PSOU M.Sc 2026: Eligibility, Fee, Duration and Syllabus
Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University (PSOU) offers M.Sc. (Computer Science) in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode across 4 semesters (2 to 4 years duration). The standard fee is Rs. 7,250 per semester, with a reduced fee of Rs. 5,250 per semester for SC candidates and university staff. For the July 2026 session, the last date to apply is 10 October 2026.
Key facts
| Programme | M.Sc. (Computer Science) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years (Minimum) to 4 Years (Maximum) |
| Total Credits | 80 Credits |
| Standard Fee | Rs. 7,250 per semester |
| Concessional Fee (SC / Staff) | Rs. 5,250 per semester |
| July 2026 Application Deadline | 10 October 2026 |
M.Sc. Programme Duration and Session Schedule
PSOU offers Master of Science (Computer Science) under the School of Sciences & Emerging Technologies. The programme follows the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) recommended by the UGC and is structured into 4 semesters over 80 total credits.
For the July 2026 admission cycle, candidates can register through the PSOU admission portal before the deadline.
PSOU M.Sc. (Computer Science) Schedule and Span
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
| Maximum Span | 4 Years |
| Current Admission Cycle | July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (July 2026 Session) | 10 October 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria and Bridge Course Rule
Candidates seeking admission to M.Sc. (Computer Science) must hold any of the qualifying undergraduate qualifications listed below.
- BA, B.Sc., or B.Com. with Computer Science, Computer Applications, Mathematics, Statistics, Operation Research, or Economics as one of the subjects.
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Computer Science, B.Sc. (Hons.) Information Technology, B.Sc. Information Technology, B.Sc. (Data Sciences), or BIS/BSIS.
- BCA, BBA, or B.Sc. (Information Technology).
- Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) or Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science.
- B.Voc. in Networking and Mobile Applications or B.Voc. in Software Development.
- B.Tech. / B.E. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or any other examination recognized as equivalent.
Bridge Course Requirement
Learners who did not study Computer Science, Computer Applications, Mathematics, Statistics, Operation Research, or Economics as a course during their graduation are eligible for admission, but they must pass a Bridge Course (a non-credit qualifying course) during the 1st year of the M.Sc. programme.
Semester-Wise Fee Structure
The fee for M.Sc. (Computer Science) is payable on a semester basis under ODL mode. Specific concessions are granted for reserved categories and university staff.
- Sikhya Daat Programme Enrollees: Payable fee is Rs. 500.
- Differentially Abled Programme Enrollees: No fee charged.
Semester Fee Rates for M.Sc. (Computer Science)
| Category / Head | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General ODL Mode | Rs. 7,250 | Rs. 7,250 | Rs. 7,250 | Rs. 7,250 |
| SC Candidates / Teaching & Non-Teaching Staff | Rs. 5,250 | Rs. 5,250 | Rs. 5,250 | Rs. 5,250 |
Semester-Wise Course Syllabus and Credits
The curriculum comprises Core Courses, Discipline Specific Courses, Ability Enhancement Courses, and Skill Enhancement Courses across 4 semesters. Semesters 1 to 3 contain 4 theory courses and 2 practical courses each, while Semester 4 comprises core specialized subjects, a major project, and a seminar.
M.Sc. (Computer Science) Course Structure
| Semester | Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Computer Programming | MSCS-1-01T | 4 |
| Semester 1 | Computer Programming Lab | MSCS-1-01P | 2 |
| Semester 1 | DBMS | MSCS-1-02T | 4 |
| Semester 1 | DBMS Lab | MSCS-1-02P | 2 |
| Semester 1 | Probability & Statistical Analysis | MSCS-1-03T | 4 |
| Semester 1 | Fundamentals of Digital Marketing | MSCS-1-04T | 4 |
| Semester 2 | Operating Systems | MSCS-2-01T | 4 |
| Semester 2 | Operating Systems Lab | MSCS-2-01P | 2 |
| Semester 2 | Data Structure & Algorithms | MSCS-2-02T | 4 |
| Semester 2 | Data Structure & Algorithms Lab | MSCS-2-02P | 2 |
| Semester 2 | Introduction to Cyber Security | MSCS-2-03T | 4 |
| Semester 2 | Software Engineering | MSCS-2-04T | 4 |
| Semester 3 | Web Programming | MSCS-3-01T | 4 |
| Semester 3 | Web Programming Lab | MSCS-3-01P | 2 |
| Semester 3 | Data Mining & Visualization | MSCS-3-02T | 4 |
| Semester 3 | Data Mining & Visualization Lab | MSCS-3-02P | 4 |
| Semester 3 | Computer Networks | MSCS-3-03T | 4 |
| Semester 3 | Introduction to Data Science | MSCS-3-04T | 4 |
| Semester 4 | Machine Learning | MSCS-4-01T | 4 |
| Semester 4 | Research Methodology and IPR | MSCS-4-02T | 4 |
| Semester 4 | Major Project | MSCS-4-03P | 10 |
| Semester 4 | Seminar | MSCS-4-04 | 2 |
Evaluation and Examination System
Performance in M.Sc. (Computer Science) is evaluated through continuous internal assessments and end-semester examinations.
Continuous Internal Assessment (30% weightage): Conducted via home assignments. Four assignments are required for a 4-credit course, and two assignments for a 2-credit course. Each assignment carries 50 marks, and students must obtain a minimum of 40% marks in each assignment separately.
Semester End Examination (70% weightage): Examinations are held twice a year in June and December. Students who fail to obtain a passing score can re-appear in subsequent June/December examinations within the maximum duration of 4 years.
Passing Requirement: Learners must score at least 40% marks in continuous evaluation and semester-end examinations separately, with at least 35% minimum marks in both components and an overall minimum of 40% in each course.
Important PSOU links
| What you can do | Official page |
|---|---|
| check PSOU admission notice and apply online | psou.ac.in/beta/admission |
| browse all postgraduate academic programmes | www.psou.ac.in/beta/courses |
| view course syllabus lists | www.psou.ac.in/beta/syllabus |
| log into the PSOU student portal | student.psou.ac.in/Login |
Frequently asked questions
What is the total credit requirement for M.Sc. Computer Science at PSOU?
The M.Sc. (Computer Science) programme consists of 80 total credits distributed across 4 semesters.
What is the fee per semester for General ODL students in M.Sc. Computer Science?
General category distance learners pay Rs. 7,250 per semester for the M.Sc. (Computer Science) programme.
What is the last date for admission to the July 2026 session?
The last date for admission for the July 2026 session is 10 October 2026.
Who needs to take the Bridge Course in M.Sc. Computer Science?
Learners admitted to M.Sc. (Computer Science) who did not study Computer Science, Computer Applications, Mathematics, Statistics, Operation Research, or Economics at the graduation level must pass a non-credit qualifying Bridge Course during their first year.
What are the passing criteria for internal assignments and end-semester exams?
Students must score at least 40% marks in continuous evaluations (assignments) and semester-end examinations separately, maintaining a minimum of 35% in each component and an overall course minimum of 40%.
When are the semester end examinations conducted at PSOU?
Semester-end examinations are conducted twice a year by PSOU, in June and in December.
Sources
Written from the official PSOU pages and documents below, as read on 2 October 2026.
- M.sc.(computer Science) | Programmes offered | Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open Univ psou.ac.in/…/m.sc.28computer-science29
- Admissions psou.ac.in/…/admission