About Admission of NIEPA
The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) offers M.Phil and Ph.D. programs in Educational Policy, Planning, and Administration, incorporating both national and international perspectives. The admission process for these programs typically takes place between April and August. Candidates are selected through an entrance exam, followed by a personal interview. Applicants in the final year of their Master's degree are also eligible to apply for the M.Phil program.
Additionally, NIEPA offers a PG Diploma in Educational Planning & Administration (PGDEPA). The application form can be obtained from the university office or downloaded from the official website. An online application through Google Form will also be available soon on the NIEPA website.
NIEPA Admission Summary
- Programs Offered: M.Phil., Ph.D. (Full-time and Part-time), Post-Doctoral Fellowship
- Application Dates: March to May 2025 (tentative window)
- Entrance Exams Required: Written Test conducted by NIEPA, followed by Interview
- First-Year Fees: ₹22,500 to ₹30,000 depending on program
- Hostel Costs: ₹4,800 per semester (subject to availability)
- Selection Criteria: Entrance test, academic performance, interview, and work experience (if applicable)
NIEPA Entrance Exam Overview
Program |
Entrance Exam |
Registration Deadline |
M.Phil. (Full-Time) |
NIEPA Entrance Test |
May 2025 |
Ph.D. (Full-Time) |
NIEPA Entrance Test |
May 2025 |
Ph.D. (Part-Time) |
Written Test + Interview |
May 2025 |
Post-Doctoral |
Interview + Proposal Eval |
Rolling basis |
NIEPA Step-by-Step Admission Process
- Online Registration
Candidates must apply through the official NIEPA admission portal within the registration window. - Document Submission
Applicants need to upload scanned copies of academic transcripts, photo ID, recent passport-size photo, research proposal (for Ph.D.), and experience certificate (if any). - Application Fee Payment
A non-refundable fee (approx. ₹400–₹800) must be paid online through debit/credit/net banking methods. - Entrance Test
Eligible applicants will appear for a written test assessing analytical, research, and subject-specific knowledge. - Interview and Proposal Review
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview and evaluation of their research aptitude. - Final Selection
Selection will be based on cumulative performance in written test, interview, academic background, and experience (if applicable).
NIEPA Application Timeline and Important Dates (Tentative for 2025)
Program |
Registration Period |
Exam/Interview Dates |
M.Phil. (Full-Time) |
Mar 15 – May 15, 2025 |
June 10 – June 20, 2025 |
Ph.D. (Full-Time) |
Mar 15 – May 15, 2025 |
June 10 – June 20, 2025 |
Ph.D. (Part-Time) |
Mar 15 – May 15, 2025 |
June 10 – June 30, 2025 |
Post-Doctoral |
Rolling applications |
Based on committee review |
Eligibility Criteria and Who Can Apply for NIEPA
- M.Phil. (Full-Time): Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, or related fields with minimum 55% marks
- Ph.D. (Full-Time/Part-Time): Master’s degree or M.Phil. with 55% marks and a strong research proposal
- Part-Time Ph.D.: Working professionals with minimum 5 years of experience in education or allied sectors
- Post-Doctoral: Ph.D. degree holders with proven research contributions and a proposal aligned with NIEPA’s focus areas
NIEPA Entrance Exam Cutoffs and Selection Criteria
Cutoffs (Previous Cycle Trends):
- M.Phil. Entrance Score: 55–60%
- Ph.D. Written Test Score: 60%+ preferred
- Final selection based on cumulative performance
Selection Criteria Table:
Criteria |
Weightage (%) |
Entrance Exam Score |
30% |
Interview Performance |
30% |
Academic Record |
20% |
Research Proposal |
15% |
Work Experience (if any) |
5% |
NIEPA Test Preparation Tips and Admission Strategy
- Review NIEPA’s past research themes and current focus areas
- Strengthen fundamentals in educational planning, policy, and statistics
- Prepare a concise and original research proposal
- Practice writing analytical essays under time constraints
- Mock interviews and proposal presentations can significantly improve final selection odds