IGNOU begins registration for PhD admission 2025; apply at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has begun the registration process for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) admission for the July 2025 session. Eligible candidates can apply online by visiting the official website at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in. The last date to submit the online application form is 21 days from the date of announcement.

To register for the IGNOU July session PhD admission 2025, candidates will have to pay a non-refundable application fee of Rs 1,000. Admissions will be carried out through two categories.

Category A includes candidates who have qualified the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) with JRF, who will be directly called for the interview, which carries 100 per cent weightage. Category B includes candidates who have qualified UGC NET without fellowship.

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IGNOU PhD Admission 2025: Eligibility criteria

As per the eligibility criteria for PhD admission, candidates should have obtained a minimum of 55 per cent marks in their postgraduate degree. A relaxation of five per cent is given to candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backwards Classes (OBC–non-creamy layer), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and other categories as specified under UGC norms. Those who hold a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree with the same minimum marks are also eligible to apply.

As per the official notice, final merit will be based on 70 per cent weightage for the UGC NET score and 30 per cent for the interview. Interviews will be held at IGNOU’s Maidan Garhi campus in New Delhi. The interview will assess research methodology, subject knowledge, and communication skills.

Candidates currently employed and seeking part-time PhD admission should produce a no-objection certificate from their employer in the format prescribed in the brochure. The list of selected candidates will be published on the IGNOU website.