PhD Degree in Business Management - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The Ph.D. in Business Management at the University is designed for scholars who aspire to develop deep expertise across core and emerging areas of management. The program offers advanced academic training in disciplines such as marketing, finance, human resource management, corporate governance, and the broader business environment, allowing researchers to approach complex organizational challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective. This comprehensive structure ensures that scholars are well prepared to contribute meaningful insights to both academia and industry.

A key strength of the University’s PhD in Business Administration & Management lies in its strong research ecosystem. Scholars benefit from access to advanced laboratories, robust research infrastructure, and mentorship from highly experienced faculty members who actively guide them through every stage of their doctoral journey. From refining research questions to publishing in reputed journals, students receive consistent academic and technical support. The University also encourages innovation through structured assistance for research paper publications and patent filings, enabling scholars to transform original ideas into high-impact outcomes.

The program places significant emphasis on building a strong theoretical foundation. Students gain in-depth knowledge of existing literature and contemporary management theories within their chosen specialization. At the same time, they are encouraged to pursue a minor area of study—often drawn from social sciences such as economics, sociology, or political science—to broaden their analytical perspective and strengthen interdisciplinary thinking. This balanced approach helps scholars develop a well-rounded research profile.

Research excellence is central to academic credibility and institutional ranking, and this philosophy is deeply embedded across the University. All Schools and Centres, including ABV–School of Management and Entrepreneurship (ABV-SME), are widely recognized for their research-driven culture. By offering a Ph.D. program across various sub-areas of management, ABV-SME provides scholars with an intellectually stimulating environment where rigorous research, critical thinking, and academic integrity come together to shape future leaders in management education and practice.

Eligibility

Candidates seeking admission to the PhD program must meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by University in accordance with the UGC Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree Regulations, 2022, notified on November 7, 2022 (No. F. 1-3/2021(QIP)). The program is open to motivated scholars who possess a strong academic background and relevant professional experience, as outlined below.

Applicants are eligible if they have completed a one-year (two-semester) Master’s degree in a relevant discipline after a four-year (eight-semester) Bachelor’s degree, or a two-year (four-semester) Master’s degree following a three-year Bachelor’s degree. Candidates holding qualifications declared equivalent to a Master’s degree by the appropriate statutory regulatory authority are also eligible, provided they have secured at least 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade on a recognized grading scale.

The University also welcomes applications from candidates who have earned an equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution, provided the institution is duly accredited by a recognized assessment or accreditation agency authorized under the laws of its home country to assure academic quality and standards.

In addition, candidates who have completed a four-year (eight-semester) Bachelor’s degree program in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 75% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade may also apply, subject to specific conditions. Such applicants must possess at least four years of full-time teaching, research, or industry experience and must be currently employed in an AICTE/UGC-approved college, university, government organization, or recognized industry.

These eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that PhD scholars entering the program have the academic rigor, research aptitude, and professional exposure necessary to undertake advanced doctoral-level research and contribute meaningfully to their chosen field of study.

PhD Degree in Business Management Admission Process

Admission to the PhD in Business Management is conducted through a structured and merit-based selection process designed to identify candidates with strong academic potential and research aptitude. The admission process primarily includes an entrance test followed by a personal interview for shortlisted applicants.

Candidates interested in applying for the program can obtain the application form either by visiting the official university website or by approaching the university’s admission office in person. Applications can be submitted online by providing the required academic and personal details. Initial shortlisting is generally based on the marks obtained in graduation and/or post-graduation, as per the university’s eligibility criteria.

Once an applicant fulfills the minimum entry requirements and all necessary documents are successfully verified, the application is forwarded to the relevant academic department within the school. At this stage, faculty members review the candidate’s academic background and research interests to identify a suitable supervisory team.

Shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview conducted by prospective supervisors, during which their research inclination, subject knowledge, and overall suitability for doctoral research are assessed. Based on the interview outcome, recommendations are made for admission.

The final selection for the PhD in Business Management is based on the combined performance in the entrance examination and the personal interview. The relative weightage assigned to the entrance test and interview scores may vary depending on the policies of the respective institution or college.

Future Scope

The scope of a PhD in Business Management is extensive and offers diverse career opportunities in India as well as internationally. Earning a doctoral degree in business management opens the door to intellectually rewarding and financially attractive career paths, making it a highly valuable academic pursuit for ambitious professionals.

A PhD in Business Management equips candidates with advanced analytical, strategic, and research skills that are applicable across multiple domains. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, corporate organizations, independent consulting, or even public policy and government advisory roles. With a growing global demand for qualified management educators and researchers, there is currently a noticeable shortage of business professors, making academic career prospects stronger than ever before.

Beyond teaching and research roles, this degree prepares scholars to contribute meaningfully to the corporate sector. PhD holders are well positioned for leadership roles in strategy, operations, finance, marketing, and human resource management. The program develops the ability to analyze complex business problems, identify emerging trends, and apply innovative techniques to real-world business challenges.

The study of business management at the doctoral level also provides a deep understanding of how organizations function in dynamic market environments. Students gain insights into markets, finance, information systems, operations management, and interactions with external stakeholders. Whether one chooses to build a career in academia or the private sector, a PhD in Business Management is a powerful qualification that enhances professional credibility and opens up a wide range of high-impact career opportunities.