IGNOU opens PhD admissions for July 2026 session

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has opened applications for admission to its PhD programs for the July 2026 academic session, with the registration window remaining open until July 1.

Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the university's admission portal.

This year, IGNOU is offering admission to 36 doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines, including Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Public Administration, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and others.

The university said admissions will be carried out in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2022.

Applicants can seek admission under four categories: UGC-NET with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), UGC-NET candidates eligible for Assistant Professor and PhD admission, UGC-NET candidates eligible for PhD admission only, and candidates applying through the university-level entrance examination.

As part of the selection process, all candidates will be required to appear for an interview or viva-voce. However, applicants who have already qualified JRF or NET will be exempt from the entrance examination and will be directly shortlisted for the interview round.

IGNOU offers both full-time and part-time doctoral programs. The university has stated that all admitted scholars must complete the mandatory course work at its New Delhi headquarters and maintain a minimum attendance of 80% during the course work period.

Candidates wishing to apply must register on the admission portal, complete the application form, upload the required documents, and pay an application fee of ₹2,000.

Additional details regarding eligibility, program offerings, and the admission process are available on the official IGNOU website.