UGC Scraps MPhil: What This Means for Your Post-Graduate Plans

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a warning, highlighting that several universities continue to offer admissions to MPhil (Master of Philosophy) courses, despite the degree no longer being recognized. The UGC emphasized that the MPhil program is not considered a recognized degree under Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022.

According to the UGC notification, these universities are inviting fresh applications for MPhil programs, disregarding the decision to cancel the course. The Regulation explicitly states that Higher Educational Institutions are prohibited from offering MPhil programs.

The UGC, through the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022, published in the Gazette of India on November 7, 2022, reaffirms the non-recognition of the MPhil degree.

In response, the UGC has urged university authorities to take immediate measures to cease admissions to MPhil programs. Previously, the MPhil degree was a postgraduate research degree conferred by universities. However, with the updated regulations, the UGC has made it clear that universities are no longer permitted to offer this course.