MPhil not a recognised degree anymore, says UGC; Directs universities to stop taking admissions for MPhil course for 2023-24 session

University Grant Commission has issued a notification, alerting students against pursuing an MPhil degree as it is no longer recognised. The commission has also warned universities against offering the programme and admissions for the 2023-24 academic year are prohibited. However, the MPhil degree awarded till the date of notification of new regulations, issued in 2022, will remain valid.

The commission in its public notice said, it has come to the knowledge that few universities are inviting fresh applications for the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) programme. It added that an MPhil degree is not a recognised degree now. UGC highlighted that the notification emphasized Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations 2022, which prohibits higher educational institutions from offering MPhil programmes. UGC had earlier declared the MPhil degree illegitimate, instructing higher educational institutions not to offer MPhil programmes.