IIMC invites applications for PhD programme 2026 at iimc.gov.in; apply by January 30

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has opened online applications for admission to its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programme for the academic year 2025–26. Eligible candidates can fill out the application form till January 30 through the official website at iimc.gov.in.

According to IIMC, a maximum of 22 candidates will be admitted this year, including 18 full-time and four part-time scholars. The institute clarified that the final intake may be lower, if required, while maintaining the prescribed category-wise reservation ratio. Up to 10 per cent of the total admissible strength will be offered as supernumerary seats for international scholars.

Candidates will be required to pay an application fee of Rs 2,500 if they belong to the general category, while candidates from Other Backwards Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories will have to pay Rs 1,500. International candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 100.

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IIMC PhD Admission 2026: Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for admission to the Indian Institute of Mass Communication PhD programme are given below.

• Candidates applying for the full-time PhD programme should have cleared UGC NET in Mass Communication and Journalism. All eligible full-time candidates with a valid UGC-NET qualification will be called directly for interview, and no entrance examination will be conducted.
• The final merit list will be prepared based on performance in the interview and the candidate’s UGC-NET or JRF percentile.
• For the part-time PhD programme, candidates without UGC-NET qualification will be required to appear for an entrance examination conducted by IIMC on February 15. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET in Mass Communication and Journalism will be exempted from the entrance test.
• Those appearing for the test will have to secure at least 55 per cent marks to be eligible for the interview stage.

As per the admission schedule, the result of the entrance exam will be declared on February 20, followed by the release of the interview shortlist on February 23. Interviews will begin on March 9, and the final result will be announced on March 19. The admission process will be conducted between March 23 and March 27, and the academic session will commence on April 1.