The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken stern note of some universities that are inviting fresh applications for M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) program.
In its latest notice, UGC has categorically stated that an “M.Phil. degree is not a recognized degree. Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022 clearly states that Higher Educational Institutions shall not offer M.Phil. program.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the UGC has framed the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022. The Regulations have been published in the Gazette of India on November 7, 2022.
UGC has asked Universities to stop admissions into M.Phil program.
“The Universities authorities, therefore, are requested to take immediate steps to stop admissions to the M.Phil. program for the 2023-24 academic year. Further, students are advised not to take admission in M.Phil. Program,” the UGC notice added.
UGC Chairman Professor M Jagadish Kumar said, “The UGC has asked universities to take immediate steps to stop admissions for the 2024-25 session. However, this will not affect students already doing MPhil.”
On questions being raised on validity of MPhil Degree for existing students, the UGC Chairman said that higher education institutions can award only the degrees specified by the commission.
The UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations were notified on November 7, 2022. Professor Kumar said that Rule 14 of the above notification states that the MPhil programme started before the notification of PhD rules will not be affected.
(With IANS inputs)