PhD in Management Syllabus & Subjects 2025: 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.

DFP-Banner

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.

FAQs on PhD in Management Syllabus

Q: What exactly is a PhD in Management?

A: PhD in Management Studies is a doctorate degree programme provided by universities and business institutions. It is a more in-depth analysis of many elements of management with the goal of recognising and recommending improvements in the field as needed.

Q: How long does a PhD in Management take?

A: The course duration is of 3 years. Many colleges give extra 2 years to complete the course. So it means candidates can complete the course in 5 years because the PhD course in any field takes time and is relatively a tough course.

Q: What is the coursework for a PhD in Management?

A: If we talk about the subjects that are there in this course then it includes researching, workshops and also viva. The structure is made by the college and should be completed in the time that is also set by the college which is called the duration of the course.

Q: What are the core subjects included in the coursework of PhD in management?

A: The subjects included in the coursework of PhD in management are Research Methodology and IT, Preparation of Research Proposal and Seminar.

Q: What are the elective subjects included in the coursework of PhD in management?

A: The elective subjects included in the coursework for PhD in management include Emerging Areas in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour, Emerging Areas in Marketing, and Emerging Areas in Accounting & Finance.

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for a PhD in Management?

A: The minimum qualifying requirement for a PhD in Management is a postgraduate degree in management with a 55 to 60 per cent aggregate or comparable from an accredited institution.

Q: What is the PhD in Management admissions process?

A: The PhD in Management admissions route comprises an entrance exam and an interview. To be considered for the PhD in Management programme, students must take either a national level entrance exam or a university/institute level exam.

Q: Do only government universities provide PhD programmes in management?

A: No, in addition to government universities, private universities, private MBA colleges, and B-schools provide PhD in Management programmes.

Q: What are my employment choices after obtaining a PhD in Management?

A: After earning a PhD in Management, anyone can work as an academic staff in a university or a business school. You can also pursue research in the subject of management. Another alternative is to work at a high level in a company or organisation as a management analyst.

Q: Is an admission test required for a PhD in Management?

A: Yes, individuals must take admission tests to pursue a PhD in Management. Prominent entrance tests include the CAT, XAT, GMAT, UGC-NET, and CSIR-NET.

Q: Which IIMs offer PhD programmes in management?

A: PhD in Management programmes are available at all 20 IIMs. Students for this course are chosen based on their CAT test scores. The exam is held every year, usually in November.

Q: Which are the best MBA colleges in India that offer PhD in management?

A: In addition to IIMs, notable Management institutions in India that offer PhD in Management are IMT, SPJIMR, NITIE, XLRI, and NMIMS.

Table of content
  • 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.
12 Courses
1.32 L - 33 L
20 - 34.41 LPA
12.05 L
4.1
75 K - 6.35 L
4.0

#165 NIRF

Ranked #3 Private University in India. Placement with Fortune 500 Companies
5.15 L - 10.75 L
4.5

Business & Management Studies Applications open. Apply Now

3 Courses
6.93 L - 24.9 L
26.04 LPA

Business & Management Studies Applications open till Nov 20, 2025. Apply Now

22 Courses
2.4 L - 26.5 L
32.61 - 33.1 LPA

Popular Private Ph.D. in Management Colleges in India

5 Courses
2.75 L - 8.5 L
3.0
3 Courses
2.14 L - 21.4 L
14 LPA

Business & Management Studies Applications open till Nov 20, 2025. Apply Now

4 L
1 Course
5.8 L
4.4
16 Courses
80 K - 2.2 L
1 LPA

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.
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

If you are planning to pursue a PhD at Lovely Professional University (LPU), here's a simple guide to help you:

First, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. You need a Master's degree in a relevant field with a good academic record—usually a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA, as per the

...Read more

S

Sumedha Sarkar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Biosciences students at Chandigarh University are guided effectively for pursuing higher studies like M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programs are designed to prepare students with strong research skills, analytical abilities, and scientific writing expertise. Faculty mentors assist students in selecting appropriat

...Read more

R

RUHI KHAN

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Of course, you can. In fact, a master's degree is the first basic requirement for a PhD aspirant. No matter which subject you choose, a relevant master's degree from a UGC-approved university will be required to pursue a PhD
For instance, if you have completed your MA in Psychology, then you can pu

...Read more

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates who have complete master's degree or PG Diploma or its equivalent in any discipline with first-class or BTech/4-year degree with 6.5 CGPA or equivalent are eligible to apply for PhD programme at IIM Amritsar.

Aspirants with any professional qualification such as CA/ ICWA/ CS/CFA- Level-II

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

The application fee for PhD admission at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University is INR 1000 for general and OBC category. The fee is INR 500 for SC/ST/Category 1 candidates. Late application fee is INR 500.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The minimum eligibility for four year UG students applying for PhD at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University is having a minimum 75% of aggregate marks in UG. Along with this candidates must attempt the entrance conducted by the university and the counselling sessions conducted hence.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The minimum eligibility for PhD at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University is that the candidate must hold a 2 year PG degree and 3 year UG degree/ 1 year PG degree and 4 year UG degree. For students having a four year UG degree and directly applying for PhD, the minimum eligibility is having 75

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The word count of a Statement of Purpose for a PhD should be typically between 800 and 1,500.  However, it is important to check the SOP guidelines for every university you apply to, because requirements can differ. For example, Oxford requests 1,500 words, while MIT asks for a 2-page maximum. Alway

...Read more

N

Nishtha Surbhi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, you can. Here are some college options you can consider for a Part time PhD in Psychology in India:

Part-time PhD in Psychology CollegesTuition Fee
Amity University NoidaINR 3.02 Lakh
Amity University MumbaiINR 1.89 Lakh
Amity University LucknowINR 2.43 Lakh
Karnavati University AhmedabadINR 3.3 Lakh
Sigma UniversityINR 2.8 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

G

Gunjan Dhawan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

See, earlier, the conventional path to apply for an RCI licensure was the MPhil, which has been phased out. So now, what you can do is to search for the institutes that are RCI-approved. They will provide the training and professional courses in fields related to rehabilitation and special education

...Read more

M

Mohit Datta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Here are options for the best University for PhD in Psychology in India:

PhD in Psychology UniversitiesTuition Fee
Parul University NoidaINR 3 Lacs - 16 Lakh
Christ University BangaloreNA
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar UniversityNA
Lovely Professional UniversityINR 3 Lakh
Parul UniversityINR 3 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

I

Ishita Uniyal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, a few college options are available for a PhD in Psychology in Delhi:

PhD in Psychology Colleges in DelhiTuition Fee
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University DelhiNA
Jamia Millia IslamiaNA
IIT DelhiNA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

L

Lalit Rastogi

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

For a PhD in Psychology at IGNOU, you'll need to have a:

  • Master's degree in Psychology (For example, MA in Psychology)
  • The degree must be UGC-recognized
  • With a minimum of 55% aggregate score
  • 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/PwD/EWS categories

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Of course, it is. For the past few years, mental health has been a significantly growing concern, and people have started considering it as a big deal, leading to the growing demand for Psychology professionals. Meanwhile, a doctoral degree is the highest form of education, and if you plan to invest

...Read more

S

Sreetama Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Including speciality, contractual and permanent faculty members at Indo Global Group of Colleges, there are a total of 22 PhD holders across various departments. Furthermore, IGGC features 100+ faculty members with MBA and M.Tech backgrounds. With a total of over 250 Faculty members, Indo Global Gro

...Read more

C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Only a few scholars enrolled on a PhD in third countries, who are selected by the Euroculture Erasmus Mundus Consortium, are eligible to contribute to this joint programme. Therefore, requests generated only through the officially established channels are considered, and no unsolicited requests for

...Read more

R

Rashmi Shekhar

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates who have passed a master's degree with 55% aggregate (50% aggregate for SC/ ST/ OBC/ Differently-abled and other categories of candidates as per the policy of Government of Maharashtra) or Grade- B in the UGC 7-point scale can apply for PhD programme at Sri Balaji University Pune. Besides

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates are selected for the PhD course at Himachal Pradesh National Law University, based on their scores in the HPNLU Entrance Test/ UGC-NET/ JRF. Candidates must appear for any of these exams and achieve a valid aggregate in the same to take admission in the PhD course at Himachal Pradesh Nati

...Read more

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

According to the official portal, university PhD students who have qualified both ACUET and the final selection interview are eligible for grant-in-aid (?20,000 per month + HRA or hostel facility) offered through the 'ACU Ph.D. Scholarship' Program, applicable to both Indian and Foreign Nationals. A

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Following specialisations are offered in the PhD programme at Adichunchanagiri University:

  • PhD Civil engineering / Mechanical Engineering/ Electronics & Communication engineering/ Computer Science & Engg/ Mathematics
  • PhD Anatomy/ Physiology/ Medical Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Community Medicine/ Path

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Al Falah University offers a doctorate programme for students who are eligible for the same. The common eligibility is a second class master degree with not less than 55% marks of a university or a grade 'B' in the UGC 7- point scale. Alternatively, the candidate must complete M.Phil course work wit

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Plaksha University offers admission to PhD programme based on entrance exam scores of the candidates. The university prefers aspirants with scores in CSIR NET-JRF, DBT-JRF, UGC-NET-JRF, GATE, IIT JAM, etc. Such shortlisted aspirants are exempted from appearing for the written test conducted by Plaks

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

Joining NLU Kochi (NUALS) - The National University of Advanced Legal Studies for PhD course is generally considered a good option. Candidates must consider factors such as infrastructure, faculty experience, hostel and mess facilities, curriculum, etc. while taking admission. They can apply online

...Read more

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

NLU Kochi (NUALS) - The National University of Advanced Legal Studies accepts the UGC NET or the Departmental Admission Test (DAT) which is conducted by the university itself for admission in the PhD course. Candidates must ensure fulfilling the eligibility criteria required for admission in the cou

...Read more

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi,  
See, both of them are advanced research degrees, though their level of study and the depth of research involved differ. While an MPhil is a master's degree, a PhD is the highest academic degree, requiring real, in-depth research.
But there's no point comparing both courses, since the UGC discont

...Read more

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Including specialty, contractual and permanent faculty members at NPGC Lucknow there are a total of 21 PhD holders in the Arts department, 6 in Commerce department, 15 in the Science department, 6 in Management department, 1 in the Computer Science department, 1 in the Journalism and Mass Communicat

...Read more

C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Including speciality, contractual and permanent faculty members at Bhaskar Engineering College in Telangana, there are a total of 7 PhD holders across various departments. Furthermore, Bhaskar Engineering College features 71 faculty members with Master's backgrounds from various streams. With a tota

...Read more

C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Including specialty, contractual and permanent faculty members at St Edmunds College Shillong there are a total of 38 PhD holders across various departments. Furthermore, St Edmunds College features 67 faculty members with Master's backgrounds from various streams. With a total of 105 Faculty member

...Read more

C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, Motherhood University conducts a Research Aptitude Test or RAT for admission to PhD programme. Candidates can apply for RAT on the official website of the university. Aspirants who have copleted 1-year or 2-year master's degree with at least 55% aggregate can apply for the test. Those who have

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

Joining PhD course at RV College of Architecture is generally considered a decent option. Candidates must consider factors like infrastructure, faculty experience, hostel and mess facilities, curriculum, etc. while taking admission. They can apply online or offline for admission at RV College of Arc

...Read more

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 65k Colleges
  • 1k Exams
  • 682k Reviews
  • 1800k Answers