Admissions open for 2026-27, Last date to apply for III phase of admissions is 5th July 2026.

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  • About Fellow Programme In Management (FPM)

    BUILDING FUTURE THOUGHT LEADERS THROUGH RESEARCH.

    The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at Poddar Business School is a rigorously designed doctoral programme that integrates advanced coursework, independent research, and academic mentorship. The programme nurtures scholars to engage in meaningful inquiry, innovative thinking, and impactful research across contemporary areas of management and business studies.
    With a strong emphasis on academic rigor, research ethics, and industry relevance, the FPM prepares scholars to contribute significantly to academia, policy-making, consulting, and organizational leadership. Through a structured progression from foundational research training to thesis development, scholars are empowered to create knowledge that drives both intellectual and practical impact.

    Approved by AICTE
    ( All India Council for Technical Education )

    The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at Poddar Business School is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, ensuring compliance with national standards for quality management education and research.

    Amongst 1%
    B-Schools in India

    Amongst 6%
    B-Schools Worldwide

    PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

    The candidature of an admitted candidate is expected to progress as follows:

    Fellow Program in Management - FPM Research Milestone
    • 3 Year Research-Driven Doctoral Journey

    • Comprehensive Curriculum Integrating Theory, Research & Practice

    • Guided Research Under Experienced Faculty Mentors

    • Specializations Across Emerging Management Disciplines
    • Research Seminars, Publications & Conference Exposure

    • Focus on Industry-Relevant and Societal Impact Research

    • Strong Academic Ecosystem Encouraging Innovation & Inquiry

    • Preparation for Careers in Academia, Research & Thought Leadership

    Specializations

    MASTER COMPLEXITY. RESEARCH WITH PURPOSE. LEADERSHIP WITH VISION.

    At Poddar Business School, specialization is the foundation of meaningful academic contribution. The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) empowers scholars to explore their chosen domain with depth, rigor, and intellectual independence. Through advanced research, interdisciplinary learning, and expert mentorship, scholars develop strong theoretical understanding, methodological expertise, and practical insight capable of addressing contemporary business and societal challenges. The programme encourages fearless inquiry, innovative thinking, and evidence-based knowledge creation—preparing scholars to influence academia, industry, policy, and the future of management thought.

    CHOOSE YOUR AREA
    • Marketing

    • Human Resource

    • Finance

    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Business Analytics

    • Business Strategy and General Management

    • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    The Research Milestone

    STAGE 1

    COURSEWORK & RESEARCH FOUNDATION

    • The coursework phase is spread across three trimesters and is designed to build strong foundations in research methodology, analytical thinking, and management disciplines.
    • Scholars are required to maintain a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in each course to qualify for the research phase.
    • Active participation in classroom discussions, assignments, seminars, and evaluations is mandatory.
    • Scholars are also expected to submit periodic academic and research progress reports during this stage.

    STAGE 2

    RESEARCH PROPOSAL & SYNOPSIS APPROVAL

    • Under the guidance of the Supervisor/Co-Supervisor, scholars develop a structured research proposal in their chosen area of specialization.
    • The proposed research work must be presented and defended before the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for approval.
    • The synopsis presentation serves as a significant milestone, evaluating the originality, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed research.
    • Publication Requirement: Scholars are encouraged to contribute to scholarly literature through quality research publications in reputed ABDC, Scopus, FT50, Web of Science, or equivalent indexed journals prior to thesis submission.

    STAGE 3

    RESEARCH WORK, PILOT STUDY & PROGRESS REVIEW

    • Post-approval, scholars engage in original research, actively contributing to their field through empirical and theoretical advancements.
    • Progress Review Seminars: Every scholar must present research progress before the committee at regular six-month intervals.
    • These periodic reviews ensure academic rigor, methodological soundness, and alignment of the research objectives with institutional and scholarly standards.

    STAGE 4

    THESIS SUBMISSION & VIVA VOCE DEFENSE

    • Prior to final submission, scholars are required to present a Pre-Submission Seminar showcasing the key findings, contributions, and implications of their research before a panel of faculty experts and reviewers.
    • The final thesis must be submitted in the prescribed format along with a plagiarism compliance report, maintaining the institutional similarity threshold.
    • Scholars are expected to incorporate all academic suggestions and observations received during the review process before final submission.
    • Viva Voce Examination: The scholar must successfully defend the thesis before an examination panel comprising internal and external experts.
    • The viva voce evaluates the originality, academic contribution, practical relevance, and overall quality of the research work.

    Course Work and Credit Structure

    TOTAL COURSE LOAD 33 Credits

    YEAR 1 – COURSES & CREDITS

    Modules Course Credit
    MODULE 1 Research Methodology, Managerial Statistics, General Management, Systems Approach 12
    MODULE 2 Specialization Courses (3), General Seminar 12
    MODULE 3 Academic Writing & Ethics, Expert Seminar-1, 1 Review Paper based on the literature on the thesis related topic 9
    Stage Duration / Requirement
    Course Work Course Work (6–12 Months)
    Research Phase Compulsory 24 Months of Research Phase post acceptance of Synopsis/Research Proposal
    Thesis Evaluation & Viva-Voce (Defence) 3 Months – 4 Months after submission of Research Thesis

    Scholars are required to maintain a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in all coursework components to qualify for progression into the research phase. Regular attendance, active participation in academic assessments—including quizzes, presentations, and end-term examinations—and timely submission of research progress reports are mandatory throughout the programme.

    How to Apply?

    Eligibility for Admission (As per AICTE)

    a. Master’s Degree or equivalent in Engineering and Technology /Management /Economics /Social Science /Biological Science/Pure Science/Commerce/Humanities with FIRST CLASS shall be considered for admission to Fellow programme.
    b. Those appearing for their final examination in the respective discipline can also apply. Such students, if selected shall be provisionally admitted provided they complete all requirements in obtaining their Master’s Degree before 30th September of the year of admission. The admission of these candidates shall remain provisional until they produce the mark sheet proving that they satisfy the eligibility criteria. The deadline for submitting the final year mark sheet is 31st December



    Selection Procedure

    • Applicants fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria shall be invited to participate in the selection process for admission to the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at Poddar Business School.

    • The PMAT (Poddar Management Aptitude Test) will be conducted by Poddar Business School to assess candidates on areas including management aptitude, business awareness, research methodology, analytical ability, teaching aptitude, and general awareness. The examination shall be objective in nature and may be conducted in online or offline mode.

    • Candidates will be shortlisted for the subsequent selection rounds based on their performance in PMAT and other evaluation parameters.

    • Candidates possessing valid scores in UGC-NET/JRF/CAT/XAT/GMAT/GRE or equivalent national-level examinations may be exempted from PMAT, subject to institutional norms. However, such candidates shall be required to appear for the Personal Interview and Research Proposal Presentation.


    Criteria Weightage
    PMAT / CAT / MAT / UGC-NET 20%
    Academic Achievements 25%
    Prior Research / Work Experience 5%
    Research Proposal / Synopsis & Personal Interview 50%

    • Applicants are required to submit a tentative Research Proposal/Synopsis of approximately 800– 1000 words prior to the interview process.

    • The number of scholars admitted shall be subject to AICTE approved intake, availability of research supervisors, and institutional research resources.

    • The final selection shall be based on the cumulative performance of the candidate across all evaluation components and the weightages assigned thereto.

    Year Self Sponsored (₹)
    Admission Fee 10,000
    Course Work 75,000
    Year 1 1,25,000
    Year 2 1,00,000

    • All selected scholars are required to pay a one-time admission fee of ₹10,000 at the time of admission to the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).
    • In addition, a refundable caution deposit of ₹10,000 shall be payable at the time of admission by all scholars.

    Academic Charges

    Particulars Amount
    Thesis Submission & Evaluation Fee ₹25,000
    Pre-Ph.D. Presentation & Viva Voce Fee ₹15,000
    Extension Fee (Applicable after normal duration) ₹75,000 per year

    In case of extension beyond the prescribed duration of the programme, the applicable extension fee shall be charged annually until completion of the programme or the maximum permissible duration as per institutional regulations.

    FACILITIES & RESEARCH SUPPORT

    Scholars enrolled in the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at Poddar Business School shall have access to all academic and research facilities of the institution including library resources, e-databases, computer labs, Wi-Fi enabled campus, and research support services. The institution also encourages participation in conferences, FDPs, workshops, and other academic activities to strengthen research exposure and scholarly development.
    Poddar Business School shall reimburse participation expenses for up to two international conferences hosted by premier institutions including IIMs, subject to institutional norms and approvals.


    WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAMME

    A scholar wishing to withdraw from the programme must submit a formal written application and obtain No dues certificate/clearance from all concerned departments including Accounts, Library, Research Office, and other institutional offices. Withdrawal shall be processed only after completion of all formalities and settlement of dues.


    REFUND POLICY

    All fees paid by the scholar towards the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), except the refundable caution/security deposit, shall be non-refundable once the admission has been confirmed by the institution, irrespective of withdrawal or discontinuation from the programme.


    OTHER PROVISIONS

    • The institution may provide monetary incentives for publication of high-quality research papers, case studies, and patents as per institutional research policy.

    • Scholars shall also have access to academic resources and analytical tools including SPSS, SmartPLS, Power BI, business simulation platforms such as CESIM, and other research and data analytics software made available by the institution.