The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has started the online application process for PhD admissions for the July 2026 session. The admission application process for IGNOU PhD 2026 started on 10 June. The last date for submission of the online Ph.D. Admission Form for the July 2026 Session is 01 July 2026.
Candidates who are interested can apply through the IGNOU official admission portal. To complete the application process, candidates must pay an application fee of INR 2,000 while submitting the application form online. This amount of application fee is non-refundable under any condition.
IGNOU is offering admission to PhD programmes across 36 different disciplines of study. These include subjects like Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Public Administration, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Life Sciences and several other academic fields.
IGNOU provides both full-time and part-time PhD programmes. All selected candidates, in both categories, must attend the coursework classes as per IGNOU guidelines. The coursework will be conducted during the first six months after admission and will take place only at the IGNOU headquarters in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. Students are required to attend these classes regularly and at least 80% of attendance is compulsory.
All the candidates applying for admission are advised to regularly visit the IGNOU PhD portal to get the latest information and updates regarding Ph.D. Admissions 2026.
IGNOU PhD Admission 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for IGNOU PhD admission must meet the eligibility conditions as per UGC guidelines and the university’s admission rules. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject from a recognized university. They should have at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade.
Candidates who have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree followed by PhD eligibility must have at least 75% marks. A relaxation of 5% marks is given to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), EWS and differently-abled candidates as per rules.
Students with an M.Phil degree and at least 55% marks can also apply. However, Degrees from foreign universities are also accepted if they are recognised and approved by the relevant authorities.
How To Apply for IGNOU PhD Admission 2026
Candidates can apply for IGNOU PhD 2026 admission easily by following the simple steps. The IGNOU PhD application process is simple, as students need to follow the below mentioned steps.
Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU admission portal (Samarth portal) at https://ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in/.
Step 2: Click on the Register Option and create a new account using basic details like name, email ID, and mobile number.
Step 3: Now, log in with your registered credentials.
Step 4: Fill out the PhD application form carefully with personal, academic and contact details.
Step 5: Upload the required documents such as marksheets, photo and signature in the prescribed format.
Step 6: Pay the application fee of INR 2,000 online through the available payment options.
Step 7: Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future use.
IGNOU PhD Admission & Selection Process 2026
Candidates first need to apply online through the official IGNOU admission portal before the deadline. After the application process, eligible candidates are shortlisted for the next stage.
Those who are required to take the entrance test will have to appear for an exam conducted by IGNOU. After the exam, shortlisted candidates are called for an interview or viva-voce, where they may also be asked about their research interest or proposal.
Final selection is based on performance in both the entrance test (if applicable) and the interview. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET or JRF may be exempted from the entrance exam and directly called for the interview.
Selected candidates are offered admission and must complete the coursework at IGNOU before starting their PhD research.
