ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education Part-Time PhD Guide

A working professional should consider a part-time PhD program because of the positive implications for career advancement, financial stability, and personal responsibilities. Part-time PhD programs are founded on the notion of providing flexibility, allowing the student to pursue higher education without leaving their jobs.

About ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education Part-Time PhD

The candidates can pursue a Part-Time PhD at ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. This institution was established in 1956, under Section 3 of the UGC Act. IFHE is assessed with an A++ grade by NAAC and offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs under the three principal schools of ICFAI Business School (IBS), ICFAI Tech School(ITS), and ICFAI Law School (ILS). The university campus is set in 91 acres, with modern, Wi-Fi-enabled facilities and a lively campus environment.

However, the learners can also opt for the online DBA(Doctor of Business Administration). This program is equivalent to a PhD. Once the candidate completes this program, they will get the Dr. title. This course is not available in India, but learners can pursue this program from the top-ranked foreign universities or institutions. The main advantage of this program is that the Indian student does not have to move to another country, as they can take the online classes at their own pace. The duration of an online DBA is a minimum of three years. 

Moreover, an additional benefit of retaining employment while pursuing an online DBA is that the candidates will get a mentor who is an expert in the field, and they will guide the learners through the course. Taking a break from the professional landscape for 2-6 years can be disruptive to normal career options, as it removes the individual from the job market and may hinder future career prospects.

Before taking admission in ICFAI, the students will be provided with the detailed information about the university, its fees, eligibility, and placements in this blog.

ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education Part-Time PhD: Admission, Fees, Eligibility & Placements

ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education promotes a student-centric, applied learning model that incorporates academic thinking, practical abilities, and attributes of a positive disposition. This institute designed a Part-Time program for learners who are interested in teaching, research, and consultancy. 

This institution has part-time PhD programs that are approved and regulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in accordance with the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D Degree) Regulations, 2022. ICFAI has a part-time PhD program in the areas of Management, Commerce, Science, Law, and Engineering in its campuses in India. ICFAI has multiple institutes and universities in different states; the candidates will get a part-time PhD.

ICFAI's part-time PhD programs adhere strictly to the UGC and Indian universities' standards in terms of research programs that fulfil academic rigor and quality. The UGC prolonged measures on part-time PhDs to be equal to full-time standards regarding the same coursework and thesis completion requirements, along with supervision expectations.

Admission

ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education's Part-Time PhD admission process is easy. To enrol in this program, the candidate must follow the steps that are highlighted below:

• Navigate to the official website of ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education.
• On the homepage, you will get the Academics option. 
• Click on that option and then select the Doctoral Program link.
• Now, select the state in which you want to take admission.
• Tap on the Application form link and enter all the details.
• Select the Submit option. Once you apply, the university will send the confirmation email.

However, before taking admission, the candidates must also consider these points that are given below:

• The application procedure includes: 
• Submission of the completed application form by the specified due date.
• An entrance examination.
• A personal interview or viva-voce, in which candidates will speak regarding their area of research interests.
• Depending on the category, the candidates might be required to appear in a UGC NET/CSIR NET-based test or an institutional entrance test.

Fees

The fees of ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education Part-Time PhD vary from state to state. This institute has been established in different states. The candidates can also visit the official website of the institute to check the fees. However, the fees for a Part-Time PhD program are mentioned below for reference.

College/Institute	Program	Duration	Total Fee Range (INR)(Approx)	Fee Components
ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad	PhD (Full/Part-time)	3-4 years	3,20,000 - 4,80,000	Tuition + One-time Admission fee
ICFAI University, Dehradun	PhD (Full/Part-time)	Varies	Semester-wise fees (approx.) 10,000 - 40,000 per semester	Semester fees + Caution deposit + Convocation fees
ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad	PhD (Full-time)	3-4 years	Fellowship/Stipend programs available	Fellowship for full-time only; stipends per month

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a Part-Time PhD at ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, you must know the eligibility criteria. The university has set some admission requirements that are provided below:

• A candidate should have completed either a 1-year/2-semester master's degree after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor's degree or a 2-year/4-semester master's degree after a 3-year bachelor's degree or a qualification deemed equivalent to the master's by a statutory regulatory body with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade. 
• Alternatively, a recognized university M.Phil. degree with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade is also viable. A candidate attaining 75% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade needs to have obtained a 4-year/8-semester bachelor's/honours degree. 
• A final year master's candidate can apply, provided they fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria after their final results.
•  For a candidate with other national/international degrees, eligibility will be decided by an equivalence committee.
•  A part-time PhD candidate will need to produce a 'No Objection Certificate' from their employer confirming that their employer is aware of them enrolling and is giving sufficient time to PhD coursework and research.

In order to obtain admission into an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), applicants must have an undergraduate degree, from a recognised university in any discipline, and typically with a minimum of 50% marks. In situations, a postgraduate qualification in management, commerce, economics, and disciplines may be preferred, with a minimum mark of 55%. Candidates must have completed their studies in English or, if studied in a different language, provide evidence of English language proficiency, by presenting the results of an approved English language test; for work experience, either personal experience or professional experience in some executive tracks may be a requirement. Admission will most times be based on merit, taking into account previous academic history, and at times, an entrance test or personal interview may also be required.

Another key benefit is that it provides opportunities for professionals to make research relevant to practical challenges in the workplace. This relevance increases the applicability and value of research findings to the individual's professional credibility, as well as potential innovation in their field. Organizations want employees to be backed with such specialized knowledge and often provide resources and opportunities for further education. 

In addition, online DBA programs support lifelong learning and development, where individuals can expand their intellectual horizons while still experiencing practical work experience. A part-time PhD also opens up networks of other learning and professional engagement, which can prolong individual benefit and achievement. Overall, Doctor of Business Administration  can do a number of things: give working professionals the opportunity to advance their education and knowledge, continue to work in relatively stable jobs or form of income, gain an opportunity to apply research in their workplace, as well as, provide some balance regarding work and life obligations, which may suit a professional oriented individual striving toward an academic goal.

An Alternative Option for Part-Time PhD

An Online DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is a terminal professional degree in business administration that is delivered through online platforms, designed for experienced professionals who wish to apply advanced business research and leadership skills to solve real-world business challenges while continuing their jobs or managing their personal commitments.

An Online DBA provides high-level training in business theory, applied research, strategic leadership, and organizational development, usually emphasizing the practical application of knowledge rather than purely academic research. The programs are structured to be flexible and often allow students to study at their own pace, accommodating working professionals with coursework and remote access.

Here is the list of the Universities that are offering this course, mentioned below for reference:

University	Program	Fees (INR)
Birchwood Online University Online DBA Program	DBA Online	₹6,00,000
Golden Gate University Online DBA Program	DBA Online	₹8,14,000
Rushford Business School Online DBA Program	DBA Online	₹8,12,500
ESGCI International School of Management Paris Online DBA Program	DBA Online	₹8,14,000
EIMT Online DBA Program	DBA Online	₹5,50,000
Swiss School of Business Management Online DBA Program	DBA Online	₹7,50,000
Edgewood College Online DBA Program	DBA Online	₹7,00,000

What are the Benefits of An Online DBA(Doctor of Business Administration)?

An Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offers a wealth of advantages for working professionals and aspiring senior leaders. Below are key benefits of pursuing an Online DBA, structured as detailed pointers for clarity and depth.

Benefits of an Online DBA

Career Advancement: DBA graduates often qualify for high-level leadership roles (such as CEO, COO, and CFO), as the degree signals advanced expertise, strategic vision, and professionalism that set candidates apart.

• Flexible Learning: Online DBA programs are intended for busy professionals. Through asynchronous classes, self-paced study, and distance learning, students have the flexibility they need to manage all aspects of their life - work, study and personal life. 
• Enhanced Business Knowledge: The curriculum provides in-depth studies of finance, marketing, strategy, digital transformation and more. This rich curriculum generates advanced theoretical frameworks and practical tools to solve sophisticated business problems. 
• Developing Research Skills: Participants in DBA programs engage in applied research which requires them to study real-world organizational problems, allowing them to immediately address issues through solutions implementation at their company.
• Cost Effectiveness: Studying in an online format cuts out the cost of commuting, and/or relocating and eliminates the cost of physical objects/materials. This adds up to a difference, and an effective way to obtain advanced education. 
• Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Programs require critical thinking, analytical skills, and leadership, as well as decision-making skills. As an outcome of a doctorate education process, graduates are prepared to lead change and organize organizational strategy. 
• Recognition:   A DBA from an accredited institution provides confidence in professional advancement and supporting implications for academic credentials for teaching positions in universities or business schools.
• Networking:  Online DBA programs educate students and connect them with faculty, industry leaders and a network of professionals. Students benefit from exposure and connectivity to collaborative business leaders and practitioners from around the world. 
• Immediate Outcomes: Because they are engaged in applied research, DBA students can bring innovative, evidence-based and, in many cases, a solution to organizational problems- this is an immediate outcome of the study and much more than traditional research that can take years.

Career Opportunities After An Online DBA

A career following an Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) leads to a breadth of valuable high-impact possibilities available through industry, higher education, and consulting. Graduates of the DBA program are positioned to address organizational problems through evidence-based leadership, applied strategic perspectives, and applied research, which are some of the essential skills and competencies required to prosper in today's increasingly dynamic business environment.

Executive Management

Alumni will often move into positions at or near the C-suite level, for example Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), or Chief Information Officer (CIO). While in these positions alumni will develop and influence corporate strategy, advance innovative strategies, and lead organizational growth.

The Doctorate in Business Administration cultivates sophisticated levels of strategic thought, enabling alumni to be trusted individuals for high-stakes decision-making and transformational change.

Management Consulting

Many holders of the Doctorate in Business Administration become management consultants and/or advisors, leveraging their investigative process to assist organizations with complex problem solving, performance optimization, and change management. More titles include Strategy Consultant, Business Advisor, and Corporate Trainer, roles that put a premium on the use of analytical skills throughout the improvement process and data enabled decision-making.

Academics/Scholarly Life

At universities and business schools specifically, a greater number of opportunities arise for doctorate holders. Colleges and universities value the blend of theoretical and practical skills associated with providing scholars these opportunities.

Common academic titles include

 Professor, Research Director, Academic Consultant, and/or Adjunct Faculty. Both titles require expertise and background in mentoring, teaching, and/or influencing the next generation of leaders through research programs and collaboration.

Entrepreneurship/Corporate Training

The analytical skills taught, along with the leadership skills developed during the process, develop the opportunity to own one's own business, particularly in the fields of business academia or research-oriented organizations, advisory firms, or innovation companies.

Graduates can also become Executive Coaches or Learning Managers, shaping corporate culture and employee capabilities.