Q1. What is the PhD Programme?
PhD Programme is the doctoral program of the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam leading to award of ‘PhD degree’. The duration of the programme is 5 years, comprising 2 years of course work, a comprehensive examination and thesis work consisting of a thesis proposal defence and a final thesis evaluation and defence.Q3. Who should do PhD Programme?
Students/Professionals who want to pursue a career in advanced research and academics (including teaching) are the ideal candidates for this programme. The applicant should have high scholastic ability, aptitude for research, and excellent analytical skills. (S)he should have enough motivation to withstand the rigor of the programme.Q4. What is expected of PhD Programme students?
PhD Programme students are expected to complete course work, pass a comprehensive exam, and excel in their chosen areas of research through high-quality publications.Q5. Do I need to be an MBA for doing PhD Programme?
Not necessary. The course work provides an understanding of relevant fields of management. Different areas prefer students from diverse backgrounds to match the area requirement.Q6. What is the level of rigour of the course?
The course is rigorous. It needs a very high quality of academic commitment and integrity. It has stringent requirements at every stage of the programme. Candidates who fail to match the requirements may be asked to leave the programme.Q7. Where do PhD Program students get placed?
PhD Programme is oriented towards training students for careers in research. Such training is highly valued by academic institutions. But leading Indian companies, MNCs, investment banks, and consulting firms also value their training for certain positions requiring specialized research skills.
Q8. When are PhD Programme students allowed to take up outside employment?
Students are allowed to seek employment after submitting the draft thesis to the PhD Programme office for sending it to the External Examiners for evaluation. Students seeking employment prior to their final thesis defense are required to take a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their TAC (Thesis Advisory Committee) / PhD Programme Chairperson.
Q9. I am working in a technical position in my company. I want to switch to a managerial position. However, I have not done any management course. My first preference is a corporate job. Should I apply for PhD Programme?
You do not want to spend four to seven years doing doctoral work while you can accomplish your career goals by doing a one to two years MBA program.
Q10. What is the selection process?
Based on the information provided by the applicants, candidates will be shortlisted (on the recommendation of the respective areas) and called to Visakhapatnam for an area-specific interview. Candidates will be admitted to the programme based on a combination of multiple parameters, as specified by the respective areas. Parameters may include applicant's performance in either of CAT, GMAT, GRE, GATE, JRF (NET) score, past academic performance, and interview performance.
Q11. Do I have to take any test for getting admission into PhD Programme?
Candidates require a valid test score, from any one of the acceptable tests for the area(s) of Specialization they are applying to, as shown in the following table:
Area of Specialization |
Acceptable Test Scores |
Decision Sciences |
CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF(NET)1 |
Economics & Social Sciences |
CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF(NET)2 |
Entrepreneurship |
CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF(NET)3 |
Finance & Accounting |
CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF(NET)4 |
Information Systems |
CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF(NET)5 |
Marketing |
CAT/GMAT/GRE/JRF(NET)6 |
OB & HR |
CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF(NET)7 |
Production & Operations Management |
CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF(NET)8 /CSIR (NET)9 |
Strategy |
CAT/GMAT10 |
- JRF(NET) in Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Defence and Strategic Studies, Population Studies*, Forensic Science, Computer Science and Applications, Electronic Science, Environmental Sciences.
- JRF(NET) in Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Commerce, Management, Computer Science and applications, Mathematical Science, Physical Science.
- JRF(NET) in Economics, Sociology, Management
- JRF(NET) in Commerce & Management
- JRF(NET) in Economics/Commerce/Population Studies/Management/Forensic Science/ Computer Science and Applications/ Electronic Science/ Environmental Sciences
- JRF(NET) in Management/Economics/Commerce only
- JRF(NET) in Management/Human Resource Management/Psychology /Sociology/Any other social science subject
- JRF(NET) in Economics/Commerce/Population Studies/Management/Forensic Science/ Computer Science and Applications/ Electronic Science/ Environmental Sciences. Only the applicants who have qualified NET/JRF exam will be considered.
- CSIR (NET) in Mathematical Sciences as an eligibility score.
- Minimum experience of two years is required for PhD in Strategy area.
All candidates should mandatorily provide the test score, which should be valid as on January 05, 2022, while applying.
- Applicants opting for GMAT or GRE should upload a copy of their official GMAT scores along with the application. Applicants who have not received the official scorecard, should upload the TEST TAKER COPY along with the application, but submit the OFFICIAL SCORECARD before the
- Applicants opting for Common Admission Test (CAT 2021) should provide their CAT 2021 registration number in the online The CAT 2021 scores made available to IIMV will be used in the assessment of the application.
- Applicants opting for GATE or JRF (NET) score should upload their valid SCORECARD along with the
Q12. What is the purpose of Area specific interview?
We give high importance to an applicant's motivation and research capability. Interviews of selected applicants allow us to ascertain their motivation for research, and whether their aspirations are compatible with the objectives of the PhD Programme. It also gauges the academic preparation of the candidate for the specific area he/she has applied.
Q13. How many students get selected per year?
The selection is area-specific and entirely depends on the candidate's performance.
Q15. How much time does it take to complete PhD Programme?
Students are expected to complete the programme within 5 years.
Q16. What's the degree/title that I get at the completion of the course?
Students are awarded with a PhD degree in their respective areas of Specialization.
Q17. What financial support is available?
IIMV provides one of the best financial packages for doctoral students. Students will be provided with a stipend of Rs 30,000 per month in the first year with a 10% annual increment up to a maximum of five years in addition to a tuition fee waiver.
Q18. Do PhD Program students get hostel accommodation?
Hostel accommodation is provided until the end of the five-years subject to availability. HRA for students with families who live off-campus, monthly Rs.7,500/- or rent; whichever is less.