PhD in Management Syllabus & Subjects 2026: Download Semester-wise PDF, Important Books
Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
PhD in Management Studies is a 3-5 years doctoral program. The program offers in-depth knowledge of company management and administration. A student seeking to teach and do research in this discipline should obtain a PhD in Management.
The PhD in Management syllabus includes areas of management that provides a better understanding of different elements of corporate management, such as human resources, operations, finance, administration, sales and marketing, and so on.
This program can be pursued after finishing a postgraduate degree in Management. Most of India's leading MBA institutions, including the IIMs, offer PhD in Management programs. Entrance test scores are considered to determine admission to the PhD in Management program.
PhD in Management Syllabus – Important Facts
- PhD in Management Course Duration
A PhD program does not have a fixed duration. The research duration of the course can vary from one candidate to another. Usually, the program is completed within three to five years.
- PhD in Management Scope
With a PhD in management, students can aspire to take up academic and research-oriented roles. The scope for a PhD in management candidate includes profiles such as researchers or professors in an academic institution. They can also take up business and management roles such as business expert, policy analyst, and management consultant in a business or corporate organisation.
- PhD in Management Syllabus
As a PhD is a doctoral program, it mainly focuses on the research of a candidate, the syllabus of the program includes very less coursework and theory subjects that are confined to the first three semesters of the program.
- PhD in Management Examination Pattern
The examination pattern for PhD in management includes semester exams every six months for the first two years, followed by PR or progress reports to showcase the development in research by the candidate. The final year of the program includes a Synopsis and, finally, a dissertation of the candidate to defend their thesis.
- PhD in Management from IIM versus other colleges
The multidimensionality of the course and learning tools are the benefits of choosing IIM for a doctoral programme in Management. IIMA teachers are graduates of the world's finest business institutions. Students can select a research subject from one of eleven disciplinary areas of competence.
PhD in Management Syllabus: List of Subjects
Core Subjects in PhD in Management Syllabus
Given below is the table indicating core subjects included in PhD in Management syllabus and their brief description.
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Research Methodology and IT |
The objective of the course is to enable students to understand the methods of research & IT applications in research and apply the knowledge and skills in pursuing research |
|
Preparation of Research Proposal and Seminar |
For this paper students will have to prepare a research proposal, review literature in an area of research, and at the end of the semester, they have to present the same before the faculty members. The selection of problems and preparation of the proposal will be in consultation with faculty members in the department. |
Elective Subjects in PhD in Management Syllabus
Given below is the table indicating elective subjects included in PhD in Management syllabus and their brief description.
|
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Emerging Areas in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour |
The objective of the course is to enable the scholar to explore emerging areas in HRM and OB that will facilitate in choosing an appropriate topic for research and understand the theoretical backdrop of his/her area of research |
|
Emerging Areas in Marketing |
The objective of the course is to enable the scholars to explore emerging areas in Marketing that will facilitate in choosing an appropriate topic for research and understanding the theoretical backdrop of their area of research |
|
Emerging Areas in Accounting & Finance |
The objective of the course is to enable the scholars to explore emerging areas in Accounting & Finance that will facilitate in choosing an appropriate topic for research and understanding the theoretical backdrop of their area of research. |
|
Emerging Areas in Management |
The objective of the course is to enable the scholars to explore emerging areas in Management that will facilitate in choosing an appropriate topic for research and understanding the theoretical backdrop of their area of research. |
Detailed Syllabus for PhD in Management
Check below details of PhD in Management syllabus. The course work requires, candidates to study the following subjects.
|
Semester |
Core/Elective |
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Core |
Research Methodology and IT |
The subject includes an introduction of research methodology, defining the research problem and formulation of hypothesis, research design, sampling design, measuring and scaling techniques, methods of data collection, Parametric v/s. Non-parametric tests, Research design and sampling design, Data analysis, Report writing and computer applications in research |
|
Core |
Preparation of Research Proposal and Seminar |
Students will be required to evaluate literature in a research field, write a research proposal, and deliver it to academia at the conclusion of the term for this presentation. The topic has to be chosen, and the proposal will be prepared in conjunction with department faculty members. |
|
|
2 |
Elective |
Emerging Areas in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour |
Through this subject, students learn about Human Resource Management, Changes in Emphasis from Personnel to Human Resources Management and Human Capital Management, Strategic HRM, Changes in HR functions, Social media in HR functions, Talent Management – The Changing dynamics of talent acquisition, talent development and talent retention. |
|
Elective |
Emerging Areas in Marketing |
The subject introduces emerging issues related to new product development, pricing, channels of distribution, integrated marketing communication, social marketing, and consumerism. |
|
|
Elective |
Emerging Areas in Accounting & Finance |
Students learn about the environment- National Accounts-Importance of National Resource and Environment, Sustainable Development, Origin and Development of Environmental Accounting, corporate valuation, financial engineering, commercial banking and emerging issues in Finance. |
|
|
Elective |
Emerging Areas in Management |
The subject helps the student to explore emerging areas in management, work ethics, supply chain management and quality issues, public systems management, and entrepreneurship. |
|
|
3 |
Core |
Progress Report/Presentation |
The PhD candidate presents a progress report to their supervisor and other guides or experts. |
|
4 |
Core |
Progress Report/Presentation |
The progress report involves the advancement of research done by the student in the particular semester. |
|
5 |
Core |
Progress Report/Presentation |
This presentation includes the tests done by the student, their results and the findings. |
|
6 |
Core |
Dissertation |
The final presentation or dissertation is the last report submission done by the student to defend their thesis and showcase their work of research done throughout the doctorate program. |
Specialisations Offered In PhD in Management
The PhD in management is a doctorate program where students select an appropriate topic for research. These topics are related to the core discipline, which is management. There are no specific specialisations available for the PhD program.
Books and Authors Related to PhD in Management
There are several course books and reference books for research scholars to consider during their PhD in management program. Given below is a list of books for the PhD course work of core and elective subjects:
|
Subject |
Book Title |
Authors |
Description Of The Book |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Research Methodology and IT |
Business Research Methods
Business Research Methods
Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques |
Alan, B. & Bell. E.
Donald, R. C. and Schindler, P.S.
Kothari, C.R. |
The books discuss various methods of research, ways to conduct research and record the findings, and the techniques involved in effective research |
|
Emerging Areas in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour |
Organisational Behaviour
Compensation System and Performance Management |
Robbins, S.P., Sanghi, S. & Judge, T. A.
Rao, N.S. |
These books focus on the new and advancing areas of Human Resource Management, the ins and outs of organisational behaviour, and performance management techniques. |
|
Emerging Areas in Marketing |
Marketing Management, Analysis, Planning, Implementations and Control
Fundamentals of Marketing |
Kotler, P.
Stanton William, J. |
Students can use these books to learn about the emerging areas in marketing, analysis methods, and the ways of handling management marketing |
|
Emerging Areas in Accounting & Finance |
Introduction to Management Accounting
Principles of Management Accounting |
Horngren. T. Charles, Sundem, L. G., Schatzberg, O. J. & Burgstahler, D.
Goyal, S.N & Manmohan |
The books focus on the basics of accounting and finance, with a focus on management accounting and business finance tools. |
Entrance Exams for PhD in Management
For admission to PhD in Management programs, there are several entrance exams on the national level such as GRE, CAT, XAT, UGC-NET. Many institutes conduct their own entrance exams for selection of PhD candidates.
PhD in Management Syllabus for Distance Program
Candidates can pursue a PhD in management on a full-time or part-time basis. Students can opt for a part-time PhD to visit the campus on weekends or once every month to carry out research activities. The syllabus for the coursework for PhD is the same for full-time and part-time programs. The fee for the part-time PhD program is often less than that of the full-time programs. The PhD in Management Syllabus for Distance Program will include the basics mentioned above and candidate’s choice of topic for research and dissertation.
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News & Updates
Nov 2, 2026
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
Check below asdmisison criteria for PhD admission at IBS Hyderabad:
- Graduation (any discipline) with 50% and above marks with medium of instruction as English.
- Postgraduation in Management (full time with specialisation in Marketing/ Finance/ Human Resource Management/ Operations from an UGC approved
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
A Ph.D. in Soil Science has good career scope, especially in sustainable farming, soil conservation and agricultural research. After completing it, you can explore opportunities in teaching, research institutes and agricultural organisations.
At LPU, scholars can work on topics like soil fertility, n
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University employs highly qualified and experienced faculty, including members who hold PhDs. Below are the list of some of the PhD holder faculty members:
- Dr. Ritika Mehra
- Dr. Manisha Phaugat
- Dr. Abhishek Saxena
- Dr. Rohit Goyal
- Dr. Tarun Parashar
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, Ph.D. Soil Science scholars at LPU can work on research related to soil fertility, soil conservation, nutrient management, and sustainable agriculture. These areas are relevant to improving soil health and agricultural productivity.
LPU provides research facilities and faculty guidance to help s
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
For Ph.D. in Soil Science at LPU, you need at least 65% marks in M.Sc. Agriculture (Soil Science) or a related field like Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Physics, Soil Chemistry, or Water Science and Technology. You also need to qualify for LPUNEST and an interview. Students from SC/ST/OBC (non
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
A PhD is not allowed, as only taught master's courses qualify. An MBA is allowed, but the Chevening Scholarship pays only up to GBP 22,000 of its fee.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
For an international PhD after an MBA, look for universities where the PhD position itself includes a funded research or teaching role, rather than relying only on tuition scholarships. LPU can also be considered if staying in India is an option, as it has PhD scholarships and research fellowship sc
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a month ago
If you're looking at a Ph.D in Soil Science there is actually quite a lot of scope beyond just basic soil testing.
At LPU the Ph.D Soil Science/Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry syllabus covers areas such as pedology soil physics soil chemistry soil fertility soil water relationships erosion and
s
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
With 88.6 percentile, it is better to shortlist PhD colleges based on the subject, research area, faculty, eligibility and entrance or interview process, not only the NET score. LPU can also be considered if its research areas and faculty match the topic you want to work on. Its PhD structure gives
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 months ago
At NIT Silchar, full-time regular PhD scholars receive an institutional fellowship of INR 31,000 per month during their initial Junior Research Fellow (JRF) phase. This amount increases to INR 35,000 per month as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF), usually after two years, plus applicable HRA and contin
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
For admission to the PhD programme at IIT Patna, candidates must satisfy one
of the following criteria:
- MTech/ME in Engineering/Technology, with minimum CPI of 6.5 or 60% marks.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/ Technology in a relevant branch with
minimum CPI of 7.5 or 70% marks. - Master’s degree in S
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 8 hours ago
The fee structure for Executive PhD programme at IIM Trichy is INR 15 Lakh (excluding food and accommodation).
The late registration fee of INR 1 Lakh per year (to be paid after the 5th year of the student’s registration). Candidates are required to pay an application fee of INR 1000.
Y
Contributor-Level 10
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