IIMC (Indian Institute of Mass Communication) is geared up to launch its first-ever Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Mass Communication and Journalism from the next academic session. The institute was upgraded to ‘deemed-to-be university’ status by the Union Ministry of Education in January 2024, which gave it the authority to award degrees, including doctorates.
The launch of the PhD program was approved at the 151st Executive Council meeting on May 9, 2025. Later on May 16, 2025, the “Rules Governing the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), 2025” were notified and are available on the IIMC website.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar said that the institute was willing to take up this new academic endeavor. “We have made the PhD program rules public and plan to start the program from the next academic year. It is a tremendous responsibility, and we are prepared,” she said.
Registrar Dr. Nimish Rustagi highlighted IIMC’s interest in pushing the boundary of research in areas of media and communication. “IIMC wants to lead the way in research in media, journalism, and communication space. There is a requirement to give a push to scientific study in this area, and we are keen and willing to contribute to this,” he added.
IIMC: How Will the New PhD Program Shape Media Research in India?
The launch of the PhD program at IIMC is likely to enrich the media research scenario in India. By instituting a formal doctoral program, IIMC hopes to develop rigorous academic research and scholastic inputs in the area of media and communication.
The PhD program will be held under the umbrella of the Centre for Media and Communication Research at IIMC. The institute will make the detailed information about the admission process, eligibility, and deadline for applying available in due course.
To facilitate this academic growth, IIMC has put around Rs 200 crore in building infrastructure, comprising campus renovation and modernization of classrooms. This investment reflects the institute’s intent to offer an environment that is favorable to learning and research.
Set up in 1965 as a part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IIMC played the crucial role of training media professionals and carrying out research in journalism and mass communication. Spread across its main campus in New Delhi and regional campuses in Jammu, Amravati, Aizawl, Kottayam, and Dhenkanal, the institute has been imparting postgraduate diploma courses in different media fields.
Prospective candidates and interested parties are advised to regularly check the official IIMC website for updates on the PhD program’s admission process and other related announcements.
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