MPhil: Course Fees, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Aug 21, 2025 02:25 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

The MPhil full form is Master of Philosophy. MPhil is a postgraduate research degree focused on in-depth research in a specific subject area, especially in Humanities, Law, Science, Psychology, History, English, Economics, and Management. It's a 2-year-long program, focused on independent research within a specific subject area. 

Students enhance their analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and independent research abilities through the M.Phil course. However, the government of India discontinued the M Phil degree as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Hence, MPhil is no longer an option; hence, PhD is the primary route for research-oriented careers.

Relevant MPhil degree:

Top Research Institute in India 2025: NIRF Ranking & Admission Process

In 2022, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India announced that the M.Phil. course degree is no longer valid and was discontinued as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

MPhil Course Details: Highlights

The MPhil course is a specific research program that can be pursued in various fields, requiring basic problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills. Interested candidates can continue reading the article, highlighting key points of the M Phil degree course:

Particulars Course Details
MPhil Full Form Master of Philosophy
MPhil Course Level Postgraduate
MPhil Course Duration 2 Years
M.Phil Eligibility Criteria A master's degree with 50% aggregate from a UGC-approved university.
MPhil Admission Criteria Merit and Entrance Exam-Based
MPhil Entrance Exams UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, etc.
Top MPhil Colleges in India

Amity University, Stella Maris College, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Christ University, Jamia Millia Islamia, etc.

MPhil Fees INR 1,500 - INR 1 lakh 
MPhil Job Profiles Economist, Financial Analyst, Psychologist, Clinical Data Analyst, Professor, Research Scientist, Academic Researcher, etc.
MPhil Average Salary INR 9.3 LPA
MPhil Top Recruiters Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), IITs, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Biocon, IQVIA, Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, etc.

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Q:   What is Mphil course?
Q:   What is the MPhil duration in India?
Q:   MPhil vs PhD: which is better, and which one should I go for?
Q:   Can you provide the M.Phil subjects list in which M.Phil can be done?
Q:   What is an MPhil Clinical Psychology?
Q:   What are the exact M.Phil eligibility criteria in India?
Q:   Is MPhil in Psychology a good option?
Q:   MPhil vs MSc: what's the exact difference?
Q:   What is the MPhil full form and what does it mean?
Table of content
  • MPhil Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process
  • Top MPhil Entrance Exams 2025-26
  • MPhil Course Syllabus
  • Best MPhil Colleges in India
  • Popular Private M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Colleges in India
  • MPhil Salary, Job Profiles, Career Scope, and Top Recruiters
  • MPhil Courses FAQs
  • Popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Course Cutoffs
  • Online Courses in Philosophy
View More

MPhil Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process

Different colleges have different eligibility criteria for admission to MPhil courses. Candidates who have completed an MPhil curriculum may be interested in pursuing a PhD programme. Those interested in pursuing an MPhil must first complete the eligibility requirements. The basic criteria remain the same for the majority of the universities.

The table below presents the basic eligibility criteria for an MPhil degree in India based on various particulars:

Particulars

MPhil Eligibility Details

MPhil Academic Qualifications

Complete a master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UGC-approved university in India.

MPhil Marks Criteria

A minimum of 50% aggregate score.

MPhil Age Limit

No age limit.

Note: The eligibility criteria given above may vary depending on the college policies.

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All about PhD Admission 2025-26

MPhil Admission Process 2025-26

Admission to most MPhil specialized courses is discontinued from the academic year 2022. Students who wish to pursue MPhil courses in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work programs can proceed further with admission in their preferred college. Students are advised to check the complete admission details for their specific course before applying for admission.

Admission to M.Phil courses will differ from college to college, but here is a general overview of the steps that a student may follow to get admission to M.Phil courses:

Check Eligibility: Complete class 12 from a recognized board, with at least a 50% aggregate. Check other eligibility and make sure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. Students wishing to pursue M.Phil postgraduate degrees must complete their undergraduate studies with at least a 55% aggregate. Students aspiring to a Ph.D or M.Phil degree must complete their UG and PG from recognized institutes. Submit applications to the M.Phil college with the required documents.

Entrance Exams: Appear for entrance exams for M.Phil courses.

Merit Scores: The college will provide the final merit list of selected students for the course.

Counselling: Participate in counseling based on entrance exam scores or merit.

Secure your seat: Complete the admission process by paying fees and verifying documents.

Note: The admission process may vary from university to university.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India announced in 2022 that the MPhil degree is no longer valid, discontinuing it as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

 

Q:   Can I still study an MPhil course in 2025?
Q:   Am I eligible for MPhil course after my MA?
Q:   Can I pursue MPhil without MA?
Q:   Do I need any documents for admission to MPhil courses?
Q:   Can I pursue MPhil in Political Science after completing MA in International Relations?

Top MPhil Entrance Exams 2025-26

MPhil admission is based on both merit and entrance procedures. Candidates who can clear the cutoff scores of the required MPhil entrance exams can enrol in their desired universities. The entrance exam is not mandatory for admission to MPhil courses in all government and private colleges of India, and varies accordingly.

For the candidates' reference, here are some top Humanities and Social Science entrance exams accepted for the MPhil degree course in India:

Entrance Exams Exam Dates Exam Schedule
UGC NET 2026 June 2026 (Tentative) UGC NET Exam Date 2026
CSIR NET 2025 28 July 2025 CSIR NET Exam Date 2025
GATE 2026 26 February, 2026 (Tentative) GATE Exam Date 2026

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Note: The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India announced in 2022 that the MPhil degree is no longer valid, discontinuing it as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
Oct ' 25

CPGET 2025 Phase II Counselling

TENTATIVE
Aug ' 25 - Oct ' 25

AAT 2026 Application Forms Open

TENTATIVE
14 Nov ' 24 - 15 Oct ' 25

CGCUET 2025 Registration

ONGOING
Oct ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE
Dec ' 25

GITAM GAT 2026 registration starts

TENTATIVE
To Be Notified

AMU Entrance Exam 2026 Online Registrations for BA LLB

TENTATIVE
To Be Notified

AMU Entrance Exam 2026 Online Registrations for BA LLB (with late fee)

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates
26 Sep ' 25

CPGET 2025 (Phase I) Provisional Allotment

23 Sep ' 25

CPGET 2025 Editing Window (Phase I)

10 Sep ' 25 - 18 Sep ' 25

CPGET 2025 Phase I Counselling Registration (Extended)

Q:   Can I get admission to the MPhil programme without entrance exams?

MPhil Course Syllabus

MPhil is a base-level program offered in various specializations such as English, Psychology, History, Hindi, Political Science, Geography, etc. The syllabus and curriculum of every MPhil program are similar; however, the subjects can vary depending on the specialization. MPhil is a 2-year-long PG degree program; hence, the MPhil syllabus is also divided into 4 semesters following the 2-year curriculum.

The general pattern of the MPhil syllabus structure, followed in India, is:

Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2) Taught Papers
Research Methodology (compulsory) Core Subjects (2–3 papers)
Elective Subject (optional, depending on the program) Assignments & Presentations
Seminar work to build research skills -
Year 2
Dissertation / Thesis writing Choose a research topic
Work under a Supervisor Do fieldwork, data collection (if necessary)
Submit and defend the thesis -

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Master of Philosophy-Relevant Links:

CSIR NET Syllabus 2025: Subject-wise Latest Syllabus PDF

List of PhD Specializations: Course-wise Specializations, Eligibility, Entrance Exams

M.Phil Subjects List

The following table shows some basic subjects covered in different MPhil programs. These subjects can vary depending on the colleges.

MPhil History

Management principles

Understanding of managerial roles

Problem-solving approach

Themes in Medieval Indian History 

Research Methodology

Debates in Modern Indian History 

MPhil English

Research Methodologies

Literary Theory and Criticism

Eighteenth-Century Literature

Indian Writing in English

MPhil in Sociology

Reflections on Ethnography

Contemporary Class Analysis

Structuralism and Post-Structuralism

Theorising Democracy, Equality and Social Justice

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

 

Q:   Which are the books that are followed in MPhil English course?
Q:   What are the main subjects in MPhil Geography?
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Q:   Which M.Phil degrees can I pursue in 2025?

Best MPhil Colleges in India

The MPhil is accessible in a variety of subjects. Candidates are advised to check if the college of their choice provides an MPhil degree in their preferred specialization. MPhil is provided in government as well as private colleges in India. Better, the admission process candidates are also advised to check if the college is UGC Recognised and AICTE Approved. Candidates can see the following tables for the top MPhil Colleges in India.

Best MPhil Government Colleges in India

Many candidates prefer to secure admission to MPhil courses offered by government institutes. This is because usually, government institutes offer courses with an affordable fee structure. MPhil government colleges provide good research facilities as well. The renowned government colleges offering MPhil courses are:

Best Government Colleges Tuition Fee
Kerala University INR 2,310 - 6,500 
Himachal Pradesh University INR 2,580
Pondicherry University INR 2,900 - 3,000
Calcutta University INR 3,400
Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University - PSTU INR 3,400
Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University INR 5,000
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya INR 11,590
University of Mysore INR 22,920
University of Lucknow INR 36,000 - 46,000
TISS - Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai INR 2.06 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India announced in 2022 that the MPhil degree is no longer valid, discontinuing it as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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Best MPhil Private Colleges in India

Many candidates prefer to enrol in private colleges providing MPhil courses due to good infrastructural facilities and placement sessions. Often, MPhil students are allowed to appear in on-campus placements either along with PG students or PhD students, based on the criteria set by recruiters.

Given below are some of the top Private MPhil colleges in India, along with their respective total tuition fee:

Best Private Colleges Tuition Fee
National Sanskrit University INR 1,850
Christ University INR 30,000
Dr. C.V. Raman University INR 30,000
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University INR 34,000 - 55,000
Banasthali Vidyapith INR 48,000
Rabindranath Tagore University INR 54,250
NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences INR 80,000 - INR 6 Lakh
SGT University, Gurgaon INR 5 Lakh
Amity University, Noida INR 5.7 Lakh
Amity University, Gurugram INR 6.96 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

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5.7 L

M.Phil Applications open. Apply Now

48 K
2.5 LPA
3 Courses
6.96 L

M.Phil Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
Q:   Which colleges offer MPhil course with low fees?
Q:   Which colleges offer best placements in MPhil course?

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

6.96 L

M.Phil Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
25 K
6.12 LPA
1 Course
68.5 K
6.96 L
4.0

M.Phil Applications open. Apply Now

6.96 L
7.2 LPA

M.Phil Applications open. Apply Now

MPhil Salary, Job Profiles, Career Scope, and Top Recruiters

The MPhil scope and income in India are extensive and profitable, and graduates have the option of either finding employment after completing the programme or continuing their education. Depending on their area of specialization, MPhil graduates in India have access to a variety of employment prospects. Both the government and private sectors provide job opportunities to MPhil graduates:

M.Phil Jobs in India

With a Master of Philosophy degree in any subject specialization, candidates have plenty of options in India as well as abroad. The research work done in the program can allow a candidate to further go and pursue a doctorate (PhD) in the respective subject or course. Some of the common job profiles after MPhil are:

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary 

Economists

A professional who studies how people make decisions to produce quality outputs that can boost profits.

INR 16.9 LPA

Psychologists

A Psychologist is a trained professional who studies, observes, and analyzes human behavior. They offer therapy for individuals to help them cope with mental health disorders, traumas, stress, and other issues that hinder their growth.

INR 3.8 LPA

Associate Professors

They have expertise in a particular field or subject and offer their knowledge to the students.

INR 12 LPA

Academic Researchers

They use their expertise, knowledge, and skills to conduct research in a particular field of academia.

INR 2 LPA

Social Workers

A social worker helps individuals cope with their monetary, emotional, or social needs.

INR 2.9 LPA

Consultants

They provide expert advice and guidance to organizations or individuals in a specific field to help improve performance and achieve goals. INR 13.8 LPA

Economic Consultants

They study the economic status of the businesses and propose suggestions for improvements.

INR 10 LPA

Note: The salaries given above have been taken from ambitionbox.com and may vary depending on the companies offering the jobs.

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Top M.Phil Recruiters

After completing the MPhil programs, candidates have the opportunity to work in their preferred field of study in several industries, including civil service, archaeology, economics, etc. After completing their MPhil course, many MPhil graduates choose to work in research or education.

The students of MPhil can get placement in both the government and private sectors. Some of the top recruiting companies include:

Top Recruiters for MPhil
Dell Cognizant
Accenture CRY
Infosys ICICI Bank
HSBC TCS

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India announced in 2022 that the MPhil degree is no longer valid, discontinuing it as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

 

Q:   How to become a professor?

MPhil Courses FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for MPhil Course FAQs.

Q:   Do I need MPhil to apply for PhD?
Q:   Do I need to publish papers while pursuing M.Phil?
Q:   Is M.Phil degree recognized internationally?
Q:   Why M.Phil. got discontinued?
Q:   Is M.Phil a research degree?
Q:   Is M.Phil a valid degree as per the UGC norms?
Q:   Can MPhil be pursued in distance mode?
Q:   Can I pursue an MPhil course at IGNOU?
Q:   What are the benefits of studying MPhil?
Q:   What is the role of an MPhil course?
Q:   Why is MPhil discontinued?

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).

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) colleges is given below:
M.Sc. in Zoology : University of Mysore Admissions 2022 Last Round Closing Percentage (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
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University of Mysore79.13
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Online Courses in Philosophy

Online courses assist students in completing their courses without attending physical classes. Students interested in studying Philosophy can pursue the below-mentioned courses online mode from various online platforms:

Name of Online Courses in Philosophy

Course Provider Fees in INR

Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences

Coursera Free

Philosophy, Science and Religion: Philosophy and Religion

Coursera Free

Introduction to Philosophy

Coursera Free

Lately, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India announced in 2022 that the MPhil degree is no longer valid, discontinuing it as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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

Answered 2 months ago

No, the govt. has discontinued the MPhil degree except in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, there are many government MPhil colleges in India. Some of them are mentioned below along with their tuition fees:

Public/Govt. Colleges

Tuition Fee

University of Lucknow Admission

INR 36,000 – INR 46,000

TISS - Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai Admission

INR 2.06 lakh

Calcutta University Admission

INR 3,400

Kerala University Admission

INR 2,310 – INR 6,500

Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University – PSTU Admission

INR 3,400

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Listed below are the top colleges providing MPhil in Clinical Psychology in India along with their tuition fees:

Top CollegesTuition Fee
Amity University, GurugramINR 6.96 lakh
Amity University, LucknowINR 6.08 lakh
Amity University, MumbaiINR 6.96 lakh
SGT University, GurgaonINR 5 lakh
Amity University, JaipurINR 6.96 lakh

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, It is estimated that joining the best MPhil colleges in India can be affordable as most colleges have tuition fees of less than INR 1 lakh. Some of them are mentioned below along with their tuition fees:

Low-cost Colleges

Tuition Fee

Christ University Fees

INR 30,000

University of Lucknow Fees

INR 36,000 – INR 46,000

Amity University, Lucknow Fees

INR 90,000

Calcutta University Fees

INR 3,400

Kerala University Fees

INR 2,310 – INR 6,500

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

As per popularity basis, listed below are the top M Phil colleges in India along with their tuition fees:

Top CollegesTuition Fee
Amity University, NoidaINR 5.7 lakh
Stella Maris College-
Jawaharlal Nehru University-
Christ UniversityINR 30,000
Jamia Millia Islamia-

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

About 390+ best M Phil colleges are there in India. Some of the top Master of Philosophy colleges in India include Amity University Noida, Stella Maris College, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Christ University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Ethiraj College for Women (Ethiraj), Amity University, Gurugram, and

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

To be recognised as a licensed Clinical Psychologist in India, you must have completed an MPhil in Clinical Psychology from an RCI approved institute, as this is the minimum qualification for RCI registration.  

You can work as a counselor, and/or mental health educator, and/or psychology teacher wit

...Read more

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

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