About
The PhD Programme is designed to develop future scholars who will contribute to management education, policy, and practice in India and globally. The programme fosters a strong research culture grounded in intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and rigorous research methods.
The academic environment encourages scholars to question existing ideas, explore emerging research areas, and address real-world business and societal challenges. The programme supports the development of research that is both methodologically sound and practically relevant. A strong emphasis is placed on responsible research and academic integrity. The programme aims not only to generate new knowledge, but also to ensure that research contributes meaningfully to theory and practice. Candidates can apply to the following areas of specialisation:
| 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 |
Structure
The Doctoral Programme in Management has a minimum duration of four years.
The first two years are devoted to coursework, followed by a Comprehensive Qualifying Examination (CQE). The remaining years are dedicated to independent research, culminating in the completion of the doctoral thesis.
Coursework Phase (Years 1 and 2)
Year 1: The coursework is common with the MBA programme and is designed to provide a strong foundation in core management areas.
Year 2: The coursework consists of compulsory doctoral courses and area-specific electives. These courses are designed to develop advanced research skills and subject expertise in the chosen area of specialisation. Compulsory courses in Year 2 are as follows:
- Philosophy and Theory Building in Management
- Teaching Pedagogy
- Literature Review
- Research Methods
- Academic Writing and Publishing
After completion of the coursework, doctoral students are required to clear the Comprehensive Qualifying Examination, which assesses the knowledge and research preparedness in the chosen area of specialization.
Research and Thesis Phase (Years 3 and 4): Upon successful completion of the CQE, candidates undertake thesis work under the guidance of a thesis advisory committee. The thesis must represent an original and significant contribution to the field of management. The research culminates in an internal and external thesis evaluation and defense.
Support for Doctoral Students
The PhD Programme offers strong academic, infrastructural, and financial support to enable scholars to focus on high-quality research.
Key Support Features:
- Financial support for a period of four years (Full tuition fee waiver for the entire programme).
- Rent-free on-campus accommodation for doctoral scholars
- Monthly stipend of ₹35,000 for the first two years; increased to ₹40,000 per month after successful completion of the Comprehensive Qualifying Examination
- Contingency grant of ₹1,00,000 spread over four years for books, stationery, software, data storage devices, and fieldwork
- Laptop and software grant of ₹50,000 in the first or second year of the programme
- Conference support of up to ₹2,00,000 during the first four years for presenting papers at national and international conferences
- Selected doctoral scholars are provided financial support for three to four months of international research immersion at leading global business schools after thesis proposal approval, to promote advanced research training and global academic exposure
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
A candidate must satisfy any one of the following educational qualifications:
- A master’s degree/two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management with 60% and a Bachelor’s degree with 60%
- A professional qualification (CA / ICWA / CS) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, along with a Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks or equivalent
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent
In addition, the candidate must have secured a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent) in all their public examinations starting with the secondary level. Work experience in industry or academics, though not mandatory, will be given due credit in the selection process.
Those who are appearing for their final year examination in the current academic year may also apply. However, their admission to the programme will be provisional subject to their successful completion of all requirements for obtaining the relevant degree before 30th June 2026.
Entrance Examination Requirement
Candidates meeting the above eligibility criteria are required to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted by the IIMs. Alternatively, candidates who have qualified in GATE, GRE, GMAT, or NET / NET-JRF (UGC / CSIR) in the relevant area of specialization may also apply. Scores of CAT, GATE, GRE, GMAT, or NET / NET-JRF obtained within the last two years will be considered valid for admission.
Candidates who have completed a one-year or two-year full-time classroom-based Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) or a specialized management programme (such as HRM, Agri-Business Management, etc.) from any IIM, with a minimum CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale or equivalent, within the last four years, are exempted from the entrance examination requirement and may apply directly through the prescribed application form.
Selection Process
Candidates shortlisted based on academic credentials and performance in the qualifying examinations will be invited for a seminar presentation and personal interview in the month of March/April 2026. Final selection and admission offers will be issued by the end of May 2026.
Our Scholars
Meet the doctoral scholars of IIM Ranchi—a vibrant community of researchers engaged in rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry. Our scholars contribute to cutting-edge research, publish in reputed journals, and collaborate closely with faculty and industry to address contemporary managerial and societal challenges.
