About
The Executive PhD Programme at IIM Ranchi is designed for senior executives who wish to deepen their research capabilities while continuing their professional careers. This three-year doctoral-level program is structured in an executive format, allowing professionals to pursue cutting-edge research methodologies without leaving their careers.
Our Program provides participants with the opportunity to study at IIM Ranchi and abroad at a leading international university ranked among the top management universities worldwide. This collaboration ensures a global perspective, integrating advanced business theory with real-world executive experience.
Global Residency Component
“A distinctive feature of this program is a one-week international immersion at a reputed global business school, coupled with enriching industry interactions during the first year”
Areas of Specialization
| Economics & Public Policy | Finance & Accounting |
| Information Systems & Business Analytics | Liberal Arts & Sciences |
| Marketing | Organisation Behaviour & Human Resource |
| Operations Management | Strategy & Entrepreneurship |
| Legal Studies & Responsible Business |
Who Should Apply?
- Senior professionals from industry, policy-making bodies, government, or the social sector
- Mid- to senior-level executives seeking to sharpen their strategic thinking through evidence-based insights
- Practitioners aspiring to transition into academia as Professors of Practice
- Industry leaders and policymakers who want to address complex real-world challenges
- Research-oriented professionals who wish to engage with national and international scholars
Structure
The Executive PhD Programme is designed to be completed within three years. The curriculum blends innovative research methodologies, business applications, and global exposure. It includes 3-days mandatory campus immersion in each term of first year at IIM Ranchi which provides intensive face-to-face learning, peer networking, and access to world-class research facilities. Weekend classes are conducted online (Saturdays and Sundays), ensuring flexibility for working professionals while maintaining rigorous academic engagement.
Term I (Jan-Mar 2026): Foundational Courses – Introduction to Academic Research; Theories, Perspectives and Frameworks in Management
Term II (Apr-Jun 2026): Methodology Courses – Research Methods; Case Method: Research, Writing and Teaching in Management
Term III (Jul-Sep 2026): Two Area-Level Courses
Global Immersion: One-week international program
Nov 2026: Comprehensive Qualifying Exam (CQE)*
Mar 2027: Thesis Proposal Seminar
*The CQE requirement includes the submission and presentation of either a case study or a research paper.
Mar 2028: Internal Thesis Defence
Oct 2028: External Thesis Defence
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates for the Executive PhD Programme must have minimum of 5 years of full-time managerial/entrepreneurial/professional experience after graduation at the time of applying for the programme.
Academic Qualifications (Any one of the following)
- Professional Qualifications: Chartered Accountant (CA) / Cost Accountant (ICWA) / Company Secretary (CS) with a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent
- Four-Year Bachelor’s Degrees: B.Tech / B.E. / B.Pharm or any other four-year Bachelor’s degree with at least 65% CGPA marks or equivalent
- Five-Year Bachelor’s Degrees: MBBS / B.Arch or any other five-year Bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent
- Master’s Degrees: M.Tech / MBA / M.Com or any other Master’s degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent
- Postgraduate Diploma: A two-year postgraduate diploma in a related discipline, along with a three-year bachelor’s degree (minimum 55% marks in aggregate) from a university recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
- Foreign Qualifications: An equivalent qualification from a foreign institution accredited by a legally recognized authority
Application Requirements
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Two professional referees (details required – referees will receive direct email requests)
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose and research proposal
- Application fee: ₹5,000
Fee Structure
Fee Coverage: Tuition Fee (IIM Ranchi & International Immersion), Accommodation and meals at IIM Ranchi during campus immersion.
Note: All fee instalments (except the refundable security deposit of ₹50,000) are non-refundable.
Our Scholars
Meet our Executive doctoral scholars of IIM Ranchi—a vibrant community of researchers engaged in rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry. Our Executive scholars contribute to cutting-edge research, publish in leading journals, and collaborate closely with faculty and industry to address contemporary managerial and societal challenges.
