NIEPA Admission 2026-27 — PhD, MAED, MAAIE & MASLM Programmes Open, Apply Online by June 2026

The NIEPA Admission 2026-27 is now open. The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), a Deemed University under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has announced admissions for four academic programmes for the 2026-27 session — PhD, MAED, MAAIE, and MASLM.

NIEPA is India’s premier institution for education policy, planning, and administration research. Located on Sri Aurobindo Marg in New Delhi — in the same campus neighbourhood as NCERT and IIT Delhi — it carries an NAAC A Grade and is the most respected institution in India for research and teaching in the field of education governance and policy.

Whether you are a researcher, educator, school leader, or tech-driven education professional, NIEPA has a programme for you. Each programme has a different application deadline — act before yours passes.

1. What is NIEPA?

The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) was established in 1962 as a UNESCO Regional Centre for Asia, and later developed into a full-fledged Deemed University in 2006. It functions under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

NIEPA is engaged in high-level academic research, teaching, and training in education development, policy-making, planning, and administration. Its faculty carry expertise across social sciences and education disciplines with extensive national and international research experience.

• Established: 1962 (as UNESCO Regional Centre) | University status: 2006
• NAAC Grade: A (CGPA 3.05)
• Ministry: Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Location: 17-B, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi – 110016 (near NCERT and IIT Delhi)
• Contact (Admissions): 011-26544820 | Email: niepa@niepa.ac.in
• Contact (General): 011-26544838 | Email: vc@niepa.ac.in
• Hostel: Available — separate hostels for men and women (AC and Non-AC rooms)

2. All 4 Programmes — At a Glance

NIEPA is offering four face-to-face (on-campus) programmes for 2026-27. Each has a distinct focus, eligibility, and deadline:

3. PhD Programme — Eligibility, Selection and Fellowship

NIEPA’s PhD programme is one of the most prestigious research pathways in education policy in India. It is offered in both Full-Time and Part-Time modes.

Eligibility for PhD

• Master’s Degree in any of the Social Sciences and allied disciplines from a recognised university
• Minimum 55% marks in Master’s Degree (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates)
• Accepted disciplines include: Education, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Statistics, Management, Public Administration, History, Geography, and related fields
• NET/JRF qualified candidates are preferred but not mandatory
• Working professionals may apply for the Part-Time mode — NOC from employer required

Selection Process — PhD

PhD Seats and Fellowship

• Maximum 25 scholars selected per year across full-time and part-time modes
• Full-time PhD candidates are eligible for NIEPA Fellowship
• NET/JRF qualified candidates draw their JRF fellowship through NIEPA as per UGC norms and procedures
• Continuation of fellowship is subject to satisfactory progress report approved by supervisor and relevant committees

PhD Programme Duration

4. MAED — MA in Education and Development

The Master of Arts in Education and Development (MAED) is NIEPA’s flagship postgraduate programme. It offers a multi-disciplinary social science perspective on education, development policy, planning, and administration.

Who Should Apply for MAED?

• Fresh graduates from any discipline interested in education, development, and public policy
• Teachers and education practitioners looking to strengthen their research and policy understanding
• Candidates aspiring to work in government education departments, NGOs, international organisations, or pursue PhD in education

MAED Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in any discipline from a recognised university
• Minimum 50% marks in graduation (relaxation for SC/ST/PwD as per Government of India rules)
• Final year graduation students may apply subject to producing degree certificate before admission

MAED Key Details

5. MAAIE — MA in Artificial Intelligence in Education (New for 2026-27)

The Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence in Education (MAAIE) is a brand new programme launched by NIEPA for 2026-27. It is a timely and important step towards preparing education professionals, policymakers, and administrators for the AI-driven future of learning — aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Who Should Apply for MAAIE?

• Fresh graduates from any discipline who want to work at the intersection of AI and education
• Working educators, school administrators, and ICT officers who want to integrate AI tools into their practice
• EdTech professionals seeking formal academic grounding in AI and education policy
• Candidates aspiring to roles like: AI in Education Specialist, EdTech Product Manager, Educational Data Analyst, Policy Analyst (EdTech), Instructional Designer

MAAIE Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in any discipline from a recognised university
• Minimum percentage as specified in the official admission notice — check niepa.ac.in
• No prior computer science or engineering degree required — the programme is designed for all graduates

MAAIE Key Details

6. MASLM — MA in School Leadership and Management (New for 2026-27)

The Master of Arts in School Leadership and Management (MASLM) is another new programme launched for 2026-27. It is specifically designed for school principals, vice-principals, education department officials, and aspiring school leaders who want formal training in institutional governance aligned with NEP 2020 goals.

Who Should Apply for MASLM?

• Current school principals, heads of institutions, and education department officers
• Teachers aspiring to move into school leadership and administrative roles
• Education NGO professionals working in school governance and management
• Graduates from education or social science backgrounds interested in school leadership research

MASLM Key Details

7. Important Dates — All Programmes

8. Application Fee

9. How to Apply Online — Step by Step

1. Visit the Official NIEPA Website
   Go to www.niepa.ac.in and navigate to the Admissions section. You will find separate application links for each programme.
2. Download and Read the Full Admission Notice
   Download the detailed admission notice PDF for the programme you are applying to. Read all eligibility conditions, reservation norms, and selection criteria carefully before filling the form.
3. Fill the Online Application Form
   Register on the NIEPA admissions portal. Fill in all personal, academic, and contact details accurately. Upload your Statement of Purpose (SOP) if applying for PhD.
4. Upload Required Documents
   Upload scanned copies of: Class 10 certificate, Class 12 certificate, graduation mark sheets and degree, postgraduation mark sheets and degree (for PhD), caste/EWS/PwD certificate if applicable, work experience certificate if applicable, NOC from employer if currently employed.
5. Pay the Application Fee
   Pay the non-refundable application fee online — ₹1,000 for PhD (₹500 for SC/ST/PwD/EWS) and ₹800 for MA programmes (₹400 for SC/ST/PwD/EWS). Fee payment is mandatory before final submission.
6. Submit and Save Confirmation
   Review all entries, submit the application, and save the confirmation page. For PhD candidates — keep your admit card ready for the entrance test on 13 June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions