The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has opened applications for its Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD) for the 2026 batch. The application deadline is February 16, 2026 . The program is scheduled to commence in June 2026 . Interested candidates can apply online via the official website, iiml.ac.in.
The application fee is Rs 1,000 for General category candidates. Applicants from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories must pay Rs 500 . This fee is required during the online registration process.
Specialization Areas
The PhD program offers specializations across 11 management disciplines. These include:
- Agri-Business Management
- Business Sustainability
- Communication
- Decision Sciences
- Economics and Business Environment
- Finance and Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Information Technology and Systems
- Marketing Management
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Strategic Management
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific academic qualifications and age limits to be considered for admission. Key eligibility requirements are:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a four-year graduate degree with at least 75% marks or an equivalent grade point average.
- Professional qualifications such as Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost Accountant (ICWA), or Company Secretary (CS) with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks, coupled with a BCom degree at the undergraduate level.
- Completion of a full-time two- or three-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from any Indian Institute of Management (IIM) with a minimum CGPA of 6 on a 10-point scale or 60% .
- Completion of a Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGP-WE), previously known as Working Managers’ Programme (WMP), from IIM Lucknow with a minimum CGPA of 6 .
- A minimum of 55% marks in all public examinations from Class 10 onwards.
- Applicants must be below 55 years of age as of June 30, 2026 .
Selection Process
Admission to the PhD program is based on valid scores from standardized tests. IIM Lucknow also provides certain exemptions and follows government reservation policies.
Required Test Scores
Applicants must submit valid scores from one of the following tests. Scores must be obtained on or after January 1, 2024 :
- Common Admission Test (CAT)
- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) conducted by UGC, CSIR, or ICAR
Score Exemptions
Candidates are exempt from submitting test scores if they completed a full-time Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) or Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGP-WE) from any Indian Institute of Management (IIM). These candidates must provide proof of their full-time program status and the percentage conversion formula issued by their respective IIM.
Overseas Candidates
Admission is open to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign nationals. These candidates are assessed based on Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores obtained within the preceding one year.
Reservation and Financial Aid
IIM Lucknow implements reservation policies in accordance with Government of India norms. Admitted candidates are eligible for a tuition fee waiver, a fellowship, and financial assistance for participating in domestic and international conferences. They also receive a computer grant and health insurance. NRI and foreign candidates are responsible for all program-related expenses.