The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has formally launched its first-ever PhD programme on 01 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s 60-year academic journey. The move reflects IIMC’s transition from a premier professional training institute to a research-oriented deemed-to-be university with a stronger focus on advanced scholarship. The newly introduced doctoral programme is designed to promote cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary inquiry, and academic leadership in journalism, media, and communication studies. Admissions for both full-time and part-time PhD candidates have begun through an online application process.
IIMC PhD Admission 2026: Application Window and Key Dates
IIMC has released a structured admission timeline for the inaugural doctoral batch to ensure transparency and academic rigour. The key dates related to the IIMC PhD admission process 2026 are outlined below.
Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET will be directly called for personal interaction, while eligible part-time applicants without NET qualification will be required to appear for the entrance examination.
Academic Vision Behind the Doctoral Programme
Speaking at the programme launch, IIMC Vice Chancellor Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur highlighted that the PhD initiative aims to contribute meaningfully to research aligned with the vision of a resurgent India. She encouraged scholars to pursue innovative and socially relevant research that strengthens India’s media and communication ecosystem. To mark the beginning of this academic expansion, Dr. Gaur planted a ‘Kovidara’ sapling, designated as the ‘Gyan Vriksh’ (Knowledge Tree), at the IIMC New Delhi campus, symbolising growth, wisdom, and institutional renewal.
Research Areas Covered Under IIMC PhD Programme
The PhD programme has been structured to support interdisciplinary research across traditional and emerging areas of media studies. The major focus areas include:
- Journalism studies
- Mass communication
- Digital and social media
- Film and visual media studies
- Political and development communication
- Strategic communication
- Advertising and public relations
- Media industry management
- Communication theory and emerging media
Through this academic framework, IIMC aims to develop scholars capable of contributing to academia, media organisations, policy institutions, and research bodies.
A Transformational Step in IIMC’s Academic Evolution
The launch of the PhD programme marks a transformational phase in IIMC’s institutional growth. With an experienced faculty base and a growing research ecosystem, the institute is positioning itself as a leading centre for advanced media and communication research in India.
