About IGNOU MAPC – M.A. in Psychology
This postgraduate course provides a deep understanding of human mental processes and behavior, covering everything from childhood development to adult personality. It prepares students for professional work in mental health settings by teaching them how to conduct psychological research, use statistical tools, and perform practical experiments.
Who Should Choose This Programme?
If you have finished your graduation in any stream and want to start a career in mental health, this course is designed for you. It is a great fit for school teachers who want to become student counselors or for office employees who want to move into human resource management. Because it is a distance learning course, you can keep working your current job while you study for your Master’s degree.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Most students choose this degree because it is much more affordable than the high fees charged by private universities for an MA in Psychology. The course is flexible, allowing you to study at your own pace over two to four years. Many learners also value the mandatory practical and internship components, which provide the real-world experience needed to feel confident when working with clients or patients later on.
Where Does This Programme Help?
After completing MAPC, graduates typically work as School Counselors, Mental Health Support Workers, or HR Executives in private companies. Many find roles in NGOs like Child Rights and You (CRY) or HelpAge India, focusing on community well-being. It is also a necessary qualification for anyone who plans to clear the NET exam to become a college lecturer or those wanting to do an M.Phil to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
IGNOU MAPC (M.A. in Psychology) Highlights
The table below provides a quick summary of the essential administrative details for the Master of Arts (Psychology) programme. These highlights are helpful for new applicants planning their study schedule.
| Programme Name | M.A. in Psychology |
| Programme Code | MAPC |
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a recognized university |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Offering School | School of Social Sciences |
IGNOU MAPC Admission – Important Details
Applying for the M.A. in Psychology requires careful planning because the course includes mandatory practical sessions. Students must register for each year separately and choose a Study Centre that has a psychology lab facility. During the second year, you will need to choose a specialization and complete a project and an internship under a qualified supervisor. Local Support Centres (LSCs) organize weekend counseling sessions to help students understand difficult topics like statistics and research methods.
IGNOU MAPC Admission Last Date 2026
The university opens applications twice a year. For the January session, the last date is typically February 28, 2026. For the July session, the deadline is usually July 31, 2026. Students are advised to complete their registration on the IGNOU Samarth Portal well before the deadline to avoid any technical delays or server issues during the final days.
IGNOU MAPC Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Master of Arts (Psychology) programme, you must meet the following basic requirements set by the university:
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a recognized university.
- There is no specific minimum percentage required in graduation for general category students.
- Students from Arts, Science, or Commerce streams are all equally eligible to apply.
- There is no age bar for seeking admission to this programme.
IGNOU MAPC Fees Structure 2026
The total fee for the programme is paid on a yearly basis. Below is the current fee breakdown as per the official records:
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| First Year Fee | Rs. 9,600 |
| Second Year Fee | Rs. 9,600 |
| Total Programme Fee | Rs. 19,200 |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU MAPC Admission
- Visit IGNOU Admission Portal (Samarth) and click New Registration.
- Create a unique username and password by providing your email and mobile number.
- Log in and fill out the application form — select MAPC from the programme list under the Master’s degree section.
- Select a Regional Centre and a Study Centre near you that offers psychology practicals.
- Upload required documents: a recent photo, your signature, and scanned copies of your graduation certificates.
- Pay the admission fees online via Credit/Debit card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Save and print your application form and payment receipt for your records.
IGNOU MAPC Curriculum and Course Structure
The curriculum is designed to be completed over 2 years. The first year consists of 6 theory courses and 1 practical course, totaling 32 credits. In the second year, students choose specializations in Clinical, Counselling, or Industrial Psychology.
| Year / Semester | Core Subjects |
| First Year | MPC-001: Cognitive Psychology, Learning and Memory |
| First Year | MPC-002: Life Span Psychology |
| First Year | MPC-003: Personality: Theories and Assessment |
| First Year | MPC-004: Advanced Social Psychology |
| First Year | MPC-005: Research Methods in Psychology |
| First Year | MPC-006: Statistics in Psychology |
| First Year | MPCL-007: Practicum in Experimental Psychology |
IGNOU MAPC Programme Coordinator
Students seeking academic guidance or clarification regarding the course structure can reach out to the following faculty members at School of Social Sciences.
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Contact Number |
| Prof. Swati Patra | spatra@ignou.ac.in | 011-29572707 |
| Dr. Smita Gupta | smitagupta@ignou.ac.in | 011-29572761 |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU MAPC
Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for diverse roles in the mental health and corporate sectors. You can find employment as a Counselor in private schools, a Welfare Officer in government departments, or a Rehabilitation Specialist in healthcare centers. Many graduates also join corporate companies as Employee Wellbeing Specialists or Talent Assessment Managers. These roles focus on improving productivity and mental health within the workplace.
The degree is recognised by the
University Grants Commission (UGC)
and is equivalent to any regular university degree of the same level.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ Admission details for the 2026 session will be updated after IGNOU
releases the official notification. Always verify fees, dates, and eligibility at
ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in before applying.
Also Read
More resources for MAPC students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU MAPC Admission
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This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU
(Indira Gandhi National Open University). All information is provided for educational
and informational purposes only. Fee amounts, eligibility criteria, and admission
dates are subject to change. Always verify current details at
ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
