M.Phil to be discontinued from next academic year, UGC asks universities to stop admissions

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially discontinued the M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) degree program. In a release dated December 26, 2023, the UGC directed universities not to accept admissions into the M.Phil. programme for the academic year 2023-24.

The UGC issued a notice stating:

"It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few Universities are inviting fresh applications for the 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 as per Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022.

The UGC has framed the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022, which were published in the Gazette of India on 7th November, 2022. In light of this, universities are urged to cease admissions to the M.Phil. programme for the 2023-24 academic year immediately. Additionally, students are advised against taking admission into the M.Phil. Program."

This announcement emphasizes the discontinuation of the M.Phil. programme by the UGC and advises universities and prospective students to refrain from admissions for the stated academic year.