IGNOU MPhil Admission 2026: IGNOU will begin its enrollment process soon for the January academic session 2026 for numerous Undergraduate programmes and Postgraduate programmes and other higher degree programmes. MPhil is an advanced postgraduate research degree programme that needs a Master’s degree to be eligible for admission. Those who are interested in studying at IGNOU and are eligible can apply by going to the official admission portal of Uthe niversity. There will be mandatory and non-refundable application fees as well to be paid. The expected date of starting of admissions is considered to be 15th December 2025*.
IGNOU MPhil Admission 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Programme Details |
| Programme Name | MPhil (Master of Philosophy) |
| Available at IGNOU | NO |
| Course Fees | INR 50,000 to INR 70,000 approx. |
| Eligibility | PG Degree |
| Application Fee | INR 300 |
| Programme Duration | 2 years |
| Admission Procedure | Online and Offline |
About IGNOU
IGNOU has emerged as the world’s open University in past years. It was build in 1985 by an act of Parliament. University is known for providing high-quality education to inaccessible places at an affordable price range through Online and ODL mode of education. IGNOU is approved by UGC, WES, AIU and has accreditations from NAAC ‘A+’ grade. NIRF has also ranked IGNOU among the top distance universities.
IGNOU MPhil Programme Benefits & Features
- In-depth Knowledge: The MPhil programme helps students in gaining in depth knowledge in that specific subject or field students choose to pursue.
- Skill Development: This programme leads to various skills development of students, like analytical skills, critical skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Research Skills: The MPhil Programme needs deep research in that subject, which automatically pushes students to do more and more research, indirectly growing their research skills.
- Independent Study: Students get the freedom of self-study and research under the guidance of their academic professors/ mentor.
IGNOU MPhil Admission 2026
IGNOU is known to offer admission in two academic sessions, that is, January and July. Those who missed admission in the July 2025 session can apply for the January 2026 session as admissions are going to begin soon. It is required for every student to be eligible at the time of filling application form. They can apply by official website or directly by admission portal. The starting date of admission is 15 December 2025* (expected). Application fee for MPhil Programme is INR 1,000.
Kindly NOTE: MPhil programme is currently not available in IGNOU due to discontinuation of programme by University Grant Commission. Ph.D is another option for students which is an equivalent degree as MPhil.
Eligibility Criteria For IGNOU MPhil Admission 2026
MPhil degree is one of the highest level of degree and generally its course duration is of 2 years. Students who are deciding to apply should be eligible at the time of filling admission form. They must have a PG (Masters) degree from any recognised board of University with minimum 50% marks. Reserved category students gets some relaxation in marking criteria and needs 40 to 45% marks. Students also have to clear an entrance test which is conducted by University at National level.
IGNOU MPhil Admission Fee Structure 2026
IGNOU is a Central University and offers all the programmes in budget-friendly fees. MPhil programme’s total fees is approx INR 50,000 to INR 70,000, excluding registration fees and development fees. The application fee for this programme is INR 1000. Refer to mentioned detailed breakdown of fees:
| Details | Fees |
| Registration Fee (General) | INR 1000 |
| Development fee | INR 200 |
| Programme Fee | INR 50,000 to INR 70,000 approx. |
IGNOU MPhil Admission Process 2026
- Step 1: Go to official website of IGNOU or its admission portal, www.ignou.ac.in/. Click on ‘Apply Now’.
- Step 2: Create your account as ‘New Registration’ with basic details (Name, Phone number, Date of Birth)
- Step 3: Choose preferred course and access application form. Fill application form with all required and correct details.
- Step 4: Upload all required documents in scanned format in JPG/JPEG format.
- Step 5: Pay application fee and submit form. Then wait for further notifications.
Required Documents For IGNOU MPhil Admission
- 10th marksheet/certificate
- 12th marksheet/certificate
- Bachelor’s degree/ Provisional certificate
- Master’s degree/ Provisional certificate
- Scanned signature of Applicant
- Recent photograph of Applicant
- Government issued ID Proof
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Entrance Test Scorecard
Difference MPhil Programme and PhD Programme
MPhil: MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is considered to be a higher degree from Master’s but lesser than Ph.D. Sometimes it is valued as Master’s level degree. Duration of MPhil programme is usually shorter and it is a less demanding programme in India. MPhil is generally considered as a pathway to Ph.D. This programme focuses on developing research skills.
Ph.D: Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) is considered as the highest level of education. It is a doctorate level degree with duration of generally 3 to 5 years. This programme requires extensive research, thesis and highest academic qualification. Ph.D is the last academic credential. PhD requires significant commitment, time, and effort through which students can make contribution in the field of study.
Kindly NOTE: MPhil is no longer available in Indian Universities including IGNOU. UGC has discontinued this programme and students can pursue Ph.D instead.