IGNOU PhD Admission 2026-27 Starts for July Session; Apply Online Till July 1

IGNOU PhD admission 2026-27 for July session has started. Candidates must note that selection is done based on NET scores or entrance test performance, followed by interview. Check details 

IGNOU PhD Admission 2026-27

IGNOU PhD Admission: Indira Gandhi National Open University has started admission for its PhD programmes for July 2026 academic session. Eligible candidates can apply online for IGNOU PhD online at official admission portal ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in/index.php. As per official notification, IGNOU online application began today. Candidates willing to get admission to IGNOU PhD programme must have Master's degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent from recognised university. 

Interested candidates can submit their IGNOU PhD admission applications till July 1, 2026. IGNOU has clarified that offline or hard-copy applications for IGNOU PhD will not be accepted under any circumstances. They also need to pay INR 2000 as IGNOU PhD application fees.

IGNOU PhD Admission and Selection Process

IGNOU admission process has been divided into different categories based on candidate’s qualifications

• UGC NET qualified candidates with JRF

• UGC NET qualified candidates without JRF

• Candidates appearing through University level Entrance Test

Those, irrespective of category, will have to appear for mandatory interview or viva-voce at IGNOU Headquarters.

• For candidates qualified through UGC NET, final merit will be prepared by giving 70% weightage to NET score and 30% weightage to interview.

• For candidates appearing through University level Entrance Test, 70% weightage will be given to entrance test score and 30% to interview.

PhD Entrance Test Pattern

The University Level Entrance Test will check candidates

• Research Methodology 40%

• Subject Domain Knowledge 40%

• Communication Skills  20%

NOC Mandatory for Working Professionals

Candidates employed in government, private or other organisations and applying for a part-time PhD programme must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of admission.