What is FPM: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Syllabus, Salary & Scope

FPM Course typically refers to a dual-degree programme that combines a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) or a Fellow Program in Management (FPM). This integrated programme offers both practical business knowledge and research-oriented academic rigour.

FPM is a doctoral-level programme which emphasizes theoretical frameworks, and advanced research methodologies and contributes to the generation of new knowledge in the field of management.

On the other hand, MBA programs are more practical and application-oriented and cover a wide range of business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and leadership. MBA graduates are prepared for managerial roles in various industries, emphasizing problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills required in the corporate world.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two.

Yes, pursuing a Fellow Program in Management (FPM) can be an excellent choice for individuals with a passion for research, academia, and in-depth exploration of management theories. 

Here's why FPM can be a valuable course:

• Research Focus
• Academic Rigour
• Career in Academia
• Specialized Knowledge

FPM stands for Fellow Programme in Management. This is a doctoral-level programme that prepares students to become researchers and educators in the field of management. The programme aims to develop scholars capable of making significant contributions to management and influencing positive change in the Business world.

An FPM Course is typically designed for individuals who aspire to pursue a career in academia, research, or high-level consultancy. Here are the types of candidates who often opt for an FPM:

• Passion for Research: Those with a strong inclination toward academic research, seeking to delve deep into a specific field of study.
• Desire for Teaching: Aspiring professors who want to contribute to academia by teaching and conducting research.
• Mid-to-Senior Level Professionals: Individuals with considerable work experience seeking advanced expertise in a specialised area within management.

Candidates can check the eligibility criteria for FPM below:

• For FPM, the candidate must have a Master's degree or its equivalent in any discipline with at least 55 per cent marks in aggregate (50 per cent for SC/ST candidates).
• In Graduation or equivalent, the candidate must have scored at leeast 60 per cent marks in aggregate (55 per cent for SC/ST candidates).
• Candidates with five/four-year Integrated Master's degree programmes in any discipline, with at least 55 per cent marks in aggregate (50 per cent for SC/ST candidates), obtained after completing higher secondary schooling (Class 12) or equivalent can also apply for FPM.
• Candidates with a BE/BTech degree or its equivalent with at least 60 per cent marks in aggregate (50 per cent for SC/ST candidates) with two years of relevant work experience are also eligible to apply.

The eligibility criteria for the FPM at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) can vary slightly among different IIMs. However, here are the general eligibility criteria for FPM programs at IIMs:

• Candidates should have a master's degree or a postgraduate Diploma (2 years) in any discipline with at least 55% marks (or equivalent) in aggregate. 
• While not mandatory, most IIMs prefer candidates with relevant work experience after completing their master's degree or professional qualification.
• Candidates may need to have a valid score in a standardized test such as CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, etc.

Candidates need to pass a master’s degree or its equivalent in Engineering and Technology/ Management/ Economics/ Social of Science/ Biological Science/ Pure Science/ Commerce/ Humanities with first-class score to apply for FORE School of Management FPM programme. 

Those appearing for their final examination in their respective discipline can also apply. Such students, if shortlisted, shall be provisionally admitted, provided they fulfill all requirements in obtaining their master’s degree before September of the admission year.

Yes, you can pursue FPM after completing your MBA. In fact, many individuals choose to pursue doctoral studies like FPM after gaining some practical experience and obtaining an MBA for several reasons.

Admission to FPM programs often requires a strong academic background, research aptitude, and meeting the specific eligibility criteria set by the institution offering the program.

Getting Admission into an FPM course at an IIM is a rigorous process. Here are some steps to prepare for the selection process:

• Clear and Concise: Craft a compelling SoP that highlights your research interests, career goals and how the FPM aligns with your aspirations.
• Alignment with Faculty: Mention faculty members whose research aligns with your interests.
• Choose Wisely: Select referees who can vouch for your academic abilities, research potential, and professional accomplishments.
• Guidance: Provide them with information about the FPM programme and your goals.
• Mock Interviews: Practice answering questions related to your research interests, motivations, and how the FPM fits into your career trajectory.
• Know Current Affairs: Stay updated with recent developments in your field and be prepared to discuss them.

Sectional cut-off in the CAT exam refers to the section-wise percentiles required by the candidate to make it to the Personal Interview round of the IIMs or other top MBA colleges. The sectional cut-offs are lower than the overall cut-offs of any institute. To understand better, check the table below for sectional CAT cut-offs for IIM Ahmedabad:

For sectional cut-offs of all IIMs, check this article – IIM shortlist and selection criteria

MAT exam is conducted for admission to MBA and PGDM or PGP programmes offered by over 800 B-Schools in India. The exam is conducted multiple times in four phases - February, May, September and December. It is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). Candidates can appear for the MAT exam in any session any number of times. The score of the latest attempt will be taken into consideration for MBA Admission. 

There are three modes to MAT. Computer Based Test (CBT), Paper Based Test (PBT) and Internet Based Test (IBT). In every exam phase, MAT CBT and PBT are conducted once, and IBT is conducted 3-5 times.  

Yes, CMAT is much easier that CAT exam. Despite the fact that CMAT and CAT syllabus are same and that CMAT has two more sections than CAT the former is much easier than the latter. The CAT exam is usually of moderate to high difficulty level, whereas the CMAT exam is of easy to moderate difficulty level.

There are key differences between CMAT and CAT which make the former easier. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT so candidates do not face the pressure of completing a given section within certain time limit. In CAT there are 4-5 Reading Comprehension passages which are 500-600 words, and 12-14 question.

In CMAT there is usually, only one Reading Comprehension passage, having 4 questions. The Quantitative Aptitude questions of CMAT are also easier than CAT and so are Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions. It is easier to score high percentile in CMAT as the number of applicants is more than one Lacs less in CAT.

The Syllabus for a Fellowship Program in Management (FPM) varies by institution to institution. The programme structure is designed to develop academic researchers and thought leaders of the highest global standards who are keen to address real-life business problems through their research. The Common Subjects includes:

• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behaviour & Human Resource Management
• Financial Management
• Business Analytics
• Economic Environment and Policy
• Information Technology Management
• Strategy
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Business Communication 

Yes, CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of the candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.

Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) is a two-year residential course offered by MICA Ahmedabad. There are a total of eight seats are available for eligible students. Candidates can pursue FPM in following specialisations:

• Management
• Communication
• Marketing
• Media and Entertainment
• Digital Marketing

The selection to this course is based on the following three parameters:

1. Telephonic screening interview and Performance in FPM Admission Test
2. Pas academic performance from Class 12 onwards
3. Professional work/research experience in media and communication

There are multiple components included in the total course fee such as tuition fee, caution deposit, etc. The total tuition fee for IIM Lucknow FPM & EFPM course range between INR 5 Lacs and INR 7.5 lakh. This fee is taken from an unofficial source. Hence, is indicative. 

Minimum cut off for 2026 FPM ( fellow problem in management)at MICA is 55%, candidate are eligible after completing (10+2) three-year course. MICA Ahmedabad offers admission on the basis of entrance test. Like GMAT/ XAT, CAT, MICAT  Application fee for FPM-C is INR 2,500.

The annual salary for individuals with a Fellow Program in Management (FPM) in India can vary significantly based on several factors, including experience, industry, location, and the specific role or position held. Here's an approximate range based on different levels:

• Entry-Level: INR 6 - 12 LPA
• Mid-Level: INR 12 - 20 LPA
• Senior-Level: INR 20 - 40 LPA

A Relationship Manager is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients or customers for a company. Their primary role is to ensure client satisfaction and foster long-term partnerships. 

This professional serves as a liaison for clients, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and offering personalized assistance on an ongoing basis.

Yes, FPM is equivalent to PhD in Management. 

FPM programs offered by various business schools and management institutes are essentially doctoral-level programs that confer a PhD degree upon completion.

While the name FPM might be specific to management-related disciplines, the structure, rigour, and academic requirements of FPM programs are equivalent to traditional PhD programs. Both FPM and PhD programs typically involve rigorous research, coursework, comprehensive exams and the completion of a doctoral dissertation or thesis.

PGDM is suitable for those seeking practical management skills for corporate careers, while FPM is ideal for individuals interested in-depth research, academia, and scholarly contributions to the field of Business Management.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two.

Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow offer Fellow Programme in Management (FPM). It is a full-time residential programme to be completed in four years and six months. Candidates wanting to pursue this course must meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Moreover, the selection is done based on merit in CAT/GATE/GRE/GMAT or JRF/SRF (UGC/CSIR/ICAR) followed by a personal interview round. Read more about the course here.

The age limit for pursuing a Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) varies depending on the specific institute and programme but generally, the maximum age limit is around 45 to 50 years. 
Some organizations may also have specific policies or preferences concerning the age of candidates. Therefore, it is advisable to check the exact criteria of the school and programme to which you are applying.

Crafting a standout Statement of Purpose (SoP) for an FPM at an IIM requires careful planning and a strategic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Hook the Reader: Begin with a compelling introduction. It could be an anecdote, a personal experience, or a strong statement that grabs the reader's attention.
• Showcase Your Academic Journey: Highlight your educational background, emphasizing relevant coursework, research projects, and academic achievements.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Discuss your professional journey, focusing on experiences that relate to your research interests or academic aspirations.
• Program Fit: Explain why you're specifically interested in the FPM programme at that particular IIM. Discuss unique aspects, faculty expertise, or resources that attract you.
• Long-Term Vision: Discuss your long-term career goals and how pursuing an FPM at the IIM will contribute to achieving them.
• Summarize and Reinforce: Summarize your main points, reiterating your passion for research, your alignment with the program, and your readiness for the program's challenges.