IIM Kozhikode has opened applications for its Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM) and PhD for the 2026-27 academic year , with a deadline of January 23, 2026 . The programs target working professionals and scholars seeking advanced research training. Interested candidates must submit their applications online via the official website, iimk.ac.in .
The DPM is a full-time, research-intensive program. It aims to prepare individuals for careers in academia and leadership roles in research. The curriculum focuses on equipping scholars to investigate complex, practice-relevant questions. The program’s objective is to generate evidence-based insights valuable for both industry and policy development.
Financial Support for Scholars
Selected candidates for the DPM course will receive substantial financial assistance. An initial monthly fellowship of Rs 42,000 is provided to all scholars. This amount increases to Rs 50,000 as scholars advance through their studies and meet program milestones.
In addition to the monthly stipend, all selected individuals are exempted from paying tuition fees for the entire duration of the program. Each scholar also qualifies for up to ₹5,00,000 in contingency and conference support. This funding helps cover expenses related to research activities, fieldwork, and participation in national and international academic conferences, directly supporting their scholarly contributions.
Three-Stage Selection Process
Admission to the DPM program involves a rigorous three-stage selection process. Candidates must successfully navigate each stage to be considered for a place within the doctoral program. The stages are:
- Stage 1: Initial Assessment. This stage includes a comprehensive screening test and a written ability examination. These components evaluate candidates’ foundational knowledge and their capacity for academic writing and critical thinking.
- Stage 2: Doctoral Orientation. Successful candidates from Stage 1 proceed to a doctoral orientation conversation. This interview assesses their understanding of doctoral studies, their research aptitude, and their motivation for pursuing advanced research.
- Stage 3: Area-Specific Discussion. The final stage involves a detailed doctoral area conversation. Here, candidates discuss their specific research interests, proposed topics, and their alignment with the faculty’s expertise and the institute’s research focus areas.
Doctoral Program Specializations
The DPM and PhD programs offer a wide range of specializations. These areas allow scholars to focus their advanced research on specific domains within management studies. The available specializations include:
- Decision Sciences & Operations Management
- Economics
- Finance, Accounting & Control
- Humanities & Liberal Arts in Management
- Information Systems
- Marketing Management
- Organizational Behaviour & Human Resource Management
- Strategic Management
Program Structure and Research Environment
The DPM course follows a comprehensive academic structure. It includes required coursework designed to build a strong theoretical and methodological foundation. Scholars must successfully pass a qualifying examination to demonstrate their mastery of core concepts. Subsequently, they present a thesis-proposal seminar and a pre-submission seminar before their final doctoral defense.
The institute provides a supportive and vibrant research environment for doctoral scholars. Key benefits include close faculty mentorship, guiding scholars through their research journey, and access to extensive academic resources and facilities. The program also features a research enhancement scheme. This scheme incentivizes and rewards scholars for publishing high-quality research work in reputable academic journals, fostering a culture of impactful scholarship.
Director’s Vision for Doctoral Pathways
Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, articulated the program’s broader objectives. He stated, “The doctoral pathways — the Doctoral Programme in Management and the Doctoral Programme in Management (Practice Track), are designed to nurture scholars and scholar–practitioners who can generate impactful knowledge and shape institutions of the future.” This statement underscores the institute’s commitment to developing future leaders in both academic research and practical management.
Prospective applicants are strongly advised to review all program details and eligibility criteria on the IIM Kozhikode official website before the January 23, 2026 application deadline.