IGNOU PhD Eligibility & Duration
(Doctor of Philosophy Eligibility and Duration at IGNOU)
IGNOU offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in an Online mode. Currently, in India, an Online Ph.D is not acceptable and hence IGNOU also does not offer you Ph.D in online mode. If in case you still want to pursue PH.D from IGNOU, then you have to pursue it in regular/Part Time mode. If you are a working professional and want to pursue Ph.D without leaving your job then you can opt for the DBA program. The full form of DBA is a Doctoral of Business Administration. It is equivalent to a Ph.D program and it can be completed in a minimum of 3-5 years whereas Ph.D takes 5-7 years to complete it.
- DURATION: 3 Years (36 months) with Flexible timelines
- Domain: Doctorate (Get Dr.'s Title)
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Fees Range: INR 38,000*
- Accreditation: UGC, NIRF, NAAC Accredited
- Last date of admission: OnGoing
This information is provided for audience reference only. Please visit the https://www.ignou.ac.in/ website for the most accurate and updated details. Video Source: @gyanaddabyshefali
IGNOU PhD Eligibility
Master’s Degree or 4-Year Bachelor’s with 75% with
Online DBA Degree Salary Packages- PhD Alternative
During Online DBA Doctorate Program - PhD Alternative
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Ph.D Eligibility for IGNOU
To get admission to the IGNOU program, you must follow the below eligibility given below;
– To apply for the PhD at IGNOU, you must fulfill the mentioned below eligibility criteria-
– You must have completed your post-graduation with a minimum mark of 55 percent and if in case you belong to a reserved category then you only need 50 percent marks to pursue PhD at IGNOU.
– You must take an entrance exam conducted by the IGNOU.
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Detailed Eligibility Criteria & Duration for IGNOU Ph.D Program
IGNOU offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in an Online mode. Currently, in India, an Online Ph.D is not acceptable and hence IGNOU also does not offer you Ph.D in online mode. If in case you still want to pursue PH.D from IGNOU, then you have to pursue it in regular/Part Time mode. If you are a working professional and want to pursue Ph.D without leaving your job then you can opt for the DBA program. The full form of DBA is a Doctoral of Business Administration. It is equivalent to a Ph.D program and it can be completed in a minimum of 3-5 years whereas Ph.D takes 5-7 years to complete it.
Ph.D Eligibility for IGNOU
To get admission to the IGNOU program, you must follow the below eligibility given below;
– To apply for the PhD at IGNOU, you must fulfill the mentioned below eligibility criteria-
– You must have completed your post-graduation with a minimum mark of 55 percent and if in case you belong to a reserved category then you only need 50 percent marks to pursue PhD at IGNOU.
– You must take an entrance exam conducted by the IGNOU.
IGNOU Ph.D Admission
To gain admission to the program, you must follow the simple steps given below
– Visit the official website of the IGNOU
– Find the application form and fill out the necessary details.
– Recheck all the details you have filed and submit it.
– Next, your application form is sent to the concerned disciples.
– Once they check the details, if qualify you will be able to give an entrance exam.
– If you pass the exam, you will be called for the interview round.
– If you pass that, you will receive an offer letter.
Duration (3 to 6 Years): The standard duration of the Ph.D. programme at IGNOU is 3 years, with a maximum duration of 6 years.
– Women candidates and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) with 40% or more disability are granted a 2-year extension, allowing up to 8 years in total.
– The programme is structured to suit both full-time and part-time scholars, especially those balancing employment and research.
– The first six months involve compulsory coursework, conducted on-campus in New Delhi, with a minimum 80% attendance requirement.
– IGNOU’s Ph.D. aims to foster independent research, academic contribution, and domain-specific innovation in various disciplines across social sciences, sciences, education, and more.
Ranking & Approvals
UGC Recognition
IGNOU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) and Section 12B of the UGC Act, 1956.
Distance Education Bureau (DEB)
IGNOU is approved by the UGC-DEB (Distance Education Bureau) to offer distance and open learning programmes.
NAAC & NIRF
Accredited with A++ Grade (Score: 3.60/4) & Rank #1 in NIRF Ranking under OU Category
AIU Equivalence
Degrees awarded by IGNOU, including Ph.D., are recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as equivalent to those of any other recognized university in India.
An Online DBA Is An Alternative to a Ph.D. from IGNOU
IGNOU provides a Ph.D. program however, the course is time-consuming, making it difficult for working professionals to earn their Ph.D. degree while still working. Interested applicants can enroll in the Online DBA program, which is provided by several reputable overseas universities and has the same worth and recognition as a traditional Ph.D. degree. Here’s a list of several universities that offer online DBA programs:
Why is the online DBA program the top choice of Business Leaders over PhD?
Program Objective
Online DBA Doctorate – A professional online doctorate for business leaders & executives to apply research in solving real-world business challenges.
PhD – A traditional PhD focused on generating new knowledge through theoretical research and scholarly work.
Key Areas & Research Type
Online DBA Doctorate – Practice & Applied research, directly addressing real-world business issues.
PhD – Theoretical research, focusing on conceptual frameworks, models, and methodologies.
Career Opportunity
Online DBA Doctorate – C-suite roles (CEO, CFO, COO, etc.), Senior business consultant, Corporate strategist, Business school instructor, Policymaker & industry expert
PhD – University professor, Academic researcher, Think tank analyst, Policy consultant, Business school faculty & author
Duration
Online DBA Doctorate – 3-5 years (usually part-time to accommodate working professionals.
PhD – 5-8 years (typically full-time due to research and teaching responsibilities).
Program Mode
Online DBA Doctorate – Highly flexible (online, hybrid, or in-person options)
PhD – Mostly in-person, with a few universities offering hybrid or online PhD options.
Dissertation Type
Online DBA Doctorate – Dissertation Type – Applied research project, focusing on solving a real business problem with practical implications.
PhD – Theoretical dissertation, contributing new academic knowledge to the field.
Worldwide Faculty Credentials
Dr. Francisco Oliva
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Dr. Hahn N. Chou
Doctorate | Industry Expert | Already Received A Doctoral Degree | October 2022
👉Title: Investigating conflicting perspectives at a software multinational concerning its efforts to produce culturally and linguistically appropriate web content for its customers around the globe. 👉Nature of thesis research: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
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Dr. Hahn N. Chou
Doctorate | Industry Expert | Already Received A Doctoral Degree | August 2020
👉Title: How does an individual's culture trigger barriers of communication in a diverse environment? The case of a European Enforcement Network; An Action Research Inquiry. 👉Nature of thesis research: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Dr. Hahn N. Chou
Doctorate | Industry Expert | Already Received A Doctoral Degree | November 2021
👉Title: Exploring the issues behind centralised chronic medicine distribution and dispensing (CCMDD) program failure to provide access to chronic medicines in eThekwini, South Africa👉Nature of thesis research: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Worldwide Faculty & Fellows
Article Source & Latest Global Trends in Doctoral Education!
Stay ahead in your academic journey by exploring cutting-edge insights and research on how doctoral education is evolving worldwide. From the rise of professional doctorates to flexible learning formats and global collaboration, discover the key trends shaping the future of advanced education—sourced from reputable academic and industry publications….
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India Rankings 2024: Open University- 3 Link here | NAAC Official Website- 4 Link here |
IGNOU eGyanKosh- 5 Link here | IGNOU Gyandarshan- 6 Link here |
IGNOU e-Content- 7 Link here | Swayam Free Online Education- 8 Link here |
IGNOU PhD Brochure PDF – 9 Link here |
Disclaimer: DoctoratePath does not itself award academic credits. All credits are granted, recognized, or transferred solely at the discretion of the university or institution offering the degree or diploma. We recommend that learners carefully evaluate the program’s alignment with their academic, professional, and career goals before enrolling. Unless explicitly stated, DoctoratePath does not guarantee credit recognition or equivalency. Outcomes may vary depending on individual experience, qualifications, and job search efforts. The data and statistics presented are based on historical information and may vary across individuals. Past outcomes are not indicative of future results, and personal performance depends on several factors including effort, background, and market conditions.
Programs delivered in collaboration with foreign universities are accredited in their respective countries. However, they may not be recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India. Learners are advised to review the recognition status based on their intended use of the qualification.
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FAQs About IGNOU PhD Eligibility & Duration 2025-26
Is a Ph.D. at IGNOU offered in an Online mode?
No, IGNOU offers Ph.D program but in regular mode.
What is the fess of the Ph.D program at IGNOU?
The total fee is Rs. 38,000. However, fees change from time to time.
Is an entrance exam necessary to gain admission to Ph.d at IGNOU?
Yes, you must appear for the examination conducted by the university to gain admission to IGNOU.
What is a DBA program and how does it differ from a Ph.D.?
A DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) program is a doctoral-level qualification focused on applied research and practical business knowledge. Unlike a Ph.D., which emphasizes academic research, a DBA is focused on working professionals seeking to apply research findings to real-world business challenges.