UGC Issues Directive to Discontinue M.Phil. Degrees

The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently announced the discontinuation of the M.Phil. degree, citing Clause 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022.
According to the statement released by UGC, some universities are still accepting applications for the M.Phil. program, despite it being unrecognized. Regulation No. 14 explicitly prohibits higher educational institutions from offering M.Phil. programs. Both universities and prospective students must be aware of this recent development and adhere to the revised regulations.

In light of this, educational institutions and applicants must align their academic pursuits with the updated regulations to ensure adherence to the prescribed standards for the award of Ph.D. degrees. The UGC's clarification seeks to avoid any potential confusion and reinforce the importance of adhering to the revised guidelines in the interest of maintaining the integrity and quality of higher education in the country.

In continuation of the UGC's directive, it is crucial to highlight that the regulatory framework, the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022, was officially published in the Gazette of India on November 7, 2022. This publication serves as the authoritative document outlining the guidelines that institutions must adhere to in matters concerning Ph.D. degree awards.

Given this, university authorities are urgently urged to initiate immediate measures to cease admissions to the M.Phil. program for the upcoming academic year, 2023-24. This proactive step is essential to align with the stipulations laid out by the UGC and uphold the integrity of academic offerings.

In essence, the collaborative efforts of both institutions and prospective students are pivotal in maintaining conformity with the UGC's regulatory framework and fostering a seamless transition in the academic landscape.