Online MA: Eligibility, Admission 2026, Top Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, Career, Salary
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Online MA: Eligibility, Admission 2026, Top Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, Career, Salary

#M.A.
Vivek KumarUpdated on 29 Jan 2026, 12:32 PM IST

Online Master of Arts (MA) is a two-year master's degree designed for those learners seeking flexible learning option. Online MA is not only a flexible alternative; it is a strategic upskilling option for working professionals as well as students. With more than 50 UGC-approved colleges in India offering Online MA, professionals and students can now earn a recognised master's degree without leaving their jobs.

This Story also Contains

  1. Online MA Course At a Glance
  2. Why Pursue An Online MA?
  3. Top Colleges & Fee Structure
  4. Online MA Eligibility Criteria
  5. Online MA Admissions 2026
  6. Online MA Fees 2026
  7. Top Online MA Colleges in India 2026
  8. Online MA Syllabus
  9. What After Online MA?
Online MA: Eligibility, Admission 2026, Top Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, Career, Salary
Online MA Degree 2026

The fee of Online MA degree ranges between Rs 18,000 and Rs 2,50,000, depending on the institute and specialisation. Online MA can be pursued in various academic disciplines, such as Journalism and Mass Communication, Psychology, Public Policy, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, History, and Languages. Combining live online classes, recorded lectures, and discussion forums, students can earn an Online MA degree at their own pace and convenience.

Admission to Online MA courses is merit-based. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university can apply for Online MA admission 2026. Pursuing an Online MA degree enhances learners' career prospects in academia and research, journalism, government administration, NGOs, and business corporate. Some of the popular jobs after an Online MA include Journalist, Social Media Manager, Content Writer, Teacher, Social Worker, and Historian.

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Online MA Course At a Glance

The following table highlights the details of Online MA from eligibility, pedagogy, admission criteria, average fees, top colleges, career prospects.

ParticularsDetails

Programme Name

Online MA (Master of Arts)

Duration

2 Years (4 Semesters)

ApprovalsUGC

Minimum Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Admission Process

Merit-Based

Average Fees

Rs 18,000 to Rs 2,50,000

Top Colleges

Amity Online, Jain Online, Online Manipal, Symbiosis University Online

Career Options

Teacher, Writer, Market Research Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Editor, Communications Officer

Average Salary

Rs 3 LPA - Rs 5 LPA

Why Pursue An Online MA?

An online MA provides students with the fundamentals of disciplines such as humanities, arts, and social science. It is one of the sought-after degree programmes offered by universities in India. Mentioned below are some reasons why one can pursue an online master's programs:

  • Multiple Specialisations: Online MA programmes allow students to master their field of study in various academic disciplines such as arts, economics, political science, and English, enabling students to gain specific knowledge.
  • Convenience: Students are provided with convenience by eliminating the need to commute to a college. This can significantly save time and resources, making it easier for students to manage their schedules efficiently.
  • Diverse Learning Environment: An online MA course is pursued by students from various backgrounds and locations. This diversity can enhance the learning experience by exposing students to different perspectives and ideas.
  • Networking Opportunities: Online MA offers networking opportunities to students through virtual forums, discussion boards, and collaborative projects. Students can connect with peers, professors, and professionals in their field.

Also Read: 150+ UGC Approved Online Degree Courses

Top Colleges & Fee Structure

Choosing the right Online MA college is critical for your career. Here are the leading players:

  • Affordable Option: Sathyabama University Online (Rs 18K), Aligarh Muslim University (Rs 31k) and Kurukshetra University (Rs 54k) offer budget-friendly Online MA programmes.
  • Premium Option: Amity Online and Online Manipal provide premium option with placement support and industry tie-ups.
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Online MA Eligibility Criteria

The minimum eligibility criteria for Online MA is a bachelor's degree with 50 per cent marks from a recognised university. The online MA eligibility criteria can vary depending on the college. Students are required to meet the eligibility criteria and all the admission requirements to enrol in online MA courses.

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Must Read: Online MA vs Regular MA: Which Degree is Beneficial for Career Growth

Online MA Admissions 2026

The online MA admission process can vary among colleges. Eligible candidates can apply for admission by submitting application form along with relevant documents and making fee payment. Here are the step-by-step admission process for online MA degree:

Step 1: Online Registration

  • Candidates must visit the website of their chosen university
  • They need to register themselves on the website, mentioning all the relevant details, such as email id, personal information, and mobile number.

Step 2: Online Application Form

  • After registration, candidates must login with the registered email and password.
  • Complete the application form by entering personal and educational details.

Step 3: Document Submission

  • After submission of online application form, candidates must submit all the relevant documents, such as 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), Government ID (Aadhar card/passport), passport-size photograph, and signature.
  • The document requirement may vary from one college to another.

Step 4: Application Fees

  • Pay the online MA application fees to complete the MA admission online.

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Check Online MA Registration 2026 Last Dates

Online MA Fees 2026

The fee for online MA courses vary from one college to another, ranging between Rs 18,000 and Rs 2,50,000. The online MA fees involve tuition fees, examination fees, and other charges. Students must check the fee of their preferred online MA colleges in India and enrol in the best based on their convenience and affordability.

Top Online MA Colleges in India 2026

There are 56 government and private colleges in India offer UGC-recognised online MA programmes in different specialisations. Students can pursue the programme in their preferred fields based on their area of interest. The table below highlights the list of top online MA colleges in India and their fees.

Online MA Colleges in IndiaOnline MA Fees

Sathyabama University Online

Rs 18,000

Aligarh Muslim University

Rs 31,000

GNDU Online

Rs 44,000

Kurukshetra University Online

Rs 54,036

LPU Online

Rs 80,000

Symbiosis Online

Rs 1,00,000

Shoolini University Online

Rs 80,000

Online Manipal

Rs 1,40,000

Manav Rachna Online

Rs 98,240

Amity Online

Rs 2,50,000

Online MA Syllabus

The syllabus of online MA can vary depending on the specialisation and the institution. The curriculum is divided into four semesters, covering core online MA subjects across 1st and 2nd year. The programme provides advanced concepts and knowledge in the chosen specialisations. The table below showcases the semester-wise syllabus of Manipal Online MA Journalism and Mass Communication.

Online MA Subjects 1st Year

Semester 1

Public Administration: Concept & Theory

Indian Political System

Introduction to Public Policy

Political Theory an Introduction

Professional Communication

Term Paper

Semester 2

Cognitive Analytics & Social Skills for Professional Development

Dynamics of State Administration

Law and Public Policy

Public Personnel Administration

Public Policy-Concepts and Models

Seminar

Online MA Subjects 2nd Year

Semester 3

Public Policy and Governance

Globalization and Public Policy

Civil Services in India

Leadership and Administrative Thinkers (Elective course)

Economics and Public Policy (Elective Course)

Urban and Rural Development in India (Elective Course)

Internship (PG)

Professional Ethics

Semester 4

Policy Analysis and Evaluation

Civil Society and Public Action

E Governance

Public Finance

Public Policy and Diplomacy

Dissertation

Popular Online MA Specialisations

Students can pursue an online Master of Arts course in different specialisations based on their area of interest. Depending on their courses, they can land a career in their desired fields. Here is a list of some of the popular online MA specializations one can choose from:

What After Online MA?

An online master's degree helps students pursue careers in industries such as content creation, design, journalism, and academics. Students can get opportunities in top multinational organisations, research institutes, and more. These opportunities open doors to greater career prospects and academic growth.

Some of the popular job roles after online MA are as follows:

Online MA Salary in India

The salary of an online MA graduate varies depending on factors such as the specialisation chosen, experience level, job roles, and industry type. The table below highlights the online MA salary in India based on different job roles.

Job Profiles

Average Salary (annually)

Content Writer

Rs 3 LPA

Market Research Analyst

Rs 4 LPA

Social Media Manager

Rs 3.5 LPA

PR Specialist

Rs 5.7 LPA

Graphic Designer

Rs 5.9 LPA


Check Top Career Options after Online MA in 2026

Pursuing an online MA programme opens room for various career opportunities in diverse fields. It is essential for candidates to thoroughly research and pursue the course based on their area of interest. So, develop in-demand skills and land a career of your choice with an online MA course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is an online MA degree worth it in 2026?
A:

Pursuing an Online MA degree in 2026 equips students with advanced concepts of their chosen specialisation and in-demand skills. It also opens up various career opportunities in a variety of industries.

Q: Is an online MA equivalent to a regular MA?
A:

As per UGC, an online MA programme is equivalent in terms of credibility and recognition, offering the same value as a regular MA.

Q: Who can pursue an online MA in 2026?
A:

Anyone, from graduate and undergraduate students to professionals, can enrol in online master's programs. Those who want to upskill themselves in a particular field of study can pursue this degree.

Q: What are the specialisations available in an online MA degree?
A:

Some of the popular online MA specializations include online MA in English, psychology, economics, public administration, Sanskrit, journalism and mass communication, sociology, and more.

Q: How to apply for online MA admission 2026?
A:

Aspiring candidates first meet the eligibility criteria of their preferred colleges. After that, complete the admission process by filling out an application form, uploading relevant documents, and paying the course fees.

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Questions related to M.A.

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to M.A. ?

The CUET PG 2026 exam date for MA in Industrial Psychology for Mithibai College is not out yet, as per the latest news of CUET PG 2026, the last date to application correction was January 30, 2026.

Hi Arya,

If you are planning to appear for CUET PG exam , here is Development and Labour Studies (HUQP06):

  • General awareness on issues related to Development and Labor Studies.
  • Capacity to comprehend and reflect on academic articles, and the ability in analytical reasoning on the contemporary issues of informal

Hi Kartikay,

You can apply for MA economics at JNU and DSE using your CUET PG scores. If you want to go with MA Economics (with specialization in World Economy) at JNU, you need a Bachelor's degree in Economics (Honours) with at least 50% marks; OR any other Bachelor's degree

MNS College courses are offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Admission to the MA Geography at MNS College is offered to students who have passed a 10+2+3 pattern or equivalent from a recognised board.

If you are applying for MA Geography and intend to appear for only one paper, the exam fee is generally charged per paper rather than for the entire course. So, while the total fee for all papers may be  Rs1400, you would usually pay a reduced amount for a single