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

About This Course

The PhD in Marketing is a full-time, professional doctoral program spanning 3 to 5 years, designed to equip students with advanced research and teaching skills grounded in theoretical marketing concepts. with its distinguished legacy, offers this specialized program at its Visakhapatnam campus, providing an intellectually stimulating environment where rigorous academic research meets real-world marketing applications.

Under the guidance of experienced faculty and industry professionals, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, inquiry, and innovative approaches to contemporary marketing challenges. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative models, research design, measurement, scaling, and data collection, while covering subjects such as marketing models, statistics, research methodology, marketing theory, and public policy. This robust foundation ensures students gain the skills needed to analyze, evaluate, and contribute to evolving marketing knowledge.

Admission to the PhD in Marketing program is based on a candidate’s performance in an entrance examination, followed by a personal interview. Eligible applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. Tuition fees in India typically range from INR 50,000 to 4,00,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Graduates of this program enjoy diverse career opportunities both in India and internationally. Potential roles include Brand Manager, Market Research Analyst, New Product Manager, Marketing Communications Leader, and Lecturer or Professor in academic institutions. Salaries for PhD holders generally range from INR 2,00,000 to 10,00,000 annually, with higher earnings possible based on experience and expertise. For those inclined toward further research, opportunities exist to publish independent research, pursue a DSc (Doctor of Science), or engage in consultancy roles within marketing and management sectors.

This program not only nurtures future scholars and educators but also prepares leaders capable of addressing complex marketing problems in a global context.

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Marketing

To be eligible for the PhD in Marketing program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

The applicant should have completed a Master’s degree or MPhil in Marketing from a recognized university.

A minimum aggregate score of 60% in the qualifying degree is required.

Candidates must meet the cut-off marks in the entrance examination for admission consideration.

Performance in the Personal Interview round is also a key criterion for selection.

Eligible candidates may hold an MBA, PGDM (recognized by AICTE or deemed equivalent by AIU), CA, CS, ICWAI, or an equivalent master’s degree.

Candidates with a relevant master’s degree and at least 7 years of managerial experience are also eligible to apply.

This combination of academic qualifications, entrance performance, and professional experience ensures that students admitted to the program are well-prepared for advanced research and academic pursuits in marketing.

PhD in Marketing Admission Process

The admission process for a PhD in Marketing can vary depending on the university’s rules and regulations. Some universities offer admission based on merit in the master’s program, while top Indian universities typically conduct entrance exams to select qualified candidates. The process generally follows one of the two approaches:

1. Merit-Based Admission

Universities following this approach grant admission based on the candidate’s academic performance in their master’s degree program.

2. Entrance-Based Admission

For entrance-based admission, the process usually includes the following steps:

Registration: Candidates must register for the entrance test using their email, mobile number, and password, which generates a login ID.

Application Form: After logging in, students fill out the application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact information.

Document Upload: Candidates must upload essential documents, including a photograph, signature, ID proof, Class 10 and 12 certificates, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree certificates.

Application Fee: Payment of the application fee is made online after uploading all documents.

Admit Card Issuance: The university issues admit cards to eligible candidates based on the submitted information.

Entrance Examination: Exam dates are announced by the conducting body. Candidates must appear and qualify in the test to proceed further.

Result Declaration: Admission authorities release the entrance exam results for all candidates.

Enrollment: Successful candidates are allotted seats in the respective institutes.

Additional Requirements for International or Specific Institutions:

Unofficial Transcripts: Submit English versions for any non-US institutions. Official transcripts are required upon admission.

GMAT or GRE Scores: GRE is required for some departments (e.g., Economics), while other departments accept either GRE or GMAT scores.

Letters of Recommendation: Three recommendations from individuals familiar with your academic or professional capabilities are required. These are submitted electronically through the application system.

Statement of Purpose: Applicants must upload a Statement of Purpose detailing their motivation and objectives for pursuing a doctoral program.

This structured process ensures that candidates are evaluated fairly and possess the academic and professional readiness necessary for advanced research in marketing.

Future Scope

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marketing is a rigorous, research-driven program designed to develop deep expertise in both the theoretical and practical dimensions of marketing. The program offers a thorough understanding of advanced marketing strategies, research methodologies, consumer behavior, and strategic management, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to both academic and professional landscapes.

Through a carefully structured curriculum, PhD candidates gain the skills to generate original insights and conduct high-impact research, making them valuable assets in various sectors. Graduates of this program enjoy diverse career opportunities, ranging from academic roles such as professors and lecturers to leadership and research positions in corporate organizations. The degree equips individuals to work seamlessly across private companies, government agencies, and research institutions.

PhD holders in Marketing often pursue careers as Marketing Managers, Brand Managers, Marketing Executives, or Deputy Managers, combining analytical expertise with strategic decision-making. Additionally, they are well-positioned to take on high-level research and development roles, driving innovation and influencing business strategies. The program not only fosters academic excellence but also cultivates professional versatility, making graduates highly competitive in both scholarly and corporate environments.

In essence, a PhD in Marketing is more than an academic credential; it is a pathway to becoming a thought leader in the field, capable of shaping marketing practices, influencing consumer understanding, and leading teams in dynamic organizational settings. The combination of research proficiency and strategic insight ensures that graduates are prepared for impactful, rewarding careers across multiple industries.