MA Geography is a 2-year postgraduate degree. Each year, over 25,600 students enroll in MA Geography courses in India. To be eligible for M.A Geography course, students must have a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with an aggregate of at least 50% marks. The average annual MA Geography course fees range between INR 2,000 and INR 1,00,000.
MA Geography courses are available both in-person and online/distance learning. Most colleges and universities admit MA Geography students based on both merit and entrance scores. M.A Geography course provides a good foundation for additional studies and associated prospects.
M A Geography graduates can work as Geographers, Cartographers, Agricultural Specialists, Demographers, Professors, and Researchers, with typical annual salaries ranging from INR 3,00,000 to INR 8,00,000. Students who complete MA Geography can go on to M.Phil Geography and PhD Geography courses to further their studies and academic discovery, as well as conduct research.
Some prominent MA Geography admission exams include URATPG, CUET PG, JMI admission Exam, PUCET PG, and AP PGECET. Some important MA Geography colleges in India are Patna Women's College, S.S. Jain Subodh PG College, Amity University Noida, Dr. D.Y. Patil Arts Commerce & Science College, Parishkar College of Global Excellence, and others.
Table of Contents
MA Geography Highlights
The table below offers a quick overview of MA Geography program in India.
What is MA Geography?
MA Geography is a comprehensive post-graduate degree course designed for individuals who desire to study the physical features of Earth Sciences as well as the human activities that surround them via academic exploration.
- MA Geography course provides a thorough awareness of the human aspects of comprehending the physical, regional, and economic characteristics of the earth's geographical dimensions.
- The training covers both academic and practical knowledge and understanding.
- MA Geography program focuses on the social science part of Geography. It entails a thorough examination of Human Geography and the relationship of humans to their created environment, as well as the management and utility of space.
- MA Geography course is mostly job-oriented, providing a comprehensive overview of the profession via the lens of social science.
- MA Geography course is an advanced academic study of the earth's surface, essence, and composition.
Why Study MA Geography?
There are numerous advantages to pursuing MA Geography course. The primary advantages of pursuing this curriculum are as follows:
- MA Geography course provides students with a full awareness of the relationships between human activities and the natural world thanks to its comprehensive curriculum.
- With the help of M.A Geography course, students will be able to learn, collect, and analyze information before reaching a rational decision.
- MA in Geography serves as a foundation for further study and offers chances for advanced academic discovery and research through M.Phil and PhD courses.
- MA Geography course is primarily job-oriented. After completing this course, students will be able to pursue careers in a variety of fields, both public and private.
- MA Geography graduates can work as agricultural specialists, geographers, cartographers, demographers, forest managers, and professors, among other things.
- Today, the average MA Geography income in India is between INR 3,00,000 and 8,00,000 per year.
Who Should Study MA Geography?
Candidates interested in MA Geography can pursue a variety of Geography specialized degrees, including human geography, technical geography, environmental geography, planetary geography, physical geography, and social geography. MA Geography is perfect for people who are interested in understanding the Earth's physical and human processes. The following profiles are good candidates for the course.
- If candidates studied MA Geography, other university students may have mocked you for 'coloring in', but your degree will have provided you with strong research and analytical skills, which many employers highly value.
- Furthermore, if you want to make a difference in the world, studying geography is a great place to begin.
- MA Geography occupations provide possibilities to discover solutions to some of modern society's most important concerns, such as climate change, natural disasters, overpopulation, urban expansion, and multicultural integration.
- Nature Enthusiasts: People who are passionate about the environment, landscapes, and natural phenomena.
- Urban and regional planners are people who want to use geographical data to create sustainable cities and regions.
- Individuals having a strong interest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other spatial technologies are considered tech-savvy.
- Researchers and Academics: People who want to improve their education or do research in geography and related fields.
MA Geography Eligibility Criteria
The admission criteria for pursuing MA Geography courses vary according to the level of study. Some institutes admit students to MA Geography studies based on merit, while most colleges require entrance tests.
- A student who has completed class 12+3 from a recognized board can pursue an MA in Geography program.
- Academic requirements for MA Geography include a Bachelor's degree in Geography or a similar study. Many colleges allow students from any discipline to earn an MA in Geography.
- To be eligible for MA Geography, students must have at least 50% of their graduation marks.
MA Geography Entrance Exams 2025
Many prestigious Indian universities hold entrance examinations for MA Geography admissions. As a result, the entrance tests administered by each MA Geography university vary. Some of the most sought-after entry exams include:
MA Geography Colleges in India
Several universities in India provide MA in Geography. Some of the top MA Geography universities among them are listed below in a tabular format, along with their respective locations, average annual fees, and NIRF rankings:
MA Geography Admission Process 2025
Admission to MA Geography is based on the entrance exams scores such as CUET PG etc. However, some universities also give admisson based on the merit of the candidate. Given below is the step by step admission process for the MA Geography at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for the academic year 2025-26:
Step 1: To apply online, go to the official JNU admission portal at jnuee.jnu.ac.in. Provide correct personal, academic, contact information, and upload documents. Pay the appropriate application fee to complete your application.
Step 2: After completing your application, register for CUET PG 2025, which is organized by the National Testing Agency. This exam will assess your understanding and covering fundamental MA Geography program-related topics.
Step 3: Once the CUET PG 2025 results are released, candidates must apply independently to JNU via the university's online portal. JNU will examine the CUET results, as well as the deprivation points awarded to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. JNU will shortlist candidates for the next round based on their performance.
Step 4: JNU university will notify the shortlisted candidates for MA Geography program. You must upload the relevant documents for verification, including your bachelor's degree mark sheets, transfer certificate, and category certificates.
Step 5: After paying the costs and confirming their seat, candidates must attend a physical document verification process at JNU. After successfully verifying and completing all processes, you will receive your official MA Geography admission confirmation.
Documents Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree Mark Sheets (All years of undergraduate study)
- Transfer Certificate from the last attended institution
- Character Certificate from the last attended institution
- Category Certificate (if applicable, such as SC/ST/OBC)
- Passport-sized Photographs (as per the prescribed format)
- Government-issued ID Proof (Aadhar card, Passport, or other valid identification)
- Migration Certificate (if applicable, for students from universities outside India or from universities not affiliated with JNU)
- CUET PG 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard
- Statement of Purpose (if required by the university for the program)
MA Geography Syllabus
MA Geography syllabus consists of a broad and integrative program of theoretical and practical study distributed across four semesters in two years. A semester-by-semester breakdown of the general syllabus for MA in Geography is provided below in tabular form:
Here's the detailed syllabus for the M.A. Geography program at Delhi University, structured by semesters:
MA Geography Job Opportunities
Students with MA in Geography degree can find work in academic and research fields. Both the governmental and business sectors hire postgraduates for advanced research and exploration.
MA Geography graduates will be able to find work in a variety of industries, including forest services, educational institutions, research institutes, and petroleum exploration companies.
The table below lists some of the most popular professional professions available to MA Geography degree holders, along with their related wages.
MA Geography FAQs
What is the scope of the MA in Geography?
MA Geography provides numerous job prospects in urban planning, GIS, environmental consulting, and teaching. Graduates can work in the public sector, international organizations, research institutions, and commercial businesses. With growing interest in climate change, disaster management, and urban development, the global demand for geography specialists is increasing, offering promising job opportunities.
Which university is the finest for MA Geography?
Some of India's leading universities that offer MA Geography are Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and the University of Hyderabad. These colleges are known for their challenging academic programs, research opportunities, and highly educated professors, making them excellent alternatives for earning this degree.
Which is better: an MA or an MSc in geography?
Both MA and MSc Geography provide specialist knowledge, but the choice is based on job objectives. The MA in Geography emphasizes human geography, social sciences, and qualitative research methodologies, whereas the MSc concentrates on physical geography, natural sciences, and quantitative research. The MA is suited for students interested in social sciences and urban planning, whilst the MSc is appropriate for those interested in environmental sciences or physical geography research.
How many seats are there at JNU for MA Geography?
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) provides approximately 50-60 places for the MA in Geography program. The actual amount of seats available each year varies depending on the university's admission policy. For the most up-to-date information on seat availability, visit the official JNU website or read the admission notifications.
