Doctorate / PhD
PhD is a doctoral degree with an academic focus. A PhD course is usually of three years duration and candidates need to complete the course within a maximum time span of five to six years. However, the course duration may vary from one institute to the other. Aspirants need to possess a master’s degree to be eligible to pursue a PhD programme.
Candidates can pursue a PhD programme in any stream. In a PhD course aspirants need to select a topic or a subject and do in-depth research on it and answer any queries related to the topic/ subject. Earlier, candidates could pursue PhD course through the distance mode, however, as per a circular issued by UGC in 2017 it has been informed that a PhD course pursued through the distance education mode would no longer be recognized. Candidates who have cleared entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE, JEST and the likes are usually offered fellowships while pursuing a PhD course. Apart from this, universities such as IGNOU and Delhi University (DU) also offer fellowships to students pursuing full time PhD courses with them.
M.Phil
MPhil or Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate academic research programme that is of two years duration. Candidates from any stream – Humanities, Commerce, Science, Law, and Teaching etc. can pursue an MPhil course. Aspirants meet the eligibility criteria for an MPhil course if they have secured at least 55% marks in the subject in which they want to pursue an MPhil degree at the postgraduate level. In an MPhil course aspirants need to study theory as well as practical subjects. Apart from this, candidates also need to conduct research and present their research findings. After completing MPhil course candidates can consider pursuing a PhD programme. Candidates are usually shortlisted for admission in an MPhil course on the basis of their performance in an entrance exam followed by a Personal Interview round.
