Difference Between MPhil and PhD

Difference Between MPhil and PhD

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Updated on Sep 19, 2023 16:09 IST

Candidates who aspires to pursue MPhil or PhD are required to first know the difference between MPhil and PhD. Candidates mostly prefer to join PhD after their post-graduation. Most of the students are unaware of the MPhil degree or get confused what to opt. This article is going to help such students to know all about MPhil and PhD courses.

Difference Between M.Phil and PhD

Difference Between M.Phil and PhD

MPhil vs PhD: After completing post-graduation, some students prefer to start their professional journey by joining a job while some students are more interested in continuing their academic journey by opting for higher studies. Both the fields have their pros and cons. Candidates interested in higher studies and research field can opt for either PhD or MPhil. Candidates who aspires to pursue MPhil or PhD are required to first know the difference between MPhil and PhD. Candidates mostly prefer to join PhD after their post-graduation. Most of the students are unaware of the MPhil degree or get confused what to opt. This article is going to help such students to know all about MPhil and PhD courses.

What is M.Phil?

MPhil programme can be pursued after the post-graduation. The duration of MPhil programme is of two years. Candidates interested in making career as a teacher, professor, editors, scientists etc., can pursue MPhil course. After completing MPhil, candidates can get job opportunities in various fields such as  archaeology, economics, etc., or candidates can choose to work in research or education. Candidates can pursue MPhil in in Psychology, MPhil in English, MPhil in History, MPhil in Economics, MPhil in Management, etc.

Also Read: Top 10 BA Subjects & Specialisations

MPhil Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MPhil programme is different for different colleges. After completion of MPhil curriculum, candidates may also join PhD programme. In order to pursue MPhil, candidates are required to first meet the eligibility requirements for MPhil. Candidates can check the MPhil eligibility criteria below:

  • Aspirants can pursue MPhil course if they have obtained their master’s degree in a relevant field, in which they want to pursue an MPhil.
  • However, some colleges also specify that aspirants must have obtained at least 55% marks in their post-graduation in the subject in which they want to pursue an MPhil degree. 

Popular MPhil Entrance Exams

Candidates interested in pursuing MPhil programme are required to clear entrance exams or they can also get admission through merit. Candidates can check the table below to know about the important entrance exams for MPhil.

Name of Exam

Registration Dates

Exam Dates

GATE

24 Aug '23 - 29 Sep '23

3 Feb '24 - 11 Feb '24

IIT JAM

Begins in September 2023

February 11, 2024. 

JMI Entrance Exam

Closed

Concluded

PUBDET

Closed 

Concluded

JNUEE

Closed

Concluded

Also Read: List of PhD Specialization

What is PhD?

PhD, also known as Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree programme. Candidates with interest in research in academic field pursue PhD programme. Notably, PhD can be pursued in either full-time or part-time mode. After completion of PhD, candidates can obtain better job option in field of academics or research activities. 

PhD Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in pursuing PhD course must have completed their master’s degree in a similar course or stream in which they aspire to pursue PhD. However, some colleges also specify that aspirants should have completed an MPhil to pursue a PhD course.

Along with it, some colleges state that candidates are considered eligible for PhD course offered by them if they have passed UGC NET. Meanwhile, candidates interested to pursue a PhD in Engineering should have a valid GATE score.

Entrance Exams for PhD

Candidates interested in pursuing PhD course should have passed entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE, and JEST. Apart from this, given below are some of the popular PhD entrance exams:

Name of the Exam

GATE 2024

UGC NET 2023

CSIR NET 2023

JEST 2023

What is the Difference between MPhil and PhD?

Candidates interested in pursuing either MPhil or PhD can refer this article to know about the major difference between the two including duration of the course, course structure etc.

MPhil vs Phd

Particulars

MPhil

PhD

Degree

Master's equivalent degree

Doctorate degree

Duration

1-2 years

3-4 years. Sometimes go beyond 7-10 years

Structure

Includes coursework and research

Research based

Content

Focus on the fundamentals of research. Refers to research by other scholars

Focus on original and fresh research studies by the researcher.

Eligibility

Candidates can pursue after Master's degree & before PhD

After Master's and sometimes an MPhil

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