Submitting the project for the IGNOU MAAN (Master of Arts in Anthropology) programme is a decisive step toward completing your degree. At this stage, many students feel anxious because the process involves formal documentation, strict formatting rules, and coordination with supervisors and IGNOU authorities. This anxiety is natural. However, once the structure and requirements are clearly understood, the entire process becomes systematic, organised, and manageable.

The MAAN project submission is completed in two major stages:

• Research proposal (synopsis) submission and approval

• Writing and final submission of the dissertation

Understanding this two-stage structure is essential for avoiding confusion, rejection, or unnecessary delays.

Many students enrolled in the MAAN programme feel uncertain about the project requirements of MANI-1, MANI-3, and MANP-001. Common questions include:

• Which project belongs to which year?

• Is synopsis approval compulsory for all projects?

• Can the same research topic be continued?

• Where should each project be submitted?

This guide addresses these doubts in a clear, structured, and student-friendly manner, so that you can complete your project work without stress or mistakes.

Research Proposal Submission and Approval

The project work officially begins with the preparation of a research proposal (synopsis). IGNOU strongly recommends that students prepare the initial draft independently before approaching a supervisor. This demonstrates academic seriousness and allows the supervisor to understand your research interests and methodological approach more clearly. In practice, a self-prepared draft often leads to quicker approval and more constructive guidance.

Establishing a good working relationship with your supervisor is extremely important. The supervisor does not merely approve your proposal but also guides you during fieldwork, data collection, analysis, and dissertation writing. In anthropology, where field-based research is central, this guidance becomes especially valuable.

What to Include in the Research Proposal

Your proposal must strictly follow IGNOU’s formal requirements. It should be:

• Typed on A4-size paper

• Approximately 2,000 words

• Clearly structured with appropriate headings and subheadings

• Page numbers placed at the bottom centre

Along with the synopsis, the following documents must be attached:

• Project Proposal Proforma (as prescribed by IGNOU)

• Supervisor’s Biodata

For submission, two identical sets of the complete proposal are required:

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

• One set to be submitted at your Regional Centre

Important Submission Guidelines

IGNOU follows strict procedural rules, and failure to comply can result in rejection. Keep the following points in mind:

• Submit the proposal only through Registered Post or Speed Post

• Prepare the cover page strictly according to Appendix-I format

• Ensure the cover page clearly mentions:

  • Student’s name, address, and enrolment number

  • Study Centre and Regional Centre (name and code)

  • Tentative title of the research proposal

  • Supervisor’s name and complete address

• The cover page must carry the signature of the Academic Counsellor/Supervisor

Even a minor deviation from these guidelines may lead to outright rejection of the proposal.

Proposal Approval Process

After submission, the proposal is evaluated by the IGNOU Faculty Committee. Normally, feedback is provided within 15 days. Once the proposal is approved, you are officially permitted to begin fieldwork and research activities.

If the proposal is not approved, you must:

• Revise the proposal according to the evaluator’s comments

• Attach the evaluator’s feedback

• Resubmit the revised proposal along with a fresh proforma

It is important to note that once the proposal is approved, the title cannot be changed, not even its wording. Incomplete proposals or submissions missing required documents are rejected without evaluation.

Dissertation Format and Submission Guidelines

After receiving proposal approval, the next stage is the preparation of the final dissertation, which must strictly follow IGNOU’s formatting rules.

Formatting Requirements

The dissertation must adhere to the following specifications:

• Language: English

• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point

• Line spacing: 1.5

• Paper size: A4

• Length: 80–120 pages (maximum 20,000 words)

• Binding: Spiral bound with transparent plastic cover

• Page numbering: Bottom centre, continuous

IGNOU allows a 10% variation in the word or page limit. Appendices such as questionnaires, interview schedules, photographs, maps, field notes, or research tools may be included.

Sequence of Dissertation Contents

The dissertation must be arranged in the following order:

• Cover Page (title, student details, supervisor, programme, university, month and year)

• Title Page with the declaration:
  “This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master’s degree in Anthropology of the Indira Gandhi National Open University.”

• Certificate by Supervisor certifying originality

• Table of Contents

• Acknowledgements

• Main Text (usually 4–5 chapters including introduction and conclusion)

• Bibliographic References

• Appendices

• Approved Research Proposal Copy (attached at the end)

Confused between MANI-1, MANI-3, and MANP-001?

This detailed IGNOU Project Guide will help you understand everything clearly before you begin. After clicking this link, you will get complete clarity on:

• Which project you need to choose according to your IGNOU programme
• When the project has to be submitted, including the correct session and deadlines
• Where the project should be submitted, whether at the study centre or regional centre
• Who needs to submit MANI-1, MANI-3, or MANP-001, explained programme-wise
• Common mistakes to avoid during project selection and submission

This guide is especially useful for students who want to avoid confusion and ensure smooth and error-free IGNOU project submission. Click the link below to read the complete guide and make the right decision before starting your project.

Click Here for Full Details

Final Submission of the Dissertation

Before submission, carefully verify that all pages are correctly arranged and that the approved proposal cover page is attached at the end. You must submit two spiral-bound copies of the dissertation to your Regional Centre.

The envelope should be clearly marked “Dissertation – MAAN”. Submission may be done in person or through insured registered or speed post. Careful checking at this final stage helps avoid delays and ensures smooth completion of your MAAN degree.

IGNOU MAAN Project Topics (MANP-001, MANI-1 & MANI-3)  Read More

✅ Submission Deadlines