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.
- 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
Popular Private Ph.D. in Management Colleges in India
Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now
Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now
Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now
Popular Ph.D. in Management Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Human Resources
46 Colleges
- Finance
43 Colleges
- Sales & Marketing
35 Colleges
- Operations
26 Colleges
- Supply Chain
23 Colleges
- IT & Systems
14 Colleges
- Transport & Logistics
14 Colleges
- Business Economics
12 Colleges
- Entrepreneurship
12 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 23 hours ago
Hi.
The college, which is part of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune (a deemed-to-be university), offers doctoral (Ph.D.) programs including in Physiotherapy.
It's designed for students who want to pursue advanced research in Physiotherapy and related fields.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Ph.D.
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, CII School of Logistics Mumbai offers a PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This programme is a research-oriented doctoral-level degree and covers:
- The latest trends in trends in automation and digitalization (Industry 4.0).
Students must complete the course eligibility and go through t
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
You can prepare for the following exams to get admission to a PhD in Psychology in India
| PhD in Psychology Entrance Exam | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|
| UGC NET | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| CSIR NET | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| GATE | February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 |
| VITREE | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| LPU NEST | 20 Jan - 5 Feb 2026 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the exam.
Know more about -
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
To study PhD at NIPER Guwahati students must complete the required eligibility of:
- Having a PG degree in relevant stream such as Pharmaceutical sciences, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or any related fields.
- With degree scores of 60% (55% for SC/ST) minimum while the selection process depend
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Some of the top PhD colleges in India with low fees are here. Take a look
| PhD Colleges in India | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| SRM IST | INR 72,000 |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 48,550 |
| PhD Trichy | INR 45,000 |
| IIT Guwahati | INR 20,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 31,810 |
| Manipal University, Jaipur | INR 81,900 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.
Know more about -
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days ago
IIT Patna application process is conducted in an online mode. Check below the steps to apply for IIT Patna PhD programme:
- Visit the official website of IIT Patna and click on application link.
- Fill all the personal and educational details in the form.
- Upload the documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Technical University of Munich provides a 3-year PhD programme through the TUM school of Management. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of gain understanding about basics of Strategic Management, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Tech Management, and more. International appl
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
International applicants, who are looking for career as Professor, Consultant, Market Research Lead, and more should choose Ph.D. at Technical University of Munich. Technical University of Munich provides a 3-4 year PhD programme through the Graduate school of TUM, or TUM school of Management or mor
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
GPA score are one of the important factor during admission and are submitted by students to improve their profiles. Students should aim 3.5 or higher to get considered by the TUM.
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
As per a renowned ranking body, TUM is popular for various courses. The most chosen programme by Indians is Management. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Strategic Management, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Tech Management, and more.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Indian students can get into the Technical University of Munich PhD programme by submitting proof of their qualification, work proof, and a GPA score. Students have to submit LOR, essay, SOP, transcripts, resume, and English language requirements.
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Technical University of Munich provides a 3-4-year PhD programme to international students. These programs are available in the different school of TUM. The programs is available through Graduate school of TUM, or TUM school of Management or more based on the program. The first-year tuition fee is n
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
The minimum eligibility for PhD at Department of Law, MDU is having a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate or its equivalent B grade in UGC seven-point scale in the subject concerned or an allied subject. Yes, you are eligible for PhD at the university.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
There are 11 research specialisations available for PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. These specialisations may or may not be available under all categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. PhD specialisations at IIT Guwahati include the following:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electronics and Electr
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, the hostel services are offered to PhD students of IIT Guwahati. However, only the regular category PhD course students receive hostel service from IIT Guwahati.
Non regular category PhD students are not offered any hostel services and are required to find off site arrangements.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The PhD students of IIT Guwahati who secured admissions under the Industry-Sponsored category will be charged INR 5 Lacs per semester as PhD fees.
This makes the total PhD fees for these students INR 40 Lacs at IIT Guwahati. However, this is the only fees mentioned for these students on the website.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, the PhD students of Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme of IIT Guwahati are offered financial assistance. The students of this scheme are eligible to get the following:
- Fellowship: Rs. 38,750/month in 1st and 2nd years. Rs. 43,750/month for 3rd, 4th and 5th years.
- Contingency Grant: Rs. 1,20,000/year.
- Suppor
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates belonging to special categories are offered a relaxation of fees for PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. The admission fees for PhD courses is currently unknown at IIT Guwahati.
However, the application fees for PhD admissions is only 50% for the special category candidates.
The PhD applicati
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IIT Guwahati requires candidates to present a different set of documents based on their chosen PhD course category during admissions.
The following documents in digital form must be provided to apply for IIT Guwahati PhD courses:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
- Bachelor's degree certificate & markshe
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, the registration dates for all accepted entrance exams for PhD admissions at IIT Guwahati have been closed at this point. Currently, most entrance exams are still in the phase of result declaration.
The registrations for most of the accepted entrance exams for PhD admissions at IIT Guwahati are o
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates can get admissions into the PhD course at IIT Guwahati without any work experience. However, only the regular category PhD courses accept admission of such candidates.
Every non regular PhD course admission only selects candidates with a work experience between one - three years.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The PhD admissions to the Institute Assistantship courses at IIT Guwahati require candidates to appear for the GATE or CEED.
However, PhD admissions to the other categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati are not decided on the basis of the aforementioned entrance exams scores.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering in India are here. Take a look
| PhD in Aerospace Engineering Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | INR 6.78 Lakh |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 48,550 |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 3 Lakh |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 3 Lakh |
| Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | INR 1.2 Lakh |
| Amity University, Mumbai | INR 1.92 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Harvard University provides a 5-year PhD programme through the John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Economics, Networks, Data Management, Operating Systems, and more. Internatio
E
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
International applicants, who are looking for career as Lead Scientist, Researcher, Professor, Data Scientist, developer, and more should choose Ph.D. at Harvard University. Harvard University provides a 5-year PhD programme through the John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science. The m
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
GMAT and GREs are one of the crucial criteria during admission and are submitted by students to improve their profiles. 58% class submitted GMAT scores, and 42% submitted GRE scores. There is no ideal score provided by students to get into the Harvard Ph.D.
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
As per a renowned ranking body, Harvard is popular for various courses. The most chosen programme by Indians is Computer Science. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Economics, Networks, Data Management, Operating Systems, and more.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Indian students can get into the Harvard university PhD programme by submitting proof of their qualification, work proof, and a GPA score. Students have to submit LOR, essay, SOP, transcripts, resume, and English language requirements.
T
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Based on the type of course, SOP should include these pointers
- For MS Highlight your research experiences, academic accomplishments, and how the programme can help you attain your professional objectives.
- SOP for MBA should have your professional background, leadership abilities, and how the MBA will
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
ICFAI University, Himachal Pradesh has on offer, a number of courses that include BTech, BBA, MBA, MCA, etc. The institute offers more than fifteen courses covering the domains of Engineering, Business Administration, Management, Computer Applications etc. Programmes are offered at the UG, PG and Ph
h
Contributor-Level 10
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 66k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 686k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
Does Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy offer PhD?