Doctoral Programme in Management

The Doctoral Programme in Management is a full-time doctoral programme of 5 years that offers students opportunities for research in different areas of Management. Ph.D scholars are engaged in serious cutting edge research across areas of Business Law, Economics & Public Policy, Finance & Accounting, Information Systems & Analytics, Marketing, Operations Management & Decision Sciences, Organizational Behaviour & Human Resource Management and Strategy.

The program begins with doctoral level courses from the very first day indicating its resolute focus on research training. The robustness and dynamism of the program is evidenced by the achievements of our doctoral students.

IIM Trichy PhD programme has rigorous coursework focused on research training. The program is designed to help students complete their dissertation within a period of five years. In the first eighteen months, students are required to complete a coursework which exposes them to general management subjects, fundamental courses to gain an appreciation of management research, advanced courses in their respective areas of specialization and courses in research methodologies. 

In total a student has to earn a minimum of 54 credits. Area specialization compulsory courses (Doctoral level) – 12 Credits, Area specialization elective courses (Doctoral level) – 9 credits, Research appreciation Courses (Doctoral level) – 6 credits, Methodology courses (Doctoral level) – 6 credits, General Management courses (PGPM level) – 15 credits.

In addition to the classroom courses, each student initiates a ‘Research Paper’ during the two-month summer break between Year 1 & Year 2 and continues to work on the paper during the second year for a total of 6 credits. Each student works with a designated research guide for this component of the coursework. A three credit course involves total classroom input of 30 hours. Each course involves assignments and submissions which students have to work upon beyond class hours.

To proceed further on their research journeys, students are required to clear their CQEs conducted by their respective areas of specialization. The CQE has three components – a written exam, viva voce and examination of the status of the 'Research Paper'. All students have to undergo the DPM level courses that will be offered in Year 1.

The selection process at IIM Tiruchirappalli is multi-staged. All stages of this process are equally important for a potential candidate seeking admission into the program.

Stage 1: Submission of the application form. Begin the application process by submitting application form and all associated submissions (academic record documents, certificates, qualifying examination scores, application fees etc.) At this stage, candidates express their interest in pursuing their Ph.D. at IIMT by choosing to apply to one or two areas of interest. 
Stage 2: Research Aptitude Examination. This will be a written examination, that is conducted by some of the areas. This examination is conducted to test the candidate's research aptitude in a particular area of specialization. Thus, the content of the examination is very specific to the area. It may range from an examination of the candidates’ quantitative aptitude to their ability to understand and analyze/ synthesize research papers.
Stage 3:  Area Interview: All candidates shortlisted in Stage 1, will be required to attend the personal interview with members of/ experts in their chosen area of specialization. Candidates who clear this stage of the process will be sent an offer of admission to the Ph.D. Programme in Management at IIM Tiruchirappalli.

IIM Tiruchirappalli will reimburse travel expenses limited to III AC train fare (with a maximum cap), to shortlisted candidates. The details of travel reimbursement will be shared with the shortlisted candidates.

• Eligible Candidates are required to apply online. They can apply to a maximum of two areas of specialization. 
   
• An application fee of Rs.1000/- is required, which has to be remitted online
   
• No application fee is applicable in the case of SC/ST/PwD candidates. 
  Scanned copies of all academic mark sheets, certificates, qualifying examination scorecards, category certificates and research proposals are to be uploaded along with the online application form.