MPhil Syllabus & Subjects 2025: Download Semester-wise PDF, Important Books

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What do MPhil students do?

A. One can pursue a career as an academician or researcher after completing their M.Phil degree. You can even opt for a PhD in your subject if you want to pursue research at a higher level.

Q. What kind of skills are required while pursuing M.Phil?

A. You need to comprehend various academic and professional abilities before going into the specifics of the many courses offered in this programme. You will require some of the core abilities needed for a researcher to succeed in this academic research degree programme.

Q. Is obtaining an MPhil from an Indian institution or one outside India the better option?

A. There are some benefits or some disadvantages ofpursuing MPhil from an Indian college or one outside India. Some of them are mentioned below:
From India:

  • Affordability
  • Familiarity and Support
  • Local Job Market Advantage

From Outside India:

  • Limited Global Exposure
  • Less Flexible Curriculum
  • Fewer Research Opportunities

Q. Which degree in Psychology do you think is more valuable, a Master of Philosophy or a doctorate?

A. An M.Phil degree is often sufficient for entry-level positions. However, to do research at a higher level, one must complete their PhD in their desired subject.

Q. Is it a good idea to pursue an M.Phil in Social Work?

A. Yes, if you are dedicated to social upliftment, poverty alleviation, technology-led upskilling, and employment, you can pursue an M.Phil in Social Work. This course gives you a comprehensive overview of the socio-economic factors prevailing in our country and how developmental initiatives and communication can help alleviate those considered at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

Q. What are the advantages of taking an M.Phil course?

A. Postgraduates will be prepared for careers as research scholars after completing the Master of Philosophy degree. In this course, theory and practice are interwoven into the process of doing research and preparing a research proposal.

Q. Which is the best university in India for pursuing an M.Phil via distance mode?

A. IGNOU is a leading Indian university offering distance learning programmes in M.Phil.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing an M.Phil?

A. The eligibility requirements for admission to M. Phil course is to:

Students must have PG degree in a same subject with a minimum aggregate of 50% - 55%
Source: External site and may vary.

Q. In which subjects is an MPhil degree awarded?

A. It is possible to get a Master of Philosophy degree in any field. The fields of Philosophy, Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Political Science are among the most popular academic specialisations.

Q. What are some common entrance exams for M.Phil in India?

A. Some of the common entrance exams to pursue an M.Phil in India are:

  • BUET
  • LPUNEST
  • CUSET
  • ITM NEST

Q. What is the total duration of an M.Phil degree?

A. Barring any special circumstances, an M.Phil degree is usually spans 2 years.

Q. What is the cost of pursuing an M.Phil degree in India?

A. The cost of pursuing an M.Phil degree in India typically ranges between INR 30,000 to 1 lakh per annum.

Q. What are some of the top colleges for M.Phil in Uttar Pradesh?

A. There are many top MPhil colleges in Uttar Pradesh. Some of them are mentioned below:

  • Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University Kanpur
  • Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences Allahabad
  • Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow.

Q. Is it compulsory to pursue an M.Phil degree in order to apply for a PhD?

A. As per the UGC guidelines, it is not compulsory to pursue an M.Phil for applying to the PhD programme. However, if the individual wants to gain more knowledge and boost their credentials as possible research and doctoral degree candidates, they can opt for the M.Phil programme.

Table of content
  • 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

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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 3 months ago

The University Grant Commission (UGC) has discontinued the MPhil degree program as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020; hence, no college or university is allowed to offer the MPhil programme in India. But, interested candidates can opt for a PhD program however, it requires candidates

...Read more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

The MPhil full form is Master of Philosophy, which is a 2-year-long postgraduate research degree program, and Philosophy means the study of the general ideas about knowledge, truth, right and wrong, religion, and the nature and meaning of life. The MPhil programme in India has been discontinued by t

...Read more

L

Lalit Rastogi

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 months ago

The exact difference between an MPhil and an MSc is their components. MSc is more of a classroom-based degree, including lectures, seminars, and practical work within a specific subject area of Science.
Meanwhile, MPhil is a research-based program, one level down from the PhD, but the structure is al

...Read more

S

Sreetama Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 months ago

Well, it depends on your interests. Psychology is indeed a good specialisation to pursue an MPhil in. Since the Psychology study also requires students to research the human mind and behavior, and MPhil is a research program, the combination of these disciplines will give students a strong practical

...Read more

R

Rashmi Thakur

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 months ago

The MPhil Clinical Psychology is a 2-year-long PG research programme where students focus on the application of psychological principles to address mental health challenges. They study subjects like psychopathology, psychotherapy techniques, and ethical considerations in clinical practice. 

N

Nikita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 months ago

An MPhil can be done in subjects like Anthropology, Economics, English, History, Psychology, Sociology, and many others, but the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has discontinued it as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Though you can search for colleges that still offer an

...Read more

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 months ago

Hi,  
See, both of them are advanced research degrees, though their level of study and the depth of research involved differ. While an MPhil is a master's degree, a PhD is the highest academic degree, requiring real, in-depth research.
But there's no point comparing both courses, since the UGC discont

...Read more

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9

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