Submitting the IGNOU MAAN (Master of Arts in Anthropology) project is a crucial step toward completing your degree. The process involves two main stages—Research Proposal Submission and Approval, followed by Dissertation Writing and Final Submission. If you’re confused about the procedures, guidelines, or formatting rules, this blog will walk you through everything in a simple and structured way.

📘 Research Proposal Submission and Approval

The journey of your MAAN dissertation begins with the research proposal or synopsis. It is highly recommended that you prepare the first draft of your proposal yourself before seeking supervision. This shows your preparedness, helps your supervisor understand your topic better, and increases the chances of quicker approval.

A good rapport with your academic supervisor not only helps in refining the proposal but also supports you throughout fieldwork, analysis, and future academic or professional growth.

✅ What to Submit in the Proposal?

Your proposal (synopsis) must include the following:

• Typed on A4-size paper

• Pages numbered at the bottom center

• Approx. 2000 words

• Along with:

  • Project Proposal Proforma

  • Supervisor’s Biodata

• One copy must be sent to the Programme Coordinator (MAAN), School of Social Sciences, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068

• Another copy must be submitted at your Regional Centre

✅ Important Submission Guidelines

Make sure to follow these rules:

• Send your proposal only via Registered Post or Speed Post

• The cover page must follow Appendix-I format, including:

  • Student’s name, address, and enrollment number

  • Study Centre & Regional Centre name and code

  • Tentative title of the proposal

  • Supervisor’s name and address

• Ensure that your Academic Counsellor or Supervisor signs the cover page

✅ Approval Process

• The proposal is reviewed by the IGNOU Faculty Committee

• You will receive approval or suggestions within 15 days

• If approved — you can start your research and fieldwork

• If not approved, you must:

  • Revise your proposal based on the feedback

  • Attach the evaluator’s comments

  • Resubmit the proposal with a fresh proforma

• Once approved, you cannot change the title or even its wording

• Incomplete proposals or missing documents will be rejected immediately

📚 1.5.4 Dissertation Format and Submission Guidelines

After receiving approval for your proposal, the next step is preparing your dissertation according to IGNOU’s official guidelines.

✅ Formatting Requirements

You can include appendices such as questionnaires, photographs, maps, interview schedules, or field notes. A 10% variation in word/page limit is acceptable.

✅ Sequence of Dissertation Content

Your dissertation must be arranged in the following order:

1. Cover Page – Title, student’s name, enrolment number, supervisor’s name, programme, university, month & year of submission

2. Title Page – Same details + declaration:
   “This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Masters degree in Anthropology of the Indira Gandhi National Open University”

3. Certificate by Supervisor – Confirming the originality of the work

4. Table of Contents

5. Acknowledgements

6. Main Text – Typically 4–5 chapters including Introduction and Conclusion

7. Bibliographic References

8. Appendices – Questionnaires, maps, photos, and tools used in fieldwork

9. Approved Research Proposal Copy – Must be attached at the end

📬 Final Submission of Dissertation

Before submitting the dissertation to IGNOU:

• Make sure all pages are arranged in the correct sequence

• Ensure the approved proposal cover page is attached at the end

• Submit two spiral-bound copies to the Regional Centre

• Clearly write “Dissertation – MAAN” on the envelope

• Submission is allowed:

  • In person (by hand), or

  • By insured registered/speed post

✅ Submission Deadlines