IGNOU Ph.D Management: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Maidan Garhi, New DelhiOpen UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A++
Collegedunia Team's profile photo

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Doctor of Philosophy in Management (PHDMGMT) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, is a rigorous research programme offered under the School of Management Studies (SOMS). The programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with a first-year fee of Rs. 17,850 and an annual re-registration fee of Rs. 8,400 thereafter. Admission is based on UGC NET qualification followed by an interview at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi. The programme is offered in both Part Time and Full Time modes and is highly popular among working management professionals, corporate executives, and faculty members who wish to pursue doctoral research in management and allied areas. IGNOU's Ph.D. in Management is UGC-compliant, nationally recognised, and is one of the most sought-after doctoral programmes in management research in India.

As of March 2026, the July 2025 session admissions have been completed (last date was 16 August 2025, with interviews conducted subsequently). The July 2026 session is expected to open around April 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IGNOU PhD admission portal at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in for the latest notifications and seat availability.

Key Points

  • The Ph.D. Management programme is conducted in regular (on-campus) mode at IGNOU Headquarters, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. Coursework during the first six months is mandatory and requires at least 80% physical attendance.
  • Part Time candidates who are employed must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of interview.
  • IGNOU does not have hostel facilities for PhD scholars. Students must arrange their own accommodation in Delhi during the coursework period.
  • The programme is compliant with UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degrees) Regulations, 2022.
  • Candidates with CA/CS/CMA (ICWA) qualifications are also eligible to apply, in addition to those with a Master's degree in Management or allied areas.
  • IGNOU has its own Research Fellowship scheme - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Fellowship (for male scholars) and Savitribai Phule Fellowship (for female scholars) - offering Rs. 8,000 per month along with a contingency grant of Rs. 8,000 per annum for selected full-time PhD scholars.
  • Women candidates and Persons with Disabilities (40% or more) are given two years extra beyond the maximum duration of 6 years.
272 Views Last Year
31 Studentsshown interest in the last 30 days

IGNOU Latest Updates and News

16 Sep, 2026 IGNOU July 2026 Session re-registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30, 2026, @onlinerr.ignou.ac.in, for all ODL and Online programs. Read News.

16 Sep, 2026 IGNOU July 2026 Session registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30, 2026, @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Read More.

IGNOU PHDMGMT Fees

The Ph.D. Management programme at IGNOU is among the most affordable doctoral programmes in management in India. The total first-year fee is Rs. 17,850, covering registration and coursework. From the second year, a re-registration fee of Rs. 8,400 is payable annually. For a standard 3-year programme, the total fee is approximately Rs. 34,650. IGNOU does not have hostel facilities, so no hostel fee is applicable.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Registration Fee (one-time)1,000
Course Work Fee (1st Year)8,400
Research Fee (1st Year)8,400
Re-Registration Fee (per year, from Year 2)8,400
Thesis Submission Fee (one-time)5,000
Examination Fee (per subject)200
Application Fee (non-refundable)1,000
Total Fees (3-year programme, approx.)34,650
  • The application fee of Rs. 1,000 is non-refundable and is paid at the time of submitting the online application form.
  • Examination fee of Rs. 200 per subject is charged separately and is not included in the programme fee.
  • Thesis submission fee of Rs. 5,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission.
  • There is no hostel facility at IGNOU. Students must arrange their own stay in Delhi during the mandatory coursework period.
  • Fee is subject to revision by the university. Candidates should verify the latest fee structure from the official IGNOU website before applying.

IGNOU PHDMGMT Admission 2026

IGNOU Ph.D. Management admissions are conducted once a year for the July session. The programme was offered in the July 2025 session with 21 seats (UR=10, SC=3, ST=1, OBC=5, EWS=2) and in the 2024 session with 10 seats. Admission is based on UGC NET qualification (with or without JRF) followed by an interview at IGNOU Headquarters. The July 2026 session is expected to open around April 2026. Candidates must keep checking the official portal for updates.

IGNOU Ph.D. Management Admission Dates

EventJuly 2025 Session (Actual)2026 Session (Expected/Tentative)
Online Registration Opens19 July 2025April 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date for Online Registration16 August 2025~21 days from announcement
Interview / Selection ProcessOctober - November 2025To be announced
Batch Commencement (Coursework)January 2026 (Tentative)July 2026 (Tentative)

UGC NET (Management) Exam Dates

EventPhase 1 (2025-26)Phase 2 (2026, Tentative)
Application Start Date7 October 20251 April 2026 (Tentative)
Application End Date7 November 20251 May 2026 (Tentative)
Admit Card Release28 December 20251 June 2026 (Tentative)
Exam Dates31 December 2025 - 7 January 2026June 2026 (Tentative)
Answer Key Release14 January 2026July 2026 (Tentative)
Result Declaration4 February 2026July 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must have a Master's degree in Management or a degree declared equivalent to the Master's degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, or a Master's degree in any allied areas related to Management, from a recognised university with at least 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD categories).
  • Candidates with CA/CS/CMA (ICWA) qualifications are also eligible to apply.
  • Candidates must have a valid UGC NET score (with or without JRF) in Management from June 2024 onwards.

Admission Process

  • Register online at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in and pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1,000.
  • Upload scanned copies of all required documents including photograph, signature, academic certificates, UGC NET/JRF certificate or score card, and category certificate (if applicable).
  • Part Time candidates must upload a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer in the prescribed format.
  • Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview at IGNOU Headquarters, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi.
  • Interview comprises Research Methodology (40%), Subject Domain (40%), and Communication Skills (20%).
  • Final merit list is prepared combining UGC NET score and interview performance (as applicable) and displayed on the IGNOU official website.
  • Offer letters are sent only to selected candidates.

IGNOU PHDMGMT Scholarships 2026

IGNOU Ph.D. Management scholars can avail a range of fellowships and scholarships from both IGNOU and external funding agencies. IGNOU's own fellowship scheme provides financial support to full-time scholars, while government-funded fellowships like UGC-JRF, ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship, and MANF are available to eligible candidates. These fellowships significantly reduce the financial burden and support dedicated research.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship / FellowshipEligibilityAmountRemarks
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)Candidates who qualify UGC NET with JRF in ManagementRs. 37,000/month (1st 2 years); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF, after 2 years)Awarded by UGC/NTA; valid for 5 years; upgradation to SRF after 2 years subject to review
IGNOU Research Fellowship (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar / Savitribai Phule)Full-time IGNOU PhD scholars selected by IGNOU's selection committeeRs. 8,000/month + Rs. 8,000/year contingency grantFor male scholars: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Fellowship; for female scholars: Savitribai Phule Fellowship
ICSSR Doctoral FellowshipPhD scholars in Social Sciences including ManagementAs per ICSSR normsAwarded by Indian Council of Social Science Research; application through IGNOU Research Unit
MANF (Maulana Azad National Fellowship)Minority community PhD scholarsRs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)Awarded by Ministry of Minority Affairs through UGC
NFOBC (National Fellowship for OBC)OBC category PhD scholarsRs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)Awarded by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through UGC
NFSC (National Fellowship for SC)SC category PhD scholarsRs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)Awarded by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through UGC
MOTA-NFST (National Fellowship for ST)ST category PhD scholarsRs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)Awarded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs through UGC
  • UGC-JRF fellowship is available only to candidates who qualify UGC NET with JRF. Part Time scholars are generally not eligible for JRF fellowship.
  • IGNOU Research Fellowship is available only to full-time scholars and is awarded through a separate selection process.
  • Candidates must apply for external fellowships (ICSSR, MANF, NFOBC, NFSC, NFST) through the respective funding agencies. IGNOU Research Unit facilitates the process.
  • Fellowship amounts are subject to revision by the respective funding agencies.

IGNOU PHDMGMT FAQs

Ques. Is IGNOU Ph.D. Management recognised and accepted for faculty positions in management institutes?

Ans. Yes, IGNOU Ph.D. Management is fully recognised by UGC and is accepted for faculty positions in management institutes, colleges, and universities across India. IGNOU is a Central University and its degrees carry the same recognition as those from any other UGC-recognised university. Candidates must also fulfil the UGC NET/SET requirement for teaching positions as per the latest UGC regulations.

Ques. Are CA/CS/CMA professionals eligible for IGNOU Ph.D. Management without a Master's degree?

Ans. Yes, candidates with CA/CS/CMA (ICWA/ICMAI) qualifications are explicitly eligible to apply for IGNOU Ph.D. Management even without a conventional Master's degree in Management. However, they must still qualify UGC NET in Management to be eligible for admission.

Ques. Can I pursue IGNOU Ph.D. Management while working in a corporate job? What are the attendance requirements?

Ans. Yes, IGNOU Ph.D. Management is available in Part Time mode for working professionals. However, the mandatory six-month coursework at IGNOU's New Delhi campus requires at least 80% physical attendance. After the coursework phase, research work can be conducted more flexibly. Part Time candidates must obtain an NOC from their employer.

Ques. How many seats are available for IGNOU Ph.D. Management and what is the competition like?

Ans. The number of seats varies each year. In the July 2025 session, 21 seats were available (UR=10, SC=3, ST=1, OBC=5, EWS=2). In the 2024 session, 10 seats were available. The admission is competitive, especially for the UR category. Candidates with JRF have a significant advantage as they are directly called for interview.

Ques. What are the research areas available under IGNOU Ph.D. Management?

Ans. IGNOU Ph.D. Management covers a wide range of research areas including Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Operations Management, Organisational Behaviour, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Supply Chain Management, and allied areas. The specific research area depends on the availability of a supervisor with expertise in that domain.

Ques. Does IGNOU provide any financial support or fellowship for Ph.D. Management scholars?

Ans. IGNOU does not provide a stipend to all PhD scholars. However, full-time scholars can apply for the IGNOU Research Fellowship (Rs. 8,000/month). Candidates who qualify UGC NET with JRF receive the UGC-JRF fellowship (Rs. 37,000/month). Part Time scholars are generally not eligible for these fellowships but can explore external scholarships like ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship.

IGNOU: 47 Answered Questions

I made a mistake while applying for the BEd course at IGNOU. Can I make changes to the application form after the final submission?

Aditi Randhawa

This is a frequently asked question among students navigating higher education decisions.

Important considerations:

  • Research Thoroughly: Verify information through official websites, NIRF rankings, and authentic reviews.
  • Campus Visits: Attend open houses or virtual tours to understand infrastructure and culture.
  • Alumni Insights: Connect with graduates for honest feedback about academics and placements.
  • Document Verification: Check NBA/NAAC accreditation, UGC approval, and affiliations.
  • Career Alignment: Ensure the program aligns with your long-term professional goals.

For the most accurate information, contact the college admission office directly or consult the official prospectus and website.

...Read More
0
0

How to change IGNOU subject/course/medium?

Dev Anand

how to change subject/course/medium at IGNOU:

IGNOU allows changes in certain circumstances:

  • Subject change: possible within the first 30 days of admission for the current session. visit your regional center or apply through ignou.ac.in ? student zone ? program change/subject change
  • Program/course change: if you want to switch to a completely different program (e.g., BA to BCA), you generally cannot transfer — you must re-apply for the new program fresh. some provisions exist within the same school/faculty
  • Medium change: can typically be changed with a written request to your regional study center

the annual window for changes is narrow — usually the first month of each admission cycle (Jan or July). after the window, changes are not generally accepted. visit ignou.ac.in ? student support or your nearest IGNOU regional center. bring your enrollment ID and relevant documents. call your regional center to confirm the current process as IGNOU procedures can vary slightly by center.

...Read More
0
0

Can I get admission into the Early Childhood Course at IGNOU without the entrance exam?

ShreshthaAcademic Counsellor

The Diploma Programme in Early Childhood Care and Education at IGNOU is a 1 year program. It is a very suitable program with no age bar. It is a holistic program that trains the students and helps them develop the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary for working with young children who are up to 6 years of age. Through this course, you will be trained to organize and manage child-care centers like crèches, preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and day-care centers.

Students who are above 18 years old are eligible for the early childhood course at IGNOU. The minimum educational qualification for this course is 10+2 or its equivalent. After fulfilling the eligibility criteria you can fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents. The required documents for this course are proof of high school completion certificate, a criminal background check, and a certain GPA. There are 4 sections of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) course in IGNOU given below:

  • DECE-1 Organizing Child Care Services
  •  DECE-2 Child Health and Nutrition
  •  DECE-3 Services and Programmer for Children
  •  DECE-4 Project Work: Working With Young Children in a Child Care Setting

The admission process to Diploma in Childhood Care and Education at IGNOU does not require any entrance examination. 

...Read More
0
0

How can I apply for a certificate course at IGNOU?

RishitaFormer Student at IGNOU

To enrol in a certificate course at IGNOU, you simply need to go to their official website @https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in./ and submit the online application form.

...Read More
0
0

Why do we have to re-register for IGNOU courses?

Jyoti SinghStudent at IGNOU

IGNOU re-registration is required to allow students to continue taking classes for the upcoming semester or academic year. This applies to both Indian and international students enrolled in IGNOU.

For re-registration, one needs to go to the official website @https://onlinerr.ignou.ac.in/, fill up the form and make the online payment. 

IGNOU July 2024 session re-registration will be done from May 1 - June 30, 2024.

...Read More
0
0

Who is eligible for the MSc course at IGNOU?

AyanM.Sc Student at IGNOU

Students who want to be admitted to the M.Sc program at IGNOU must fulfil the eligibility criteria. Students must be science graduates with 50% marks. Students can join the M.Sc program in both Hindi and English language.

...Read More
0
0

How to take admission in IGNOU BSc course?

Varnika Raturi

Students who are willing to be admitted to the B.Sc course must visit the official site of the IGNOU at @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Before applying for the B.SC course you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria that is students must pass class 12th successfully with at least 50% marks with science stream from a recognized board.

...Read More
0
0

Can anyone apply for an MCom course in IGNOU with a supplementary in a subject?

Bhawnastudying BCom from IGNOU

No, according to my knowledge, you cannot apply for an MCom in IGNOU having a supplementary in a subject. To be eligible for MCom in IGNOU, you need a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject. 

So, you first clear your supplement subject then you can apply for MCom in IGNOU.

...Read More
0
0

When can I take admission in IGNOU for MSc course?

Shailesh KhemkaStudies at IGNOU

IGNOU conducts admission in 2 phases, once in January and the next phase in July. The application form release date for the 2nd phase of admission has been released on 15th May 2024. 

The last date for admission to MSc for 2024 is 30th June. The last date for MSc re-registration is 30th June. And, the last date for submission of the exam form is 25th May. The MSc admission form for any specialization at IGNOU is available on the official website. The link to the admission portal is @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

The registration fee is INR 300 for the MSc course. IGNOU offers a total of 16 subjects as MSc specialization and it is a 2-year postgraduate degree.

...Read More
0
0

What are the eligibility and admission dates for the MEd course at IGNOU?

Abhay DagaStudies at IGNOU

IGNOU offers a 1-year MEd course at the postgraduate level. The eligibility criteria for taking admission in this course is that you will have to be a BEd graduate with a minimum of 55% with two years of learning experience from a Government-recognised school/research institution in education/NCTE-recognised teacher education. You will have to appear for the all-India test that is conducted to secure a seat for this course.

...Read More
0
0
View All Questions and Answers

Comments


No Comments To Show