The Ultimate B.A. (Major) Psychology (BAFPC) Guide

Programme at a Glance

Total Credits

120 (Major) / 160 (Honours)

Programme Validity

Major: 3-6 Yrs | Honours: 4-8 Yrs

Medium

English & Hindi

Eligibility

10+2 or its equivalent

FYUP Structure & Exit Options

This is a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) with multiple exit points:

After 1 Year (40+4 credits): Exit with a UG Certificate.
After 2 Years (80+4 credits): Exit with a UG Diploma.
After 3 Years (120 credits): Awarded a B.A. (Major) Psychology Degree.
After 4 Years (160 credits): Awarded a B.A. (Honours) Psychology Degree.

Programme Fee Structure

The total fee is paid on a yearly basis. Below is an estimated breakdown. Fees are subject to change as per IGNOU's policies.

Per Year Fee

₹5,800

(For the First Year)

One-Time Fees

Registration Fee: ₹300

Development Fee: ₹200

Total at Admission: ₹6,300

The fee for subsequent years is ₹5,800 each, paid during re-registration. The examination fee is separate and paid before each exam session.

Typical Academic Calendar (Yearly System)

July Session Timeline

Admission: May - August
Assignment Submission: October - March (Deadline is usually March 31st)
Term-End Examination: June
Result Declaration: August

January Session Timeline

Admission: November - February
Assignment Submission: March - September (Deadline is usually September 30th)
Term-End Examination: December
Result Declaration: February

The IGNOU Support System Explained

To navigate IGNOU effectively, it's crucial to understand its two main support pillars: the Regional Centre and the Study Centre.

Regional Centre (RC): Your Admin Hub

The RC is your main administrative office for a specific geographical region. It manages your student record, admissions, and examinations.

Contact your RC for:

Admission confirmation and ID card issues
Changes to your address or Study Centre
Exam-related issues and results
Final grade card and degree certificate

Learner Support Centre (LSC): Your Academic Hub

This is your local academic contact point, usually a local college. You are assigned a Study Centre (also called a Learner Support Centre) for academic support.

Contact your LSC for:

Schedule for Academic Counselling sessions
Submitting assignments (online or offline)
Information on practicals and viva-voce
General academic guidance from counsellors

Yearly Course Breakdown (B.A. Major)

Semester I (20 Credits)

BPCC 101: Introduction to Psychology (DSC - 6)
Covers the fundamental concepts, history, and branches of psychology.
Vocational Course 1 (VOC - 4)
Inter-disciplinary Course 1 (IDC - 6)
Skill Enhancement Course 1 (SEC - 4)

Semester II (20 Credits)

BPCC 107: Social Psychology (DSC - 6)
Explores how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations.
Vocational Course 2 (VOC - 4)
BEVAE 181: Environmental Studies (AEC - 4)
BEDSV 101: Value Education (VAC - 6)

Semester III (20 Credits)

BPCC 105: Psychological Research (DSC - 6)
Introduces scientific methods, research designs, and ethics in psychology.
BPCC 106: Development of Psychological Thought (DSC - 6)
Traces the historical evolution of psychological theories and schools of thought.
Minor Course 1 (Minor-DSC - 4)
AEC-2: English/Hindi/Urdu/Sanskrit (AEC - 4)

Semester IV (20 Credits)

BPCC 104: Statistical Methods for Research-I (DSC - 6)
Focuses on descriptive statistics and data analysis techniques.
BPCC 109: Developmental Psychology (DSC - 6)
Studies human growth and change across the lifespan, from infancy to old age.
Minor Course 2 (Minor-DSC - 4)
Skill Enhancement Course-2 (SEC - 4)

Semester V (20 Credits)

BPCC 103: Psychology of Individual Differences (DSC - 6)
Examines personality, intelligence, and other factors that make individuals unique.
BPCC 108: Statistical Methods for Research-II (DSC - 6)
Covers inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, and advanced statistical tools.
Minor Course 3 (Minor-DSC - 4)
Skill Enhancement Course-3 (SEC - 4)

Semester VI (20 Credits)

DSC-9: Choose one from list (DSC - 6)
(e.g. BPCC133, BPCC112, BPCC114)
DSC-10: Choose one from list (DSC - 6)
(e.g. BPCC102, BPCC110, BPCE142, BPCE143)
Vocational Course 3 (VOC - 4)
Internship/Course (4)

Information Pending for Honours Year

The specific courses for the 4th Year (Semesters 7 & 8) are yet to be announced by IGNOU. The structure below is based on the standard FYUP framework. Completing these 40 credits will elevate your B.A. (Major) to a B.A. (Honours) degree. Please check the official IGNOU prospectus for the latest updates as you approach your third year.

Semester VII (20 Credits)

Advanced Discipline Specific Course (DSC - 6)
Advanced Discipline Specific Course (DSC - 6)
Advanced Discipline Specific Course (DSC - 4)
Advanced Minor Course (Minor-DSC - 4)

Semester VIII (20 Credits)

Project / Dissertation (12 Credits)
OR 2-3 advanced courses from the Major discipline.
Advanced Discipline Specific Course (DSC - 4)
Advanced Vocational Course (VOC - 4)

Detailed Syllabus (Core Psychology Courses)

First Year Courses

BPCC-101: Introduction to Psychology

Block 1: Introduction to Psychology

Unit 1: Origin of Psychology
Unit 2: Nature and Scope

Block 2: Perception

Unit 3: Perception: Meaning, Laws, Perceptual Constancies, Factors affecting Perception
Unit 4: Perception: Types and Errors of Perception

Block 3: Thinking and Language

Unit 5: Thinking
Unit 6: Language

Block 4: Learning and Memory

Unit 7: Learning
Unit 8: Memory

Block 5: Motivation and Emotion

Unit 9: Motivation
Unit 10: Emotion

BPCC-107: Social Psychology

Block 1: Introduction to Social Psychology

Unit 1: Introduction to Social Psychology
Unit 2: Theories of Social Psychology

Block 2: Self in Social Context

Unit 3: Self and its processes
Unit 4: Self in Social Context

Block 3: Social Cognition

Unit 5: Social Cognition: Understanding Social Behaviour- I
Unit 6: Social Cognition: Understanding Social Behaviour- II
Unit 7: Attitude And Attitude Change

Block 4: Social Influence

Unit 8: Social Influence
Unit 9: Aggression and Social Influence
Unit 10: Interpersonal Attraction and Pro-Social Behaviour

Block 5: Group Dynamics

Unit 11: Group Processes
Unit 12: Leader and Leadership

BPCC-102: Biopsychology

Block 1: Introduction to Biopsychology

Unit 1: Nature and Scope
Unit 2: Methods and Divisions

Block 2: The Nervous System

Unit 3: Anatomy and Functions
Unit 4: Neural Conduction and Synaptic Transmission

Block 3: The Endocrine System

Unit 5: Structure and Functions
Unit 6: Role of Hormones in Regulating Behavior

Second Year Courses

BPCC-105: Psychological Research

Block 1: Introduction to Research in Psychology

Unit 1: Basics of Research
Unit 2: Aims, Goals and Principles of Psychological Research
Unit 3: Reliability, Validity and Standardization
Unit 4: Ethical issues in Psychological Research

Block 2: Types of Research

Unit 5: Experimental Method
Unit 6: Non-Experimental Method
Unit 7: Quasi-Experimental Method
Unit 8: Other Methods (Case study, Archival, field study)

Block 3: Research Design

Unit 9: Introduction to Research Design
Unit 10: Sampling

Block 4: Report Writing

Unit 11: Preparation of a Research Report

BPCC-106: Development of Psychological Thought

Block 1: An Overview

Unit 1: Psychology as a Science
Unit 2: Contribution of Early Pioneers

Block 2: Development of Psychology

Unit 3: Structuralism, Functionalism and Behaviorism
Unit 4: Gestalt Psychology, Psychoanalysis and Humanistic Psychology

Block 3: Contemporary Developments in Psychology

Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology
Unit 6: Recent Trends in Psychology

BPCC-104: Statistical Methods for Psychological Research-I

Block 1: Introduction to Statistics

Unit 1: Parametric and Non-parametric Statistics
Unit 2: Data Organisation and Graphical Representation

Block 2: Measures of Central Tendency

Unit 3: Concept and Calculation
Unit 4: Properties and Application

Block 3: Measures of Variability

Unit 5: Concept and Calculation
Unit 6: Properties and Application

Block 4: Correlation

Unit 7: Concept and Calculation
Unit 8: Other Methods of Correlation

BPCC-109: Developmental Psychology

Block 1: Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Unit 1: Introduction to Human Development
Unit 2: Theories of Development

Block 2: Cognitive and Language Development

Unit 3: Cognitive Development
Unit 4: Language Development

Block 3: Socio-emotional Development

Unit 5: Emotional Development
Unit 6: Social and Moral Development

Block 4: Context of Human Development

Unit 7: Family
Unit 8: Schooling and Peer group

Third Year Courses

BPCC-103: Psychology of Individual Differences

Block 1: Introduction to Individual Differences

Unit 1: Meaning and Areas
Unit 2: Heredity and Environment

Block 2: Intelligence

Unit 3: Theories of Intelligence
Unit 4: Measurement of Intelligence

Block 3: Personality

Unit 5: Theories of Personality
Unit 6: Assessment of Personality

Block 4: Creativity and Adjustment

Unit 7: Concept and Measurement
Unit 8: Well-being and Adjustment

BPCC-108: Statistical Methods for Psychological Research-II

Block 1: Introduction to Statistical Methods-II

Unit 1: Normal Distribution
Unit 2: Skewness and Kurtosis

Block 2: Inferential Statistics

Unit 3: Introduction to Inferential Statistics
Unit 4: Test of Significance of Difference Between Means

Block 3: Chi-Square Test

Unit 5: Introduction to Chi-Square
Unit 6: Application of Chi-Square

DSC-9 & DSC-10 Electives (e.g., BPCC-114, BPCE-142)

In the 6th Semester, you choose two courses from a list. The syllabus for some common choices are:

BPCC-114: Counselling Psychology: Covers theories, processes, and skills fundamental to counselling practice, including ethical issues and applications in various settings.

BPCE-142: Forensic Psychology: Explores the application of psychological principles to the legal and criminal justice system, including topics like criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, and assessment of offenders.

BPCC-110: Applied Social Psychology: Focuses on using social psychological theories and research to address real-world problems in areas like health, environment, and community.

Key Academic Processes In-Depth

The Assignment Process (30% Weightage)

Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) are mandatory for every course. They test your understanding and contribute 30% to your final grade.

Download: Get the latest TMAs from the IGNOU Assignment Portal for your admission cycle.
Write: Answer all questions in your own handwriting on A4 paper. Use a cover page with your Enrolment No., Name, Address, Course Code & Title, etc.
Submit: Most Regional Centres now have an online portal for assignment submission. Submit before the deadline (typically March 31st for June TEE & Sept 30th for Dec TEE).
Keep Proof: Always save a digital copy (scan or photos) of your submitted assignments and the submission receipt.
Check Status: After a few weeks, check your assignment submission status and marks on the main IGNOU website.

The Examination Process (70% Weightage)

The Term-End Examination (TEE) is the final written exam for each course, contributing 70% to your final grade. They are held twice a year in June and December.

Exam Fees: The fee is paid online when filling the exam form.
- Theory Course: ₹200 per course
- Practical/Lab: ₹300 (up to 4 credits), ₹500 (above 4 credits)
- Project Work: ₹300 (up to 4 credits), ₹500 (above 4 credits)
Hall Ticket: Hall Tickets are not sent by post. They are uploaded on the IGNOU website 7-10 days before exams begin.
Mandatory Documents: You must bring your printed Hall Ticket and your official IGNOU Student ID card to the examination centre. Without both, you will not be permitted to appear for the exam.
Missed Exams: There's no penalty for missing an exam. You can simply appear for it in the next 6-month cycle by filling the exam form and paying the fee again.

Evaluation and Grading System

Your final grade for each course is a combination of your assignment marks (30% weightage) and your Term-End Exam marks (70% weightage). For undergraduate programmes, IGNOU uses a 10-Point Grading System. The final percentage is then converted into a letter grade as shown below.

Letter Grade	Numerical Grade	Percentage
O (Outstanding)	10	≥85
A+ (Excellent)	9	≥ 75 to < 85
A (Very Good)	8	≥ 65 to < 75
B+ (Good)	7	≥ 55 to < 65
B (Above Average)	6	≥ 50 to < 55
C (Average)	5	≥ 40 to < 50
D (Pass)	4	≥ 35 to < 40
F (Fail)	0	< 35
Ab (Absent)	0	Absent

Study Strategies for Success

Master Your SLMs

IGNOU's Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) are comprehensive. Make them your primary resource. Read them thoroughly and make your own notes. The exam questions are almost always based on them.

Use Previous Year Questions

Solving question papers from the last 5-10 exam sessions is the single most effective preparation strategy. It helps you understand the pattern, important topics, and how to structure your answers.

Assignments are Key

Take your assignments seriously. They not only carry 30% weightage but also serve as excellent practice for the final exams. Write them yourself after studying the material to truly test your knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between BAPCH and BAFPC?

BAPCH is a 3-year B.A. (Honours) degree under the older CBCS system. BAFPC is part of the new 4-year FYUP system, which starts as a B.A. (Major) and becomes an Honours degree after the 4th year. BAPCH has a more rigid, psychology-focused structure from the start, while BAFPC is more interdisciplinary in the initial years.

Is attendance in counselling sessions compulsory?

No, attendance in theory counselling sessions is not mandatory. However, attending them is highly recommended as they can help clarify complex topics. Attendance for practicals/labs, if any, is usually compulsory.

When and how will I receive my books?

Printed books (SLMs) are dispatched by IGNOU via post and can take a few months to arrive after your admission is confirmed. You can track the dispatch status on the IGNOU website. In the meantime, you should start studying from the digital copies available on the eGyanKosh portal.

What is Re-Registration?

Re-registration is the process of enrolling for the next year of your programme. It is different from the exam form. For example, after completing your first-year exams, you must re-register to be admitted into the second year. This is done online via the IGNOU Samarth portal.

Degree Validity & Your Career Path

IGNOU's Exempted Status

The UGC has officially exempted IGNOU from its ODL and Online regulations since 2019-20. This gives IGNOU special status to offer programmes like Psychology, even if they are restricted for other ODL universities.

An Academic Degree, Not a Professional License

The BAFPC degree is a valid academic qualification. It makes you eligible for further studies, such as an M.A. in Clinical Psychology. However, it is not a professional healthcare qualification by itself under the NCAHP Act.

Your Path Forward: Important Advice

For Academic Careers: Your BAFPC degree is a strong foundation for pursuing Master's degrees (like M.A. Psychology), Ph.D., and entering academic or research fields.
For Professional Practice (e.g., Counseling): To become a licensed counselor or clinical psychologist in India, you will need to complete a Master's degree in a regular, face-to-face mode from a recognized university.

Click Here for a Detailed Explanation of UGC Rules & IGNOU's Status

IGNOU's Digital Ecosystem

Student Portal

Your personal dashboard to download your ID card, re-register, and manage your profile.

Go to Portal

eGyanKosh

Access and download digital versions of all your course books (SLMs) for free.

Access e-Books

Assignment Portal

Download the latest Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) for your courses.

Get Assignments

Previous Year Questions

Practice for your TEE by downloading question papers from previous exam sessions.

Find Papers

BAPCH/BAFPC Telegram Unofficial Group

Connect with fellow BAPCH and BAFPC students for peer support in this unofficial group run by VikPath.

Join the Group

Gyan Darshan

IGNOU's educational TV channel. Watch live lectures and recorded academic programs.

Watch Now

Gyan Vani / Gyandhara

An educational FM Radio network and internet audio service with curriculum-based programs and live counselling.

Listen Live

IGNOU e-Content App

Access your course materials, videos, and more on your smartphone via the official app.

Download App

The Ultimate Guide to B.A. (Major) Psychology

Quick Navigation