UGC to Universities – Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degrees are no longer recognised
MPhil Degree not recognised – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed universities to stop admissions to the MPhil program, citing that the MPhil degree is not officially recognized. This directive follows the UGC’s observation that certain universities are actively seeking new applications for MPhil admissions.
In an official statement the UGC said, “It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few Universities are inviting fresh applications for the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) programme. In this regard, it is to bring to the notice that the MPhil degree is not a recognized degree,”.
UGC Secretary Manish Joshi said that on November 7, 2022, the UGC established the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022. The revised eligibility criteria for PhD programs now stipulate that students with a four-year undergraduate degree and a minimum of 75% marks or an equivalent grade are eligible for PhD enrollment.
In light of these developments, the UGC has urged university authorities to promptly halt admissions to the MPhil program for the upcoming academic year (2023-24).
Additionally, UGC Secretary Manish Joshi advises prospective students not to join any MPhil programme offered by universities in India.