Open Universities in India Offering M.Sc Programmes
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Open Universities in India Offering M.Sc Programmes

#M.Sc.
Arushi PanditaUpdated on 13 Nov 2025, 04:56 PM IST

Open universities in India offer M.Sc programmes in diverse disciplines. Admissions to these universities are currently open. MSc programmes from these institutions are UGC-approved, providing quality education to students. An M.Sc course equips students with a solid scientific foundation, enabling them to apply their practical knowledge in diverse scientific fields.

Open Universities in India Offering M.Sc Programmes
Open Universities in India Offering M.Sc Programmes

Open universities such as IGNOU, Nalanda Open University, and Karnataka State Open University offer admission to MSc programmes. M.Sc admissions are merit-based and prospective students must meet the eligibility criteria to secure their seats.

List of Open Universities Offering M.Sc Programmes

M.Sc programmes offered by open universities in India equip students with scientific knowledge in diverse domains. The programme creates promising career opportunities in public and private sectors.

The table below highlights the open universities offering M.Sc courses in India:

Open University

Programme Offered Fees

Indira Gandhi National Open University

MSc in Counseling and Family Therapy, MSc in Environmental Science, MSc in Food and Nutrition, MSc in Hospitality Administration, and MSc in Mathematics With Applications in Computer Science

Rs 17,000 - Rs 60,000

Vardhman Mahaveer Open University

M.Sc (Computer Science/Mathematics/Botany/Chemistry/Physics/Zoology)

Rs 13,400 to Rs 34,399

Uttarakhand Open University

M.Sc (Mathematics/Physics/Zoology)

Rs 24,100 to Rs 39,800

Karnataka State Open University

M.Sc (Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Botany/Chemistry/Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics/Computer Science/Data Science/Environmental Science/Food and Nutrition Science/Geography/Information Technology/Mathematics/Microbiology/Physics/Psychology/Zoology); Online MSc (Mathematics)

Rs 80,000 (Online MSc)

Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University

M.Sc (Information Technology)

Rs 44,000

Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University

M.Sc (Computer Science)

Rs 25,000


Also Read: Open Universities in India Offering Online Programmes: Fees, Eligibility, Admission

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Indira Gandhi National Open University provides an M.Sc degree in diverse scientific disciplines. Students through the programme learn practical and theoretical scientific applications that can be applied in real-world situations.

ParticularsDetails

Educational Qualification

Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.

Minimum Marks

Minimum 50 % marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate or equivalent.

Entrance Exam

No

Work Experience

No

Age Limit

No

Nalanda Open University

Nalanda Open University offers an M.Sc degree in diverse subject ranges, including chemistry, botany, zoology, geography, and physics. Students gain fundamental knowledge related to several scientific disciplines through the programme.

ParticularsDetails

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's or equivalent Degree in the concerned Science subject.

Minimum Marks

Minimum 50 % marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate or equivalent.

Entrance Exam

No

Work Experience

No

Age Limit

No

Vardhman Mahaveer Open University

Another one of the open universities offering M.Sc programmes is Vardhman Mahaveer Open University. The university offers these degrees in several science disciplines, helping students gain an essential understanding related to scientific domains.

ParticularsDetails

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's or equivalent Degree in the concerned Science subject.

Minimum Marks

Minimum 50 % marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate or equivalent.

Entrance Exam

No

Work Experience

No

Age Limit

No

Uttarakhand Open University

Uttarakhand Open University also offers M.Sc degrees in several scientific domains. Students are provided the chance to study at their own pace and convenience through the UOU Uttarakhand M.Sc programmes.

ParticularsDetails

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's or equivalent Degree in the concerned Science subject.

Minimum Marks

Minimum 50 % marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate or equivalent.

Entrance Exam

No

Work Experience

No

Age Limit

No

Karnataka State Open University

Karnataka State Open University also provides an M.Sc degree programme, helping students enhance their scientific knowledge and research skills alongside securing promising career opportunities.

ParticularsDetails

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's or equivalent Degree in the concerned Science subject.

Minimum Marks

Minimum 50 % marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate or equivalent.

Entrance Exam

No

Work Experience

No

Age Limit

No

Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University

The Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University M.Sc in Information Technology (M.Sc IT) degree is designed for students to gain industry oriented exposure and skills in order to lead roles in industries, academia, entrepreneurship, and application.

Particulars
Details

Educational Qualification

  • Any graduate with Mathematics at 10 + 2/graduate level.

  • BCA/B.Sc.IT/B.Sc.(Computer Science) graduates from any university recognized by UGC.

Minimum Marks

Minimum 50 % marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate or equivalent.

Entrance Exam

No

Work Experience

No

Age Limit

No

Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University

Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University offers an M.Sc programme covering disciplinary, interdisciplinary and skill-based courses. This UGC-approved university offers a choice-based credit system to help students gain more independence within their academic curriculum.

ParticularsDetails

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's or equivalent Degree in the concerned Science subject.

Minimum Marks

Minimum 50 % marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate or equivalent.

Entrance Exam

No

Work Experience

No

Age Limit

No


Also Read: Top Government Colleges for Online MSc in India: Courses, Fees, Careers

Admission To Open Universities For M.Sc

The M.Sc application process differs between institutions. Students are required to submit their application form and pay the programme fee to confirm their seat. They must confirm all the details before heading for admission.

The steps mentioned below outline the application process for M.Sc degrees:

Step 1: Login & Register

  • Visit the official website of the chosen university.

  • Login and register providing email and other credentials.

Step 2: Application Submission

  • Refer to the ‘Apply Now’ section.

  • Submit the application process, providing information such as contact, academic, and other information.

Step 3: Programme Fee Payment

  • Pay the programme fee upon submission of the application form.

  • Students can pay the fee using digital payment methods such as UPI, Debit/Credit Card, and Net Banking.

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Step 4: Final Selection

  • Upon successful verification by the university team, students would be provided with an official enrolment and joining letter.

  • Wait for 2-3 business days for official confirmation by the university.

Documents Required

  • Recent passport-size colour photograph (scanned copy).

  • Scanned copy of qualifying exam certificate/marksheet.

  • Scanned copy of online valid proof of date of birth (Class X marksheet/School Leaving Certificate/Transfer Certificate/Character Certificate).

  • Fee payment receipt

Also Read: 10 Best Career Options after Online MSc – Salary, Jobs & Recruiters

Whether you are a student or a working professional aspiring to pursue M.Sc programmes, open universities in India offer an ideal blend of practical learning with an affordable and flexible mode. This degree programme provides them with an excellent learning option to upskill while pursuing their professional commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I go for UPSC after completing an M.Sc from open universities in India?
A:

Students after completing the M.Sc course from open universities in India can go for UPSC or any other government examination.

Q: What career options can I consider after pursuing an M.Sc programme in India?
A:

Students after completing the M.Sc programme in India can pursue career options as clinical research coordinators, environmental scientists, lecturers, and researchers. 

Q: How much do I need to spend for an M.Sc degree at open universities in India?
A:

To pursue M.Sc programme at open universities in India, students need to spend Rs 13,000 to Rs 80,000 as tuition fees.

Q: Is IGNOU M.Sc valid to pursue in India?
A:

The IGNOU M.Sc degree is valid to pursue in India, as it is an open university recognised by UGC and the government of India.

Q: Can I pursue an M.Sc degree from open universities in India?
A:

Yes, students can pursue an M.Sc degree from open universities in India, as these institutions offer quality, credible, and flexible education.

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Questions related to M.Sc.

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to M.Sc. ?

Hello

Yes, you can do an IGNOU B.Ed (distance mode) along with a regular M.Sc from another university at the same time.
UGC rules now allow students to pursue two degree courses simultaneously.
One course should preferably be in distance/ODL mode and the other in regular mode, which fits your case.
Both degrees will be considered valid, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each course. You will need to manage your classes, exams, and schedules on your own. It’s always best to confirm once with IGNOU and your M.Sc university before final admission.

Hello,

Sorry, but the Fakir Mohan University in Balasore doesn't offer the MSc in distance education or any other correspondence course. This university only offers distance learning for programs like arts, commerce, and social work disciplines.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

Yes, you can pursue an MSc in Aquaculture after completing a Food Technology course, but it depends on the university and its eligibility criteria. Some universities may allow students from related fields like Food Technology, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences. Others may prefer candidates with a background in Fisheries, Zoology, or Aquaculture.

It’s best to check the specific eligibility requirements of the university or institute where you want to apply. You may also need to complete certain bridge courses or prerequisites in aquaculture.

Hope it helps !

Yes, you can apply for several FSSAI-related posts, but it depends on the specific post and its eligibility rules.

For FSSAI recruitment, different posts require different educational backgrounds. M.Sc. Food Science and Nutrition is generally considered a relevant qualification for many food-safety-related roles, but B.Sc. Zoology alone does not meet the criteria for most positions.

Here is how it works:

• For the Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) post, the required qualification usually includes a degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Sciences, Dairy Technology, or related fields. Nutrition and Food Science are considered relevant for this post, so your M.Sc. fits the requirement. Your B.Sc. Zoology does not create any issue because the highest qualification is considered.

• For Technical Officer roles, they also accept specialization related to food science, food safety, biochemistry, microbiology, and allied fields, so your M.Sc. Food Science and Nutrition again makes you eligible.

• For Assistant or Administrative posts, any graduation is accepted, so you are eligible through B.Sc. as well.

In short, because you hold an M.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition, you meet the qualifications for CFSO and several other technical posts. Make sure to check the exact notification when applications open, as requirements may slightly change from one cycle to another. All the best.

Entrance exams for MSc Biotechnology are usually conducted once a year, and most universities hold them between April and July. If you are completing your BSc Biotechnology in March 2026, you will be eligible to apply for the 2026 admission cycle. National-level exams like CUET PG generally open applications around December to January, with exams held in March or April. Many universities such as state universities, central universities and private institutes also conduct their own entrance tests, usually after your final semester exams.

You should start checking notifications from December 2025 onwards, as most application forms are released in the first few months of the year. You can apply even if your final results are not declared, as universities allow provisional admission based on a final pass in graduation. Make sure to follow the timelines of the specific university where you want to join MSc Biotechnology. All the best.