MPhil in Distance Mode Valid? Know the Facts!

MPhil in distance education is no longer valid in India. Earlier MPhil in distance education was valid in India. Many students used to choose IGNOU for the MPhil. The University Grants Commission has recently announced that MPhil degrees will not be recognized in India. Recently, the UGC advised universities to discontinue MPhil programs and to inform candidates to avoid applying for the course. However, some of the universities still accept applications for MPhil, though the degree is no longer valid. According to Regulation No. 14 of the UGC's 2022 guidelines, MPhil programs are closed.

MPhil is a postgraduate degree that could last between two years. It depends upon research programs to be conducted for the students who would like to pursue their research or teaching career. Candidates with a postgraduate degree with 50% and above marks can apply for the course. Admission to MPhil is either entrance or merit-based, followed by interview. The streams of MPhil courses were earlier offered in streams like Arts, Humanities, Science, Education, and Management. This course does not have a set syllabus or assessment to be completed. The students do research and work on a personal project that forms a huge portion of their evaluation.

What was the eligibility of MPhil Distance Education?

IGNOU MPhil Requirements that were considered for admission into the IGNOU MPhil course, an applicant shall:

• Admission was limited only to graduates who had attained a postgraduate degree from an accredited university.
• All the admissions were done based on scores obtained at the national level entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, or ICAR NET.

Also Read: What is an MPhil In Management? - Is It Valid In India?

Why the MPhil was Discontinued?

 An M.Phil is not required to pursue a Ph.D. Being implemented under the four-year undergraduate degree and a research-based master's degree as directed by NEP-2020.

Under the NEP, universities are now free to offer various types of Master's programs. Some can attend a two-year Master's program where, during their second year, they spend all their time on research work. Others seeking a Ph.D. will be required to either have a Master's degree or a four-year Bachelor's degree with a component of research attached to it.

It officially declared the abolition of the M.Phil. The alterations made in this regard have earned criticism from many as they were brought in without consulting the state governments and/or discussing them in the Parliament. In pursuit of making their ambitions, most states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are creating committees to formulate policies related to education.

According to the Ministry of Education 2023 All India Survey on Higher Education, indeed, there is a significant erosion of interest in MPhil programs. The report adds that between the years 2016-17 and 2020-21, enrollment in MPhil courses has drastically dropped to more than 60%. It happens to be one of the few courses, like Certificate courses, where enrollment has always been down. The survey covered data from 8,696 institutions, 40,176 colleges, and 1,084 universities across India.

Read Also: What Is The Eligibility Of An MPhil Program?

Is there a requirement to pursue an MPhil program to pursue a PhD program?

The new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has made comprehensive amendments by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to the existing Ph.D. regulations. Under this, entry to the Ph.D. program will no longer depend on doing an M.Phil. Rather, a candidate can directly enter the Ph.D. program after clearing UGC-NET.

The UGC has released these new regulations, called the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for the Award of Ph.D.) Regulations, 2022 with the directive upon Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to implement these changes.

The following are the new provisions:

• M. Phil. is not mandatory before registering for Ph.D.
• It is in order that one can directly seek admission for pursuing a degree in Ph.D. after clearing the UGC-NET.
• One does not require publishing a research paper in some peer-reviewed journal for eligibility to pursue the degree course of Ph.D.
• Students can choose a Ph.D. course after completing the one-year master's degree for two semesters and four years for eight semesters of bachelor's degree.
• Even those with a two-year master's degree (four semesters) after three years of bachelor's degree with at least 55% marks also qualify.
• UGC has also brought changes in the coursework of the Ph.D. courses.
• As per it, the PhD programs can be conducted as part-time courses also. So, this is an opportunity for working professionals also.
• These reforms strive to make the Ph.D. process more accessible and flexible for students.

Is PhD after a Bachelor’s is possible?

UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar said, "The students who complete the four-year undergraduate degree will now be able to sit for the NET exam directly and further switch on to PhD. The candidate should have at least 75 percent marks or equivalent grade in his four-year UG course with or without JRF.".

He said that those who have a four-year UG degree can opt for a PhD in any subject of their choice, without any concern for their undergraduate discipline. For candidates from SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), differently-abled, and economically weaker sections, a 5% relaxation in marks is offered.

It had already been announced by the UGC that PhD admissions shall strictly depend on UGC NET scores by abolishing all different separate entrance tests. Now, in effect, universities can use these NET scores for PhD admissions, and the process for the students will be streamlined as they would need to appear only for one test.

Is an Online PhD valid?

Online PhDs have not been accepted by the University Grants Commission of India, and hence Indian institutions do not offer online PhDs. However, there are alternatives for working professionals which can be done from any corner of the world. Many international colleges offer flexible doctorate programs online which can be accessed by Indians. Such programs would be a good opportunity to meet your needs professionally with your career balanced simultaneously.

A PhD is one of the highest qualifications in any field. Adding it to your CV showcases your expertise and opens your door to prestigious positions in your industry. However, despite its allure, few applicants pursue a PhD due to full-time commitment and intense research work, which can be rather challenging for working professionals.

Online PhD is not offered to students in India as of now. The UGC has not sanctioned online PhD as it requires on-the-ground research and technical training. If you're being offered admission to an online PhD by an Indian university, it is a scam.

So how do Indian professionals earn the "Dr." title while working? The answer is online doctorate programs provided by foreign universities. Such courses are globally accepted and you can pursue your doctorate working, not going out of India. These courses offer flexibility and are designed to accommodate your professional life. The program is an online DBA, it stands for Doctor of Business Administration, it is also a doctorate program that adds up the "Dr" title before their name.

What is an Online DBA?

If you are an experienced professional who is looking to improve your leadership skills and come up with innovative business ideas. You may be someone who needs an online DBA to improve your career to the next level of success.

An online DBA is much more than a traditional PhD in Business Administration. It not only generates new knowledge through the creation of new data but also applies the findings to solve real problems in the business world you encounter during the program. Your thesis should document this process. Internationally recognized, the online DBA remains the highest qualification in Business and Management. Highly advanced management theory combined with practical training in research methods of Business and Management are blended into these programs.

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Qualification: Professional doctorate
• Streams: Business & Management
• Duration: 3 - 6 years (Online)
• Available: Globally

Both a PhD and a DBA confer the title 'Doctor,' but while a PhD is centered on independent research, a DBA is based on taught modules followed by practical training. While the DBA differs from the MBA, though, it involves original research that contributes to business theory - valuable, therefore for senior professionals many of whom already have an MBA.

Are Online DBA Programs Accreditated?

Just like with MBA programs, online DBA programs and the business schools that offer them are often accredited by external agencies. Accreditation symbolizes quality, but lack of accreditation does not necessarily mean low quality.

The three most respected accrediting agencies are:

• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB): A North American organization offering global accreditation.
• The Association of MBAs (AMBA): It is UK-based and accredits many programs, which contain DBAs and MBAs.
• European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS): It is a European agency that provides accreditation to business schools, such as AACSB, in regions around the globe.

An Institution that is accredited by all three is known as "triple-accredited".

What is taught in an online DBA program?

You would study business theory and real-time management challenges in an online DBA program. Courses likely offered can include business management, organizational leadership, innovation, and strategic decision making among others. Research methods will also be covered so you can learn to conduct and evaluate research effectively.

The training within the program covers both qualitative as well as quantitative approaches and also the ability to analyze data of an organization skill which you can use in any organization.

Specializations in Online DBA Programs

Many programs provide opportunities for concentration in a specific domain, including Entrepreneurship: Business-to-business marketing, innovation management, and entrepreneurial finance.

• Healthcare Management: Ethics, healthcare delivery management, and decision-making in the health environment.
• Human Resource Management: Strategic partnerships, succession planning, and organizational agility
• Leadership: Multicultural management, sustainability, and change management  of preparation for senior roles
• Self-Designed: Students may create their own focus by taking courses in HR, healthcare, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

The DBA programs generally equip business professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to develop innovative solutions for the complex problems of modern times.

Is an online DBA equivalent to a PhD program?

Yes, an online DBA is equivalent to a PhD program. In India, DBA and PhD- both of them are prized academic doctorates, but again function in different ways with strictly defined objects. A PhD is essentially an academic research award aimed at creating a contribution to the world of theoretical knowledge. PhDs are pursued mainly for academia as well as for other research institutes. On the other hand, a DBA is a professional doctorate offered to experienced business professionals for their use of advanced research skills for practical business problems. The focus of a DBA is more on the application of theory to real-world business challenges, and the research undertaken in a DBA program takes a practical rather than pure theoretical orientation.

Although both degrees are comparably demanding, with respect to their requirements of commitment and mental acuity, there is an essential difference between them: whereas the PhD is theoretically and more academic in nature, the DBA is oriented toward being more practical and applicative. Both, in turn, share equal rankings regarding status and acceptance.

Is an Online DBA worth it?

Top reasons to choose an online DBA over a PhD in business:

• Practical Orientation: On an online DBA, more importance is given to practical knowledge as compared to theoretical knowledge about real business, and it equips professionals to use their skills immediately rather than for academic purposes.
• Career Advancement: The career is faster on a DBA, offering a quicker entry point into executive roles such as CEO, Executive Manager, or Administrator.
• Relevance of advanced knowledge and experiences directly leading to organizational issues.
• Skill Development: The online DBA is designed as a program to hone the skills of actual use in the business world.
• Doctoral Status: An online DBA carries the title of "Doctor" to develop your skills and knowledge base to enhance business performance.
• Inter-sectoral Career Opportunity: Career progression, as such, is much higher under an online DBA than under a PhD, offering more career options in nearly all industries at a high, executive position.
• High demand: There is a growing demand for DBA graduates. Organizations are more willing to seek those who can innovate and lead.
• High salary packages: The DBA degree bearer boasts high salaries in corporate as well as government sectors.
• Flexible learning: Online DBA programs facilitate the working professional in studying and working simultaneously, thereby remaining put on a cushioned seat.
• Networking: A DBA program provides you with easy access to the high networking of professionals and industry experts, thereby opening up career opportunities.

An online DBA is a great opportunity for the growth of people who desire to enhance their skill sets and provide valid solutions to real business problems. It is very effective and relevant for mid-to-senior-level professionals who want to shift their careers to a higher level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an online DBA is a valuable option for business professionals looking to advance their careers and solve real-world business challenges. It offers practical knowledge, flexible learning, and high-level networking opportunities, making it ideal for mid-to-senior-level professionals. With its focus on applying advanced research to business problems, a DBA opens doors to executive roles and offers the prestigious "Doctor" title. While it differs from a PhD, a DBA provides equally respected credentials with a more practical approach, making it a smart choice for those seeking career growth and innovation in the business world.