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

Maidan Garhi, New DelhiOpen UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Ph.D. (History) programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, is a doctoral research programme offered under the School of Social Sciences (SOSS). With a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, the programme is designed for working professionals and researchers who wish to contribute original scholarship to the field of History. The total fee for the minimum duration is Rs. 34,650, making it one of the most affordable PhD programmes in History in India. Admission is based on UGC-NET score and an interview at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi, and the programme is widely sought after by historians, educators, and civil services aspirants.

As of March 2026, the July 2025 session admissions are closed and the selected candidates list has been published. The next admission cycle (July 2026 session) is expected to open around April-May 2026, with a tentative last date in August 2026, based on the previous year's schedule. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IGNOU website (www.ignou.ac.in) and the PhD admission portal (ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in) for updates.

Key Points

  • The Ph.D. (History) programme is offered under the School of Social Sciences (SOSS) at IGNOU's main campus, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi.
  • Coursework is conducted at IGNOU Campus, New Delhi, with mandatory 80% attendance during the first six months.
  • Part Time candidates must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of interview.
  • A candidate can apply for only one discipline in a given admission cycle.
  • Women candidates and Persons with Disabilities (40% or more) are granted a 2-year extension beyond the maximum duration of 6 years.
  • IGNOU has been ranked No. 1 in the Open Universities category in NIRF Rankings 2025.
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IGNOU Ph.D. (History) Fees

The Ph.D. (History) programme at IGNOU is highly affordable compared to other universities. The first-year fee of Rs. 17,850 covers registration, coursework, and research components. From the second year onwards, a re-registration fee of Rs. 8,400 per year is applicable. For the minimum duration of 3 years, the total fee amounts to Rs. 34,650. An additional application fee of Rs. 1,000 (non-refundable) is payable at the time of applying.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Application Fee (non-refundable)1,000
Registration Fee (1st Year)8,400
Course Work Fee (1st Year, 18 credits)1,050
Research Fee (1st Year)8,400
Total 1st Year Fee17,850
Re-Registration Fee (per year, from 2nd year)8,400
Thesis Submission Fee5,000
Examination Fee200 per subject
Total Fees (for minimum 3-year duration)34,650 (excluding thesis submission and exam fees)
  • The application fee of Rs. 1,000 is non-refundable and is paid separately at the time of application.
  • Thesis submission fee of Rs. 5,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission.
  • Examination fee of Rs. 200 per subject is applicable for term-end examinations.
  • IGNOU does not have hostel facilities; students must arrange their own accommodation in Delhi for the coursework period.
  • No EMI or instalment options are officially mentioned; fees are paid annually.

IGNOU Ph.D. (History) Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. (History) programme at IGNOU is conducted once a year, typically for the July session. The selection is based on UGC-NET score and a personal interview at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi. The July 2025 session admissions are now closed. The next cycle (July 2026) is expected to open around April-May 2026. Candidates must have a valid UGC-NET score (with or without JRF) to be eligible.

College-Specific Admission Dates

EventTentative Date (Based on 2025 Pattern)
PhD Admission Notification / Portal OpensApril 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date to Submit Online ApplicationAugust 2026 (Tentative)
Interview Schedule AnnouncementAugust-September 2026 (Tentative)
Interviews ConductedSeptember 2026 (Tentative)
Merit List / Selected Candidates ListOctober-November 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement / Coursework BeginsJanuary 2027 (Tentative)

UGC-NET Exam Dates

EventDate
UGC-NET Phase 1 ExamDecember 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1 ResultFebruary 4, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2 RegistrationApril 1, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2 ExamJune 1, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2 ResultJuly 1, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Master's degree in History or an equivalent qualification from a UGC-recognized university with at least 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS categories).
  • Candidates with a 4-year undergraduate degree must have a minimum of 75% marks (70% for reserved categories) to be eligible for direct PhD admission.
  • A valid UGC-NET score (with JRF or without JRF, from June 2024 session onwards) is mandatory for admission.

Admission Process

  • Apply online at ignou-phd.samarth.edu.in by paying the application fee of Rs. 1,000.
  • Upload all required documents including UGC-NET scorecard, master's degree marksheets, category certificate (if applicable), and NOC from employer (for Part Time candidates).
  • Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi.
  • Category A (UGC-NET with JRF): Interview carries 100% weightage.
  • Category B (UGC-NET without JRF): UGC-NET score carries 70% weightage; interview carries 30% weightage.
  • Final merit list is prepared discipline-wise based on combined score and reservation policy.
  • Offer letters are sent to selected candidates only; no individual intimation is sent otherwise.

IGNOU Ph.D. (History) Scholarships 2026

IGNOU PhD students may avail of various scholarships and fellowships based on their eligibility. The UGC-JRF fellowship is the most significant financial support available to PhD scholars at IGNOU.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / FellowshipAmountEligibility
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)Rs. 37,000/month (1st 2 years); Rs. 42,000/month (subsequent years)UGC-NET with JRF qualified candidates
UGC Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)Rs. 42,000/monthAfter 2 years of JRF, subject to assessment
National Fellowship for SC Students (NFS)Rs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)SC category PhD scholars
National Fellowship for OBC StudentsRs. 37,000/monthOBC category PhD scholars (limited slots)
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)Rs. 37,000/monthMinority community PhD scholars
Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women (PDF)Rs. 40,000/monthWomen candidates post-PhD
  • JRF/SRF fellowships are disbursed by UGC directly; IGNOU facilitates the process.
  • Candidates must apply separately for fellowships through the UGC portal.
  • Fellowship amounts are subject to revision by UGC from time to time.
  • Part Time PhD students who are already employed are generally not eligible for JRF/SRF fellowships.

IGNOU Ph.D. (History) FAQs

Ques. Is Ph.D. (History) from IGNOU recognized by UGC and other universities?

Ans. Yes, the Ph.D. (History) from IGNOU is fully recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is equivalent to a PhD from any other central university. IGNOU is a central university established by an Act of Parliament, and its degrees are recognized across India and internationally.

Ques. What are the research areas available for Ph.D. History at IGNOU?

Ans. The Ph.D. (History) programme at IGNOU covers diverse research areas including ancient Indian history, medieval history, modern Indian history, world history, historiography, oral history, social and cultural history, economic history, and history of science and technology. The specific area depends on the availability of a supervisor with expertise in that domain.

Ques. Can I apply for Ph.D. History at IGNOU if my master's degree is in a related subject like Archaeology or Ancient Indian Culture?

Ans. The specific eligibility for Ph.D. History at IGNOU requires a Master's degree in History. Candidates with degrees in closely related disciplines should check the official PhD Information Brochure for that year's specific eligibility criteria, as IGNOU may or may not accept equivalent qualifications for this discipline.

Ques. How is the interview conducted for IGNOU PhD History admission?

Ans. The interview is conducted at IGNOU Headquarters, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, by a discipline-specific Admission Committee. The interview has three components: Research Methodology (40% weightage), Subject Domain (40% weightage), and Communication Skills (20% weightage). Candidates are expected to present a research proposal and demonstrate knowledge of historical methodology.

Ques. Does IGNOU provide hostel accommodation for PhD students during coursework?

Ans. No, IGNOU does not have hostel facilities for PhD students. Students are required to make their own arrangements for accommodation in Delhi during the coursework period (first six months). This is an important practical consideration, especially for outstation candidates.

Ques. What is the difference between Part Time and Full Time PhD at IGNOU?

Ans. In Part Time PhD, the candidate is employed and pursues research alongside their job. They must submit an NOC from their employer. In Full Time PhD, the candidate is a dedicated researcher without employment. Both categories require attendance at IGNOU campus for the first six months of coursework. JRF fellowship is typically available only for Full Time PhD scholars.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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