UGC Discontinues MPhil Degree: What You Need to Know

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a warning to students against seeking admission to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program, which has been discontinued in line with the National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020. Here’s an explainer on why the MPhil degree was scrapped and the implications for students and educational institutions.

Why was the MPhil Degree Discontinued?

1. The discontinuation of the MPhil course aligns with the National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020.
2. Changes were made in postgraduate and undergraduate courses as per the NEP 2020, leading to the derecognition of the MPhil course.

Directive to Colleges:

1. The UGC has directed higher educational institutions not to offer MPhil programs.
2. A warning has been issued against universities offering admissions to the MPhil program despite its cancellation.

UGC Notification Highlights:

1. The UGC’s official notification emphasizes that the MPhil degree is not recognized.
2. Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations 2022 clearly states that Higher Educational Institutions shall not offer MPhil programs.
3. The UGC has framed the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations 2022, published in the Gazette of India on November 7, 2022.
4. The notification urges universities to take immediate steps to halt admissions to the MPhil program for the 2023-24 academic year.

Implications for Students:

1. Students are warned against seeking admission to the MPhil program, as the degree is no longer recognized.
2. Those pursuing research and higher education are advised to consider alternative academic pathways in line with the revised regulations.

The discontinuation of the MPhil degree reflects adherence to the NEP 2020 and a restructuring of academic programs. Students and educational institutions are urged to align with the updated regulations, and universities are directed to cease admissions to the MPhil program in the current academic year.

This move by the UGC underscores the ongoing reforms in India’s higher education landscape, aiming to enhance the quality and relevance of academic programs.

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