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Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, offered the M.Phil. (Political Science) programme, a research-oriented postgraduate degree affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala. However, it is important to note that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has discontinued the M.Phil. programme across India as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022. UGC has reiterated that M.Phil. is no longer a recognised degree and has directed all Higher Educational Institutions to stop offering M.Phil. admissions. Students are advised to verify the current status of this programme directly with Mata Gujri College or Punjabi University, Patiala before applying.

As of the current date (March 2026), fresh admissions to M.Phil. programmes are not being conducted at most institutions in India in compliance with UGC directives. Students interested in research in Political Science are advised to consider direct Ph.D. admission, which is now the standard research pathway after postgraduation.

Key Points

M.Phil. (Political Science) was a research-oriented programme affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala
UGC has discontinued M.Phil. as a recognised degree under NEP 2020 and UGC Regulations 2022
Students are advised to verify the current status of this programme with the college before applying
Candidates interested in research in Political Science should consider direct Ph.D. admission
Ph.D. in Political Science is available at Punjabi University, Patiala, and other universities
UGC NET/JRF in Political Science is the standard pathway for research fellowships and assistant professor positions

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

Mata Gujri College M.Phil. Fees

As M.Phil. is discontinued by UGC, fee information for fresh admissions is not applicable. Students who were enrolled in M.Phil. (Political Science) before the discontinuation were charged fees as per Punjabi University norms. For current fee details of any ongoing research programmes, students should contact Mata Gujri College directly.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Status
M.Phil. (Political Science) Fees	Not applicable (programme discontinued by UGC)

UGC has directed all Higher Educational Institutions to stop offering M.Phil. admissions as per NEP 2020.
Students enrolled before the discontinuation may continue their programme as per university rules.
For research opportunities, students should explore Ph.D. programmes at Punjabi University, Patiala.

Mata Gujri College M.Phil. Admission 2026

Fresh admissions to M.Phil. (Political Science) are not being conducted in compliance with UGC directives under NEP 2020. Students interested in research in Political Science should explore the following alternatives:

Ph.D. in Political Science at Punjabi University, Patiala (direct admission after M.A. Political Science with 55% marks)
UGC NET/JRF in Political Science for research fellowships and assistant professor eligibility
Integrated Ph.D. programmes at central universities

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed M.A. in Political Science or a related discipline with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD) from a recognised university.
Admission is through a Ph.D. entrance test conducted by the respective university.

Mata Gujri College M.Phil. Scholarships 2026

Students pursuing research in Political Science can apply for the following fellowships and scholarships:

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	Qualify UGC NET with JRF; age up to 30 years	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF) + HRA
UGC Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)	After 2 years of JRF; based on performance	Rs. 42,000/month (SRF) + HRA
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community students pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D.	As per government norms
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)	SC students pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D.	As per government norms
Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child (PG)	Single girl child at PG level	As per government norms
PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders (UGC)	1st and 2nd rank holders in PG; age up to 30 years	As per UGC norms

UGC NET/JRF is the primary gateway for research fellowships in India.
Students should apply for fellowships through the National Scholarship Portal or UGC official website.
Fellowship amounts are subject to revision by the respective funding agencies.

Mata Gujri College M.Phil. FAQs

Ques. Is M.Phil. (Political Science) still offered at Mata Gujri College?

Ans. As per UGC directives under NEP 2020, M.Phil. is no longer a recognised degree in India, and Higher Educational Institutions have been directed to stop offering M.Phil. admissions. Students are advised to verify the current status directly with Mata Gujri College or Punjabi University, Patiala before applying.

Ques. What is the alternative to M.Phil. (Political Science) after the UGC discontinuation?

Ans. Students interested in research in Political Science can pursue direct Ph.D. admission at Punjabi University, Patiala, or other universities. Ph.D. is now the standard research pathway after postgraduation. Qualifying UGC NET/JRF in Political Science is also a recommended step for research fellowships and assistant professor positions.

Ques. What is the eligibility for Ph.D. in Political Science at Punjabi University, Patiala?

Ans. Candidates must have passed M.A. in Political Science or a related discipline with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD) from a recognised university. Admission is through a Ph.D. entrance test conducted by Punjabi University.

Ques. Can M.Phil. (Political Science) graduates from Mata Gujri College use their degree for teaching or research?

Ans. UGC has clarified that M.Phil. degrees awarded before the discontinuation are valid and recognised. However, for new admissions, M.Phil. is no longer offered. Graduates who completed M.Phil. before the discontinuation can use their degree for teaching and research purposes.

Ques. What is UGC NET/JRF in Political Science and how does it help?

Ans. UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) in Political Science is conducted by NTA twice a year. Qualifying NET makes candidates eligible for assistant professor positions in colleges and universities. Qualifying NET with JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) additionally provides a monthly fellowship of Rs. 37,000 for Ph.D. research.

Ques. What career options are available for Political Science research scholars?

Ans. Political Science research scholars can pursue careers as assistant professors, associate professors, and professors in colleges and universities after qualifying UGC NET/JRF. They can also work in civil services (IAS, IPS, IFS), public policy research, think tanks, NGOs, and international organisations. Ph.D. in Political Science also opens doors to research positions in ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research) and other research bodies.

Mata Gujri College Fatehgarh Sahib M.Phil Political Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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