IGNOU PhD Admission: Schedule of Interview for July 2025 Session

If you are planning to do a PhD from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in the July 2025 session, there is good news. IGNOU has shared the interview schedules for shortlisted students. These official notices clearly mention your interview date, reporting time, whether the interview will be online or offline, and which documents you need to bring.

In this blog, you will find a simple guide that explains what the interview schedule means, how you can check your slot, what you should prepare, and the important dos and don’ts to follow on the day of your interview.

What does the interview schedule cover?

The interview is only for candidates who have been shortlisted after the entrance exam, based on their subject or school.
In the notice, you will find details like the interview date, reporting time, venue or online meeting link, panel or subject name, and the list of documents you need to carry.
These notices are released separately for each school or subject by IGNOU. Sometimes, revised schedules are also shared if there are changes.
For example, a special notice has been published for the Physics (School of Sciences) candidates, which clearly mentions the interview timings and instructions.

How to check your interview slot (step-by-step)

First, open the official notice for your subject or school. Look for headings like “Interview Schedule,” “Revised Interview Schedule,” or directly the subject name (for example, Physics).
Next, check your details. Make sure your name, application number, and subject match exactly with what you filled in during admission.
Now, note down the important details. Write the date, reporting time, mode of interview (online or offline), and venue or meeting link.
Also, see what documents are required. The notice usually lists what you need to carry or upload.
If you face a problem, like a date clash or any doubt, use the email/contact details given in the notice to reach out to the school.
Finally, read the instructions carefully. Some schools give special rules like format for research proposals, time limits for presentations, or panel-wise batches. Follow these rules exactly as written.

What to carry: a quick checklist

Documents for Identity & Education

Carry a valid photo ID like Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, or Driving License.
Bring all mark sheets and degree certificates (Graduation, Post-Graduation, or MPhil if you have them).
If you belong to SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD category, carry the proper certificate.
Keep your experience certificates, list of published papers, and any conference papers (if you have them).

Research Preparation

Carry an updated CV.
Prepare your Research Proposal or Statement of Purpose (as per the university rules).
If asked in the notice, bring a short synopsis or presentation slides.

For Online Interviews

Make sure you have a good internet connection, working microphone, and webcam.
Sit in a quiet, well-lit room. Keep power backup ready and a mobile hotspot as support.

Tip: Save scanned copies of your important documents as PDF files (with clear names and small file size). This will help if the interview panel asks you to send or upload them.

Reading the notice: what exactly to look for

Field in Notice	Meaning	What You Should Do
Date & Reporting Time	The exact date and time you need to report.	Be ready and join/arrive 15–20 minutes early.
Mode	Tells if the interview is Online (with link) or Offline (IGNOU campus/School).	For online, check internet, mic, and camera. For offline, plan your travel on time.
Batch/Panel	Students may be divided into different groups or panels.	Note your panel number; interviews usually happen in that order.
Document List	List of documents you must bring or show.	Keep originals and photocopies in a neat folder.
Special Notes	Extra rules by the school (like time limit for presentations).	Prepare your slides or summary as per instructions.

If your interview is online

Join the interview using the same link and name format mentioned in the notice.
Keep your camera on (unless they ask you to turn it off) and sit so your face is clearly visible at eye level.
Stay muted when not speaking, and unmute quickly when the panel calls you.
If asked, share your screen to show your slides or proposal.
If your internet disconnects, rejoin immediately and let the panel know in the meeting chat or through email.

If your interview is offline

Reach the interview place 30–45 minutes early so you have enough time for reporting and document checking.
Bring two sets of photocopies of all your documents along with the originals.
Keep everything in a transparent folder and label the pages (you can use sticky notes to find them quickly).
Wear neat and comfortable clothes like formals or simple business casuals.
Carry a small water bottle, a pen, and a notepad with you.

How the interview usually flows

Each school may ask different things, but most IGNOU PhD interviews focus on these points:

Academic knowledge: Questions from your master’s subject.
Research proposal: Clear problem statement, goals, and research questions.
Literature awareness: What studies have already been done and how your work will add something new.
Methodology: Your research plan, tools, data sources, sampling, ethics, and whether it is practical.
Match with school/supervisor: How your topic fits with the department’s focus and the supervisor’s area.
Research ability: Any publications, writing skills, and your dedication.

👉 Give short and clear answers with proper reasons. If you don’t know something, say it politely and try to link it to what you do know.

Micro-prep plan (72 hours to go)

72 to 48 Hours Before Interview

Read your proposal again and make your main points clear.
Prepare a short 3–5 minute talk about your research (problem → gap → method → result).
If allowed, make 3–5 slides only or keep a one-page summary ready.

48 to 24 Hours Before Interview

Revise important theories and read recent papers (last 3–5 years).
Check your internet, laptop, and other setup. If offline, confirm your travel plan.

Last 24 Hours

Print and arrange all documents in order.
Get good sleep, drink enough water, and keep your day free for the interview.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don’t give very long answers without a clear point.
Keep your topic focused. A IGNOU PhD needs deep study on one subject, not too many areas at once.
Be clear about your method. Mention the tools, data, and how your research is possible.
Talk about ethics. Explain consent, privacy, and required approvals when needed.
Read the official notice carefully. Otherwise, you may miss your time slot, use the wrong link, or forget documents.

Special cases: rescheduling, name not in list, or document issues

If your name is missing or spelled wrong, write to the School or Discipline contact given in the notice. Attach your application proof and ID.
If you have a date or time clash, ask the School for help. Remember, changing the schedule depends on them and may not always be allowed.
If a document is not ready, carry a written note/undertaking (if allowed) and inform the School by email in advance.

Always follow the school’s official notice or revised schedule for the final instructions. For July 2025, IGNOU has shared a revised interview schedule and subject-wise schedules (like Physics in the School of Sciences).

Example references for July 2025 (as provided with your application)

The Revised Interview Schedule – July 2025 Session is released to inform students about any changes in the date, time, or instructions after the first notice.
The Physics – School of Sciences (SOS) Interview Schedule is a special file only for Physics candidates. It clearly shows how the school gives details like dates, batches, and instructions for the interview.

Final checklist (print or save this)

Read your school or subject notice carefully at least two times (also check if a revised notice is uploaded).
Write down your date, time, mode, venue/link, and panel/batch.
Keep your ID and all academic documents ready (both originals and photocopies).
Prepare a short 3–5 minute proposal pitch and, if asked, a small slide presentation.
Revise your main subject concepts and research methods.
Plan your travel or online setup with a backup option and make sure to reach or join early.

Wrap-up

The interview is your opportunity to show that you are clear, prepared, and suitable for the PhD program. Carefully read the official interview schedule for your subject and follow all instructions. If a revised notice comes out, always treat that as the final update. For the July 2025 session, IGNOU has given a Revised Interview Schedule and a separate schedule for Physics (School of Sciences). Use these as examples to understand the timings, mode, and instructions, and then check the details for your own subject.