IIMC set to launch PhD programme for Journalism and Mass Communication students

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (Deemed to be University) has announced the introduction of its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Journalism and Mass Communication, set to commence from the upcoming academic year. The Centre for Media and Communication Research (CEMCOR) will oversee the administration and academic coordination of this doctoral programme. Rules for the course were formally notified on May 16, and the institute will release detailed admission procedures in due course.

Vice Chancellor of IIMC, Dr Anupama Bhatnagar, confirmed the development, stating that the institution is prepared to undertake the responsibility of delivering high-quality research education. She added that the PhD programme will significantly contribute to strengthening the academic foundation of media and communication studies in India, aligning with IIMC’s vision to lead scholarly inquiry in this field.

Course Duration and Guidelines

The programme, open to both full-time and part-time scholars, will span a minimum of three years, including coursework, and must be completed within a maximum period of six years from the date of admission. The admission date will be treated as the date of official registration. Admission policies will align with Clause 5 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2022, and any subsequent updates.

Eligibility Criteria Spanning Multiple Academic Pathways

Applicants must fulfil one of the following eligibility conditions:

• A one-year/two-semester Master’s degree after a four-year/eight-semester Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, or applied disciplines.

• A two-year/four-semester Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, or a related field after a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or allied disciplines.

• A qualification deemed equivalent to a Master’s degree in Media and Communication and allied disciplines by the appropriate regulatory body, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent grade on a 10-point scale.

• An M.Phil. degree with at least 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade in Journalism, Mass Communication, or allied disciplines.

• A recognised qualification from a foreign university accredited by an authorised quality assurance agency in the home country.

• Candidates holding a four-year/eight-semester Bachelor’s degree with research must have secured a minimum of 75% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 7.5 on a 10-point scale.

• Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL, Differently-Abled, EWS) will receive relaxation in qualifying marks/grades as per Government of India norms.

• Candidates awaiting final Master’s level results may apply, provided they meet all eligibility conditions at the time of admission.

• Research in allied subjects may be permitted across departments with the Departmental Academic Committee’s recommendation and Vice-Chancellor’s approval.

NET Qualification Now Mandatory

As per the latest UGC guidelines, all candidates seeking admission must qualify the UGC-NET examination. IIMC has confirmed that any future amendments made by the UGC to the PhD admission process will be duly followed.