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

About This Course

The PhD Program in Business Administration is designed for highly motivated individuals who aspire to build research-driven academic careers in business and finance. This program provides a rigorous intellectual environment where scholars can deeply engage with advanced theories, empirical research, and real-world financial challenges. From the very beginning, doctoral candidates are immersed in a culture of inquiry, innovation, and academic excellence that prepares them for impactful careers in teaching, research, and policy advisory roles.

One of the defining strengths of the program is the personalized mentorship offered by experienced faculty members. PhD students benefit from close, one-on-one guidance that begins at the outset of the program and continues throughout their doctoral journey. Faculty dedicate significant time and effort to nurturing students’ research skills, helping them refine research questions, develop robust methodologies, and publish in leading academic journals. This supportive academic ecosystem ensures that students grow not only as researchers but also as confident, independent scholars.

With a strong focus on Financial Management, the program equips students with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to plan, organize, direct, and control financial activities within organizations. Emphasis is placed on strategic financial decision-making aimed at maximizing organizational value while ensuring long-term financial stability. Students gain a deep understanding of how financial strategies influence corporate performance in both domestic and global contexts.

Research within the program spans cutting-edge areas such as corporate finance optimization, behavioral finance, financial econometrics, green finance structures, fintech innovations, and international financial systems. Scholars employ advanced econometric modeling, time-series analysis, panel data techniques, and simulation-based forecasting to analyze complex financial decision-making processes. Overall, the PhD in Business Administration offers a balanced blend of academic rigor, personalized mentorship, and practical relevance, making it an ideal pathway for future leaders in financial research and academia.

Eligibility

Candidates seeking admission to the Ph.D. program must possess a Master’s degree or a professional degree that is officially recognized as equivalent to a Master’s degree by the relevant statutory or regulatory authority. Applicants are required to have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent Grade ‘B’ on the UGC 7-point grading scale. Where other grading systems are followed, an equivalent grade will be considered. Degrees awarded by foreign educational institutions are also accepted, provided the institution is accredited by a recognized assessment or accreditation agency authorized under the laws of its home country to ensure academic quality and standards.

To promote inclusivity and equal opportunity, a relaxation of 5% in the minimum qualifying marks—reducing the requirement from 55% to 50%—or an equivalent grade relaxation is permitted for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), Differently Abled categories, and other groups as notified under the Government of Maharashtra’s policies from time to time. This relaxation is also applicable to candidates who obtained their Master’s degree prior to September 19, 1991.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria, including both the minimum marks requirement and the applicable relaxation, are calculated strictly on the basis of qualifying examination scores. Grace marks or similar adjustment procedures are not considered while determining eligibility. These clearly defined academic requirements ensure that the Ph.D. program admits candidates with a strong educational foundation while maintaining fairness, transparency, and adherence to regulatory standards.

PhD Degree in Financial Management Admission Process

The University, Pune shall admit students to the Ph.D. program through a University-level Entrance Test known as the SBUP–PET. This entrance examination will be conducted as a computer-based online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) test comprising 100 questions. The test structure is evenly divided, with 50% of the questions focused on Research Methodology and the remaining 50% based on the specific domain or subject area chosen by the applicant.

The University will issue an official notification regarding the SBUP–PET entrance test and the detailed admission procedure. Each year, the University, through its designated academic bodies, will determine a fixed and manageable number of Ph.D. admissions. This decision will be based on the availability of qualified research supervisors, academic resources, and physical infrastructure, while strictly adhering to the prescribed scholar–teacher ratio norms.

Comprehensive admission information will be published well in advance on the University’s official website and through advertisements in at least two national newspapers, including one in a regional language. The notification will clearly specify the total number of available seats, subject- or discipline-wise seat distribution, eligibility and admission criteria, admission procedures, examination centers for the entrance test, and other relevant details to ensure transparency and clarity for prospective candidates.

The University shall also strictly follow the applicable State-level reservation policy in force at the time of admission. This structured and transparent admission process is designed to ensure fairness, academic quality, and equal opportunity for all eligible Ph.D. aspirants.

Future Scope

Financial services is one of the largest and most influential industries in the world, constantly seeking skilled, analytical, and innovative professionals. A PhD in Financial Management equips graduates with advanced expertise in finance, research, and strategic decision-making, enabling them to pursue high-level careers in both industry and academia. Graduates may choose to work with financial services firms, banks, consulting organizations, or regulatory institutions, or they may enter the academic field as researchers and educators.

The program also serves as a strong foundation for further academic advancement. Graduates can apply for post-doctoral programs in Finance, Economics, and related disciplines, as well as competitive post-doctoral fellowships that support advanced research and scholarly publication. Those inclined toward teaching and research can build successful careers as lecturers, professors, economists, or academic consultants at universities and research institutions.

Overall, PhD graduates in Finance and Accounts benefit from a wide range of career opportunities upon completion of the program. The demand for doctoral-level finance professionals significantly enhances employability and increases the likelihood of securing attractive compensation packages (CTC), depending on the role, organization, and experience.

• Responsible for teaching Accounts and Financial Management and mentoring students
• Manages bank operations, including sales, promotions, and overall administration
• Analyzes economic and financial issues to support profit maximization and strategy

On average, salaries after completing a PhD in Finance and Accounts range from INR 3,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 per year, depending on the job role and position. With experience and specialization, these opportunities continue to grow, making the degree a strong long-term career investment.