Fellowship
Fellowship (sometimes called a Fellow Programme) is a doctoral-level research programme in management offered by several Indian business schools, in addition to the IIMs' well-known Fellow Programme in Management (FPM). Broadly equivalent to a PhD, it typically runs over three to five years and combines structured coursework in research methods with a comprehensive examination, a thesis proposal and original dissertation research under a faculty supervisor. Scholars often take up teaching assistantships alongside their research. It suits graduates or postgraduates with a strong academic record and a genuine interest in research, who want to move into academia, policy research or a research-driven corporate role rather than a standard management job straight after a master's degree.
About Fellowship
Fellowship (sometimes called a Fellow Programme) is a doctoral-level research programme in management offered by several Indian business schools, in addition to the IIMs' well-known Fellow Programme in Management (FPM). Broadly equivalent to a PhD, it typically runs over three to five years and combines structured coursework in research methods with a comprehensive examination, a thesis proposal and original dissertation research under a faculty supervisor. Scholars often take up teaching assistantships alongside their research. It suits graduates or postgraduates with a strong academic record and a genuine interest in research, who want to move into academia, policy research or a research-driven corporate role rather than a standard management job straight after a master's degree.
Why Choose a Fellowship/Doctoral Programme in Management
Rigorous research training
A doctoral fellowship builds deep research and analytical skills beyond what a master's degree covers.
Entry point into academia
It is the usual qualification needed to become a full-time professor at a business school in India.
Funded research options
Several institutes provide scholars a monthly stipend during the programme, easing the cost of further study.
Detailed Syllabus (Coursework in the first year, followed by a comprehensive examination, thesis proposal and dissertation research, typically over 3 to 5 years in total)
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
| Minimum Percentage | Master's degree or an equivalent professional qualification with at least 55% marks from a recognised university; some institutes also consider strong bachelor's degree holders. Cut-offs vary by institute. |
| Mandatory Subjects | None mandatory; a postgraduate degree or an equivalent professional qualification in any discipline is accepted |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, GMAT, GATE, UGC-NET (JRF) |
Admission Process
Hold a postgraduate degree
Complete a master's degree or an equivalent professional qualification from a recognised university.
Qualify a national test
Hold a valid score in CAT, GMAT, GATE or UGC-NET (JRF), as accepted by the institute.
Apply to the institute
Submit the application with academic records, a statement of purpose and the research area of interest.
Written test and interview
Shortlisted candidates appear for a written test and a personal interview, often with faculty from the proposed research area.
Admission and fellowship offer
Selected candidates are admitted and, at many institutes, offered a monthly stipend for the duration of the programme.
Required Documents
Important Notes
Estimated Fee Structure
| Private Institutions | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 per year (indicative) |
Return on Investment
| Total Investment | ₹4.5 lakh – ₹7.5 lakh over 3 years at private institutes that charge fees; many institutes instead pay scholars a monthly stipend |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹6–9 LPA, mainly in an assistant professor or research-focused role |
| Payback Period | 3–5 years; many scholars receive a stipend during the programme itself |
Figures are indicative and vary by institute, research area and whether the scholar is on a funded stipend; they are not a guarantee of a faculty position or a given salary.
Career Opportunities
Typical Employers
Typical Salary Packages
| Assistant Professor | Avg: ₹9 LPA | Range: ₹6–13 LPA |
| Research Associate | Avg: ₹6 LPA | Range: ₹4.5–8 LPA |
| Policy Researcher | Avg: ₹8 LPA | Range: ₹6–11 LPA |
| Management Consultant | Avg: ₹13 LPA | Range: ₹9–18 LPA |
* These are indicative figures for roles taken up after this fellowship; actual pay varies widely by institute, research area and location.
Career Pathway
Entry Level
0–2 yearsMost scholars join as assistant professors at a business school or take up a research associate role.
Mid Level
2–7 yearsWith a stronger publication record, scholars move into associate professor or senior research roles.
Senior Level
7–15 yearsExperienced academics become full professors or take on principal-level research and consulting roles.
Advanced
15+ yearsAt a senior level, academics may head a department or an institute as dean or hold a distinguished chair.