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

2 Courses
18 K - 4 L
4.7

#2 NIRF

Popular Private Ph.D. in Management Colleges in India

1.6 L - 10 L

Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now

1.2 L - 10.5 L
4 - 4.27 LPA

Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now

17 Courses
3.6 L - 5.3 L
3.23 - 5 LPA
9.2 L - 13.3 L
5 LPA
8 Courses

Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now

2.1 L - 2.8 L

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 6 days ago

Candidates must pass a master's degree or equivalent Diploma from a recognised university/ institution with at least 55% aggregate or equivalent CGPA/ Grade to apply for PhD at XIME Bangalore. Aspirants with MPhil or master's degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate can also apply provided MPhil admis

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a week ago

Indus Uniersity PhD tuition fee is INR 1.9 lakh. The fee structure includes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of payemnt due to the variables of the fee structure. The fee information is taken from the official/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To get admission in Indus University PhD course, students must meet the eligibility and selection requirement. The eligibility is to have a valid master's degree from a recognised board. Indus University PhD admission is based on entrance exams scores. The applicant must appear for Indus University

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, NIFT Delhi provides PhD level courses in the fields of Design, Fashion Technology, and Managment related to textile, fashion, lifestyle, apparel, craft and any other related field. The PhD programme is offered in Full-time (3-5 years) as well as Part-time mode. The Part-time researchers can sub

...Read more

a

aaradhy rastogi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Indus University is a solid choice for pursuing a PhD in Commerce through the Indus Institute of Management Studies. The university strongly emphasise on original research & strict anti plagiarism policies. Students benefit from an experienced faculty panel that provides research guidance.

University

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

For admission to the Ph.D. programme at LPU, a candidate generally needs a Master's degree in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade from a recognised university. Candidates with professional qualifications accepted under university rules may also be eligible in some dis

...Read more

S

Sampreet Kaur

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 weeks ago

LPU offers Ph.D. research opportunities in areas such as Engineering, Management, Computer Applications, Commerce, Sciences, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Law, Education, Design, Humanities and Social Sciences. Scholars get access to research labs, experienced faculty and opportunities to work on industry

...Read more

S

Sampreet Kaur

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 weeks ago

To apply for admission in PhD at IIT Madras, students must fulfil the eligibility requirement. To be eligible, students must complete post-graduation in a relevant field with 55% - 60% aggregate, depending on the specialisation.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

IIT Madras PhD overall tuition fees is INR 15,000. The fee structure may include other components. The total fees may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure. The fee information is taken from the official/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

To get admission in PhD at IIT Madras, students must fulfil the eligibility and selection requirement. To be eligible, students must complete post-graduation in a relevant field with 55% - 60% aggregate, depending on the specialisation. The final selection is on GATE/ UGC - JRF/ NET/ CSIR-JRF/ JEST/

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Alliance University PhD overall tuition fees is INR 3 Lacs - INR 3.5 lakh. The fee structure inlcudes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure. The fee information is taken from the official/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

To get a seat in Alliance University PhD, students must have a master's degree with 55% to be eligible for PhD. Candidates must sit and appear for the Alliance Research Aptitude Test for PhD course admissions. Once the candidates qualify for the entrance exam, they further need to sit for a personal

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, Assam Institute of Management offers Ph.D. course in Management under Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU). It operates in the state of Assam only. Assam Institute of Management is a public institute located in Guwahati, Assam.

a

aaradhy rastogi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes for bachelor's (1st cycle), master's (2nd cycle), and single-cycle programmes like Medicine or Architecture. PhD admissions in Italy are generally handled directly by institutions or national doctoral portals, not through Universitaly pre-enrolment.

A

Aishwarya Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, K.P.B Hinduja College of Commerce offers PhD degree in the field of Commerce & Management and Humanities. There are multiple specialisation options for PD. in Commerce & Management ranging from Accountancy to Business Economics.

a

aaradhy rastogi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

Bharati Vidyapeeth offers Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Junior Research Fellowship for full-time PhD scholars. The fellowship is offered up to three-years. The stipend offered to students is INR 20,000-INR 30,000 per month.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 4 weeks ago

LNMIIT PhD overall tuition fee is INR 1.9 lakh. The fee structure includes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of pyment due to the variables of the fee structure. The fee information is taken from the official/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

To get admission in PhD at LNMIIT, students must fulfil the eligibility.The eligibility criteria for admission is a Master's degree in Engineering in a relevant field with 60 % aggregate or equivalent CPI/ CGPA. 

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes, LNMIIT offers PhD courses at the Doctoral level in seven specialisations. The PhD specialisations are given below:

  • Communication and Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Electronics and Communication Engineering
  • Mechanical-Mechatronics Engineering
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Humanities and So

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G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

To get admission in LNMIIT PhD programme, students must have a master's degree in engineering in a relevant field with 60% aggregate or equivalent CPI/ CGPA. Students are selected based on score in GATE (Qualified during last 5 year), CSIR/ UGC-NET-JRF, JEST (with valid score), DST-INSPIRE, CEED, NB

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Full-time PhD scholarships who have qualified NET/ GATE get a stipend of INR 16,000 per month towards Teaching and Research Associateship as per the availability of teaching positions at DIT University. Aspirants who pass DUET for admission in PhD with 60% or more are eligible to get INR 10,000 per

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N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

Yes, BITS Pilani offer part-time PhD programme. The part-time PhD programme is designed for working professionals, students pursuing a full-time PhD programme from BITS Pilani need to attend the programme in on-campus mode. 

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates applying for PhD in Science department in BITS Pilani will be required to write a test.

The details of the tests are as follows:
• The question paper will consist of 50-100 multiple-choice questions. The total duration of the test will be 2-3 hrs.
• Negative Marking may be applicable.

Candida

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R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

To be eligible for Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, students must have Master's Degree with 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade. For final admission, candidates must appear for PhD Online Test for admission, followed by Personal Interview and SOP. Fellowships from CSIR-UGC NET JRF, DS

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G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, personal interview mandatory for Shiv Nadar University PhD admission. According to University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, all candidates must appear for a personal interview, after clearing UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE or written test conducted by the university.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

To get a seat in SNU Noida PhD programme, students must fulfil the eligibility and selection requirement. The minimum qualification required to apply at SNU Noida is to have a master's degree in relevant field from a recognised university. The final selection is based on scores in UGC NET/ CSIR NET/

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, students cannot get direct admission in PhD at Thakur Institute of Management Studies and Research. Admissions are entrance-based. Candidates are shortlisted for the PhD programme based on their performance in PhD entrance test. 

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, students can apply for a Ph.D. after completing an MBA FinTech from CLAS. However, they must meet the eligibility requirements and admission criteria of the university where they wish to pursue their doctoral studies. 

M

Manisha Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IBS Hyderabad PhD total tuition fees is INR 24,000 - INR 4.8 lakh. To confirm admission, students must pay fees. IBS Hyderabad fee structure includes many components. The total fees may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

To apply for IBS Hyderabad, students must complete Graduation in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate and above marks with English as a medium of instruction and Post Graduate in Management with specialisation in Marketing, Finance, Human Resource and Operations with at least 55% aggregate. Th

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

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