Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

M.Phil is a popular PG course of 2 years focused on research and development, which enables you from different streams such as Chemistry, Economics, Humanities, Commerce and Science, among others.

This degree is earned after the completion of your undergraduate degree. However, it is not just a postgraduate degree. Instead, it is often made available to postgraduate students interested in participating in advanced academic research.

List of M.Phil Chemistry Subjects

Given below is a list of subjects covered as part of their syllabus.

Core MPhil Subjects

If you want to pursue an M.Phil degree in a domain of your choice, you need to study the following core subjects -

Subject Title

Subject Description

Research Methodology

This course introduces the students to concepts related to the basics of educational research. It explores different research approaches, apart from understanding how to use them to collect and analyse data.

You will also learn about the process of creating and reviewing research reports.

Advanced Financial Management

Sound financial management is key to the growth of any business. In this core course offered under M.Phil in Management Science, students will get to know about the following concepts:

  • Bonds - Duration, price and valuation
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Determining exchange rates
  • Consolidation and preparation of financial statements
  • Portfolio management (under CPP and CBP)

Discrete Mathematics

This is a popular course for students of M.Phil in Mathematics. Students will get introductory knowledge about set theory, counting principles and matrices.

The topics covered include:

  • Relations, sets and truth tables
  • Graph terminology and types
  • Countable and uncountable sets
  • Principle of inclusion, pigeonhole and Mathematical induction

Organic Chemistry

 

 

This subject focuses on carbon-containing compounds' structure, properties and reactions. The course has been created to impart extensive exposure to students in the field of organic chemistry.

Concepts covered here include:

  • Effect of external magnetic field
  • Energy transitions, spectroscopy and the theory of mass
  • Unit mass and molecular ions
  • Different methods related to organic synthesis 

MPhil Elective Subjects

Check some of the top electives taught as part of various M.Phil specialisations -

Subject Title

Subject Description

Principles of Polymer Science

 

 

Principles of Polymer Science covers both fundamental and advanced elements of polymer science, including aspects of polymer synthesis, reaction, characterisation, speciality, etc.

It also outlines the polymer classification and nomenclature, explaining its crucial features like intermolecular forces, chain constitution and conformational forms of polymer chains.

Advanced Marketing Management

 

 

This subject explores the current trends in the field of marketing, apart from understanding its importance. Students pursuing their M.Phil in Business Management will learn about consumer behaviours and the factors that affect their buying behaviour.

Concepts covered here include:

  • SWOT analysis
  • Importance of Marketing and Product Research
  • Logistics and supply chain management 

Abstract Algebra

 

 

This is an advanced-level elective course in M.Phil Mathematics. It explores algebraic concepts by using symbols to represent basic arithmetic operations.

Democracy and Human Rights in India

 

This elective subject explores the concept of democracy and human rights in the purview of the Indian democratic system. 

It focuses on directives issued in the Indian constitution, helping you analyse the future of Indian democracy from a global perspective.

Detailed Syllabus for M.Phil

The M.Phil programme varies across colleges. Those interested in studying more about the subjects may enrol at one of India's top colleges based on their eligibility.

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject Title

Subject Description

1

Core

Scientific Research and Methodology

This M.Phil Chemistry course delves deep into collecting information's primary and secondary sources.

Students will learn about the different methods of data collection, sampling and preparation of research reports.

2

Elective

Business Economics

This elective is covered under the M.Phil in Management specialisation. It covers different Macroeconomics concepts, apart from the basic functioning of an economy.

You'll also learn about different economic theories, inflation and international trade.

3

Core

Literary Theory and Criticism

This subject covers essential literary terms, apart from different approaches for analysing different forms of literature.

 

You'll also learn about concepts like myth criticism, psychoanalytical approach and feminism.

 

4

Elective

Application of Tourism in History

This M.Phil History subject delves deep into the role of tourism and its impact on the culture, economy and society.

You'll also learn about different tourism sites in India, alongside the salient features of Indian heritage, history and culture.

Specialisations Offered As Part of M.Phil

There are various specialisations offered to students as part of their M.Phil degree. Some of them have been mentioned below:

Specialisations

Subjects Covered

Description

M.Phil in Economics

  • Foreign trade, trade policies and Balance of payments
  • Foreign Direct Investment
  • Fiscal Policy and Reforms
  • Intellectual Property Rights, their implications and TRIPs

This specialisation focuses on training students around concepts related to economic theory, applied economics and other areas of finance.

If you want to pursue a career as an academician or an economist, this course is for you.

M.Phil in Business Management

  • Project Management
  • Principles of Business Management
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Qualitative Research and Data Analysis

This is a postgraduate specialisation focused on studying business management concepts.

Covering everything from project management principles to finance and accounting, this course includes components of research, analysis and business writing.

M.Phil in Political Science

  • Trends in Indian federalism
  • Globalisation and its political impact
  • Impact of planning and party system
  • Election Commission and its role in the democracy

This course is ideal for those who want to understand the political and socio-economic situation of the country.

It covers concepts such as multi-party systems, federalism and the role of the Election Commission, among others.

M.Phil in History

  • Historiography
  • Socio-economic history of India
  • History of Ideas
  • Cultural History of India

This is the ideal course if you're interested in pursuing a career in historical research.

Books and Authors Related to M.Phil

Books can help you completely understand different concepts related to your subject. Here is a list - divided according to subjects - of the top books you can refer to:

Subject

Book Title

Author(s)

Book Description

Indian Economy (Economics)

India: Economic Development and Social Opportunity

Jean Dreze and Amartya Sen

This book provides a detailed history of the development of the Indian economy and the challenges it faced.

It also discusses the country's historical, political, and social neglect while focusing on public action to resolve these issues.

Social History of  Colonial India

(History)

Caste, Society and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age

Susan Bayly

This book focuses on the emergence of the caste system in India from the pre-colonial period till the end of the twentieth century. A unique thing about this book is that it does not interpret cast as an essence of Indian culture but rather as a response to the enormous changes in the political outlook before and after the colonial period.

Political Science

The Culture and Civilisation of Ancient India in Historical Outline

D. D. Kosambi

This book is one of the first original works on India's real cultural history, highlighting Indian history.

It also answers some of the greatest questions related to the vanishing of the Indian cities and the rise and collapse of the Magadhan empire.

Syllabus for Distance Learning Programmes in M.Phil

Distance learning MPhil programmes offer immense flexibility in terms of both course fees and learning. Students who can't afford to study on-campus can opt for this option.

The syllabus for distance learning M.Phil programmes varies from one institution to another. But most of it remains the same. Students must take up a mix of theory and practical research to be awarded the degree. It also involves completing your thesis and dissertation towards the end of the programme. They sometimes also differ in terms of duration.

Some popular colleges offering distance learning M.Phil programmes are:

  • UPRTOU, Allahabad
  • APSU, Madhya Pradesh
  • IGNOU, New Delhi
  • KSOU, Mysore
  • NSOU, Kolkata
Table of contents
  • Popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Colleges in India
  • Popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Colleges in India. Learn more about these M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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Popular Private M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Colleges in India

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Popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Specializations

Following are the most popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in M.Phil (Master of Philosophy).
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Answered 2 days ago

The MPhil in Management programme is offered by Cambridge Judge Business School under the University of Cambridge. And Indian applincants can and do apply for this programme but with some admission requirements as given below - 

  • A UK first class honours degree
  • A really good GPA 
  • English language profic

...Read more

K

Kanika Pandey

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, as an Indian student, you would generally need to submit proof of English language proficiency. This can be done by taking exams like IELTS (Academic) and the applicants need a minimum band of 7.5 out of 9 bands

This suggests that Indian students need to be advanced users of English for MPhil

...Read more

L

Lalit Shukla

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

The University of Cambridge MPhil is considered really prestigious in the world and very worth it for Indian students.

This programme is suitable for the students who wish to build skills and a solid foundation for a PhD or a high-research activity career

Only point Indian students should be cautiou

...Read more

M

Mayank Katariya

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

Without a doubt, it can be considered very tough to get into the University of Cambridge MPhil courses as an Indian applicant. 

The Cambridge admission criterion is quite tough and competitive for applicants. As per the latest stats, the acceptance rate for the Cambridge MPhil was barely 50%.

To get i

...Read more

78590890
Loveleen Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

The MPhil courses are offered at the University of Cambridge for Indian students who wish to excel in their careers. It is considered as one of the most prestigious 9 to 12-month full-time programs in the world.

With the QS ranking of #6 in 2026, MPhil courses at Cambridge for Indian students are off

...Read more

B

Bhumika Vimal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

It's because it's a research-based advanced qualification. It used to bridge the gap between a master's and a PhD course. It was treated as a Mini-PhD earlier.

know more about -

MPhil Course

R

Rashmi Thakur

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

I feel it's not anymore. The NEP 2020 no longer recognizes the MPhil degree. This means it's not worth pursuing for academic or research-based careers. You can go for a MPhil instead.

Though if you completed or enrolled in an MPhil before 2023, the degree remains valid. 

know more about -

MPhil Course

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

To be honest, it has changed drastically. Since the course has been discontinued under the NEP 2020, the degree is no longer valid in India or in many other countries. Though it is still valid in many countries for specific, specialised areas like Philosophy

I would suggest that you go for a PhD if

...Read more

M

Mohit Datta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The MPhil course is offered in many specializations. From Psychology to English, Hindi, Economics, and so on. Hence, the books they use or need also differ.

  • They generally use subject-specific books that give them a strong base at the UG and PG levels.
  • They also need research methodology and statistic

...Read more

R

Rashmi Thakur

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Here are some you can consider -

  • LGBRIMH M.Phil clinical Psychology Entrance test for LGBRIMH Tezpur.
  • CUET-PG exam for the National Forensic Sciences University.
  • The UPS Education entrance exam for UPS Education.

Know more about -

MPhil Course Admission

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

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