over time.
After finishing this course, students will be able to analyze historical documents, write research papers, and interpret complex data with ease. These skills are highly valued in roles such as museum curators, historical consultants, and content writers. The programme also develops critical thinking, which is a key skill for any professional working in the social sciences. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional looking to gain a Master’s degree, this syllabus provides the flexibility and depth needed to master the subject at your own pace.
IGNOU MAHI Syllabus Highlights
The table below provides a quick look at the fundamental details of the Master of Arts (History) programme. It includes information about the school responsible for the course and the total credits required for completion.
| Academic Attribute | Details |
| Programme Name | Master of Arts (History) |
| Programme Code | MAHI |
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Total Credits | 64 Credits |
| Offering School | School of Social Sciences |
IGNOU MAHI Course Structure
The MAHI programme is organized into a two-year cycle. In the first year, students focus on core courses that build their foundational knowledge, while the second year allows for a mix of core subjects and elective choices. Each year requires the completion of 32 credits to stay on track for the degree.
| Academic Year / Semester | Nature of Courses | Credits |
| 1st Year | Core Courses | 32 Credits |
| 2nd Year | Elective & Core Courses | 32 Credits |
IGNOU MAHI Syllabus: 2026
The following tables list the courses you will need to study during your time in the Master of Arts (History) programme. Please note that while the university follows a yearly registration cycle, the workload is balanced across the duration of the course.
1st Year
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MHI-101 | Ancient and Medieval Societies | 8 |
| MHI-102 | Modern World | 8 |
| MHI-104 | Political Structures in India | 8 |
| MHI-105 | History of Indian Economy | 8 |
2nd Year
In the second year, students usually select from a range of elective courses to complete their credit requirements. Common courses included in this cycle are listed below.
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MHI-103 | Historiography | 8 |
| MHI-106 | Evolution of Social Structures in India Through the Ages | 8 |
| MHI-108 | History of Ecology and Environment: India | 8 |
| MHI-109 | Indian National Movement | 8 |
Total Credits: 64
IGNOU MAHI Credit System
The Master of Arts (History) programme uses a specific credit system where 1 credit is equal to 30 hours of study time. Since the total credits for this programme is 64, a student is expected to put in about 1920 hours of total study across two years. These credits are earned by passing assignments and the final term-end exams for each subject. If a student is unable to pass a particular course, they do not need to re-enroll in the whole programme; they can simply appear for the exam again in the next cycle after paying the examination fee.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ The syllabus reflects the 2026 academic framework. IGNOU may revise course contents at its discretion. Always verify the latest syllabus at ignou.ac.in before starting your studies.
Also Read
More resources for MAHI students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU MAHI Syllabus
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). The syllabus information provided here is for academic reference only and may be subject to revision by IGNOU. Always verify the latest course structure at ignou.ac.in.
Official IGNOU Links
Join IGNOUED Community
Official IGNOU updates, admissions, assignments, results and guidance.
✔ Last updated: April 2026
