IGNOU PhD Admission 2025: Easy Guide for Eligibility, Selection, Fees & Dates
Hello students! Today we are going to learn everything about IGNOU PhD Admission 2025 in a simple and clear way. If you are planning to study at the research level, this guide will help you understand how the new admission system works, especially because for 2025, IGNOU will select candidates only through UGC-NET scores and an interview. IGNOU is not conducting a separate PhD entrance test this year.
The admission form for the July 2025 session is now open on the official IGNOU PhD portal, and students must complete the form within 21 days of the official announcement. So checking the IGNOU website regularly is very important.
Key Takeaways for IGNOU PhD Admission 2025
- IGNOU PhD admission for July 2025 is based on UGC-NET scores and an interview only, as the university is not conducting a separate entrance exam this year.
- Candidates can apply for only one discipline, and the last date to submit the online form is 21 days from the official notification.
- To be eligible, students must have a Master’s degree with 55% marks, or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with 75% marks. Reserved categories get 5% relaxation.
- The coursework is compulsory and held at IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi, with at least 80% attendance required.
- The selection process gives full weightage to interviews for JRF holders, while NET (Non-JRF) candidates get 70% weightage from NET marks and 30% from the interview.
- IGNOU offers PhD programmes in 30+ subjects, and admission depends on seat availability and supervisor allocation in each discipline.
- The first-year fee is ₹17,850, and students must pay the re-registration fee every year until they complete their thesis.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2025 – Quick Overview
Here is a simple summary of the PhD admission process for the July 2025 session:
| Particular | Details |
| Programme Name | IGNOU PhD Admission – July 2025 |
| Selection Process | Based on UGC-NET + Interview (No IGNOU entrance exam) |
| Exam Type | National-level through UGC-NET |
| PhD Modes | Full-Time & Part-Time |
| Coursework | 6 months at IGNOU HQ (80% attendance needed) |
| Duration | Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (+2 years for Women & PwD) |
| Application Fee | ₹1000 (non-refundable) |
| Coursework Venue | IGNOU HQ, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi |
| Hostel Facility | Not available (students must arrange stay themselves) |
Eligibility for IGNOU PhD 2025
To apply for PhD at IGNOU, you must meet these academic conditions:
1. Master’s Degree Requirement
- A Master’s degree (1-year or 2-year) after a 3-year or 4-year Bachelor’s program
- Minimum 55% marks
- Relaxation of 5% for SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / PwD / EWS
2. Direct Entry After 4-Year UG: Students with a 4-year Bachelor’s degree can apply directly if they have 75% marks. Reserved category students get a 5% relaxation here too.
3. M.Phil. Holders: If you have an M.Phil. with 55% marks, you are also eligible.
4. Foreign Degrees: Foreign degrees are accepted if they are recognized by the correct authority in that country.
Important Rule: You can apply for only one discipline in one session. Each subject may have extra rules, so checking the official brochure is important.
IGNOU PhD Selection Process 2025
IGNOU has changed its admission rules for 2025.
Now, UGC-NET and Interview are the only criteria.
Category A – UGC-NET (JRF)
- No written test
- Direct Interview
- 100% weightage = Interview
Category B – UGC-NET (Non-JRF)
- 70% weightage = UGC-NET marks
- 30% weightage = Interview
Interview Evaluation
- Research Methodology – 40%
- Subject Knowledge – 40%
- Communication Skills – 20%
Interview Venue: IGNOU Headquarters, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi.
IGNOU will release the interview schedule for each subject on its Research Unit website. Students must check the “Interview Schedule” section regularly.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2025 – Important Dates
| Event | Date / Status |
| Information Brochure | Released |
| Online Application | Open for July 2025 session |
| Last Date | 21 days after official notice |
| Interview Schedule | Released subject-wise |
| Final Merit List | To be uploaded on IGNOU website |
How to Apply for IGNOU PhD 2025 – Step-by-Step
- Visit the official PhD admission portal.
- Click on “PhD July 2025 – Online Application Form.”
- Register with your email ID and mobile number.
- Login and fill in personal, academic, and reservation details.
- Upload the required documents:
- Passport-size photo
- Signature
- Educational certificates
- Category or experience proof (if needed)
- Pay the ₹1000 application fee online.
- Submit and download the confirmation page for future use.
For Working Professionals
If you are applying for a part-time PhD, you must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer during the interview. For login or registration issues, students can email: researchunit@ignou.ac.in
IGNOU PhD Interview & Merit List 2025
- Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the interview.
- Final selection for NET-qualified candidates will be done using the 70% (NET) + 30% (Interview) formula.
- IGNOU will publish the final list discipline-wise on its website.
- Getting shortlisted for the interview does not guarantee admission.
- Seats are limited and depend on the availability of supervisors.
Read also:
IGNOU PhD Courses & Available Subjects 2025
IGNOU offers PhD programmes in 30+ subjects, including:
| Program Code | Name of the Program |
| PHDPC | Ph.D. in Psychology |
| PHDAN | Ph.D. in Anthropology |
| PHDHIS | Ph.D. in History |
| PHDSOC | Ph.D. in Sociology |
| PHDBC | Ph.D. in Biochemistry |
| PHDCHEM | Ph.D. in Chemistry |
| PHDGEOG | Ph.D. in Geography |
| PHDGY | Ph.D. in Geology |
| PHDLS | Ph.D. in Life Sciences |
| PHDPH | Ph.D. in Physics |
| PHDSTAT | Ph.D. in Statistics |
| PHDMT | Ph.D. in Mathematics |
| PHDSK | Ph.D. in Sanskrit |
| PHDCS | Ph.D. in Computer Science |
| PHDES | Ph.D. in Education |
| PHDEV | Ph.D. in Environmental Science |
| PHDPVA | Ph.D. in Fine Arts |
| PHDPVA | Ph.D. in Theatre Arts |
| PHDPVA | Ph.D. in Music |
| PHDPVA | Ph.D. in Dance |
| PHDTS | Ph.D. in Tourism & Hospitality Service Management |
| PHDSW | Ph.D. in Social Work |
| PHDHC | Ph.D. in Home Science |
| PHDMGMT | Ph.D. in Management |
| PHDCOM | Ph.D. in Commerce |
| PHDFN | Ph.D. in Nutritional Science |
| PHDCD | Ph.D. in Child Development |
| PHDRD | Ph.D. in Rural Development |
| PHDVE | Ph.D. in Vocational Education |
| PHDDV | Ph.D. in Development Studies |
| PHDDE | Ph.D. in Distance Education |
| PHDITS | Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary & Trans-disciplinary Studies |
| PHDGDS | Ph.D. in Gender and Development Studies |
| PHDHIN | Ph.D. in Hindi |
Each subject has a fixed seat count, which is available in Appendix I of the official brochure.
IGNOU PhD Fee Structure 2025
- Total 1st Year Fee: ₹17,850
- Breakup:
- ₹8,400 – Registration Fee
- ₹1,050 – Coursework (18 credits)
- Re-Registration Fee: ₹8,400 per year until thesis submission
- Fees are non-refundable once seat is confirmed.
Important Things To Remember
- Coursework is compulsory and held at IGNOU HQ.
- Students must attend at least 80% of the classes.
- Minimum duration is 3 years; maximum is 6 years.
Women and PwD get 2 extra years. - Only one application allowed per session.
- Original documents are checked at the interview.
- Admission is strictly based on merit and seat availability.
- Reservation follows Government of India rules.
- Supervisors and vacant seats decide final admissions.
IGNOU PhD Entrance, Hall Ticket & Answer Key (2024–2025 Update)
For July 2024 Session
- Hall ticket updates were unclear on the site
- Entrance test result was released on 28 February 2024.
- Answer key applied only to 2024 session.
For July 2025 Session
- No entrance exam for 2025
- So there will be no hall ticket or answer key
- Only UGC-NET + Interview will be used for selection
IGNOU PhD Interview Schedule 2024–2025
IGNOU has released various interview schedules for:
- Geography
- Journalism
- Development Studies
- Women’s Studies
- English
- Management
- Psychology and more.
Candidates should check the Research Unit → Interview Schedules section regularly.
IGNOU PhD Interview Result 2024–2025
For July 2025 session:
- IGNOU has uploaded “List of Candidates selected for admission to Research Degree Programme for July 2025” dated 06 Oct 2025.
- Subject-wise interview lists have also been released.
Students selected must complete document verification, fee payment, and join coursework as per instructions.
FAQs About IGNOU PhD Admission
1. Does IGNOU offer a PhD programme?
Yes, IGNOU provides PhD programmes under UGC 2022 regulations for Indian and international students.
2. Is the IGNOU PhD regular or distance?
It is a regular PhD, not a distance-learning programme. Coursework and research meetings happen at IGNOU HQ.
3. Does IGNOU offer full-time and part-time PhD?
Yes. Both formats are available and recognized by UGC.
4. Is the IGNOU PhD degree valid?
Yes, IGNOU is a Central University, and its PhD degree is valid across India and abroad.
5. How can I get admission to the IGNOU PhD programme?
You must apply online, qualify through UGC-NET or JRF, and attend the interview.
6. Is the entrance exam required for July 2025?
No. Admission is based only on UGC-NET and Interview.
7. What is the duration of the PhD programme?
Minimum 3 years and maximum 6 years. Women and PwD get 2 extra years.
