The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has begun accepting applications for its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes for the 2025 academic session. Interested applicants can submit their forms through the official admission portal — ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in — by October 31, 2025.This admission cycle covers PhD programmes across 24 subject areas such as English, Hindi, Commerce, Education, Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, and several others. A comprehensive list of disciplines, eligibility requirements, and admission guidelines is available in the official prospectus issued by the university.This nationwide admission drive provides aspiring researchers an opportunity to pursue advanced academic work through a structured and recognised doctoral framework.
How to apply for IGNOU PhD 2025
Follow these steps to complete your application process successfully:Step 1: Visit ignou-phd.samarth.edu.inStep 2: Click on “New Registration” (or login if already registered).Step 3: Fill in your academic, personal, and research-related information.Step 4: Upload scanned copies of the required documents.Step 5: Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.Step 6: Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.Direct link to register for IGNOU PhD 2025 is here. If you’re a registered user, click here to apply.
Key dates for IGNOU PhD 2025
Here are the key details that candidates should take note of before applying:
Who can apply for IGNOU PhD 2025?
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant subject area with a minimum of 55% marks. Relaxation is provided for reserved categories (50% for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer/Persons with Disabilities). Even those who have already cleared University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) must take the IGNOU PhD entrance test.
Selection process for IGNOU PhD 2025
Admission to the PhD programme will be based on a two-stage process:Entrance exam: A three-hour test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) conducted at designated centres across the country.Interview/Viva-Voce: Candidates who clear the entrance test will be shortlisted and invited for an interview round conducted by the concerned discipline-specific research committees.
Application fees for IGNOU PhD 2025
Check the application fee structure based on your category below:• General Category: ₹1,000• SC/ST Candidates: ₹800Note: Before applying, candidates are advised to carefully read the PhD Information Brochure available on the portal.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
