'Not recognized degree': UGC warns universities against MPhil admissions
What's the story
The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday warned universities against offering the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program, reminding them that it's not a recognized degree.
It also cautioned students against taking admissions for MPhil courses, which had previously been discontinued.
The UGC said, "It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few universities are inviting fresh applications for the MPhil program."
Context
Why does this story matter?
As the UGC announced the discontinuation of MPhil under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students pursuing the course expressed anxiety over their fate.
The two-year MPhil course was an opportunity for students to write their first thesis and better their research capabilities before a PhD.
However, many argued that the NEP was on par with international standards, as MPhil is not valued abroad.
Details
MPhil was discontinued under NEP
MPhil was discontinued under the NEP, and the UGC in 2022 notified it would be scrapped from 2022-23.
However, the UGC now revealed certain universities are still inviting MPhil applications for the 2023-24 academic session. They were asked to take steps to stop such admissions immediately.
UGC Secretary Manish Joshi warned students, stating, "Students are advised not to take admission in any MPhil program."
Twitter Post
UGC's warning against MPhil admissions
MPhil not recognised degree, take immediate steps to stop admissions for 2023-24 session: UGC to universities
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2023
Statement
Concerned regulations notified last year: UGC
In its latest notice, the UGC stated, "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."
It further noted that the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022, was also published in the Gazette of India on November 7, 2022.
Details
4-year bachelor's, research-focused master's for PhD
Notably, the NEP endorses a four-year graduate degree followed by a research-intensive master's program for a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree instead of the MPhil route.
"There may be an integrated five-year bachelor's/master's program. Undertaking a PhD shall require either a degree or a four-year bachelor's degree with research. The MPhil program will be discontinued," the NEP 2020 had specified, per The Hindu.