The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has opened its application window for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programme. This admission cycle is for the academic year 2025–26. Prospective scholars can apply online via the official website, iimc.gov.in. The final deadline for all applications is January 30 .
IIMC aims to enroll a maximum of 22 PhD candidates for the upcoming academic year. This intake includes 18 positions for full-time scholars and four positions for part-time scholars. The institute also reserves up to 10 percent of its total admissible strength for international students, offering these as supernumerary seats. IIMC clarified that the final number of admissions may be adjusted lower, if necessary, while maintaining prescribed category-wise reservation ratios.
Application Fees
All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee amount varies based on the applicant’s category:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category Candidates | Rs 2,500 |
| OBC, SC, ST, PwD, EWS Candidates | Rs 1,500 |
| International Candidates | USD 100 |
IIMC PhD Programme 2026: Eligibility and Selection
Specific eligibility criteria apply to both full-time and part-time PhD programmes in Mass Communication and Journalism at IIMC.
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Full-Time PhD Programme Requirements
Candidates applying for the full-time PhD programme must have successfully cleared the UGC NET examination. This qualification must be in Mass Communication and Journalism. Applicants meeting this criterion will directly receive an invitation for an interview. No separate entrance examination is required for full-time candidates holding a valid UGC-NET qualification.
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Part-Time PhD Programme Requirements
Candidates pursuing the part-time PhD programme who do not possess a UGC-NET qualification must take an entrance examination. IIMC will conduct this examination on February 15 . Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET in Mass Communication and Journalism are exempt from this specific entrance test. Those appearing for the entrance test must achieve a minimum score of 55 percent to become eligible for the subsequent interview stage.
The final merit list for all admitted candidates will be determined by combining their performance during the interview stage with their UGC-NET or JRF percentile scores. This process ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant’s academic and research potential.
Key Dates for IIMC PhD Admission 2026
IIMC has released a detailed schedule outlining the important dates for the PhD admission process:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Entrance Examination (for non-NET part-time candidates) | February 15 |
| Result Declaration for Entrance Exam | February 20 |
| Interview Shortlist Release | February 23 |
| Commencement of Interviews | March 9 |
| Final Result Announcement | March 19 |
| Admission Process Duration | March 23 – March 27 |
| Academic Session Begins | April 1 |
Prospective applicants should carefully review all requirements and deadlines on the official IIMC website to ensure timely submission and preparation.