Review for PhD at School of Journalism and New Media Studies, IGNOU

Pros of choosing IGNOU are Central University (the only one in Delhi), Proximity to my residence, competitive admission, availing of JRF, smooth admission process, Entrance exam in April 2019, Interview in June 2019, getting a PhD supervisor who is keen to build up my research as well. The PhD coursework was one of a kind as well with dissemination of good research centred knowledge. Cons would be a very government-like setup.

PhD has been on my to-do list especially because of my academic inclination ever since I pursued my Master's. The faculty:student ratio varies every year since the availability of seats depends on the seats available under a supervisor. The faculty are extremely approachable and knowledgeable across domains of mass communication. The required qualification as a faculty to join the school at IGNOU is a PhD. The teaching-learning methods are quite good, for coursework as well as that of my PhD supervisor. The term end exams of our PhD coursework were necessary to begin with our thesis and were not too difficult if we attended the classes religiously.

For a PhD scholar, no placement opportunities can be made available, hence, this question does not apply to my area of study or the university's scope and width of job and placement opportunities.

The fee structure is on an annual basis. The fees for 1st year is 16000 (including that of the PhD coursework), followed by 8000 per year. Scholarships can be availed by PhD students upon clearing the IGNOU Research Fund (RF) criteria. Apart from that Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) by UGC and ICSSR's scholarships can also be won upon clearing NET-JRF and ICSSR's exams respectively. No clarity on financial assistance. Possibility of a campus job is limited unless a research project is approved, which hasn't in my knowledge.

Being an open university, no fest, clubs or social groups are organised or possible. The library and e-resources are well-equipped by the library. It is by far an excellent resource even for remote access, especially needed during the pandemic. The classroom was equipped with the requisite technology, however, a lack of computers for a couple of PhD scholars (who did not have access to personal devices) was problematic. A badminton court was adjoined with our classroom which we used extensively. But since PhD requires a library and journal access the most, that is absolutely and amazingly sufficient.

School of Journalism and New Media Studies, Indira Gandhi National Open University

PhD Entrance Exam, 2019, 78/100; PhD Interview, 2019 (Score not revealed)

Interview, yes. We are supposed to submit a PhD research proposal before appearing for the interview. The questions raised were in concern with the proposal specifically along with current affairs related to the said proposal. I was thorough with my research topic, theme and the prevalent general knowledge around it.