IGNOU PhD Entrance Exam
(Doctor of Philosophy Entrance Exam at IGNOU)
To gain admission to the Ph.D. at IGNOU, you must pass the entrance exam followed by an interview round. The question paper consists of 2 parts. These two parts include research methodology and MCQs. Once you pass an entrance exam, you will be called for an interview round. If you pass these two rounds, you will be provided with an offer letter.
- 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
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IGNOU PH.D Entrance Test - Quick Facts
To appear for the entrance exam you must register for it first. Registrations for PH.D start around December month for the January session. For the recent updates, it is mandatory to check it from the official website of the IGNOU. To apply follow the simple steps-Also Read: IGNOU Online Admission!
– 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 you 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.
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Key Highlights for IGNOU PH.D Entrance Exam
| IGNOU PH.D Entrance Exam | |
| Features | Details |
| Exam Name | PH.D Entrance Exam |
| Exam Conducting Authority | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Exam Mode | Written |
| Frequency of Exam | Twice a year |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Score Validity | One year (for two sessions) |
| Official Website | www.ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU PH.D Entrance Test: Important Information
If you want to pursue PH.D from IGNOU then it is mandatory to take an entrance exam conducted by the university. It is a very easy process to follow. Visit the official website, and fill out the application form, the application form will be sent to all the concerned departments. If you pass that, you will be able to take an entrance exam. If you pass the exam you will called for an interview round. If you pass both, an offer letter will be sent to you.
Instructions and Procedures for filling out the Application Form
You must be very careful while filling out your form because if they spot any mistake in your form they will make you re-submit it and it takes time and energy. So please make sure these mentioned below points to keep in mind while filling out your application form.
Admit Card – You will receive your admit cards one week before the entrance examination. The admit card contains important details such as the exam date, timings, exam center code, center name, and instructions for the exam. Please download it and carry it with you to the examination hall on the date of the examination.
Examination Day – On the scheduled exam date, you need to go to your assigned exam center. The question paper consists of 2 parts. These two parts include research methodology and MCQs. Once you pass an entrance exam, you will be called for an interview round. If you pass these two rounds, you will be provided with an offer letter.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Ph.D. program at IGNOU you need to meet specific eligibility criteria. You should have completed your post-graduation with a minimum of 55 percent marks. However, if you belong to a reserved category, the minimum requirement is 50 percent marks.
(1) You are required to appear for an entrance exam conducted by IGNOU as part of the application process.
(2) Meeting these criteria is essential for seeking admission to the Ph.D. program at IGNOU.
Admission Procedure 2025
To apply follow the simple steps-
(1) Visit the official website of the IGNOU
(2) Find the application form and fill out the necessary details.
(3) Recheck all the details you have filed and submit it.
(4) Next, your application form is sent to the concerned disciples.
(5) Once they check the details, if qualify you will be able to give an entrance exam.
(6) If you pass the exam, you will be called for the interview round.
(7) If you pass that, you will receive an offer letter.
Result – Every year, the PH.D entrance test results are announced on the official website of IGNOU by the National Testing Agency. To check their results, you need to enter your login credentials, such as their application number and date of birth. You can then download your results using your enrollment number.
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.
IGNOU PH.D Entrance Test Syllabus
The list of the topics that are required to prepare to pass the PH.D entrance examination is given below for your reference. The syllabus for the entrance exam of some subjects is given below. Check the given link below to know the syllabus of all subjects.
| Ph.D. Anthropology | (1) Anthropology and Methods of Research (2) Physical Anthropology (3) Social Anthropology (4) Archaeological Anthropology |
| Ph.D. Political Science | (1) Research Methodology (2) Political Theory & Thought (3) India: State and Society (4) Globalization and International Relations |
| Ph.D. Chemistry | (1) Part A:– Research Methodology (2) Part B:– I: Inorganic Chemistry II: Physical Chemistry III. Organic Chemistry |
| Ph.D. Mathematics | (1) Algebra (2) Real Analysis (3) Topology (4) Functional Analysis (5) Differential Equations (6) Partial Differential Equations (7) Section B– Research Aptitude |
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.
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Worldwide Faculty & Fellows
Article Source & Latest Global Trends in Doctoral Education!
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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 Entrance Exam 2025-26
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.
Is PH.D from IGNOU valid?
Yes, PH.D from IGNOU is valid as IGNOU is government-recognized and has all the accreditations needed to offer a program.
Is Ph.D from IGNOU worth time and money?
Ph.D. from any reputable and government-recognized university worth your time and money.
What is the age limit for pursuing a Ph.D program?
There is no age limit to pursue Ph.D program.