Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. (Development Studies) programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, is a doctoral research programme offered under the School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS). The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with a total fee of Rs. 34,650 for the minimum duration. It is designed for working professionals, researchers, and development practitioners who wish to contribute original research to the interdisciplinary field of development studies. Admission is based on UGC-NET score in Economics and an interview at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi.

As of March 2026, the July 2025 session admissions are closed. The next admission cycle (July 2026 session) is expected to open around April-May 2026, with a tentative last date in August 2026. 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

Offered under the School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS) at IGNOU's main campus, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi.
Specific eligibility requires a Master's degree in Development Studies or Economics, along with UGC-NET in Economics.
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.
Particularly suited for professionals working in NGOs, government development agencies, international organizations, and policy research institutes.
Women candidates and Persons with Disabilities (40% or more) are granted a 2-year extension beyond the maximum duration of 6 years.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IGNOU Ph.D. (Development Studies) Fees

The Ph.D. (Development Studies) programme at IGNOU is highly affordable. 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 Component	Amount (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 Fee	17,850
Re-Registration Fee (per year, from 2nd year)	8,400
Thesis Submission Fee	5,000
Examination Fee	200 per subject
Total Fees (for minimum 3-year duration)	34,650 (excluding thesis submission and exam fees)

Application fee of Rs. 1,000 is non-refundable.
Thesis submission fee of Rs. 5,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission.
IGNOU does not have hostel facilities; students must arrange their own accommodation in Delhi for the coursework period.

IGNOU Ph.D. (Development Studies) Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. (Development Studies) programme at IGNOU is conducted once a year, typically for the July session. The selection is based on UGC-NET score (in Economics) 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.

College-Specific Admission Dates (Tentative for July 2026 Session)

Event	Tentative Date
PhD Admission Notification / Portal Opens	April 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date to Submit Online Application	August 2026 (Tentative)
Interview Schedule Announcement	August-September 2026 (Tentative)
Interviews Conducted	September 2026 (Tentative)
Merit List / Selected Candidates List	October-November 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement / Coursework Begins	January 2027 (Tentative)

Exam-Specific Dates (UGC-NET)

Event	Date
UGC-NET Phase 1 Exam	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1 Result	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2 Registration	April 1, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2 Exam	June 1, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2 Result	July 1, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Development Studies or Economics from a UGC-recognized university with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS).
A valid UGC-NET score in Economics (with JRF or without JRF, from June 2024 session onwards) is mandatory.
Candidates with a 4-year undergraduate degree must have a minimum of 75% marks (70% for reserved categories).

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 (Economics), 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.

IGNOU Ph.D. (Development Studies) Scholarships 2026

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

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility
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/month	After 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 Students	Rs. 37,000/month	OBC category PhD scholars (limited slots)
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Rs. 37,000/month	Minority community PhD scholars

JRF/SRF fellowships are disbursed by UGC directly.
Part Time PhD students who are already employed are generally not eligible for JRF/SRF fellowships.

IGNOU Ph.D. (Development Studies) FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between Ph.D. Development Studies and Ph.D. Economics at IGNOU?

Ans. Ph.D. Development Studies at IGNOU is offered under SOEDS and focuses on interdisciplinary research covering rural development, poverty, inequality, governance, and sustainable development. Ph.D. Economics is offered under SOSS and focuses more on economic theory and quantitative analysis. Both require UGC-NET in Economics for eligibility.

Ques. Is Ph.D. Development Studies from IGNOU suitable for professionals working in NGOs or international development organizations?

Ans. Yes, the Part Time PhD in Development Studies at IGNOU is particularly well-suited for development practitioners working in NGOs, government agencies, UN bodies, and international development organizations. The flexible research phase allows candidates to conduct field research related to their professional work.

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. Development Studies at IGNOU?

Ans. Based on the July 2025 session brochure, IGNOU offered 3 seats (UR=1, OBC=1, EWS=1) for Ph.D. Development Studies. The number of seats is limited and varies each year. Candidates are advised to check the official PhD Information Brochure for the exact seat matrix.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. Development Studies at IGNOU if my UGC-NET is in Sociology or Political Science instead of Economics?

Ans. The specific eligibility for Ph.D. Development Studies at IGNOU requires UGC-NET in Economics. Candidates with NET in other social science subjects may not be eligible. It is strongly advised to check the official PhD Information Brochure for the specific year's eligibility requirements before applying.

Ques. What research themes are popular for Ph.D. Development Studies at IGNOU?

Ans. Popular research themes include rural development and livelihoods, gender and development, sustainable development goals (SDGs), tribal development, agricultural economics, social protection policies, microfinance and self-help groups, and urban poverty. The research area must align with the expertise of available supervisors at IGNOU.

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.