Fellow Program in Management (FPM) 2025-26 at SPJIMR- objectives, eligibility, dates, financial support, Application Procedure and other details
- What is the FPM at SPJIMR?
- Objectives of the FPM at SPJIMR
- Eligibility Criteria
- Benefits and Financial Support
- How to Apply for the FPM at SPJIMR
- Document Required
- Selection Process
- Importance of the FPM at SPJIMR
- FPM at SPJIMR FAQs
What is the FPM at SPJIMR?
The FPM course at SPJIMR is a full-time, residential, doctoral-level research programme and is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as equivalent to a PhD. The programme is designed for individuals who aspire to be academics, researchers, or thought-leaders in management and related fields. It has a strong focus on rigorous interdisciplinary study, original research, and contributions to business and social problems.
Objectives of the FPM at SPJIMR
Below are the primary goals of the program:
- To develop world-class researchers and thought-leaders in management who will generate valuable knowledge.
- To help scholars create new research questions, use appropriate methods and produce high quality research.
- To establish an organized setting for candidates to move from course based activity to independent research and foster teaching & publication skills.
- To develop graduates that may contribute to academia and also to the problems faced by business/organizations in the real world.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are required to fulfill the following requirements (for the 2025–26 cycle):
- A Master’s Degree / equivalent in any discipline with First Class or equivalent Grade Point OR Five-Year/Four-Year Integrated Master’s Degree with First Class or equivalent GPA (OR) CA / ICWA / CS with minimum 55% marks.
- CAT / GMAT / GRE / GATE / ATMA / UGC-NET / UGC-JRF, whichever are valid.
- Demonstrated performance on these entrance exams is not necessary for the candidates who hold a PGDM / MBA from SPJIMR / MDI / IIMs / IIT Management Departments / XLRI / IRMA / TISS / ISI / XIMB/ FMS / IIFT.
- Candidates, both fresh graduates and experienced professionals, can apply if they show the motivation and basic background to complete a rigorous research programme.
Benefits & Financial Support
The FPM at SPJIMR is a fully funded residential doctoral programme, providing opportunity for scholars to focus on research without worrying about finances.
Stipend / Fellowship per month
- The monthly stipend is provided in stages based on research progression:
- 1st Stage (Coursework): ₹ 40,000/month.
- 2nd Stage (When the Comprehensive Qualifying Exam – CQE is cleared): ₹ 42,000/month.
- 3rd Stage (When their Thesis Proposal Defence is successful): ₹ 45,000/month.
Additional housing support
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) for scholars staying off-campus: ₹ 10,000/month.
Tuition fee waiver and housing support
- The FPM provides a full tuition fee waiver for residential scholars (i.e., there are no fees if you are an FPM fulltime scholar).
- Residential accommodation (or equivalent housing support) is understood as part of being “fully funded” in the programme.
Contingency grant & support for research
- Each scholar receives a contingency grant (specific amount not fixed and publicly viewable on the webpage) to pay for; books, software, collections of data, and some academic tools.
How to Apply for FPM at SPJIMR
The application process for the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at SPJIMR is entirely online through the institute’s official admissions portal. Candidates must fill the application form carefully and submit it before the deadline, after which the selections shall start.
Initial Steps:
- Please visit the Official Portal where you can access the online application form.
- While filling the form, it is essential to provide all the details accurately such as personal details, academic details, and entrance test details. Upon submitting the application form, the candidate shall also need to indicate two research areas of preference along with the application.
Supplementary Information to be Submitted:
- Along with the form, candidates shall have to submit a Statement of Purpose, which speaks to the motivation to pursue the programme and give detail on their research interests.
Pay the Application Fee:
- Candidates must pay an application fee of ₹1,000. The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid with approved methods via credit/ debit card or using net banking through the portal.
Submit the Application:
- Please verify and review each point of application form carefully before hitting the submit button as late or incomplete applications shall be rejected and not considered.
Interview Process:
- Shortlisted candidates shall receive a request via e-mail to appear for a face-to-face interview at the SPJIMR Mumbai campus and eligible shortlisted candidates shall be reimbursed for the travel up to III AC train fare if attending as shortlisted candidates.
Key Dates for the 2026 Admission Cycle
- Applications open: November 18, 2025
- Applications close: February 10, 2026
- Personal interviewing (in person): Mid-March – 1st week of April 2026
- Results announcement: Mid-April 2026
- Batch opening and commencement: 1st week of June 2026
Documents Required
The following documents are required to be uploaded:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- A valid test score (CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/ UGC-NET/UGC-JRF).
- Statement of Purpose addressing research interests.
- Two selections of research specialization.
- Three letters of recommendation, at least one being academic.
- Proof of identity and recent photograph, category certificate if relevant.
Selection Process
The FPM selection procedure at SPJIMR encourages strong candidates with a fit and motivation to join the FPM programme.
- The process starts off by reading application forms and the research proposal.
- The shortlisting committee considers candidates’ academic credentials, work experience, profile, motivation, recommendations to consider fit with the institute’s research profile and mission.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for in-person interviews at SPJIMRs Mumbai campus, which will be conducted by the institute’s eminent panel. Travel expenses will be offered as reimbursement up to the amount of a III AC train fare; details will be communicated to the shortlisted candidates regarding travel reimbursement.
- They will receive a provisional admission letter if selected.
Importance of the FPM at SPJIMR
- The program prepares scholars to pursue academic research careers and faculty roles in India and globally.
- The full funding and monthly stipend enable scholars to focus entirely on their research without concerns related to finances.
- AIU’s recognition as equivalent to a PhD increases the quality of the qualification.
- The residential model and the access to SPJIMR’s faculty and research ecosystem can facilitate scholarly productivity and innovation.
- The program supports SPJIMR’s identity as a research-intensive management institution by developing high-level doctoral scholars.
FAQs
Q1. What is the length of the FPM program at SPJIMR?
Ans. About four years of full-time residential study.
Q2. What is the stipend amount?
Ans. ₹ 40,000/month during coursework, ₹ 42,000/month after completion of the CQE, and
₹ 45,000/month after thesis proposal defence
Q3. Is work experience required to apply?
Ans. No. You may apply whether you are a fresh graduate or currently hold professional experience.
Q4. What are the offered research specialisation areas?
Ans. Areas e.g., Marketing, Finance & Accounting, Information Management, Operations and Supply Chain, Organisational Behaviour & HR, and Strategist
Q5. Is the program recognized as a PhD?
Ans. Yes. The FPM program at SPJIMR has received AIU recognition as equivalent to a PhD.
Q6. What is the application fee?
Ans. ₹ 1,000 (non-refundable) for the application fee.
Q7. How many seats per year are available?
Ans. A maximum of 10 seats are offered annually.
Conclusion
The FPM at SPJIMR is a great option for management research enthusiasts or aspiring academics. It brings together good funding, a well-defined mentorship programme and a supportive residential research environment to enable our fellows to be engaged scholars who can advance to contribute to knowledge and practice. For those interested in a challenging entry into management doctoral work, SPJIMR’s FPM is the best fully-funded fellowship programme available.
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