The University Grants Commission (UGC) on January 30 extended the validity of two MPhil programmes—the MPhil in Clinical Psychology and the MPhil in Psychiatric Social Work, despite the discontinuation of the MPhil degree. The commission has also permitted students to enroll in these programmes by Higher Educational Institutions until the 2025–2026 academic session. As per these rules, the MPhil course was discontinued based on the suggestion of the National Education Policy 2020.
“The University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. degree) Regulations 2022 notified on November 07, 2022, discontinued M.Phil. programme in accordance with the recommendation of the National Education Policy 2020. Considering the vital role played by Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatric Social Workers in delivering mental health services, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to extend the validity of M.Phil in Clinical Psychology and M.Phil. in Psychiatric Social Work till 2025-26 academic only, in partial relaxation to the above Regulations,” reads the official notification.
Earlier, the University Grants Commission had issued a notification warning students to be cautious of universities granting admission to the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) programmes. The UGC stated, “It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few Universities are inviting fresh applications for the M.Phil (master of Philosophy) program. In this regard, it is to bring to the notice that the M.Phil degree is not a recognised degree. The Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D degree) Regulations 2022 states that HEIs shall not offer M.Phil program.”
Contrary to the UGC guidelines, the West Bengal government has declared that it would continue to recognise the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) degree, diverging from the UGC regulations.
Earlier this month, West Bengal Education Minister, Bratya Basu, while speaking to the Education Times, said, “The West Bengal Education Department will not accept the new directive imposed by the UGC. The state will follow its independent education policy as suggested by our experts. The MPhil degree serves as a bridge between a Master’s degree and the Ph.D. programme, and it’s important for those who are inclined towards research and academia as it provides training in research methodologies, critical thinking, and academic writing.”
He went on to say that regional educational bodies (both autonomous and others) sometimes have their own evaluation criteria and perspectives on certain degree programmes. The future of the MPhil course in West Bengal in the next academic year may be determined by several factors, including university autonomy and student demand.
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