Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) | Admission, Eligibility & Career

How FPM Differs from a PhD?

At first glance, FPM and PhD in Management may look similar. Both are research doctorates. But the difference lies in approach and outcome.

Aspect

PhD in Management

Fellow Programme in Management (FPM)

Institution Type

University-driven, under the UGC framework

Offered by AICTE-approved B-schools and autonomous institutions

Orientation

Strongly academic, theory-heavy

Industry-aligned, focused on applied research

Curriculum Flexibility

More standardized, fixed structure

Flexible, often updated with industry needs

Research Focus

Theory development, conceptual models

Real-world management problems, case writing, applied insights

Industry Linkages

Limited, mostly academic collaborations

High industry interface; consulting, live projects, policy linkages

Outcome

Suited for careers in academia and pure research

Equips scholars for academia, consulting, corporate strategy, and global publication opportunities

FPM Course Details

The structure of an FPM program is designed to transform professionals into independent researchers and future faculty.

• Coursework Phase: Scholars are trained in research methodology, statistics, qualitative and quantitative analysis.

• Specialization Phase: Options include Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Strategy, Analytics, Operations, Sustainability, and more.

• Research & Dissertation Phase: Scholars identify a gap, conduct fieldwork or data analysis, and defend their thesis.

• Beyond the Thesis: Many institutes require teaching assistantships, conference papers, and journal publications - ensuring scholars graduate with both academic and industry credibility.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Admission into FPM is selective. Most institutes require:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent (with at least 55% marks).

• Some accept candidates with professional qualifications like CA, CS, or ICWA.

• A few also consider bachelor’s degree holders with exceptional academic and professional achievements.

• Valid scores from CAT, GMAT, GRE, UGC-NET, or institute-level tests may be required for shortlisting.

Fees & ROI

For many aspirants, pursuing an FPM often doesn’t drain their pockets like an MBA.

• Many institutes offer full tuition waivers, fellowships, or monthly stipends (₹30,000–₹50,000 on average).

• Additional support for attending international conferences or publishing research is also common.

• The ROI is long-term: careers as faculty at top B-schools, think tank researchers, consultants, corporate strategists, or even policy advisors. Unlike MBAs, FPM graduates aren’t chasing immediate packages - they’re building lifetime careers in knowledge and impact.

How does IIMS Pune pave the roadmap for FPM?

While Pune is celebrated as an education hub, IIMS Pune is carving its space as a research-driven B-school. Known for its PGDM excellence, the institute now fosters a doctoral ecosystem where scholars can thrive.

• Academic Edge: Faculty with rich corporate and research experience, mentorship for high-quality research publications.

• Infrastructure: Bloomberg Terminals, SAP S/4 HANA, CESIM business simulations, and access to global databases.

• Global Connect: Collaborations with international universities like the Swiss School of Management, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and St. Peter’s University.

• Research Culture: 450+ research papers, 120+ teaching cases, and annual conferences give scholars visibility and credibility.

For scholars seeking an environment that blends academic rigor with industry relevance, IIMS Pune offers the right launchpad.

Conclusion

The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) is not just a doctoral program - it’s a calling. It’s for those who want to contribute to management thinking, shape classrooms, influence boardrooms, and impact policies.

As India’s businesses and institutions step into a future defined by innovation and data, the role of management scholars will be central. For aspirants, choosing the right institute could be the decision that shapes not just their career, but the way business is understood tomorrow.

FAQs

1. Is FPM equivalent to a PhD in Management?

   Yes, the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) is AICTE-approved and officially recognized as equivalent to a PhD in Management, enabling graduates to pursue global academic and research careers.

2. What is the typical duration of an FPM program?

   An FPM program usually takes 3–5 years to complete, depending on coursework, research progress, and dissertation submission, with some scholars finishing earlier based on their research pace.

3. What are the career opportunities after FPM?

   After completing FPM, graduates can become professors, researchers, consultants, policy advisors, or corporate strategists, with opportunities in reputed universities, think tanks, global companies, and international research organizations.

4. Do FPM scholars receive a stipend?

   Yes, most reputed FPM colleges in India provide tuition waivers, monthly stipends ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000, and research grants to support scholars during coursework, publications, and international conference participation.

Why choose IIMS Pune for FPM?

IIMS Pune offers global collaborations, Bloomberg labs, industry-driven research culture, reputed faculty, and strong publication support, making it one of the top choices for aspiring FPM scholars in Pune.

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