IGNOU MBA Subjects & Syllabus: Semester-Wise Breakdown

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Narayani

23 December, 2025

IGNOU MBA Subjects & Syllabus:  Semester-Wise Breakdown

IGNOU MBA is one of the most in-demand management courses globally. The course is available in distance and online learning modes. Both IGNOU online MBA and distance MBA span a curriculum of two years and comprise four semesters. Enrolling in the course provides you with detailed knowledge across marketing, finance, human resources and development, services management, and more. IGNOU MBA has fourteen primary subjects to be covered during the first year. Dive in to gain a thorough understanding of the IGNOU MBA subjects & syllabus. The blog uncovers the IGNOU online/distance MBA syllabus, subjects, IGNOU MBA specialisations, and much more.

IGNOU MBA Degree: Key Highlights

An MBA degree offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University is highly recognised and valuable across India and abroad. IGNOU MBA is one of the most popular management courses worldwide for flexible education. Considering the requirements of freshers as well as working professionals, IGNOU courses include both an online MBA and a distance MBA course. While an online MBA ensures interactive learning with regular live sessions, a distance MBA is more appropriate for working professionals with limited time to study. However, both types of MBA allow you to learn at your convenience with no compulsion to attend live lectures only. Check out the key details of the IGNOU MBA degree:

 

Particulars 

IGNOU MBA Details 

Course Name

Online MBA 

Distance MBA

Course Type

Postgraduate 

Accreditations/Recognitions

UGC, UGC-DEB, AICTE, NAAC A++ Grade

Mode of Learning 

Online & Distance 

Duration 

Minimum: 2 Years

Maximum: 4 Years

No. of Semesters

4

Specialistations 

Multiple specialisations available for the distance MBA

IGNOU MBA Fees

INR 58,000 (Online MBA)

INR 66,000 (Distance MBA)

Minimum Eligibility 

Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks from a recognised institution.

IGNOU MBA Syllabus: Semester-Wise Curriculum Breakdown

IGNOU MBA follows a well-rounded curriculum of two years. The 2-year comprehensive curriculum is divided into four semesters. Both distance and online MBA covers the core areas of management, including human resource management, operations management, marketing management, financial management, etc. Let us explore the IGNOU MBA subjects for online and distance mode:

IGNOU Online MBA Subjects & Syllabus

Pursuing an online MBA from Indira Gandhi National Open University allows you to engage in live interactive lectures with IGNOU faculty. You can also leverage recorded sessions to learn at your convenience. IGNOU online MBA has a two-year curriculum, including four semesters. The IGNOU first year syllabus covers the core areas of management. You can choose electives from the available specialisations in the third and fourth semesters. Check out the IGNOU MBA subjects and syllabus for online learning mode:

IGNOU Online MBA Year I Syllabus 

Semester I

Semester II

Business Environment 

Managerial Economics

Marketing Management 

Information Systems for Managers

Management Functions and Organisational Processes

Social Processes and Behavioural Issues 

Accounting for Managers 

Strategic Management 

Human Resource Management

Management of Machines and Materials 

Business Communication 

Business Laws 

Quantitative Analysis for Managerial Applications 

Financial Management 

IGNOU Online MBA Year II Syllabus

Semester III

Semester IV

International Business Management 

Entrepreneurship 

Research Methodology for Management Decisions

Business Ethics and CSR

Project Course (Equivalent to 2 Courses)

Advanced Strategic Management 

Elective I

Total Quality Management 

Elective II

Elective I

Elective III

Elective II

Elective IV

Elective III

IGNOU Distance MBA Subjects & Syllabus

IGNOU MBA, also commonly considered as a distance MBA from the IGNOU syllabus, is developed by many experts. It follows a well-rounded academic syllabus throughout the two-year curriculum. The first year of the IGNOU MBA syllabus consists of 14 core subjects. However, the second year of the course focuses on covering a variety of core courses and discipline-specific subjects. Let us explore the IGNOU MBA subjects and syllabus:

IGNOU MBA How Many Subjects: Year I Syllabus

IGNOU MBA 1st Semester Subjects

IGNOU MBA 2nd Semester Subjects

Business Environment

Social Processes and Behavioural Issues

Accounting for Managers

Information Systems for Managers

Management Functions and Organisational Processes

Business Laws

Business Communication 

Managerial Economics

Quantitative Analysis for Managerial Applications

Financial Management

Marketing Management

Management of Machines and Materials

Human Resource Management

Strategic Management

How Many Subjects in IGNOU MBA Distance: Year II Syllabus

IGNOU MBA 3rd Semester Subjects 

IGNOU MBA 4th Semester Subjects 

Capital Investment and Financing Decisions

Total Quality Management

Working Capital Management

Advanced Strategic Management

Management of Financial Services Community

International Financial Management

International Business Management

Entrepreneurship

Equity Markets

Security Analysis and Portfolio Management

Management Control Systems

Business Ethics and CSR

Organisational Theory and Design

Management of Insurance Services

Industrial and Employment Relations

International Marketing

Human Resource Development

Retail Management

Consumer Behaviour

Organisational Dynamics

Product & Brand Management

Rural Marketing

Operations Research

International Human Resource Management

Compensation and Rewards Management

Operations Management

Project Management

Marketing Research

Marketing of Services

Maintenance Management

Sales Management

Management Information Systems

Human Resource Planning

Organisational Development and Change

Materials Management

Marketing of Financial Services

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

International Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Research Methodology for Management Decisions

Integrated Marketing Communication

International Banking Management

N/A

Project Report

N/A

Details of Specialisation Subjects Available in IGNOU MBA Programs

At Indira Gandhi National Open University, you could choose a range of subjects of your interest. It allows you to opt for a particular MBA specialisation and gain expertise in your desired domain. Here are the available specialisations for the IGNOU MBA course with the fee structure:

 

IGNOU MBA Specialisations 

IGNOU MBA Fees

Agribusiness Management 

INR 66,000

Construction Management 

INR 66,000

Financial Management 

INR 66,000

Marketing Management 

INR 66,000

Human Resource Management 

INR 66,000

Operations Management 

INR 66,000

Logistics & Supply Chain Management 

INR 66,000

Health Care and Hospital Management 

INR 70,000

 

*Please note that the registration fee, university development fee, and exam fee shall be charged separately from the fee mentioned in the table.

IGNOU MBA Subjects: Commonly Asked Queries

IGNOU MBA subjects differ based on your chosen specialisation. The course has an excellent blend of theoretical and practical learning. To know more about how many subjects in IGNOU, check out the most commonly asked queries:

1. How many semester in MBA IGNOU?

An MBA from Indira Gandhi National Open University is a two-year postgraduate course, comprising four semesters of six months each. While the first and second semesters cover core subjects such as human resources, accounting for managers, marketing management, and business laws, among others, the last two semesters of IGNOU MBA emphasise discipline-specific elective courses, which vary depending on your chosen specialisations.

2. How to select the right IGNOU MBA subject?

IGNOU offers some of the highly in-demand MBA subjects among employers to choose from. Making the right IGNOU MBA subject selection depends on your areas of interest, career goals, and industry demand for that particular subject. To make an informed and wise choice, make sure your chosen IGNOU MBA subjects align with the modern industry requirements, your personal areas of interest, expertise, career goals, and skills.

3. IGNOU MBA how many subjects are there?

Primarily, there are 28 subjects to be covered in the IGNOU two-year online MBA course. Every semester covers seven subjects. Of this, nearly twenty-one subjects focused on the core areas of business, accountancy, and management, while the remaining seven subjects are discipline-based. However, the IGNOU MBA total subjects vary for open and distance learning MBA, as the university showcases 44 subjects to be covered in the IGNOU MBA second year.

4. What are the IGNOU MBA total subjects?

The total number of subjects for IGNOU MBA varies from 28 to 58, based on your chosen mode of learning. IGNOU online MBA covers seven subjects in each semester, while IGNOU distance MBA involves 14 subjects in 1st year and 44 subjects in the 2nd year. The count of subjects can vary depending on your chosen IGNOU MBA specialisation.

IGNOU MBA Admissions: Eligibility & Admission Process

IGNOU has an expert-designed industry-relevant syllabus for online and distance MBA courses. If you wish to be a part of this reputed and globally recognised IGNOU MBA course, you need to fulfil the eligibility criteria and follow the admission steps to secure your seat. Take a look:

IGNOU MBA Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for the IGNOU online/distance MBA, you need to fulfil some minimum eligibility requirements. This eligibility slightly differs for general category and reserved category candidates. Check out the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU MBA course:

 

✅ Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks from a recognised institution.

✅ You must have completed the graduation with at least a 3-year duration.

✅ Reserved category candidates can apply with 45% marks in graduation.

✅ No entrance exam is conducted.

IGNOU MBA Admission Process 

The admissions to the IGNOU MBA course are primarily conducted based on the eligibility criteria. You can proceed with the IGNOU admission process through its official website. Here is how you can apply for the IGNOU MBA course:

 

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🎓 Visit the official website of IGNOU: ignou.ac.in.

🎓 Register for the site & create your DEB ID.

🎓 Navigate to an MBA course and apply for it.

🎓 Fill out the application form with crucial details.

🎓 Upload the scanned copies of the required documents.

🎓 Pay the registration fee online via e-payment options.

🎓 Submit the application form & wait for the verification process.

🎓 Upon receiving confirmation from IGNOU, pay the course fee online.

🎓 Receive your LMS credentials & begin learning.

 

*Note: You can also visit a nearby IGNOU regional centre for the offline admission process.

Logging Out

The IGNOU MBA syllabus is divided into four semesters of six months each. The first two semesters focus on the core areas of management, while the last two semesters cover discipline-specific electives. Both online and distance MBA at IGNOU primarily share the same subjects for the first year. IGNOU MBA subjects for the second year vary depending on your chosen specialisation. You can choose your desired specialised area and proceed with the admission process. Satisfy the required eligibility and secure your seat.

FAQs

Q1. How many subjects are in MBA IGNOU?

IGNOU MBA covers nearly 14 subjects in the first year and 14 subjects in the second year. There are also discipline-specific electives provided in the third and fourth semesters. The core subjects include marketing management, managerial economics, operations management, human resources management, etc.

Q2. Which MBA course is best in IGNOU?

Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a wide range of specialisations, including agribusiness, marketing, financial, operations, construction, human resources, logistics & supply chain, and health care & hospital management. Choosing the best MBA at IGNOU depends on your career goals, personal areas of interest, skills, and expertise.

Q3. What are the main subjects of MBA?

The core subjects of an MBA course include marketing management, accounting for managers, operations management, human resources and development, business communication, and financial management, among others.

Q4. Is IGNOU MBA semester wise?

Yes, IGNOU follows a semester-wise MBA curriculum. There are four semesters of six months each in the two-year IGNOU MBA course.

Q5. Is IGNOU degree valid for government jobs?

Yes, IGNOU degrees are approved by the UGC (University Grants Commission) and AIU (Association of Indian Universities), which makes IGNOU online/distance degrees widely valid and accepted for government jobs.

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Narayani Bhardwaj is an experienced academic web content writer @Learning Routes with a strong focus on developing clarity, research, and learner-friendly content. With three years of versatile experience as a blog writer, SEO writer, social media post writer, and subject matter expert, she additionally holds a master's in computer applications. The technical background provides her with a strong understanding of technological and subject-based writing across various niches. Her expertise helps simplify complex topics and present them in a well-structured and engaging way to help her audience discover the best of what they are looking for.

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