Online M.A. in India Studies | Study India's Heritage at JGU

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 the Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings 2024.

Pursue 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 a rich repository of reference materials, including books, journals, and databases, all available online.

Enjoy flexible learning options tailored to fit your schedule.

Comprehensive and
Cutting-Edge Curriculum

Important Details
Course Structure

Master’s Degree Programme

Programme Offered by: Jindal India Institute (JII) at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU)
Programme Fee: INR 2,50,000 (Equivalent amount for International learners in their local currency on payment day)
Duration: 12 months
Credits: 64 credits
Delivery: 100% online
Flexibility: Hands-on learning from anywhere without travel requirements
Age Limit: No maximum age limit for applicants

Course Structure

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 Credits:	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 Credits:	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

Learn From The Best

Instructors

Dr. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia

Director General | Jindal India Institute
Professor & Dean | Jindal School of International Affairs

Dr. Michal Erlich

Associate Director | Jindal India Institute
Associate Professor | Jindal School of International Affairs

Prof. (Dr.) Hindol Sengupta

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

Prof. (Dr.) Abhiroop Chowdhury

Senior Fellow | Jindal India Institute
Professor & Executive Dean | Jindal School of Environment & Sustainability

Dr. Swasti Rao

Associate Professor | Jindal School of International Affairs
Associate Dean of Global Initiatives | 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. Amanish Lohan

Assistant Director | Jindal India Institute
Assistant Professor | Jindal Global Business School

Admission

Selection Criteria

Tuition & Financing

Eligibility

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):
- What aspect of India's history, culture, or philosophy inspires you the most, and why?
- Which one aspect of India, according to you, has the potential to make a positive impact in shaping the 21st century?
Document Review
Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Selection Criteria

Statement of Purpose (500-700 words)
Short Essay on any one of the following (800 - 1000 words):
Document Review
Applications accepted on a rolling basis

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

Indian 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

Hear From the Team Directly

FAQs

1. What is the 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.

2. Is O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) fully accredited?

Yes. O.P. Jindal Global University has been awarded the highest grade ‘A’ by India’s National Accreditation & Assessment Council (NAAC). 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.

3. What title appears on the degree certificate? Is it the same degree as the on-campus programme?

Students who complete the programme will earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) in India Studies, equivalent in academic weight to an on-campus degree (no mention of online in the degree title). While the degree title will not specify the online mode of learning, this detail will be noted on the back side of the certificate in accordance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission, Government of India.

4. What other benefits will learners receive upon registering for our online Master's programme?

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.

5. Are there scholarships available for the online M.A. in India Studies programme?

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.

A Private University Promoting Public Service

Journey into the heart of India with our

M.A. in India Studies

12 Months

12-15 hours/week

April 01, 2025

About the Programme

Why Choose Our M.A. in India Studies?

JGU Ranked No. 1 in the world in the Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings 2024.

Pursue 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 a rich repository of reference materials, including books, journals, and databases, all available online.

Enjoy flexible learning options tailored to fit your schedule.

Comprehensive andCutting-Edge Curriculum

Master’s Degree Programme

Term – I

Term – II

Term – III

Term – IV

Learn From The Best

Dr. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia

Director General | Jindal India Institute Professor & Dean | Jindal School of International Affairs

Dr. Michal Erlich

Associate Director | Jindal India Institute Associate Professor | Jindal School of International Affairs

Prof. (Dr.) Hindol Sengupta

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

Prof. (Dr.) Abhiroop Chowdhury

Senior Fellow | Jindal India Institute Professor & Executive Dean | Jindal School of Environment & Sustainability

Dr. Swasti Rao

Associate Professor | Jindal School of International Affairs Associate Dean of Global Initiatives | 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. Amanish Lohan

Assistant Director | Jindal India Institute Assistant Professor | Jindal Global Business School

Admission

Eligibility

Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria

Tuition Fees

Fee Structure

Direct Payment Options꞉

Hear From the Team Directly

FAQs

Register Here to Apply

Comprehensive and
Cutting-Edge Curriculum

Director General | Jindal India Institute
Professor & Dean | Jindal School of International Affairs

Associate Director | Jindal India Institute
Associate Professor | Jindal School of International Affairs

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

Senior Fellow | Jindal India Institute
Professor & Executive Dean | Jindal School of Environment & Sustainability

Associate Professor | Jindal School of International Affairs
Associate Dean of Global Initiatives | Jindal School of International Affairs

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

Assistant Director | Jindal India Institute
Assistant Professor | Jindal Global Business School