How to Enrol for Admission to PhD at IGNOU?
PhD Admissions at IGNOU
How to Get Admission to a PhD Course at IGNOU? - The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the most popular colleges in India. It is often the first choice for distance learning and online education. At IGNOU, they offer numerous programmes in numerous streams. They also offer doctoral-level courses or a PhD in various disciplines. Earlier, another doctoral-level programme, MPhil, was also offered at the university. However, MPhil is no longer recognised by the UGC. In this article, we will discuss the admission process for the PhD programme at IGNOU and more. To get admission to the PhD programmes at IGNOU, aspirants must fill an online application form (available on the IGNOU website for INR 1000). They must also have a master's in a relevant discipline to be eligible for the programme. Read further to learn more.
Also Read -
List of Open Universities in India
PhD Course: Highlights
Some key information about the PhD programme at IGNOU is mentioned in the table below.
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name |
Doctor of Philosophy |
| Course level |
Doctorate |
| Eligibility |
Through Fellowship: Master's in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks and cleared National level fellowship examination. Research Entrance Test: Master's in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks and cleared RET conducted by the university. |
| Duration |
3 years and a maximum of 6 years |
| Course Fee |
Up to INR 6 lakh |
| Average salary |
INR 5 to 10 lakh |
| Top Recruiters |
Government Departments, Research Institutes, Academic Institutions, Colleges and Universities |
| Entrance Exam |
|
| Job Positions |
Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Research Advisor, Research Consultant |
Also Read:
List of PhD Specialization
Top 10 Economics Colleges of Delhi University
IGNOU offers the following courses in PhD
At IGNOU, PhD programmes are offered in the following subjects.
| IGNOU PhD Courses |
|
|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Extension |
Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology |
Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry |
Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science |
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics |
| Doctor of Philosophy in English |
Doctor of Philosophy in Extension & Development Studies |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Food & Nutrition |
Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism and Hospitality |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Vocational Education |
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Hindi |
Doctor of Philosophy in History |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Studies |
Doctor of Philosophy in Inter-disciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Journalism and Mass Communication |
Doctor of Philosophy in Library & Information Science |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Management |
Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing |
Doctor of Philosophy in Performing and Visual Arts with a specialisation in Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Music |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Law |
Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Physics |
Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Education |
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration |
Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Development |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Geology |
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology |
|
In order to pursue a course in IGNOU, candidates need to clear an IGNOU PhD entrance exam, which will be followed by an interview round. Once both rounds have been cleared, the candidate is eligible for admission. More on the entrance test below.
Also Read: Top 10 BA Subjects & Specialisations
IGNOU PhD Eligibility Criteria
Before filling out the application form, candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria. If a candidate is found ineligible at any point in time during the admission procedure, the applicant will not be allowed to advance further in the process.
Yes, students could take direct admission to a lot of UG and PG programmes offered at IGNOU. IGNOU admissions for many undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as BSc, BA, BCA, MBA, MA, and MSc are based on the merit of the last qualifying exam. IGNOU admission is conducted twice a year. Students should apply for IGNOU admissions 2025 before the last date of admission.
The below-mentioned is the IGNOU admission video:
PhD
- Candidates must have a master’s degree in the relevant discipline from a recognised university by the UGC.
- There is a relaxation of 5 per cent marks for reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC).
- Candidates holding an MPhil Degree (along with coursework and dissertation) or candidates who have cleared NET or any other equivalent examination must also appear for the entrance exam.
Also Read: IGNOU BA Economics Syllabus
How to fill the IGNOU Application Form for PhD Programmes?
To enrol for admission in IGNOU, the first process begins with the filling and submitting of the application form. Candidates can only apply online on the official website of IGNOU. However, candidates must note that application forms are available on certain dates before the session commences. The varsity will not accept application forms after the due date. The steps to fill the application form are listed below.
Step 1: Visit IGNOU's website.
Step 2: On visiting the website, candidates will have to click on the ‘admission link’.
Step 3: On clicking the ‘admission link’, the candidate will have to enter their respective email IDs and password. After registering, the candidate can then log in.
Step 4: On logging in, the candidate will have to click on the ‘apply now’ link. On doing so, the candidate can then fill in the application form.
Step 5: Candidates are advised to cross-check every detail that is being entered in the form. Once the applicant has filled the form, the candidate is required to upload a JPEG file of their respective passport-size photographs and signature.
IGNOU offers only very selective programmes to international students through its overseas partner institutes. These partner institutes render student support services to such students. Such students aspiring to pursue IGNOU programmes must contact the concerned partner institute in their vicinity and fill out the admission form along with the requisite fees within the stipulated time. Click here to view the list of partner institutes along with their contact details.
IGNOU BA application window is open. Students apply through the official website. The BA course at IGNOU application mentioned below:
Visit the website. Click on 'Apply Online'.
Select the 'Click here for New Registration' option.
Register online with required details.
Log in, fill out the form, pay the application fee, and submit the form.
Indira Gandhi National Open University has extended its application deadline from Jul 15 to Jul 31. Candidates seeking admission to the MA courses can apply in Jul session till the extended date. Additionally, the candidates who are pursuing the course can re-register as well. The IGNOU re-registration date is extended till Jul 31 as well.
Step 6: Once all the details are filled in, the candidate can then proceed to pay the application fee, which is Rs 1000. The payment can be made online or offline.
Online: The candidate can pay the application fee online via credit card/ debit card/ net banking.
Offline: Demand draft, which can be sent to the university address.
Step 7: Once the formalities have been completed, the candidate is advised to take a printout of the application form for future reference.
IGNOU PhD Entrance Exam
Selection for admission to the varsity is done on the basis of the written entrance exam, which will be followed by an interview. Only those who clear the exam will be called for interviews. Candidates who have cleared NET (conducted by UGC/CSIR/ICAR) or any other equivalent examination will be exempted from appearing for the IGNOU entrance exam. Candidates need to keep in mind the following process for the entrance exam.
- IGNOU will release a list of candidates’ names who have been shortlisted for the entrance exam. Applicants can see the list, which will be available on the official website of IGNOU.
- Candidates who have been shortlisted for the entrance exam will be issued the admit cards a week prior to the IGNOU PhD entrance exam.
- Candidates must carry their admit cards to the test centres. Those who fail to do so will not be allowed to take the exam.
IGNOU PhD Entrance Exam Pattern
The test will feature MCQs. The test pattern is elaborated in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Syllabus | Research Methodology and Subject-Specific Syllabus of the Postgraduate Level (50% weightage for each) |
| Types of Questions | MCQs |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks/ question, no negative marking |
Interview Round
Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the interview/presentation round. The results of the written entrance exam will be declared on the official website of IGNOU. Candidates can check the result through the following steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of IGNOU.
Step 2: The candidate will have to click on ‘Results’, which will be present under the banner at the top of the page.
Step 3: On clicking the ‘result’ link, the candidate will be directed to a new page. From there on, the candidate will have to search for the MPhil/PhD entrance exam result link.
Step 4: On finding the link, the candidate will have to enter the ‘application number and password’. On entering the details, the results will be available on the screen.
Names of candidates mentioned in the list will have to appear for the second round, which is the interview/presentation process. Candidates will have to carry their documents as well, such as:
- ID proof and photocopies
- Class 10 mark sheet and photocopy
- Class 12 mark sheet and photocopy
- Graduation certificates
Candidates who clear the second round (Interview/Presentation) will receive offer letters for admission at IGNOU.
Read More:
News & Updates
Photos & Videos
+11
- M.A. (Master of Arts)
- B.A (Bachelor of Arts)
- MSc (Master of Science)
- Social Responsibility
- B.Ed
- BSc
- MBA (Masters of Business Administration)
- B.Com
- B.Lib.I.Sc. (Bachelor of Library and Information Science)
- BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
- Ph.D.
- B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic)
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Science Subject
- Teaching & Education
- Business & Management Study
- Medical Courses
- IT Software Courses
- Commerce
- Hospitality & Travel
- Top Private Law Colleges in Delhi/NCR
- Top Colleges Colleges in Delhi/NCR
- Top Commerce Colleges in Delhi/NCR
- Top Mass Communication Colleges in Delhi/NCR
- Top Private Medical Colleges in Delhi/NCR
- Top SDGs Institutions Colleges in Delhi/NCR
- Top Government Engineering Colleges in Delhi/NCR
- Top Private Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi/NCR
Contact Details
Address
Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi
Saket, Delhi
Get details of Similar Colleges
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 weeks ago
After graduation, you can apply for M.A. in Music at AAFT, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. They have an entrance process and you may need to appear for an audition and interview.
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a month ago
To recieve their IGNOU ID card and books, students must complete the admission process and payment of fee. Students can download their digital ID card from the IGNOU Samarth Portal after recieving admission confirmation.
The timeline for receiving the study material depends on the mode selected by t
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
For the IGNOU BEd Application Form 2026, the scanned passport-size photo should be in JPEG format, usually between 20KB–100KB. The scanned signature must be clear, in JPEG format, between 10KB–50KB. Uploading the correct size ensures smooth submission of the online BEd registration form.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam 2026 will be conducted at multiple centres across India. The exact list of exam cities is released in the official notification. Candidates can select their preferred exam centre during the application process, subject to availability of seats at that centre.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, once allotted, the IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam Centre 2026 cannot usually be changed. Candidates are advised to carefully select their preferred city while filling the application form. In rare cases, IGNOU may allow changes, but only under specific conditions mentioned in the guidelines.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, the graduation mark sheet is mandatory for IGNOU BEd admission 2026. Candidates must provide proof of their qualifying degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Without valid academic certificates, the IGNOU BEd application will not be accepted by the university.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Candidates can pay the IGNOU BEd Application Fee 2026 online through debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. Offline payment modes are not accepted. Payment must be made immediately after form submission, and a confirmation receipt should be downloaded for future reference.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
For admission to IGNOU college for MA (Master of Arts) courses, students must at least secure 50% marks in graduation in any discipline from a recognised university in India. You'll get various specializations of MA at IGNOU, from English, Hindi, Political Science, to Mass Communication, Drawing & P
A
Contributor-Level 10
IGNOU admission 2025 is open for July Session. The last date to apply for Online/ ODL courses is Sep 15, 2025. Candidates can fill out the application form on the official website of IGNOU. Aspirants have to first register and then login to fill out the application form.