M.A. in India Studies
January 15, 2025 2025-02-19 9:14M.A. in India Studies
M.A. in India Studies
About The Programme
The Master of Arts in India Studies offered by the Jindal India Institute (JII) at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) offers a unique opportunity to learn about the many facets of India. Over the course of one year, you'll explore everything from India’s politics, history, and philosophy to its business, technology, literature, music, dance, and cinema. This comprehensive programme is designed for those who want to gain a deep and wide understanding of India’s diversity and dynamism while studying flexibly from anywhere in the world. You’ll learn from some of the best scholars in the field, all of whom bring an interdisciplinary approach to their teaching. With 100% online interactive learning, you can continue working, balance your personal life, and avoid the costs of relocation, while accessing a rich repository of learning resources. Join a global community of students and broaden your perspective on India and its role in shaping the world today.
What is Jindal India Institute? What does it do?
The Jindal India Institute (JII) is the flagship initiative of the O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) aimed at spreading knowledge about India amongst the international community. Doing India Studies from an Indian perspective, JII undertakes a diverse set of initiatives such as training programmes for foreign diplomats, engagements with Indian diaspora youth, and hosting lectures, book discussions, and thematic weeks. It also conducts ground-breaking research projects and is set to offer a Master’s degree programme in India Studies. Bringing together experts from 15 schools and institutes within JGU, JII integrates disciplines like philosophy, art, history, law, business, international relations, public policy, journalism, environment, psychology, and public health to provide a holistic understanding of India’s rich heritage and its role in the world today.
Scope of the Course
Gain a comprehensive understanding of India’s diverse facets—politics, history, philosophy, business, technology, literature, music, dance, and cinema—all in one year
Benefits of the Course
Jindal Global University (JGU) has been ranked No. 1 globally in the Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings 2024. We are proud to offer the only online Master’s degree in India Studies by an Indian university, designed for learners worldwide who wish to explore India's rich cultural, historical, and social fabric. This 100% online program brings together leading scholars from various disciplines at JGU, providing an interactive learning experience accessible from anywhere.
As part of this program, you’ll join a global community of students from diverse backgrounds and benefit from the same esteemed faculty who teach on campus. With flexible learning options and access to a comprehensive online repository of books, journals, and databases, this program is tailored to fit your schedule and enrich your understanding of India Studies.
Important Dates
Please note that admission during the second and
third rounds of applications is subject to the availability of slots
First Round of Applications Open | 18 December 2024 |
First Round of Applications Closes | 20 January 2025 |
Second Round of Applications Open | 25 January 2025 |
Second Round of Applications Closes | 25 February 2025 |
Final Round of Applications Open | 01 March 2025 |
Final Round of Applications Closes | 20 March 2025 |
Commencement of Classes | 01 April 2025 |


Programme Offered by: Jindal India Institute (JII) at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU)
Total Tuition Fee: INR 2,50,000 (Equivalent amount for international learners in their local currency on payment day)
Duration: 12 months
Cohorts: April
Credits: 64 credits
Structure: 12 courses with an estimated student effort of 12-15 hours per week
Delivery: 100% online
Flexibility: Hands-on learning from anywhere without travel requirements
Age Limit: No maximum age limit for applicants
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants to this programme must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
- Passport for International Applicants & Govt. Issued ID Proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter ID) for Indian Applicants.
Selection Criteria - Statement of Purpose (500-700 words)
- Short Essay on any one of the following (800-1000 words):
1. What aspect of India’s history, culture, or philosophy inspires you the most, and why?
2. Which one aspect of India, according to you, has the potential to make a positive impact in shaping the 21st century - Document Review
Term – I
COURSES | CREDIT |
Ancient Civilisation, Rising Power: Indian Histories | 5 |
Understanding the World’s Largest Democracy: India’s Domestic Politics since Independence | 5 |
Between the City and the Forest: The Evolution of Indic Philosophy and Religions | 5 |
Gateway to Writing and Research-I: Mastering Academic Writing Basics | 2 |
Total | 17 |
Term – II
COURSES | CREDIT |
India’s Rise on the Global Stage: An Introduction to its International Relations | 5 |
Understanding Gender, Caste, and Social Justice in Contemporary India: A Sociological Perspective | 5 |
The Stage, the Screen, and All That Drama!: Understanding Theatre, Cinema and Entertainment in India | 5 |
Gateway to Writing and Research-II: Bridging Disciplines, Theories, and Methods in India Studies | 2 |
Total | 17 |
Term – III
COURSE | CREDIT |
Sacred India Alive: Yoga, Mindfulness, Bhakti and the Lived Religions in Contemporary Contexts | 5 |
India Innovates: An Introduction to Business, Science, and Technology in the World’s Fastest-Growing Market | 5 |
Appreciating Indian Music and Dance: Traditions, Evolution, and Global Influence | 5 |
Total Credits: | 15 |
Term – IV
COURSES | CREDIT |
Environment and Sustainable Practices in India | 5 |
Pathway 1 | Dissertation | |
Dissertation Seminar: An Exploration of Imagination and Voice in Academic Writing | 10 |
Pathway 2 | Electives | |
India Through its Literatures: Crossing the Ocean of Stories | 5 |
India Through the Arts: Exploring Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Culture | 5 |
Total Credits: | 15 |
Tuition Fees
The M.A. India Studies programme offers affordable tuition fees to ensure accessibility for students worldwide. For Indian applicants, the total programme cost is INR 2,50,000. For international learners, the total tuition fee will be calculated as the local currency equivalent on the payment day.
Fee Structure
Students have the option to pay their tuition fees in multiple installments, as outlined below:
FEE | AMOUNT | DUE DATE |
Block Amount | INR 50,000 | Upon acceptance of the offer letter |
Installment-I | INR 1,00,000 | 20 Days after the Programme begins |
Installment-II | INR 1,00,000 | Prior to the commencement of Term 3 |
Direct Payment Options꞉
Credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI and International payments
Financing Option (For Indian Applicants )
O.P. Jindal Global University provides an opportunity to pay the fees in monthly installments at a nominal cost. Jodo monthly payment plan comes at a low-cost EMI option for the students to pay the fees and offers the following benefits for all students.
It encompasses all courses offered by JGU Online, requiring only a PAN number for initial registration and approval. A 24/7 helpline is available to assist you throughout your application process. The entire procedure is fully digital, taking approximately 15 minutes to complete all loan formalities, from the application to the signing of the loan agreement.
To register for Jodo Cred, visit : https://app.jodo.in/jgu
To speak with Jodo representatives, Call : +91- 99729 82193, +91- 96201 42953