Dive in details of Fellow Programme in Management (Equivalent to PhD Programs) 2025-26. This is a full-time, residential doctoral program at Indian School of Business (ISB) – Eligibility, Application Process
- What is the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at ISB?
- Objectives of the FPM at ISB
- Eligibility & Financial Support
- How to Apply for the FPM at ISB
- Document Required
- Selection Process
- Importance of the FPM at ISB
- FPM at ISB FAQs
What is the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at ISB?
The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) is a full-time, residential doctoral-level programme, equivalent to a PhD in Management. It is tailored for individuals who are willing and who wish to pursue academic and research careers in management, business, and economics.
Offered in the Hyderabad and Mohali campuses, the programme typically takes five years and combines two years of rigorous coursework in research and management fundamentals with three years of dissertation research. It offers students a stimulating academic environment, mentorship from world-class faculty, exposure to international research collaborations and projects.
Objectives of the FPM at ISB
The FPM programme is designed to develop the next generation of scholars and researchers in management. The main goals of the program are as follows:
- To train scholars for academic and research careers at business schools, universities or research centres globally.
- To develop independent thinkers and analytical problem solvers who can conduct influential research.
- To provide rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods across the management field.
- To promote interdisciplinary, globally relevant research that contributes to both theory and practice.
- To develop relationships with ISB’s international faculty and research centres to provide world class supervision and access.
Eligibility Criteria and Financial Support
Eligibility Criteria (for Admission 2025–26)
The Indian School of Business (ISB) welcomes candidates from various educational and professional backgrounds who possess strong intellectual capabilities and an interest in research.
Educational Qualification:
- Applicants need a degree from a recognized institution, through either:
- A four (4) year undergraduate degree, or
- A three (3) year undergraduate plus a postgraduate degree in business, economics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or liberal arts.
- Applicants are expected to have strong academic performance, communication skills, and interest in academic research and research-based teaching careers.
Test Requirement:
All applicants must have a valid score in one of the following tests:
- GRE
- GMAT
- CAT
- UGC-NET JRF
- GATE
- Applications will not be accepted without a valid score.
Financial Support and Benefits
ISB offers one of the most ample funding packages among Indian business schools. Each admitted FPM scholar is assured of funding that includes the following benefits:
- Consideration for a full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the programme.
- Monthly stipend of ₹65,000 to defray living expenses.
- On-campus, furnished accommodation in ISB’s residential hostels. If a room isn’t available, the student will be eligible for House Rent Allowance (HRA) of ₹25,000 per month.
- Medical insurance, which shall cover the student, spouse, and up to two children.
- Conference and research support for the admitted student to attend and present their paper at national or international academic conferences.
Through this funding, scholars have the opportunity to do their research without financial concerns, and concentrate on their academy program and their future career development.
How to Apply for the FPM at ISB
The application process for ISB’s FPM is entirely online. Candidates must fill out the application form on the official ISB FPM website and submit all required documents by the deadline (typically January each year).
Application Timeline (Tentative- 2025-26)
- Application Opens: October 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
- FPM Interviews: March, 2026
- FPM Offers: April, 2026
- Programme Starts: 1st week of August, 2026
Follow the steps to apply:
- Visit the official ISB FPM admissions webpage.
- Register and complete the application form online.
- Upload the required documents (academic transcripts, valid test score (GMAT/GRE/CAT/GATE/JRF), SOP, three recommendation letters, and photo).
- Complete the application form and pay the ₹5,000 application fee online.
Documents Required
When applying online, candidates must upload the following:
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s/Master’s degrees).
- Valid test score (GMAT / GRE / CAT / JRF).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) that describes research interests and objectives.
- Three Letters of Recommendation (ideally academic).
- Passport-size photo and identity proof, along with a copy of your application fee, if applicable.
- TOEFL/IELTS score (if applicable).
Selection Process
- The process to select candidates is intense, with a focus on holistic evaluation of research potential and academic ability.
- Application Screening – Applications are screened based on scores, academic records, and research fit.
- Shortlisting – Applicants who meet applicable score requirements and eligibility criteria are notified and selected as short-listed applicants.
- Interview – The short listed applicants will be interviewed by faculty in order to assess the degree of motivation for research, clarity in research goals, and fit with ISB’s area of expertise.
- Final Offer – The final offer will be made to applicants in April.
- Onboarding – First year FPM courses begin in August, preceded by an orientation week.
Importance of the FPM at ISB
ISB’s FPM is praised as one of India’s top doctoral management programmes, and it plays a key role in developing academic leadership and research in management.
- Provides world-class mentorship through ISB’s global faculty network.
- Provides exposure to research through top-tier conferences and collaborations.
- Prepares graduate students for academic careers in India and abroad.
- Strengthens India’s management research ecosystem by cultivating globally ready scholars.
- Encourages research that is practically relevant and academically rigorous.
FPM at ISB – FAQs
Q1. What is the length of the FPM offered by ISB?
Ans. The FPM is a five-year program that includes two years of coursework and three years of dissertation research.
Q2. What is the stipend given to students?
Ans. A monthly stipend of ₹65,000 is provided, in addition to housing or ₹25,000 HRA.
Q3. Is this equivalent to a PhD?
Ans. Yes, the FPM is equivalent to a PhD in Management and is globally recognized.
Q4. Do I need work experience?
Ans. No, work experience is not required, though some prior exposure to a research setting is helpful.
Q5. What is the application fee?
Ans. ₹5,000 (non-refundable).
Q6. What specialisations offer?
Ans. Specialisations in: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Marketing, Operations Management, Organisational Behaviour, and Strategy.
Q7. When does the program begin?
Ans. The new academic session begins in August 2026.
Conclusion
The Indian School of Business’s Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) offers a prestigious funded doctoral program in India. With a program curriculum that has been aligned to international Standards, superb faculty mentorship and advisory support, along with considerable financial and infrastructure support, the FPM is likely the very best option for anyone interested in an academic or research career in management.
Comments