IGNOU PhD Admission 2026-27: IGNOU provides various PhD programs for those seeking to pursue advanced qualifications for the Session 2026-27. Admission process for the IGNOU PhD program will start on 28 November 2025* and the expected last date to apply online will be 31 January 2026* for the session 2026-27. The admission process involves the scores from the last qualifying exam and the entrance exam.
Applicants are required to have a master’s degree or its equivalent with at least 55% marks from a reputed university/institute. For further details and information about the admission process, candidates are encouraged to visit IGNOU’s official website www.ignou.ac.in or read the full article below.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Last Date |
| IGNOU PhD Admission 2026 Start Date | November 2025* |
| IGNOU PhD Admission 2026 Last Date | 31 January 2026* |
| Admit Card for PhD Entrance Exam | 28 February 2026* |
| IGNOU PhD Entrance Exam | May 2026* |
| IGNOU PhD Entrance Exam Result | June 2026* |
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026 Latest Update
- IGNOU PhD Admission 2026 will commence on 28 November 2025 for the session 2026-27, and the expected last date to submit the form will be 31 January 2026.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026 Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Program |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
|
| Eligibility Criteria |
|
| Selection Process |
Entrance Test (70%) + Interview (30%)
|
| Duration | 3 to 6 years |
| Application Fee |
₹1,000 (non-refundable)
|
| Program Fee (Annual) |
INR 9,500 – INR 18,000
|
| Thesis Submission Fee | ₹15,000 |
|
Application form release date
|
28 November 2025* |
|
Admission last date
|
31 January 2026* |
| Application Portal | |
| Contact Details |
Email: researchunit@ignou.ac.in
Phone: 011-29537326 |
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026
IGNOU offers admission into the PhD Program to students who want to research and acquire deep knowledge in subjects like Development Studies, Mathematics, Nursing, and more. The IGNOU PhD Admission form will be available around 28 November 2025, and the last date to fill out the form will be 31 January 2026. To apply, students need a master’s degree with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories). If a candidate has a valid UGC NET/JRF, they may get direct entry, and other students must take an entrance exam and attend an interview.
The PhD program takes 3 to 6 years to complete, and students have the option to choose to study full-time or part-time. The first six months include coursework at IGNOU’s Delhi campus. The application fee is ₹1,000, and the annual course fee is between INR 9,500 and ₹18,000. It is recommended to check the academic prospectus for the PhD program on IGNOU’s official website.
IGNOU PhD Entrance Exam 2026
IGNOU PhD admission entrance exam (NET/JRF exam) is to be held in the expected month of May 2026. Applicants can apply for the NET/JRF exam through the official portal of NTA, and the last date to submit the application form will be 12 May 2026*. Candidates shall appear in an entrance exam because there are only a limited number of seats available in the program. IGNOU itself conducts an entrance exam for its various PhD programs.
Applicants are mandated to appear in an entrance exam, as selection is based on their performance in the written exam. Candidates who score at least 50% in their entrance test are eligible for an interview. The PhD entrance exam is based on the pattern of the CSIR/UGC entrance exam held at the national level.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU PhD Admission 2026
Applicants who want to study PhD courses at IGNOU shall make sure they match all basic admission requirements. Applicants have to apply before the deadline specified by IGNOU. Here are some essential criteria to remember when applying for admission:
- A master’s degree in a specified stream or its equivalent is needed to get admission to a PhD program at IGNOU.
- Candidates belonging to the general category should have a minimum of 55% marks, and those who belong to the reserved category should score at least 50% marks.
- Applicants can enrol in the PhD program at IGNOU without any age restrictions.
IGNOU PhD Fee Structure 2026
A wide range of disciplines is offered through PhD programs such as Dairy Science and Technology, Commerce, Environmental Studies, Law, Nursing, Education, Biochemistry, Food and Nutrition, Development Studies, and many others. An academic fee may vary for these specializations.
It’s advised to go through the annual fee structure of a selected course. An average PhD fee may range between INR 9500 to INR 18000. Given below is the list of specialized courses along with their annual fee structure:
| PhD Specializations | Annual Fees (Approximately) |
| PhD in Economics |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Home Science |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Service Management |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Sanskrit |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Interdisciplinary & Trans-disciplinary Studies |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Environmental Science |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Public Administration |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Management |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Geography |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Music |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in English |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Child Development |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Geology |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Life Sciences |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Fine Arts |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Hindi |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Vocational Education |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Dance |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Education |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Mathematics |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Physics |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Statistics |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Chemistry |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Bio-Chemistry |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Commerce |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Rural Development |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Social Work |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Gender and Development Studies |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Computer Science |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Theatre Arts |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Psychology |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
| PhD in Nutritional Science |
INR 17,850/Year & 5,000 Thesis submission fee
|
How to Apply for IGNOU PhD Admission 2026
For those applicants who aim to study a PhD program in a specific field can enrol at IGNOU. One shall make sure they follow the simple steps given below for the application process:
Step 1: Candidates shall visit the official web portal of IGNOU using any search engine.
Step 2: It’s instructed to read carefully each detail, including the fee structure, eligibility criteria, and duration.
Step 3: Proceed further to the admission homepage and click on the “Register Now” button.
Step 4: Generate a new applicant ID by filling in name, ID proof, email address, and contact number.
Step 5: Now, enter details like applicant ID and password to log in.
Step 6: Fill out all mandatory details carefully without making any errors.
Step 7: Attach all the academic and personal certificates as specified in the prospectus.
Step 8: Deposit a registration fee using a specific payment mode.
Step 9: Click on the “Submit Now” tab.
Step 10: Make a copy of the final registration form for future reference.
Documents Required
Some of the important certificates required to be uploaded while filling out a registration form are as follows:
- Candidates scanned photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Caste Certificate (if mandatory)
- Scanned copy of 10th certificate
- Scanned copy of 12th certificate
- Scanned copy of bachelor’s and PG marksheet
- candidate’s birth certificate
- Copy of Identity proof
- A scanned copy of the Experience letter
- Migration Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
Commonly Asked Questions About IGNOU PhD
1) Can I do a PhD from IGNOU without NET?
A) Yes, Students are able to study a PhD program from IGNOU if they have not qualified for the NET (National Eligibility Test). Applicants just need to appear for the entrance test, which is conducted by the IGNOU.
2) What is the fee of PhD in IGNOU?
A) The PhD program fee at IGNOU is INR 17500 per year + INR 5000 as thesis submission fee.