To prepare the IGNOU MPS Project, you must follow the academic research format required by Indira Gandhi National Open University. The MPS (Master of Arts in Political Science) project is a research-based dissertation where you analyze a political issue using theoretical and empirical methods. 📘

🎓 What is IGNOU MPS Project?

• It is a compulsory research project in MPS programme
• Usually submitted in final year/semester
• Requires topic approval (synopsis) first
• Marks are included in final grade

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare IGNOU MPS Project

1️⃣ Select a Suitable Topic

Choose a political science-related research topic. Prefer something focused and manageable.

Example Topics

• Role of Panchayati Raj in Rural Development
• Indian Foreign Policy towards Neighbouring Countries
• Electoral Reforms in India
• Women Participation in Politics
• Coalition Politics in India
• Role of Social Media in Elections
• Federalism in India
• Parliamentary vs Presidential System
• Human Rights and Indian Constitution
• Political Participation of Youth

✔ Tip: Choose a narrow topic (easy to research)

2️⃣ Prepare Project Synopsis (Very Important)

Before writing full project, prepare a synopsis/proposal.

Synopsis Format

Include these sections:

1. Title of Study
2. Introduction
3. Statement of Problem
4. Objectives of Study
5. Research Questions (optional)
6. Hypothesis (if required)
7. Methodology
8. Study Area
9. Data Collection (Primary/Secondary)
10. Chapter Scheme
11. References

📄 Length: 5–10 pages

3️⃣ Get Synopsis Approved

Submit synopsis to:

• Programme Coordinator
  OR
• Regional Centre

⚠️ Do NOT prepare full project before approval.

4️⃣ Write Full MPS Project Report

Standard IGNOU MPS Project Structure

Chapter 1 – Introduction

• Background of Study
• Statement of Problem
• Objectives
• Hypothesis (if any)
• Scope of Study
• Limitations

Chapter 2 – Review of Literature

• Previous studies
• Books and journals
• Theoretical framework

Chapter 3 – Research Methodology

• Research design
• Data sources
• Sampling method
• Tools (questionnaire/interview)

Chapter 4 – Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Tables
• Charts
• Findings
• Political analysis

Chapter 5 – Conclusion & Suggestions

• Summary of findings
• Policy suggestions
• Conclusion

5️⃣ Preliminary Pages (Before Chapters)

Include these pages:

1. Cover Page
2. Certificate
3. Declaration
4. Acknowledgement
5. Table of Contents
6. List of Tables (optional)

6️⃣ Formatting Guidelines 📄

Follow standard academic formatting:

• Font: Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12
• Line Spacing: 1.5
• Margin: 1 inch
• Pages: 70–100 pages recommended
• Binding: Spiral/Soft binding

7️⃣ Data Collection (If Survey Based)

If doing field research:

• Prepare questionnaire
• Collect responses
• Make tables
• Analyze politically

Example:

• Voting behavior survey
• Youth political awareness survey

8️⃣ Final Project Order

Your final file should be arranged like this:

1. Cover Page
2. Certificate
3. Declaration
4. Acknowledgement
5. Table of Contents
6. Chapter 1
7. Chapter 2
8. Chapter 3
9. Chapter 4
10. Chapter 5
11. Bibliography
12. Annexure (Questionnaire etc.)

📄 Sample Cover Page

🎯 Important Tips

✔ Choose simple topic
✔ Use headings properly
✔ Add references (books + websites)
✔ Avoid copy paste
✔ Use academic language
✔ Add charts/tables
✔ Keep plagiarism low