The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IMC) has launched its first-ever Ph.D. programme, marking a historic academic milestone in its six-decade-long journey as one of India’s premier institutions for media education. The doctoral programme, focused on media, journalism and communication studies, aims to promote advanced research, critical inquiry and academic excellence in the rapidly evolving field of mass communication. With this initiative, IMC enters a new phase of its academic expansion, strengthening its role not only as a teaching institution but also as a centre for research and knowledge creation.
According to official sources, the Ph.D. programme will be offered from the 2025–26 academic session and will be available in both full-time and part-time modes, providing flexibility to scholars and working professionals. The curriculum is designed to encourage interdisciplinary research aligned with contemporary media challenges, public communication, digital transformation and societal development.
IMC Vice-Chancellor Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur said the launch of the Ph.D. programme reflects the institute’s commitment to nurturing original research and contributing meaningfully to India’s media and communication ecosystem. She noted that the initiative would help develop future academicians, researchers and policy thinkers in the field.
Established over 60 years ago, IMC has played a pivotal role in shaping generations of journalists and media professionals. The introduction of the doctoral programme marks a significant step in the institute’s evolution, reinforcing its academic stature and expanding opportunities for higher learning and research in mass communication.