Kozhikode, 04 Dec, 2025: The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has announced the commencement of admissions for the academic year 2026–27 to its two flagship doctoral (PhD) pathways — the 20th Batch of the Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM) and the 8th Batch of the Doctoral Programme in Management (Practice Track).
PhD Admission 2026, FPM Applications Open, Apply Online
Established in 2007–08, IIM Kozhikode’s doctoral programmes (PhD) form a vital pillar of the Institute’s mission to advance high-quality management research, nurture future faculty, and strengthen scholarly engagement across disciplines. Over the years, the Institute’s doctoral ecosystem has grown in depth and diversity, supporting both full-time scholars and experienced professionals pursuing advanced research.
The Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM) is a full-time, research-intensive programme that prepares scholars for academic careers and research leadership. Since inception, 114 scholars have graduated, and DPM alumni currently serve at several leading global universities and premier Indian institutions, including multiple IIMs. Candidates admitted to the DPM are exempted from tuition fees and receive a monthly fellowship beginning at ₹42,000, rising to ₹50,000 as they progress through programme milestones. Each scholar is also eligible for up to ₹5,00,000 in contingency and conference support.
The Doctoral Programme in Management (Practice Track) is designed for senior working executives who seek to integrate rich managerial experience with doctoral-level research. The programme equips scholar –practitioners to investigate practice-relevant questions and generate evidence-based insights for industry and policy. Twelve scholars have graduated from this pathway to date.
Sharing his views on the Institute’s doctoral offerings, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode, said: “Doctoral education lies at the heart of a nation’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem. Through our complementary doctoral pathways — the Doctoral Programme in Management and the Doctoral Programme in Management (Practice Track) — IIM Kozhikode is deepening its commitment to strengthening research, teaching and practice in management education. These programmes are designed to nurture scholars and scholar–practitioners who can generate impactful knowledge and shape institutions of the future.”
Both programmes are offered across eight Academic Areas of Specialisation:
- Decision Sciences & Operations Management
- Economics
- Finance
- Accounting & Control
- Humanities & Liberal Arts in Management
- Information System
- Marketing Management
- Organizational Behaviour & Human Resource Management
- Strategic Management.
The doctoral journey at IIM Kozhikode follows a structured progression comprising coursework, a qualifying examination, a thesis-proposal seminar, a pre-submission seminar and a final doctoral defence. Doctoral scholars benefit from close faculty mentorship, a vibrant research environment and generous academic support. Across the two doctoral pathways, scholars are also supported by a research enhancement scheme that rewards high-quality publications.
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PhD Admissions to both programmes follow a rigorous three-stage selection process, consisting of eligibility screening, a Written Ability Test and Doctoral Orientation Conversation, and a final Doctoral Area Conversation conducted by expert faculty panels.
Applications are now open, and the deadline for submission is 23 January 2026. Application Link
About Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode : The fifth IIM to be established by Govt. of India in 1996, IIMK started its academic journey in 1997 with its flagship Postgraduate Program (PGP). The Institute is on a high growth trajectory today, offering widest range of academic programs in the field of management education. These include Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD), Executive PG Programmes, Management Development Programmes and Faculty Development Programs. IIMK set up a Satellite campus at Infopark, Kochi, in 2013 dedicated to Executive Education. IIMK has also the unique distinction of launching a PhD (Practice Track) programme for working professionals besides bringing in new dynamic courses like one-year Post Graduate programme in Business Leadership (2019) MBA in Finance and MBA in Liberal Studies & Management (2020). IIM Kozhikode also launched a one-of-its kind 4-year full-time undergraduate programme – Bachelor of Management studies (BMS) in 2025.
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The institute is also home to IIMK LIVE a first-of-its-kind startup incubation programme, the Indian Business Museum and seven other Centres of Excellences encompassing diverse areas. IIMK is ranked 3rd as per NIRF India Rankings 2025: Management. The institute also made its global debut for its flagship MBA and EMBA programme in the 2020/21 QS World University Rankings. In 2023, IIM Kozhikode also broke into Top-100 in Financial Times Ranking for Masters in Management (MBA) and gained 9 spots in 2024 to reach global #68. The Institute also attained global rank #70 in the FT Open Enrolment Programme for 2024. The Institute is globally accredited by EQUIS (EFMD) and AMBA (UK). Submitted by IIM Kozhikode PR Team.
