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

Rise in PhD Enrolment at IIM Ahmedabad, Kozhikode and Other IIMs

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), including IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Kozhikode, have recorded a steady increase in enrolment in their PhD programmes over the past five years. Data from the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) indicate that more students are opting for doctoral studies in management, reflecting a growing interest in academic careers alongside corporate opportunities.

Institutes report that this trend signals a rising demand for qualified faculty members in management education, as well as an expanding focus on research and academia. The increase is seen in both full-time and part-time PhD programmes, with some IIMs noting that enrolment in part-time or practice-oriented doctoral tracks has, in certain cases, exceeded that of traditional full-time courses.

The NIRF data analysed covers the period from 2019–20 to 2023–24, and even the number of students graduating in 2025 convocations suggests continued growth. Doctoral programmes at IIMs are offered in a range of specialisations, including: Economics, Finance and Accounting, Human Resource Management, Information Systems, Marketing, Public Policy

Overall, the upward trend highlights the strengthening of India’s management research ecosystem and the increasing attractiveness of doctoral studies for those aiming to pursue teaching and research roles.

Final Points

PhD enrolment at IIMs is steadily rising over the last five years.

Growth reflects increased interest in faculty and research careers.

Both full-time and part-time doctoral programmes are expanding.

NIRF data (2019–2024) confirms sustained upward trends.

IM PhD fields include HRM, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Information Systems, and Public Policy.

Indicates a stronger academic and research culture in India’s management education sector.