Choosing a full-time PhD or doctorate program becomes more difficult for a business professional. In response to this challenge, several universities have developed a PhD category specifically for working professionals. Practical expertise in the field of business administration is the main focus of this curriculum. This program category of "PhD for Working Professionals in Business Administration" is offered at different universities with a slight variation in the name. Also Read | What Is a Doctoral Degree?

In India, certain Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have launched the PhD programs in business administration for working professionals in a hybrid or blended style. The special features of these flexible programs PhD for working professionals include a more practical approach than their standard counterparts and a duration of three to five years. To be a part of this program at IIMs, you need to pass a university-specific entrance exam or receive a good score on either of the CAT, GRE, GMAT, or JRF (UGC-NET) exams. 

If you are keen to get a doctorate in business administration but are not confident about passing an entrance exam, you can go for the online version of this program. These online PhD in business administration are not offered in India but are available at accredited international universities. This category of online PhD is famous at foreign institutions by the name of Doctor of Business Administration or DBA.

These online DBA programs are completely valid in the global job market including India and make you add a “Dr.” title to your name just like a standard format of a PhD. Other than this, there will be a long list of benefits that you can avail by opting for an online DBA course. The number one on that list would be a direct admission process that does not require a high score on the GRE, GMAT, or any other entrance exam. Next in line is the alumni status of a foreign university that can be acquired at any age with this doctorate program. As the final outcome of this online DBA program, you will have access to some senior-level career opportunities in the global market.