MPhil and PhD Admission 2020-21 Notifications
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M.Phil / PhD Admission in Indian Universities and Institutions
Central Universities (CUs)
MPhil/PhD Admission: The Ph.D. degree, an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy,” is the highest academic distinction conferred by most universities worldwide. In the UK, it is commonly referred to as a “Doctorate,” and at certain institutions like Oxford University, it is known as “DPhil.” Postgraduate (PG) students, based on their master’s degree subject, have various options for pursuing a Ph.D. Additionally, interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs may be available, allowing enrollment without specific restrictions related to the subject of the master’s degree.
As per the UGC’s notification, a Ph.D. degree is now a mandatory requirement for direct recruitment to the position of Assistant Professors. However, this new criteria for assistant professor recruitment took effect from July 1, 2021. Despite this change, candidates with a Master’s degree along with either NET (National Eligibility Test) qualification or a Ph.D. will still be considered eligible for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professors in colleges.
Eligibility Criteria for M.Phil and PhD Admission:
The minimum requirement or the eligibility criteria for MPhil or Ph.D. admissions are the followings:
For M.Phil and PhD Admission:
√ Candidates seeking admission to the M.Phil. or Ph.D. program must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent professional degree recognized by the corresponding statutory regulatory body. The minimum eligibility criteria include securing at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade on a different point scale if used). Alternatively, candidates can present an equivalent degree from a foreign educational institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency. This agency should be approved, recognized, or authorized by an authority established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country responsible for assessing, accrediting, or ensuring quality and standards of educational institutions.
√ A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC(non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time, or for those who had obtained their Master’s degree prior to 19th September, 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and the relaxation of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the qualifying marks without including the grace
mark procedures.
For PhD Admission only:
A relaxation of 5% in marks, lowering the eligibility criterion from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation in grade, may be granted to candidates from categories such as SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled, and others, in accordance with the Commission’s decision.
Duration of M.Phil. and PhD Programme:
- The M.Phil. program is designed to have a minimum duration of two consecutive semesters or one year. The program’s maximum duration is set at four consecutive semesters or two years. Candidates typically complete the M.Phil. coursework and research work within this specified timeframe.
- The Ph.D. program is structured with a minimum duration of three years, encompassing coursework and research. On the other hand, the program has a maximum duration of six years, providing flexibility for candidates to complete their doctoral studies within this time frame.
- Any extension beyond the minimum and maximum durations specified for M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs will be subject to the regulations and provisions outlined in the Statute/Ordinance of the respective institution. Individual institutions may have their own rules and procedures for granting extensions, and candidates are expected to comply with these as per the institution’s guidelines.
- For women candidates and Persons with Disability (with more than 40% disability), there is a relaxation provision in the maximum duration for M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs. Women candidates may be granted a relaxation of one year for M.Phil. and two years for Ph.D. Additionally, women candidates may be eligible for Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave once during the entire duration of M.Phil. or Ph.D., for up to 240 days. These provisions aim to support and accommodate the unique needs of women candidates and those with disabilities during their academic pursuits.
Procedure for M.Phil. / PhD Admission:
1. All Universities and Institutions Deemed to be Universities are required to admit M.Phil/Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at the level of the individual University/Institution Deemed to be a University. The University/Institution Deemed to be a University has the authority to establish separate terms and conditions for the Ph.D. Entrance Test for students who have qualified UGC-NET (including JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/teacher fellowship or have completed an M.Phil. program. A similar approach may be adopted for the Entrance Test for the M.Phil. program as well. This allows flexibility in admission criteria based on various qualifications and achievements of the candidates.
2. Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and the colleges under them, which are authorized to conduct M.Phil. and/or Ph.D. programs, are expected to adhere to certain guidelines and standards. The specific requirements and responsibilities may vary, but generally, these institutions are expected to:
- Decide on an annual basis through their academic bodies a predetermined and manageable number of M.Phil. and/or Ph.D. scholars to be admitted depending on the number of available Research Supervisors and other academic and physical facilities available, keeping in mind the norms regarding the scholar-teacher ratio (as
indicated in Para 6.5), laboratory, library, and such other facilities. - Notify well in advance in the institutional website and through advertisement in at least two (2) national newspapers, of which at least one (1) shall be in the regional language, the number of seats for admission, subject/discipline-wise distribution of available seats, criteria for admission, procedure for admission, examination centre(s) where entrance test(s) shall be conducted and all other relevant information for the
benefit of the candidates. - Adhere to the National/State-level reservation policy, as applicable.
3. Admissions to M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs shall be determined based on criteria specified by the institution. These criteria should be in line with guidelines and norms issued by the UGC and other relevant statutory bodies. Additionally, the institution should consider the reservation policy of the Central/State Government, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. This approach ensures a transparent and standardized admission process that adheres to the established guidelines and policies set by regulatory bodies.
4. HEIs, as mentioned in Clause 1.2, shall admit candidates by a two-stage process.
Entrance Test: An Entrance Test shall be qualifying with qualifying marks as 50%. The syllabus of the Entrance Test shall consist of 50% of research methodology and 50% shall be subject specific. The Entrance Test shall be conducted at the Centre(s) notified in advance (changes of Centres, if any, also to be notified well in advance) at the level of the individual HEI, and
5. The interview/viva voce process for M.Phil. and Ph.D. admissions shall consider various aspects, including:
- the candidate possesses the competence for the proposed research;
- the research work can be suitably undertaken at the Institution/College;
- the proposed area of research can contribute to new/additional knowledge.
- The University shall maintain the list of all the M.Phil. /Ph.D. registered students on its website on the yearwise basis. The list shall include the name of the registered candidate, the topic of his/her research, name of his/her supervisor/co-supervisor, date of enrollment/registration.
Note: The individual institutions or universities have their own additional criteria of eligibility and procedures for enrollment in MPhil and PhD. To know the eligibility and procedures of admission of the institutions, please click below.
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