IGNOU Launches First PG Course in Home Science with Job Focus – Admission & Course Details Inside

New Delhi, 25 June 2025: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched its first PG course in Home Science. This program is called the MSc in Community Development and Extension Management, and is aimed at increasing job opportunities for students, especially those who want to work in development, health, education, and social sectors. The School of Continuing Education introduced the course and will offer it in distance learning mode. The medium of instruction will be English.

This two-year program is open to students from various backgrounds, including Home Science, Community Science, Social Science, Life Science, and related fields. The university designed the course to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. During the first year, students will study important subjects such as the basics of development and extension, community organisation, media for development communication, and ICT in development. They will also complete a field project. They can also choose an elective subject related to gender issues or rural development.

In the second year, students will move on to more advanced topics like emerging issues in community science, training and development, maternal and child health, behaviour change in society, and research methods. 

Students will also have to do a research project and choose one optional subject that includes Corporate Social Responsibility or Rural Development. To get the degree, they must complete a total of 80 credits.

The admission process is simple and online through the IGNOU Samarth portal. Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university can apply. The fee for the course is INR 7,000 per year, which includes registration and development charges but does not include exam fees. IGNOU introduced the course in the July 2024 session, and students have started submitting their first-year assignments to become eligible for the term-end exams.

This course is expected to open up many job opportunities. After completing the program, students can work in government departments, NGOs, CSR units, health organisations, research & training centres, and educational institutions. They can become project officers, trainers, community organisers, researchers, and development professionals.

The IGNOU Admissions 2025 for the July session has already started from 6 June, 2025, with the deadline of 15 July, 2025. The new MSc course in Home Science at IGNOU offers a great opportunity for students who want to build a career in community and social development. It provides the right mix of knowledge and skills to bring about positive change in society.