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Executive PhD Eligibility & Duration
To be eligible for an executive PhD, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- A candidate must have a master's degree from a recognized university.
- Substantial work experience of 5+ (can be more depending on the university).
However, it is more convenient to take admission to an online DBA doctorate; a student having a master’s degree can directly apply without the need for any work experience. Also, students with only a bachelor’s can apply, but with a bachelor’s degree, work experience would also be required.
Duration: An Executive PhD generally spans 4 years but can go up to a maximum of 6 years to complete. If a student pursues a DBA online, it is completed in only 3 years. And both are equally valued.
IIMs Offering Executive PhD Programs
- IIM Kozhikode- PhD (Part Time)
- IIM Ranchi—Executive PhD
- IIM Sambalpur- Executive PhD
- IIM Tiruchirappalli- Executive PhD
- IIM Mumbai- Executive PhD
- IIM Sirmaur- Executive PhD
- IIM Vishakhapatnam—Executive PhD (Exec-PhD)
- IIM Nagpur—PhD (Executive)
Other Types of PhDs
| Online Other Types of PhDs | ||
| Online DBA Doctorate | PhD Online | Part-Time PhD |
| PhD for Working Professionals | PhD Distance | Flexible PhD |
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FAQ's
Let's clear up some doubts
Yes, an Executive PhD is offered by top IIMs in India; degrees from IIMs are valid and respected.
Yes, but an executive PhD provides limited flexibility; you have to attend on-campus classes also. To have a balance with a job and PhD, you can pursue an online DBA doctorate, which is a more flexible option.
Yes, Most institutions give admission based on GATE, NET, etc. scores, but you can gain admission to an online DBA without any entrance exam and have equal value as a PhD.
An executive PhD spans 4 years and a maximum of 6. But you can pursue an online DBA doctorate, which can be completed in a maximum of 3 years.
Yes, Both the DBA and the executive PhD are equally recognized and allow you to add the 'Dr.' title to your name, but the DBA is more flexible and beneficial for growing your management career.
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