'M.Phil. is not a recognized degree': UGC cautions students against admission in MPhil courses, warns universities against inviting fresh applications

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned students against taking admission in MPhil and warned universities on Wednesday against offering MPhil courses, stating that it is not a recognised degree. The commission has asked the universities to take immediate steps to stop admissions to MPhil programmes for the 2023-24 academic year.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), UGC said, "The university's authorities are requested to take immediate steps to stop admissions to M.Phil. programmes for the 2023-24 academic year. Further, students are advised not to take admission in M.Phil. Programme."

In a notice, UGC said, "It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few Universities are inviting fresh applications for M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) program. In this regard, it is to bring to the notice that the M.Phil. degree is not a recognized degree. The Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022 (https://www.ugs.gov.in/pdfnews/0909572 Minimum-Standards-and-Procedure-for-Award-of- PhD-Degree.pdf) clearly states that Higher Educational Institutions shall not offer M.Phil. program."

UGC Secretary Manish Joshi was quoted saying, "It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few universities are inviting fresh applications for MPhil (Master of Philosophy) programmes. In this regard, it is to bring to the notice that MPhil is not a recognised degree.

"Regulation number 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022 clearly states that higher educational institutions shall not offer an MPhil programme. Students are advised not to take admission in any MPhil programme," he added.

The MPhil programme was discontinued by the UGC in November 2022.

"The MPhil courses that commenced prior to the notification of the PhD regulations will not be affected. The existing students will be allowed to complete the courses for the award of MPhil," Joshi opined.

UGC Letter regarding the discontinuation of M.Phil Degree as per clause 14 of University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022

The university's authorities are requested to take immediate steps to stop admissions to… pic.twitter.com/v6Gxf9kZnk

— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) December 27, 2023

(With Agency Inputs)