In a surprising move, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially discontinued the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degree, leaving many aspiring scholars in a state of uncertainty. The directive, issued on December 26, 2023, comes in response to certain universities still accepting applications for M.Phil programs despite the degree no longer holding recognized status.
The official notice, prominently displayed on the UGC website at ugc.gov.in, underscores the regulatory changes introduced by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D Degree) Regulations 2022. According to Regulation No. 14 of these guidelines, higher educational institutions are explicitly prohibited from offering M.Phil programs.
The UGC’s notice serves as a clear warning to students, advising them against pursuing admissions in M.Phil programs. The Commission emphasizes that the M.Phil degree is now obsolete, and its non-recognition is outlined in the aforementioned regulations published in the Gazette of India on November 7, 2022.
The directive also calls upon universities to take immediate action to halt any ongoing admissions processes for the 2023-24 academic year in compliance with the newly established regulations. The UGC urges educational institutions to align their practices with the updated standards and procedures for the award of Ph.D. degrees.
The decision to discontinue the M.Phil degree raises questions about the future trajectory of postgraduate research in India and the implications for students who were considering pursuing this intermediate research qualification. As universities grapple with the implications of this sudden change, aspiring scholars are left with a crucial decision to make regarding their academic pursuits.
Candidates seeking additional information and clarification on this development are encouraged to visit the official UGC website. The UGC’s bold move signals a significant shift in the landscape of higher education in India, leaving both students and academic institutions to navigate the implications of this groundbreaking decision.
