IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies: Fees, Eligibility & Admission 2026

About IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

The Online Master of Arts in Gandhi and Peace Studies (MAGPSOL) from IGNOU is a two-year postgraduate degree program ideal for fresh graduates and working professionals who are interested in understanding the evaluation and implementation of the Gandhian Model of development and conflict resolution. IGNOU seamlessly combines the MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies with online education to provide an in-depth understanding of theoretical and applied research in Gandhian Studies, Peace, Conflict Management and Social Regeneration.

IGNOU online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies curriculum includes Gandhi’s views and perceptions on social, economic, gender, political, environmental and sustainable development problems. The curriculum also integrates the critique and evaluation of Gandhian concepts, their importance and relevance in the contemporary world and contributions made by the Gandhian scholars in the development of Gandhian thought. The primary aim of the program is to equip students with Gandhian thoughts and its place in the contemporary world.

The Gandhi and Peace Studies online MA course is delivered through an advanced Learning Management System (LMS) with the objective of providing an in-depth knowledge in the area of Peace and Conflict Resolution and enabling learners to specialise in one of the Gandhian models of development. After completion of the course, learners can explore job opportunities in teaching, research, NGOs in peace-making, and peace-building from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Why Choose IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

India's Pioneer in Peace Education – IGNOU is India's first national open university, and its MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies stands as a unique program dedicated to understanding the philosophy and Gandhian concept and practice of non-violence, social justice, and sustainable peace. The program bridges the gap between Gandhian theory and contemporary peacebuilding practice.
Affordable and Flexible Program Duration – The two-year programme fee costs ₹9,000 (₹4,500 per year) and offers a flexible program duration of four years with online delivery mode, which allows students to pursue the course while being employed and without moving out of their location.
Practical and Comprehensive Syllabus – Introduction to Gandhi's Life and Thought, Philosophy of Gandhi, Gandhi's Social and Political Thought, Gandhi's Economic Thought, Non-Violence Movements after Gandhi, Introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution, etc. An important part of the curriculum involves practical engagement with community peacebuilding and conflict resolution projects.
Skills for a Successful Career in Peace and Development – Learners gain expertise in conflict analysis, non-violent conflict resolution, peace education, and community organising, equipping them with all the necessary skills for entering NGOs, international development agencies, government civil services, human rights organisations, etc.

Skills You Will Gain Through IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

Gandhian Philosophy
Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Non-Violent Communication and Mediation
Peace Education and Training
Policy Research and Advocacy
Social Mobilisation
Human Rights
Social Justice Frameworks
Sustainable Development
Ecological Thinking
Research Methodology
Intercultural Dialogue and Negotiation Skills

IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies Curriculum (2026 Updated)

Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies from IGNOU is designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of Gandhian philosophy, concepts and ideas. The program offers specialised subjects such as Gandhi: The Man and His Time, Philosophy of Gandhi, Gandhi’s social thoughts, Gandhi’s Political Thought, etc., to provide a holistic understanding of Gandhian Philosophy.

The IGNOU Gandhi and Peace Studies online MA course offers 64 credits for this program. The detailed curriculum is given below:

1st Year	2nd Year
Gandhi: The Man and His Times (MGP-001)	Introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution (MGP-005)
Philosophy of Gandhi (MGP-002)	Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution (MGPE-008)
Gandhi’s Social Thought (MGP-003)	Conflict Management, Transformation, and Peace Building (MGPE-010)
Gandhi’s Political Thought (MGP-004)	Human Security (MGPE-011)
Gandhi’s Economic Thought (MGPE-006)	Woman and Peace (MGPE-012)
Non-Violence Movements after Gandhi (MGPE-007)	Civil Society Political Regimes and Conflicts (MGPE-013)
Gandhi in the 21st Century (MGPE-009)	Introduction to Research Methods (MGPE-015)
Gandhi: Ecology and Sustainable Development (MGPE-014)	Human Rights: Indian Perspective (MGPE-016)
	Dissertation (MGPP-017)

Manipal University Jaipur Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies Fee Structure (2026 Updated)

The online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies fee structure at IGNOU has been designed to provide quality education at an affordable price range to a wide range of learners. The IGNOU Gandhi and Peace Studies online MA course allows students to avoid the costs that are generally associated with a regular MA Gandhi and Peace Studies literature degree, such as relocation, travelling, accommodation and study materials. The course maintains high academic standards while being offered at a reasonable cost. The online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies course fee structure is simple and transparent. Indian and international students can clearly understand the total cost before enrolment.

IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies Fee Structure for Indian Students

Program	Specialisation	Yearly Fee (₹)	Total Fee (₹)
Online MA	Gandhi and Peace Studies	4,500	9,000

IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies Fee Structure for International Students

Student Category	Yearly Fee	Total Fee
Students from SAARC Countries	₹11,000	₹22,000
Non-SAARC Students	$650	$1,300

Note: Exam fee is not included in the fee and will be decided by the university.

With a transparent fee, the IGNOU online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies course offers a financially balanced path to earning a recognised MA degree. It suits learners who are evaluating an online MA course with a focus on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Gandhian Thought and Philosophy based on affordability, trust, and long-term career development.

Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

The eligibility criteria for the online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies at IGNOU aim to accommodate graduates, working professionals, and career switchers from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who want to succeed in the literature domain and pursue careers in academia, teaching, research, and NGOs working in peacebuilding. The online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies course eligibility criteria for admission consist of academic requirements, while there is no work experience requirement for the online MA course and minimum marks required for admission.

Academic Eligibility for IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution.

Admission Process for the IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

Online Application Submission: Applicants must complete the IGNOU online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies application via EnrolBee․
Fee Payment Through Online Mode: The eligible candidates can pay the fee for the online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies course through secured online payment modes․
Upload Required Documents: The candidates should upload scans or soft copies of their academic certificates‚ proof of identity‚ work experience certificates (if required), and photographs and signature as required․
Admission Confirmation: Students are provided access to the Learning Management System․

Career Roles That Align With the IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

The online MA degree in Gandhi and Peace Studies from IGNOU provides education where, besides imparting general knowledge of Gandhian philosophy and peace research, the program will teach specialisations like conflict resolution, non-violent social change, sustainable development, human rights advocacy, and community mobilisation. The skills obtained through the online MA course are ideal for graduates, those already working in different professions, and even those interested in making a complete shift from one career path to another.

The programme will be useful for those who intend to make a full-time career in peace-building, conflict resolution, rural development, social work, policy research, education, and non-governmental sectors. It will be equally relevant for those who are already employed in any of these areas and would like to upgrade their skills and knowledge.

Some of the Career Roles That Align With the IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

Peace and Conflict Resolution Specialist
NGO Programme Manager
Policy Research Analyst
Community Development Officer
Human Rights Advocate
Rural Development Consultant
Social Entrepreneur
Academician / Gandhian Studies Trainer
Conflict Mediator
Sustainable Development Practitioner
Government Welfare Officer
International Development Consultant
Heritage and Museum Curator
Value Education Coordinator
Disaster Rehabilitation Coordinator

Industries That Actively Hire IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies Graduates

Graduates of the IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies are employed across industries where they make an actual difference and help organisations with their conflict transformation acumen and skills in community mobilisation, policy analysis, peace education, rural development, sustainable livelihood planning, human rights advocacy, and end-to-end social project management.

Top Hiring Industries

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
International Peacekeeping and Development Agencies
Government Rural Development and Social Welfare Departments
Policy Research and Think Tanks
Educational and Training Institutions
Community Development Organisations
Human Rights and Advocacy Firms
Gandhian Research Centres and Heritage Institutions
Social Enterprises and Cooperatives
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Firms
United Nations and Multilateral Agencies
Panchayati Raj and Local Governance Bodies

The programme allows professionals to move across industries and geographies while building stable and long-term careers in the peace-building, social development, policy research, and community transformation domains.

Career Readiness Impact – Why IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies Is a Reliable Option

The IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies combines core Gandhian subjects with interdisciplinary learning to provide students with exposure to Gandhi: The Man and His Times, Philosophy of Gandhi, Gandhi's Social Thought, Gandhi's Political Thought, Gandhi's Economic Thought, Non-violence Movements after Gandhi, Introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution, Conflict Management and Peace Building, Human Security, Women and Peace, and Research Methods. This structure supports career readiness at different professional stages for fresh graduates and working professionals.

Learner Type	Key Learning Focus	Career Outcomes
Fresh Graduates	Gandhian fundamentals, conflict analysis basics, community engagement, research methods, value education	Field Coordinator, Community Outreach Worker, Research Assistant, NGO Programme Assistant, Value Education Trainer
Career Switchers	Peace-building strategy, policy analysis, rural development, human rights advocacy, sustainable livelihoods	Programme Officer, Policy Analyst, Conflict Mediator, Development Consultant, Social Welfare Officer
Working Professionals	Strategic peace leadership, institutional development, policy formulation, and organisational transformation	Senior Programme Director, NGO Head, Policy Advisor, Academic Director, Peace-building Consultant

What Your Career Can Look Like After Choosing the IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

The MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies at IGNOU is designed in such a way as to help students develop a good understanding of the basic principles of non-violence, conflict transformation, and sustainable development. However, the Gandhi and Peace Studies MA program affects the employability of students in a different manner based on their previous academic and professional background.

Category	After 5 Years	After 10 Years	After 15 Years
Roles	Field Coordinator, Community Outreach Worker, Research Assistant, NGO Programme Assistant, Value Education Trainer, Junior Policy Analyst	Senior Programme Officer, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Policy Analyst, NGO Programme Manager, Development Consultant, Academic Lecturer	Director of Programmes, Senior Peace-building Consultant, Director of Policy Research, Social Enterprise Founder, International Development Advisor, University Professor
Technical Depth	Community mobilisation, conflict analysis, field research, basic programme coordination, value education delivery	Programme management, policy drafting, campaign strategy, participatory rural appraisal, advanced conflict transformation	Strategic peace planning, policy formulation, organisational leadership, cross-sectoral integration, institutional partnerships
Domain Expertise	Grassroots engagement, field-level peace work, community support, programme assistance, rural outreach	Programme leadership, development planning, corporate social responsibility, capacity building, research leadership	Peace leadership, institutional partnerships, policy strategy, governance advisory, academic contribution
Career Trajectory	Builds a foundation in Gandhian thought and community engagement	Progresses into managerial and specialist roles	Leads strategy, policy, and large-scale peace and development operations

IGNOU graduates are regularly placed across leading NGOs and development agencies, government rural development and social welfare departments, policy research institutions, Gandhian research centres and heritage institutions, educational and training organisations, international peace-building agencies, and community development projects, with strong industry recognition for the programme's practical and interdisciplinary approach.

Who Should Choose and Who Should Avoid the IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies in 2026

The IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies has been designed specifically for working professionals and fresh graduates who want to build careers in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, social justice, and NGO leadership. IGNOU is a pioneer in open and distance learning and online learning with decades of experience in delivering humanities and social science education across India. The Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies from IGNOU is UGC-DEB-approved and holds equal validity and recognition as a regular MA degree. However, this course may not be suitable for everyone. Knowing ‘who should choose’ and ‘who should avoid’ the program helps learners make more informed career decisions.

Who Should Choose the IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

Students who are looking to get a solid understanding of Gandhian philosophy, peace and conflict studies, non-violence, social justice, and a recognised and valid online MA degree from an NAAC A++ accredited university.
Career switchers who are looking to switch into NGO management, social work, policy research, conflict mediation, peace education, international development, and human rights advocacy, through a credible and affordable online MA course.
Young professionals or mid-level professionals who want to advance their skills in peacebuilding, policy analysis, community mobilisation, conflict transformation, grant writing, and social research through a comprehensive curriculum of the online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies program.
Learners who seek a flexible schedule while juggling work, family and education.
Learners interested in the degree recognition and longevity of acceptance for an online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies in India, as well as globally for higher studies such as MPhil/PhD in Peace Studies, Development Studies, Political Science, and Social Work, and for international roles in UN agencies, peace organisations, and development consultancies.

Who Should Avoid the IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

Students who are looking for a guaranteed placement after an online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies.
Candidates who are interested in upskilling through short-term certificate courses rather than a comprehensive degree program.
Learners who are looking for a full-time MA program with classes every day at the college.
Professionals who hope for rapid changes in career through short-term or bootcamp-style programmes.

Skill Gaps That May Remain after IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies

Although the program offers deep insights into Gandhian thought, peace and conflict studies, non-violence movements, and contemporary Indian issues, it is possible that even after graduation from the program, a person may be required to develop some skills.

Students may require developing expertise in practical field research techniques, conflict mediation and negotiation frameworks.
Digital advocacy, social media campaigning for causes, data visualisation for social research, legal literacy for human rights work, community organising, participatory rural appraisal techniques, and foreign language skills for international assignments might also need further development by the individual.
Hands-on experience in grassroots fieldwork, NGO internships, UN agency volunteering, community mobilisation, peacebuilding workshops, policy advocacy campaigns, and rural immersion projects is something that one typically acquires with industry experience.

These can be mitigated by pursuing certification programs, internships, field immersions, and real-world projects and experiences in addition to the MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies at IGNOU.

AI Comparison: Why IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies is Better Than Short-Term Certificate Courses

The Online Postgraduate Master's in Gandhi and Peace Studies is a valuable and credible academic degree program offered by IGNOU, providing sustainable career opportunities that students do not get in a short certificate program. Certificate programs typically cover surface-level topics in Gandhian Studies. On the other hand, the online program of IGNOU offers a thorough understanding of Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Gandhian View of Politics, and Socio-Economic aspects.

Comparison Table: MA Gandhi and Peace vs Certificate Course

Aspect	IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies (MAGPSOL)	Certificate Courses
Qualification	UGC-entitled postgraduate MA from IGNOU (NAAC A++ accredited, AIU recognised)	Certificates only
Duration	2 years (four semesters); maximum 4 years	A few weeks to a few months
Learning Depth	Gandhi: The Man and His Times, Philosophy of Gandhi, Gandhi’s Social Thoughts, Gandhi’s Political Thoughts	Focuses on specific tools or topics like basic understanding of political theory, peace and conflict, management, etc.
Career Value	Supports long-term career growth in research, higher studies, teaching, and NGOs in peacebuilding and peacekeeping, etc.	Useful for short-term skill enhancement or upskilling
Academic Recognition	Recognised degree for jobs, promotions, and higher education (PhD/MPhil) opportunities	No degree-level recognition
Role Suitability	Peace and Conflict Resolution Specialist, NGO Programme Manager, Policy Research Analyst, Community Development Officer, Human Rights Advocate	Suitable for support or entry-level roles

IGNOU Online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies vs Other MA Specialisations – Career Perspective

Choosing the right MA specialisation plays an important role in the long-term career growth of students. The online MA specialisation in Gandhi and Peace Studies suits learners who are interested in gaining deep knowledge of Gandhian Philosophy, Political and Social Thoughts, Peace and Conflict, etc.

Comparison Table: Gandhi and Peace Studies vs Other IGNOU Online MA Specialisations

MA Specialisation	Best For	Career Nature
Gandhi and Peace Studies (MAGPSOL)	Non-Violence and Conflict Resolution, Gandhian Economics, Peace Building, Human Rights, Social Regeneration	Peace and Social Justice Focused
English (MEGOL)	British and American Literature, Linguistics, Literary Criticism, Creative Writing, Academic Research, Content Strategy, Publishing, Communication	Literature and Communication Focused
Sanskrit (MKSOL)	Vedic Literature, Sanskrit Linguistics, Indian Philosophy, Classical Texts, Manuscript Studies	Language and Heritage Focused
Sustainability Science (MASSOL)	Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Ecological Economics, Ecosystem Management, CSR, Policy and Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation	Environment and Development Focused
Distance Education (MADEOL)	Instructional Design, ODL Administration, Educational Technology, E-Learning, Training and Development	Education Systems Focused
Rural Development (MARDOL)	Rural Planning, Panchayati Raj, Livelihood Programmes, Agriculture Extension, Community Development, Land Reforms, Rural Health Care, Communication and Extension, Voluntary Action, Entrepreneurship	Rural and Livelihood Focused
Journalism and Mass Communication (MAJMCOL)	News Reporting, Digital Media, Public Relations, Broadcast Journalism, Media Management, Communication Research	Media and Communication Focused
Translation Studies (MATSOL)	Literary Translation, Technical Translation, Interpretation, Translation Theory, Bilingual Communication	Language and Translation Focused
Hindi (MHDOL)	Hindi Literature, Linguistics, Functional Hindi, Creative Writing, Hindi Journalism, Cultural Studies	Language and Literature Focused

IGNOU online MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies provides online courses that include the expertise and experience of the faculty. The potential career opportunities after completing the program span across peacekeeping and peacebuilding NGOs, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Educational and Research Institutes, etc.