The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) has announced the opening of applications for its Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD) for the 2026 academic session. The full-time residential programme, designed to be completed in approximately four and a half years, aims to prepare high-quality management researchers capable of contributing to global and national priorities.
The PhD programme focuses on developing scholars equipped for leadership roles in academia, industry, public institutions, and research-driven organisations. Applications are open until 16 February 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply early after reviewing the detailed eligibility criteria. Queries can be directed to DPM officials Mr. Ashish Jaggal and Mr. Rakesh Kumar Srivastava at dpmoffice@iiml.ac.in.
Highlighting the institute’s research philosophy, IIM Lucknow Director Prof. M.P. Gupta said that meaningful research extends beyond quantity to deliver societal value. He noted that the programme nurtures thought leaders with strong academic grounding, interdisciplinary exposure, and a clear sense of purpose. “Our doctoral program nurtures scholars who are rigorous in research and visionary in outlook,” he added.
A distinctive feature of IIML’s PhD programme is its faculty mentorship model, which pairs each scholar with an expert supervisor. This system ensures personalised guidance in selecting research topics, refining methodologies, and aligning research with real-world management challenges. The programme offers specialisations across multiple areas, including Agri-Business Management, Business Sustainability, Communication, Decision Sciences, Economics, Finance & Accounting, Human Resource Management, Information Technology & Systems, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain, and Strategic Management.
Eligibility requires one of the following: a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks; a four-year engineering or equivalent degree with 75% marks; professional qualifications such as CA, ICWA, or CS with minimum 55%; a PGDM from any IIM with minimum CGPA 6; or an IIML PGP-WE degree with CGPA 6. All applicants must have at least 55% marks in Class 10 onward examinations.
The admission process includes a review of entrance exam scores followed by a faculty-led interview. Candidates holding relevant IIM qualifications may be exempt from entrance tests.
Doctoral scholars receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including full tuition waiver, semi-furnished 1BHK accommodation, monthly stipend, contingency grants, computer purchase allowance, conference travel grants, support for field work and professional memberships, and family health insurance reimbursements.
IIM Lucknow PhD graduates pursue diverse career paths, with many joining leading management institutes worldwide, while others take up research-intensive corporate or public policy roles.
Sharing his experience, fourth-year scholar Vipul Kumar Garg said that IIM Lucknow fosters an open academic culture with strong faculty support, enabling scholars to present their work internationally and grow both professionally and personally.