Executive Fellow Programme in Management
The Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) is a part-time, doctoral-equivalent programme in management aimed at working executives and senior professionals. Spread over about four years, it combines structured coursework in research methodology, quantitative and qualitative methods and management theory with an original thesis supervised by faculty, usually completed alongside full-time employment. Admission generally requires a master's degree or an equivalent professional qualification, a number of years of managerial experience, valid scores in an exam such as CAT, GMAT or UGC-NET (JRF), and an employer's no-objection certificate. EFPM suits experienced managers who want a rigorous research qualification, a possible route into academia or consulting, and deeper expertise in their own field, without leaving their current job.
About Executive Fellow Programme in Management
The Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) is a part-time, doctoral-equivalent programme in management aimed at working executives and senior professionals. Spread over about four years, it combines structured coursework in research methodology, quantitative and qualitative methods and management theory with an original thesis supervised by faculty, usually completed alongside full-time employment. Admission generally requires a master's degree or an equivalent professional qualification, a number of years of managerial experience, valid scores in an exam such as CAT, GMAT or UGC-NET (JRF), and an employer's no-objection certificate. EFPM suits experienced managers who want a rigorous research qualification, a possible route into academia or consulting, and deeper expertise in their own field, without leaving their current job.
Why Choose EFPM
A doctoral credential while working
EFPM lets experienced executives earn a doctoral-equivalent qualification in management without leaving their job.
A route into academia
The qualification meets the usual requirement of a PhD or equivalent for a full-time faculty role at a business school.
Research grounded in real practice
Executives often research questions drawn directly from their own organisation or industry.
Recognised as a terminal management degree
EFPM is treated as equivalent to a PhD in management for academic and professional purposes.
Detailed Syllabus (Coursework, a comprehensive examination and a thesis over about 4 years, usually completed part-time alongside employment)
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
| Minimum Percentage | A Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification (such as CA, CS or ICWA) with at least 55% marks from a recognised university, plus managerial or professional work experience, usually 5 years or more for the executive track. |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, GMAT, UGC-NET (JRF), Institute's own written test and personal interview |
Admission Process
Meet the eligibility criteria
Hold a Master's degree or an equivalent professional qualification with the required marks, along with the relevant work experience for the executive track.
Appear for a qualifying test
Submit valid CAT, GMAT, GRE, GATE or UGC-NET (JRF) scores, or appear for the institute's own entrance test, as specified by the institute.
Submit a research proposal
Prepare and submit a statement of purpose or a preliminary research area or proposal along with the application, as most institutes require.
Appear for a written test and interview
Attend the institute's written test, where applicable, and a personal interview or presentation before the admissions or academic committee.
Admission and registration
On selection, register for the programme, choose a thesis advisor and research area, and begin coursework alongside employment.
Required Documents
Important Notes
Estimated Fee Structure
| Government Institutions | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per year (indicative) |
| Private Institutions | ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 per year (indicative) |
Return on Investment
| Total Investment | ₹2 lakh – ₹16 lakh over 4 years, depending on the institute and whether a stipend or fee waiver applies |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹10–18 LPA in academic or consulting roles; many scholars continue in their existing senior role |
| Payback Period | 3–6 years |
Figures are indicative and vary widely by institute, specialisation and whether the scholar studies full-time with a stipend or part-time while employed. They are not a guarantee of an academic position, consulting assignment or salary.
Career Opportunities
Where EFPM Graduates Work
Typical Salary Packages
| Assistant Professor (Business School) | Avg: ₹10 LPA | Range: ₹8–15 LPA |
| Associate Professor / Senior Faculty | Avg: ₹15 LPA | Range: ₹12–22 LPA |
| Management Consultant (post-doctorate) | Avg: ₹18 LPA | Range: ₹12–28 LPA |
| Corporate Learning and Development Head | Avg: ₹20 LPA | Range: ₹15–30 LPA |
* Most EFPM scholars are already working executives; these figures reflect typical pay in the academic and consulting roles taken up after the programme, not a fresher's entry salary.
Career Pathway
During the Programme
0–4 yearsScholars combine their current job with coursework, a comprehensive examination and thesis research.
Immediately After
0–2 years post-completionGraduates move into a teaching role at a business school, a senior consulting position, or continue in their existing senior role with a doctoral credential.
Mid Career
2–8 years post-completionWith publications and experience, graduates take on larger academic or consulting responsibilities.
Senior Career
8+ years post-completionSenior graduates may lead academic departments, head a consulting practice, or build a reputation as an independent researcher or author.