PhD in Management Syllabus & Subjects 2026: Download Semester-wise PDF, Important Books
Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
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
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes, Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science (MITS) Deemed to be University offers various specialisations in PhD. Some PhD specialisations are given below:
- Ph.D - Civil Engineering
- Ph.D - Computer Science
- Ph.D - Chemistry
- Ph.D - Mathematics
- Ph.D - Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Ph.D - Mecha
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Deemed to be University offers full-time as well as part-time PhD. The college offers PhD in different subjects of Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English, Social Science and Management. Admission is the basis of SRCAT exam.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, KIIT School of Public Health does not offer direct admissions for PhD. Students have to appear for the KIITEE exam or submit other accepted test scores. The final selection is based on entrance score + PI + past academic/ research performance.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, KIIT School of Public Health does offer PhD programme. The college offers the PhD course in full-time mode to eligible students. Students can pursue PhD in Hospital Administration and Public Health.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
IIT Hyderabad PhD placement highlights over the past two years are mentioned below:
Particulars | PhD Placement Statistics 2023 | PhD Placement Statistics 2024 |
|---|---|---|
the highest package | INR 20.68 LPA | INR 81 LPA |
Placement rate | 100% | 100% |
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Candidates must pass Master's Degree and Bachelor's Degree in Basic Science/ Arts in English with First class or 60% aggregate (55% aggregate for SC / ST / PwD) / CPI or CGPA more than 6 (5.5 for SC / ST / PwD) to apply for PhD programmes at IIIT Pune.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 6 days ago
Aspirants need to pay a non-refundable application fees to apply for PhD at IIIT Pune. There is some relaxation in the fees for SC/ ST/ PwD candidates. Check below the application fees for PhD:
| Category | Application Fees |
|---|---|
| GEN/OBC-NCL/EWS | INR 590 |
| SC/ST/PwD | INR 295 |
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 6 days ago
The total tuition fees for PhD is INR 1.4 lakh at IIIT Pune. The total fees for PhD includes tuition fee, develoment fee, library fee, student/ medical aid fund, etc. Aspirants selected for admission need to pay the course fees to confirm their seat.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
The seat intake for PhD programme at the GMC Mumbai is 39. The course-wise seat breakdown for PhD is given below:
| Sr No. | Course | Intake |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ph.D in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology | 3 |
| 2 | Ph.D in General Surgery | 9 |
| 3 | Ph.D in Medical Biochemistry | 15 |
| 4 | Ph.D in Medical Microbiology | 3 |
| 5 | Ph.D in Orthopaedics | 3 |
| 6 | Ph.D in Otorhinolaryngology | 6 |
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
MIT School of Architecture accepts GATE scores for admission to PhD programme. MIT-ADT University also conducts PhD Entrance Test for admission. Aspirants must have scores in either of the accepted entrance exams. Candidates also need to meet the eligibility to get a seat in PhD programme. Selected
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 weeks ago
Aspirants with exceptional abilities and have passed graduation in relevant discipline with at least 60% aggregate with at least 15 years of professional experience after graduation in the related field can apply for PhD programme at MIT School of Architecture. However, there eligibility is subject
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates applying toPhD programmes at IIIT Kota should have completed B.E./B.Tech./Equivalent and/or M.E./M.Tech./Equivalent should be in relevant
discipline. The “minimum specified” CGPA/marks implies a minimum of 6.0 on the
10-point scale (60% marks only where CGPA is not awarded) for M.Tech. and
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
You can sign up for our free Shiksha Abroad Counselling. After you sign up, our team of experts shall get in touch with you via mail/phone based on your shared contact details.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
The PhD programme at IISER Pune is a blend of classroom curriculum, mentoring under-graduate students along with a major research component. The research scholars are expected to complete at least 16 credits of coursework within the first two semesters followed by a comprehensive examination to asse
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
The below are the Research programmes leading to PhD/MSc (Engg.) that are available in the following departments.
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Industrial Engineering And Management
- Chemical Engineering
- Master Of B
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Every fee component in the PhD fees charged National Law School of India University, Bangalore remains the same except for the tuition fees after the third year. The tuition fees after the third year is INR 15,000 per annum for the remaining duration for PhD at National Law School of India Universit
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
In order to apply for the National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions, candidates are required to provide digital copies of the following documents:
- Class 10th and Class 12th marksheet as well as passing certificate
- UG-level degree
- PG-level degree
- No objection certificate
- Scanned im
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, candidates who wish to apply for National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions can do so while waiting for their final year results. Such candidates will be offered provisional admissions if they manage to clear all admission rounds.
They will be granted final admission if th
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, the NLSAT-PhD registrations 2026 are still open for National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions. The registrations are scheduled to stay open until March 23, 2026. Candidates can apply until 11:59 pm on the aforementioned date to appear for the NLSAT-PhD 2026.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions are not open for the academic year 2026. The institute usually opens the PhD admissions from the month of July. However, there is no fixed date on which the PhD admissions will be opened by National Law School of India University,
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, PhD admissions at National Law School of India University, Bangalore are not open for direct admissions. Candidates who wish to apply for PhD admissions at
NLSIU Bangalore must appear for the NLSAT-PhD in order to qualify for the PhD admissions.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, completing a post graduate level course is not a mandatory requirement to be eligible for National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD admissions. Candidates who have cleared their UG level courses can aslo apply for the PhD admissions.
However, for PhD in Law, candidates must clear eit
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, NLSAT-PhD is a mandatory entrance exam for all candidates applying for the National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD course. Before registering for the NLSAT-PhD, candidates should ensure their compliance with the set eligibility criteria. The registrations are done on the website
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, National Law School of India University, Bangalore does not offer any concession on the PhD course fees to any student. The fees for both PhD courses is the same at National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
Candidates who require financial assistance are required to apply for either st
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
The total fees for the National Law School of India University, Bangalore PhD course will differ based on the duration of PhD pursued.
For three year PhD course, the National Law School of India University, Bangalore fees is INR 2.55 Lacs in 2026. However, the instalments will be different for candid
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates can check the table below to know about the eligibility and selection process for applying to PhD programmes at Malla Reddy University:
Course | Common Eligibility | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|
PhD | Masters Degree or equivalent in the relevant field | NET/GATE |
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, vast majority of faculty members at IIM Ahmedabad hold a PhD from top tier Indian or international institutions. They are accomplished scholars and researchers.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
In terms of average package, AE branch students received the best average package of 31.4 LPA during PhD placements 2025. With respect to median package, CH and MA branch students received the highest median package of 25 LPA in 2025.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
IIT Madras offers good placements to PhD students. The median package recorded during PhD placements 2025 for all branches was between 14.5 LPA and 25 LPA. The average package recorded was from 15 LPA to 31.4 LPA.
K
Contributor-Level 10
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