Indian Institute of Management Lucknow invites applications for its Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD) for the 2025 academic year. This intensive, full-time program is aimed at developing exceptional scholars dedicated to advancing management knowledge. Spanning approximately 4.5 years, the program provides an intellectually enriching environment that equips students for careers in academia, corporate leadership, and public sector research.
The application process for the PhD program 2025 at IIM Lucknow is ongoing and will close on 23rd February 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements. For more information, please visit the official website at IIM Lucknow PhD Program. For any queries, applicants can contact the Administrative Officer (DPM) at: dpmoffice@iiml.ac.in.
Speaking about the PhD program, Prof. Archana Shukla, Director, IIM Lucknow, said, "The PhD program at IIM Lucknow nurtures intellectual curiosity and scholarly excellence, providing an environment that challenges conventional boundaries and inspires innovative thinking. Our doctoral candidates are equipped with the tools to pioneer impactful research, address complex real-world challenges, and emerge as thought leaders who drive meaningful change in academia, industry, and society at large."
IIM Lucknow’s PhD program offers a wide range of research specialisations, allowing candidates to explore diverse management domains. These include:
Agri-Business Management
Business Sustainability
Communication
Decision Sciences (OR/Stats)
Business Environment (Economics)
Finance & Accounting
Human Resource Management
Information Technology & Systems
Marketing Management
Operations Management
Strategic Management
IIM Lucknow’s Doctoral Programme offers a distinctive academic experience, where scholars are mentored by world-class faculty, contributing to research that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant.
To apply for the PhD program, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
A Master’s degree or its equivalent in any discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks
Or
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or a four-year graduate degree) with at least 65% marks
Or
Professional qualifications like CA, ICWA, or CS with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks and a B.Com. undergraduate degree
Or
A two/three-year full-time classroom-based PGDM from any of the IIMs with a minimum CGPA of 6/10 or 60%
Applicants must also have a valid score in one of the exams including, CAT, GATE, GRE, GMAT, or JRF/SRF (UGC/CSIR/ICAR), with scores from the last two years being accepted as valid.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be shortlisted based on their exam scores and invited for a selection interview. Candidates holding qualifications from IIMs may be exempt from taking an exam and can apply directly.
Encouraging aspirants to pursue their doctoral journey at IIM Lucknow, Prof. Pushpendra Priyadarshi, Chairperson, Doctoral Program in Management, stated, “The doctoral program at IIM Lucknow is designed for aspiring academicians passionate about advancing knowledge through groundbreaking research. With a legacy spanning over two decades, the program’s rigorous training has led to impactful research shaping organizational strategies and public policy. I encourage prospective candidates to apply and join our vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment, where they can collaborate and work alongside world-class faculty.”
In addition to the rigorous academic training, IIM Lucknow provides full tuition waivers and semi-furnished 1BHK accommodation facilities for doctoral scholars. Scholars receive a generous monthly stipend, contingency grants for academic needs, a one-time computer purchase grant, and extensive travel and conference registration support. Additional benefits include funding for case writing and field research, annual membership fees for professional societies, and reimbursement for family health insurance premiums, ensuring a holistic environment conducive to advanced research.
Graduates of the PhD program from IIM Lucknow have three primary career options. Many alumni pursue academic careers, becoming faculty members at top management institutes worldwide. Others apply their advanced analytical skills in corporate roles, where they are in high demand by global management consulting firms and industries such as Marketing, Finance, HR, and Strategy. Additionally, some graduates choose public sector careers, using their specialised expertise to contribute to public policy institutes, research organizations, and government bodies, tackling societal challenges.
Sharing his experience of the PhD Management program at IIM Lucknow, Mr. Nitin Sahu, a third-year PhD scholar in Decision Sciences, said, "The PhD program at IIM Lucknow is a rigorous and research-driven journey that fosters the development of analytical thinking, quantitative modelling, and problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges. The program offers strong financial support, alongside seamless access to leading academic journals, advanced software, and essential research resources, creating an ideal environment for scholarly pursuits. With excellent faculty and a supportive academic atmosphere, the program equips scholars to succeed and contribute meaningfully to both academia and industry."
Sharing her experience, Ms. Pragati Priya, a fourth-year PhD scholar in Business Environment (Economics), IIM Lucknow, said, “Pursuing my PhD at IIM Lucknow has been an intellectually enriching and transformative journey. The rigorous academic environment, access to extensive resources, and mentorship from exceptional faculty have been pivotal in advancing my research in macroeconomics and monetary economics. The collaborative culture and opportunities to present at prestigious conferences have further enriched my experience. I am deeply grateful for the holistic growth IIM Lucknow has fostered during my doctoral journey.”