The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), operating as a Deemed-to-be-University under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has officially commenced the admission process for its prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme. Aspiring researchers can now submit their online applications for the academic session commencing in 2025-26.
IIMC PhD Programme: Key Details and Research Focus
This advanced doctoral programme is structured to cater to both dedicated full-time scholars and working professionals, offering both full-time and part-time modes of study. It is meticulously designed to foster in-depth research across a spectrum of media and communication disciplines. The programme encourages scholarly exploration in areas including journalism, mass communication, digital media, advertising, public relations, strategic communication, political communication, film studies, and development communication.
For the upcoming session, a total of 22 seats have been announced. Out of these, 18 seats are allocated for full-time candidates, while four seats are reserved for those opting for the part-time track.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
Prospective candidates must meet specific academic and professional benchmarks. For full-time PhD admission, applicants must possess a master’s degree in journalism, mass communication or allied fields with a minimum of 55 per cent marks. Alternatively, a four-year bachelor’s degree with research and at least 75 per cent marks is also acceptable. Crucially, all full-time applicants must have a valid UGC NET qualification in Mass Communication and Journalism.
Part-time applicants need to fulfil the same academic criteria and must additionally be currently employed with at least three years of professional experience in relevant fields. They are also required to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of application.
The selection methodology differs for the two modes. For the full-time programme, no separate entrance exam will be conducted. Candidates with a valid UGC NET score will be directly shortlisted for an interview. The final merit list will be prepared with 70 per cent weightage given to the UGC NET percentile and 30 per cent to the interview performance.
For the part-time programme, candidates must appear for an offline entrance examination at IIMC Delhi, unless they are exempted by virtue of having a UGC NET qualification. The final selection will be based on a combination of the entrance test (or UGC NET score) and the interview, with the same 70:30 weightage ratio.
Important Dates and Application Procedure
Prospective students must adhere to a strict schedule of deadlines. The online application window opened on January 1, 2026, and will close on January 30, 2026. The entrance exam for part-time candidates is scheduled for February 15, 2026, with results following on February 20, 2026. Interview shortlists will be announced by February 23, 2026, with the interview rounds beginning from March 9, 2026. The final results are expected by March 19, 2026, followed by admission formalities from March 23 to 27, 2026. The coursework for the new batch is set to commence on April 1, 2026.
The application process is entirely online through the official website, iimc.gov.in. Applicants need to register, fill in the required details, upload necessary documents (including a statement of purpose and a preliminary research proposal), and pay the non-refundable fee. The application fee is set at Rs 2,500 for General category candidates, Rs 1,500 for OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD candidates, and $100 for international applicants.
This initiative by IIMC underscores its commitment to advancing scholarly research and thought leadership in the dynamic field of mass communication and journalism in India.
