The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially discontinued the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degree. The decision, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, was communicated through an official notice released on December 26. Despite the initial announcement in early 2022, certain universities continued to invite applications for the M.Phil program, prompting the UGC to issue a stern warning against such practices.
The M.Phil degree, a 2-year postgraduate academic research course, served as an intermediate step between a postgraduate degree and a Ph.D. However, the UGC had officially notified the discontinuation of the M.Phil program from the academic year 2022-23, aligning with the objectives outlined in the NEP 2020. Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D.. degree) Regulations 2022 explicitly stated that higher educational institutions were prohibited from offering M.Phil programs.
Despite the clear directives, the UGC noted that some universities were still inviting fresh applications for the M.Phil program. The official notice reiterated that the M.Phil degree is not recognized, and universities were reminded of the regulations prohibiting offering M.Phil programs. The UGC advisory urged universities to cease M.Phil admissions for the upcoming academic year (2023-24) and cautioned prospective students against enrolling in M.Phil programs.
The decision to discontinue the M.Phil program is rooted in the broader goals of the NEP 2020, which seeks to reform the Indian education system. The removal of the M.Phil program is seen as a strategic move to enhance the efficiency of the research pathway, allowing students to pursue a Ph.D. directly after completing their postgraduate or a four-year undergraduate degree with a research component.
With the discontinuation of the M.Phil program, students are now encouraged to directly pursue a Ph.D., eliminating the intermediate step in the research journey. The UGC emphasized that M.Phil degrees awarded before the implementation of the new regulations would remain valid. The advisory further requested universities to take immediate steps to halt admissions to the M.Phil program for the 2023-24 academic year.
The UGC’s decision to discontinue the M.Phil program reflects a commitment to aligning the Indian education system with contemporary needs and global standards. The move not only streamlines the research process but also encourages a more direct and focused approach to pursuing a Ph.D. As universities are urged to adhere to the regulations and cease M.Phil admissions, students are advised to stay informed about the changes and explore alternative pathways for their academic and research pursuits. For further details and updates, candidates are directed to check the official website of the UGC.