The University Grants Commission (UGC) has come to a decision to discontinue the MPhil programme. It has warned the students against taking admission to the course as it is no longer a recognised degree. The commission further pointed out that a few universities are still inviting fresh applications for M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) programme but the degree has been discontinued since November 2022.
The UGC cited, “it is of information that the UGC has framed University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022 which has also been published in the Gazette of India on 7th November, 2022.”
The university authorities post this have been directed to take immediate steps to stop the admissions for M.Phil. programme for the 2023-24 academic year.
“It has been brought to the UGC’s notice that a few Universities are inviting fresh applications for M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) program. In this regard, it becomes necessary to bring to the notice that the M.Phil. degree is no longer a recognized degree. The Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022 clearly states that Higher Educational Institutions shall no longer offer the M.Phil. program,” the UGC added in the official notice.
The commission has also laid out a directive instructing universities to appoint ombudspersons by December 31 this year. A warning has been issued which states that the names of non-compliant universities will be made public if the deadline is not made. The UGC has expressed dissatisfaction as there have been repeated reminders yet some universities have not complied with the directive. The UGC further emphasised that this matter is being viewed seriously. The UGC stressed upon the importance of complying with the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations 2023, which were officially published in the gazette on April 11, 2023.
