IIM Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Others See Enrolment in PhD Courses Rise as Students Eye More Faculty Role

IIM Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, others see enrolment in PhD courses rise as students eye more faculty roles

The number of candidates choosing to pursue doctoral studies at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) has steadily increased over the past five years, according to data from the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Institutes say this upward trend reflects a rising demand for management faculty and a growing inclination toward academic careers, alongside corporate opportunities.

This increase is visible across both full-time and part-time PhD programmes at IIMs. In certain institutions, enrolment in part-time doctoral tracks has even surpassed that of regular full-time courses.

The NIRF figures for all IIMs cover the period from 2019-20 to 2023-24. Moreover, the number of degrees awarded at the 2025 convocations also indicates continued growth.

IIMs: PhD in HRM, Economics, Finance

Most IIMs offer doctoral programmes in a variety of disciplines, including:

- Economics

- Finance and accounting

- Human resource management

- Information systems

- Marketing

- Public policy

- Strategy

These represent the primary areas of specialisation. However, some institutions — such as IIM Ahmedabad — additionally provide doctoral options in fields like innovation, management in education, and organisational behaviour.

Candidates who have completed two years of a master’s programme or hold a two-year postgraduate diploma are eligible to apply. Now, students with a four-year undergraduate degree and at least 65% marks are also eligible for admission.

Applicants for the doctoral programme in management must take the Common Admission Test (CAT) or submit scores from equivalent exams such as GRE, GMAT, GATE, or UGC-NET/CSIR. For NRI and international candidates, GMAT scores are typically accepted. CAT 2025 was conducted on November 30, and results are expected by the end of December.

In addition, shortlisted candidates must undergo a written assessment and personal interview conducted by the IIMs.

IIM Kozhikode, Lucknow, Shillong

IIMs at Kozhikode, Lucknow, and Shillong have recorded growth in PhD enrolments over the past five years, although numbers at some of the older institutes have shown minor fluctuations.

IIM Ahmedabad reported its highest number of PhD students in 2021-22, with 136 scholars enrolled. The largest number of doctoral degrees awarded was in 2022-23, when 29 candidates graduated — more than double the 14 degrees conferred the previous academic year. In 2025, a total of 19 scholars received their doctorates.

The most notable rise was seen at IIM Kozhikode, where the number of research scholars increased significantly from 77 in 2019-20 to 124 in 2023-24.