3 min readNew DelhiJan 4, 2026 06:32 PM IST
First published on: Jan 4, 2026 at 06:22 PM IST
The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), a Deemed-to-be-University under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has opened online applications for admission to its PhD programme for the academic session 2025–26.
The doctoral programme is offered in both full-time and part-time modes and is designed for advanced research in journalism, mass communication and allied disciplines.
IIMC PhD Admissions 2026: Programme details and research areas
According to the notice, IIMC’s PhD programme covers a wide range of research domains, including journalism, mass communication, digital media, advertising, public relations, strategic communication, political communication, film studies and development communication. The institute has announced a total of 22 seats, of which 18 are for full-time candidates and four for part-time candidates.
IIMC PhD Admissions 2026: Eligibility criteria
For full-time PhD admission, candidates must hold a master’s degree in journalism, mass communication or allied fields with at least 55 per cent marks, or a four-year bachelor’s degree with research and a minimum of 75 per cent marks. Applicants must also have qualified UGC NET in Mass Communication and Journalism.
Part-time applicants must meet the same academic criteria, be currently employed, have at least three years of professional experience in relevant fields, and submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer.
IIMC PhD Admissions 2026: Important dates
| Event |
Date |
| Opening of online applications |
January 1, 2026 |
| Last date to apply |
January 30, 2026 |
| Entrance exam (Part-Time only) |
February 15, 2026 |
| Entrance exam result |
February 20, 2026 |
| Interview shortlist |
February 23, 2026 |
| Interviews begin |
March 9, 2026 |
| Final result |
March 19, 2026 |
| Admission and document verification |
March 23–27, 2026 |
| Commencement of coursework |
April 1, 2026 |
IIMC PhD Admissions 2026: Selection process
For full-time PhD, no entrance examination will be conducted. Candidates with valid UGC NET scores will be directly shortlisted for interviews. Final merit will be prepared with 70 per cent weightage to UGC NET percentile and 30 per cent to interview performance.
For part-time PhD, candidates must appear for an offline entrance examination at IIMC Delhi, unless exempted due to UGC NET qualification. Final selection will be based on 70 per cent weightage to the entrance test or UGC NET score and 30 per cent to the interview.
IIMC PhD Admissions 2026: Application fee and how to apply
The application fee is Rs 2,500 for General category candidates, Rs 1,500 for OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD candidates, and $100 for international applicants. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online.
Candidates can apply by visiting iimc.gov.in, completing the online registration, uploading the required documents—including a statement of purpose and research proposal—and submitting the form before the deadline. Applicants are advised to regularly check the official website for updates.
IIMC New Delhi Campus (Image via iimc.gov.in) 
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