Online M.A. in India Studies | Study India's Heritage at JGU
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Accelerate Your Career with

Master of Arts (M.A.) in India Studies

  • A Journey into the heart of India.

Duration

12 Months

Batch Start

30th March 2026

Fees

INR 2,50,000

Credits

64

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.

Why Choose Our M.A. in India Studies?

  • JGU Ranked No. 1 in the world in Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings 2024.. 
  • Pursure the only online Master’s degree in India Studies offered by an Indian University.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of India’s diverse facets – politics, history, philosophy, business, technology, literature, music, dance, and cinema – all in one year.
  • Learn from the best scholars in India Studies, brought together from various disciplines at JGU under one umbrella.
  • 100% online, interactive learning from anywhere in the world.
  • Join a global community of students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Receive instruction from the same JGU faculty who teach on campus.
  • Access to a rich repository of refernce materials, including books, journals, and databases, all available online.

O.P. Jindal Global University at a Glance

16000 +

Students

1100 +

University Faculty & Staff

525 +

Collaborations with International Universities

12000 +

Alumni Network

7900 +

Publications

Comprehensive and Cutting-Edge Curriculum

Meet Our Expert Faculty

Dr. Hindol Sengupta

Director, Jindal India Institute
Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs

Dr. Swasti Rao

Associate professor & Associate Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs

Dr. Sugandha Nagpal

Associate Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs

Dr. Archana Rath

Fellow, Jindal India Institute Assistant Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs

Dr. Sumeet Anand

Adjunct faculty, Jindal India Institute

Ms. Pooja Arora

Lecturer, Jindal School of International Affairs

Ms. Bhavika Behal

Assistant Lecturer, jindal School of International Affairs

Dr. Michal Erlich

Deputy Director, Jindal India Institute
Associate Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs

Mr. Raghav Dua

Programmes Lead, Jindal India Institute
Lecturer, Jindal School of International Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: The Jindal India Institute (JII) at O.P. Jindal Global University promotes global understanding of India through research, teaching, and engagement. It conducts training for diplomats, diaspora youth programmes, lectures, and research initiatives. Uniting experts from 15 JGU schools, JII integrates diverse disciplines to offer a holistic perspective on India’s heritage and global role.

Ans: Yes. In September 2019, O.P. Jindal Global University was selected as an 'Institution of Eminence' (IOE) by the Government of India, making O.P. Jindal Global University, one of only eight private universities in India to be awarded this status. JGU was also ranked in the top 700 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021 Edition), making it India’s No. 1 Private University, and India's No. 1 University dedicated to Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

Ans: Upon registering for our master's programme, learners will receive access to JGU's E-Library, research publications, and global networking opportunities through JGU's Alumni Connect, enhancing both their academic and professional development.

Ans: While the India Studies programme does not offer scholarships, O.P. Jindal Global University provides a flexible payment option for Indian students. Students can opt for the Jodo monthly payment plan, which allows fees to be paid in affordable installments with a low-cost EMI option.

Ans: Students should expect to spend 10-12 hours per week, which can be structured as 2 hours per day or distributed flexibly based on individual schedules. This includes watching pre-recorded videos, reading materials, participating in discussions, completing quizzes, and engaging with assessments. While the course is self-paced within structured deadlines, regular engagement is recommended to stay on track.

Video Tour

Testimonial

What Students Say

testimonial-shape

“I recently started the M.A. in India Studies at O.P. Jindal Global University and it is absolutely mind blowing! You're introduced to ancient literature, history, and so much more. If you think Greece had it all, India is far more ancient and just as developed as the Romans—civilisation, cities, public works, administration.
Sanskrit, the great ancient Indo-Aryan language of India and the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, is a key source for many modern languages, with deep links to both Latin and Greek. Yet all this has been largely ignored in Western histories...And today? India is racing ahead! This is a brilliant programme where you learn about India in all its colour and complexity, taught by Indian professors who brim with enthusiasm for a country that is already a world power.”

Muiris Ó Céidigh

“I just completed the first term of the M.A. India Studies programme, and the experience has been nothing short of amazing. As an American who has utterly fallen in love with India, first through yoga and then through travel, I was looking for a way to broaden my knowledge of the country's history, politics, economics, and culture, and the curriculum in this programme is precisely what I was after. It's well-rounded, engaging, and I've found it all quite fascinating.
It's taught by faculty who are enthusiastic about their subjects and about sharing their love of them in this programme, and they're supported by staff who are genuinely helpful. I've really enjoyed meeting the cohort of students from all over the world. I already feel that I have learned a great deal and will look at India in a different light on my next visit. By the time I finish the programme, I know that the depth of my knowledge and understanding of India—where it has been and where it's going—will be truly remarkable, though never complete.”

Michael Barnaby Levin

Yoga Instructor | Former Senior Research Associate, Foreign Policy Studies Program, Brookings Institution

“I joined the first batch of the M.A. in India Studies at O.P. Jindal Global University after exploring many options in India that could support my social start-up in development engineering. This online programme fits perfectly and brings more than just theory.
In the first trimester, we explored Indian history, politics, and philosophies like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism through real conversations with great professors. They make complex ideas clear and easy to relate to for anyone. My classmates are from all over the world and share many perspectives.
The programme is helping me find the right business case and the exact social issue I want to focus on for my start-up. If you want to connect academic study with real impact, especially future social entrepreneurs, this programme stands out.”

Vinay Chawla

Founder, Asian Centre for Development Engineering: Former COO, Reliance Bhutan Limited & Former Senior Director, OLA

“The M.A. in India Studies programme at the O.P. Jindal Global University has been such a unique and eye-opening experience for me. I joined the programme wanting to learn more about India's history, culture, philosophy, politics, and international relations.
The faculty are greatly knowledgeable, and their ability to make complex subjects accessible has made the classes both engaging and inspiring. I also greatly value the supportive environment created by the staff. The vibrant exchange of perspectives within the cohort, by interacting with classmates from across the globe, has broadened my own outlook about India and made the journey even more rewarding.
This programme has strengthened my understanding of India's past, present, and future, and I would highly recommend it to anyone with a genuine curiosity about India.”

Rajni P.

Student, O.P. Jindal Global University, Rajni is a graduate of our M.A. in International Relations, Security and Strategy programme and is now pursuing her second Master's (in India Studies) at the university.

“I have been associated with India for a long time and I am currently living and working in Delhi. With more than eight years of experience here, I felt I knew India well...but I wanted to deepen my understanding of this wonderful country and its culture. When I discovered the M.A. in India Studies programme online, I knew it was the right course for me.
So far, I have taken three courses and one of them also focused on philosophy and religion. All have been excellent, but the philosophy and religion course, in particular, made me feel like I was reaching the very core of the Indian heart.
The programme's online format is a huge advantage. The video lectures are well-designed, and I can study at my own pace, something very valuable for professionals like me. Some assessments were challenging, but that was also the fun part. Returning to academics after 20–30 years, writing a short thesis was truly exciting and has motivated me to keep learning and developing.
Whether you are a student, job seeker, or professional anywhere in the world, this program offers a concentrated, one-year journey that immerses you deeply in India's history, culture, and much more. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested.”

Koji Sato

Director General, The Japan Foundation, New Delhi Office

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