The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) PhD Admission 2026 notification is officially out for the academic session 2025-26. IIMC, a Deemed to be University under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, invites online applications from eligible candidates for its Full-Time and Part-Time PhD programmes in Journalism and Mass Communication.

The admission process for the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) PhD Admission 2026 follows UGC NET guidelines. Full-Time candidates and Part-Time candidates with a valid UGC NET qualification will be called directly for an interview, while Part-Time candidates without NET will need to appear for an entrance test conducted by IIMC.

This comprehensive guide covers every critical detail you need to know about the Indian Institute of Mass Communication PhD Admission 2026, including seats, eligibility, fees, selection criteria, and the application process.

For the 2025-26 session, a maximum of 22 scholars (18 Full-Time + 4 Part-Time) will be selected. The actual number may be less. Reservation is as per the Central Educational Institutions Act, 2006 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

PwD Reservation: 5% horizontal reservation in each category for candidates with 40% or more disability.

Supernumerary Seats: Up to 10% of the total admissible strength for International scholars.

For Full-Time PhD Programme

• A Master’s Degree in Journalism/Mass Communication/allied disciplines with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade).
• OR an M.Phil. in the relevant field with at least 55% marks.
• OR a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree with Research with a minimum of 75% marks or CGPA of 7.5.
• Relaxation: 5% marks relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS candidates.

For Part-Time PhD Programme

• Same academic eligibility as Full-Time programme.
• Must be in regular/contractual employment with minimum 3 years’ experience in media/mass communication or allied industries.
• Must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer.

Full-Time PhD

• Candidate must have cleared UGC-NET in Mass Communication & Journalism.
• Eligible candidates with valid NET are directly called for interview.
• No separate entrance exam.

Part-Time PhD

• Candidates without UGC-NET must appear for an entrance exam conducted by IIMC.
• Minimum 55% marks required in the entrance test to qualify for the interview.
• Candidates with UGC-NET are exempted from the entrance exam.

Final Merit Calculation

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview where they must present their research proposal.

Applications must be submitted online only via the IIMC website. No hard copies are accepted.

Application Fee

• General Category: Rs. 2,500/-
• OBC/SC/ST/PwD/EWS: Rs. 1,500/-
• International Candidates: USD 100/-

Fee is non-refundable and must be paid online.

Mandatory Documents to Upload

1. Class 10th Marksheet & Certificate.
2. Post Graduation Marksheet & Degree.
3. MPhil Marksheet & Degree (if applicable).
4. Caste/EWS/PwD Certificate (if applicable).
5. Work Experience letters (for Part-Time only).
6. Application Fee Receipt.
7. UGC-NET Scorecard.
8. Statement of Purpose (SOP) - 500 words.
9. Research Proposal - 2000 words (in Hindi or English).
10. NOC from Employer (for Part-Time only).

Ensure your research proposal is original and follows the prescribed outline. You can use tools like Image to PDF or Merge PDF to compile your documents into a single PDF file for easy submission.

The total estimated fee for the entire PhD programme is Rs. 87,000 for both Full-Time and Part-Time scholars (including one-time and semester fees).

International Scholars: Consolidated fee is USD 23,000.

Fellowship: IIMC does not provide institutional fellowships for Category-2 & 3 NET candidates. JRF holders will receive fellowship as per UGC norms. Candidates are encouraged to secure external fellowships.

Duration

• Full-Time: Min. 3 years, Max. 6 years (extendable to 8 years with re-registration).
• Part-Time: Min. 3 years (including coursework).
• Additional relaxation of 2 years for female scholars and PwD candidates (disability >40%).
• Female scholars are eligible for Maternity/Child Care Leave up to 240 days.

Coursework (Compulsory for All)

Six-month full-time coursework with the following core courses (Total 12 Credits):

Scholars must obtain a minimum of 55% marks in coursework to continue in the programme.

• Full-Time scholars are not permitted to take up any employment during the programme.
• All scholars must reside in Delhi/NCR during the programme.
• Hostel accommodation is NOT available for PhD scholars.
• Registration must be confirmed within 24 months of provisional admission.
• The research synopsis must be submitted by the end of the second year.
• All admissions are provisional. Foreign students must arrive with a valid Student/Research Visa.
• The PhD programme is governed by the 'Rules Governing the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 2025' of IIMC.
• Ragging is strictly banned. UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline: 1800-180-5522.

• IIMC Official Website
• PhD Admission Cell Email
• PhD Prospectus: Available on IIMC website after payment of application fee.
• For updates, regularly check: www.iimc.gov.in

For any queries related to the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) PhD Admission 2026, contact the PhD Admission Cell at the email above.