PhD in Management Syllabus & Subjects 2026: Download Semester-wise PDF, Important Books

Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST

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.

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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.

Table of contents
  • Popular Ph.D. in Management Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Ph.D. in Management Colleges in India
  • Popular Ph.D. in Management Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular Ph.D. in Management Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Ph.D. in Management Colleges in India. Learn more about these Ph.D. in Management colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
11 Courses
1.32 L - 35 L
20.05 - 34.59 LPA
22 Courses
4.5 L - 26.5 L
32.61 - 33.1 LPA
4 K - 66 K
3.5

#1 NIRF

7.95 L - 13.39 L
4.2

#1 NIRF

Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now

20 K
16 LPA

#1 NIRF

7.6 L - 28 L
24.76 - 27.5 LPA

Popular Private Ph.D. in Management Colleges in India

29 Courses
1.5 L - 7.12 L
3.6

#14 NIRF

1.5 L - 3.6 L
3.0
12.4 L
6 LPA
96 K - 10.04 L
4.2

Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now

24 Courses
4.0
3.7

Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now

8 Courses
2.06 L - 4.12 L
4.1

Popular Ph.D. in Management Specializations

Following are the most popular Ph.D. in Management Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Ph.D. in Management courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Ph.D. in Management.
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Answered 3 days ago

IISER Tirupati has not released the stats regarding JEST 2026. However, it is expected that approximately. 2500 to 35000 students took the JEST 2026 exam. 

V

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai offers PhD at doctorate level. PhD is offered in various specialisations. The specialisations are given below:

  • PhD in Clinical Embryology
  • PhD in Nutrition & Dietetics 
  • PhD in Hospital Administration
  • PhD in Medical Biotechnology
  • PhD in Dialysis Therapy
  • PhD

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

MGM school of Biomedical Sciences, Navi Mumbai offers PhD in the given below specialisations: 
Ph.D. in Clinical Embryology
Ph.D. in Nutrition & Dietetics 
Ph.D. in Hospital Administration
Ph.D. in Medical Biotechnology
Ph.D. in Dialysis Therapy
Ph.D. in Medical Genetics
Ph.D. in Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology
Ph.D. in  Anaesthesia & Operation Theatre Technology
Ph.D. in Optometry
 
 

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Dnyaan Prasad Global University-School for Hospitality and Tourism PhD fees is INR 2.1 lakh. Dnyaan Prasad Global University-School for Hospitality and Tourism PhD fee structure includes various componets such as Synopsis Submission Fees, Final Defence Viva- Voc, Ph.D Course Work, etc. The total fee

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes PhD programme is available at the institute which provides doctoral studies in various Science specialisations with duration of 3+ years. The school provides full time PhD opportunities in subjects including Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Forensic Science & Mathematics.

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To get admission in AAA College of Engineering and Technology, students must meet the eligibility and selection requirement. Students must have 55% in master's degree from a recognised university. The final selection is based on scores in last qualifying exams.

Note: The college may consider entrance

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

AAA College of Engineering and Technology offers PhD at doctorate level. PhD is offered in various specialisations. The specialisations are given below:

  • PhD Mechanical Engineering
  • PhD Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • PhD Computer Science and Engineering

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, students pursuing a PhD in New Zealand get unlimited work rights. They can work part-time or full-time during their studies. This is to gain research or industry experience while completing their doctorate.

L

Loveleen Patra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Keep NZD 7,000 to 10,000 per year for a PhD in New Zealand. Total yearly living expenses are INR 10 to 17 lakh. So you need to plan this.

78559796
Raj Vimal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, a PhD in New Zealand is a good option for Indian students.

Because of

  • Affordable tuition fees
  • Globally ranked universities
  • Strong research quality
  • Unlimited work rights
  • Good PR opportunities after graduation.

M

Mani Lama

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

No, students cannot get direct admisison in PhD at Bombay Veterinary College. PhD admission is entrance-based. The final selection is done on the basis of AIEEA 2026 (conducted by National Testing Agency, New Delhi).

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Bombay Veterinary College PhD admission are based on the scores of entrance exam.  The eligibility to apply for PhD at Bombay Veterinary College is pass MVSc from a recognised university.  The final selection is done on the basis of AIEEA 2026. Students can apply online for admission.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates can do PhD after completing their master's degree from Nagpur University or any other university. In most of the universities or institute, the minimum aggregate is 55%-60%. Aspirants also need to pass a university-conducted entrance test or provide score in any of the accepted exams for

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 weeks ago

Aspirants must pass PG degree or equivalent of at least 2 years with at least 55% aggregate (50% aggregate for SC/ ST/ OBC) to apply for PhD at Sharda School of Media, Film and Entertainment.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, — you can pursue a PhD in History in India if you hold a Master's degree in History or a related discipline with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC). Admission is through UGC NET/JRF/SLET or university‑level entrance exams, followed by an interview. Duration is typically 3–6 years, and fello

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, if you are NET qualified, you are eligible for several scholarships and fellowships during your PhD. These are among the most recognised and financially supportive options in India:


 Scholarships/Fellowships for NET Qualified PhD Students

1. UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

  • Awarded to candidat

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

DisciplineDurationAffiliationKey Focus Areas
PhD in Computer Engineering6 yearsSPPUArtificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity
PhD in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering6 yearsSPPUCommunication Systems, VLSI, Embedded Systems, Signal Processing
PhD in Mechanical Engineering6 yearsSPPUDesign Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Manufacturing, Robotics

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

UniversityGlobal Ranking (THE/QS/ARWU)StrengthsNotes
Karolinska InstituteTHE: 49, ARWU: 43Medicine, Public Health, Life SciencesHome of Nobel Prize in Medicine.
KTH Royal Institute of TechnologyQS: 74, THE: =95Engineering, Computer Science, AIStrong industry collaboration.
Lund UniversityQS: 75, THE: =95Humanities, Medicine, SustainabilityOne of Europe's the oldest universities.
Uppsala UniversityQS: 103, ARWU: 88Natural Sciences, HumanitiesFounded in 1477, historic reputation.
Stockholm UniversityQS: 128, ARWU: 101–150Environmental Science, Social SciencesStrong interdisciplinary research.
Chalmers University of TechnologyQS: 139Engineering, Technology, InnovationIndustry-focused research.
University of GothenburgQS: 194Arts, Social Sciences, MedicineLarge multidisciplinary programs.
Linköping UniversityQS: 304Technology, Applied SciencesKnown for interdisciplinary PhDs.

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Candidates wishing to take admission in PhD at AIBS Noida are selected based on performance in entrance exams such as GATE/UGC NET/GPAT/CSIR NET/ICMR JRF/ICAR AICE. Candidates have to submit valid score of any of these entrance exams. 

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, a GPA of 4.0 means that it is near perfect for Cornell University as an Indian student. It already puts students in the top-tier category of applicants academically. Although for Ivy Leagues like Cornell, Indian students need more than just good grades to get in.

Please note that admissions are

...Read more

B

Bhumika Vimal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, Indian students who go for Cornell University PhD courses are paid via teaching assistantships and fellowships.

The 12-month stipend for the same can go as high as USD 60.7K (INR 57.2L) for the Cornell Tech grads.

Given below are the roles and its respective stipend, take a look -

Appointment Type12-Month Stipend
TA (Teaching Assistant)$60,719
GA (Graduate Assistant)$60,719
RA (Research Assistant)$60,719
GRA (Graduate Research Assistant)$60,719
University Fellowship$60,719

(USD 1 = INR 94

...Read more

78590432
Loveleen Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, the PhD courses at Cornell are fully funded for the majority (99%) of the students and that is done through the competitive internal and external fellowships, as well as the teaching assistantships.

This university also offers a competitive stipend which may go as high as USD 47.5K (INR 44.7L) f

...Read more

R

Rachit Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Candidates wishing to take admission in the PhD progarmme at IIM Jammu should have completed a Master's & Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% aggregate OR Professional qualification (CA, ICWA, CS) or BTech/BE with at least 50% aggregate OR Integrated Master's degree programme i

...Read more

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The eligibility criteria for PhD in Civil Engineering at the REVA University is given below:

  • Master's degree or a professional degree equivalent to the Master's degree with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale.
  • Candidates who have cleared the M.Phil. cou

...Read more

S

Shruti Manchanda

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

DepartmentTotal Seats (Approx.)Research Focus/Specialization
Malayalam12Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies
Physics6Advanced Physics and Research Applications
Hindi15Hindi Literature and Functional Hindi

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, MIT School of Humanities PhD admissions are entrance-based. The MIT University conducts an entrance test followed by interview round to shortlist students for its PhD programmes.

U

Upasana Harsha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, MIT School of Humanities does offer PhD programme. The course is offered in full-time mode. The college offers PhD in English. Students can check the official site to know more.

A

Aishwarya Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

NIT Kurukshetra offers PhD programmes in several specialisations.  NIT Kurukshetra PhD admissions are based on the score of exams like UGC NET & GATE. Students are also required to give Personal Interview (PI) by NIT KKR.

P

Puhup Kumari

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

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

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month 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

Nishtha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

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