IIM Kashipur Syllabus / Curriculum

The program consists of three stages- 

• Coursework
• Comprehensive exam and Viva Voce
• Thesis Work

When enrolled in the programme, scholars will undertake coursework spanning six terms across two academic years, an important and integral part of the PhD learning experience. The courses within all nine areas of study have been designed with the help of qualified and experienced scholars. The courses will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of management research, universal research methods and theory, and discipline-specific research and theory.

In addition, the scaffolding contains advanced electives, an introduction to research in related areas to stimulate interdisciplinary work, and modules and workshops on academic writing and teaching training. While a general framework is offered, all areas of study may recommend courses that best suit their specific academic needs. A detailed breakdown of credits under this scaffolding is located below.

Modules	Minimum Credits (1 CREDIT = 25 HOURS)
Research Foundation and Methodology Courses	8 Credits
Foundation MBA Courses	3 Credits
PhD Area Core Courses	4 Credits
PhD Area Elective Courses	3 Credits
PhD Allied Area Courses	2 Credits
CIS and Independent Research Project	3 Credits
Teacher Training (second year summers)	1 Credits
TA ship (3rd and 4th year)	4 Credits
Total Credits	28 credits (Min Credits – 700 hours)

Research Methodology course 

The course framework allows students to choose advanced methodology courses that are relevant to their own interests in research. However, all course choices will require the approval of the Area Faculty PhD Coordinator. Certain foundational courses will be indicated as mandatory. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 8 credits in the Research Foundation and Methodology requirement, 7 credits in the first two years, followed by a 1-credit teaching course taken after completing the foundational courses. 

Table 1: Research Foundation and Methodology Courses (Compulsory)
Course Title	Credits	Term	Year
Philosophy of Management	1	1	1
Statistics for management research	0.5	1	1
Quantitative research methods	1	2	1
Qualitative research methods	1	2	1
Academic writing	0.5	3	1
Workshop on teacher training	1	Between years 2 and 3 (summer break)
Total Credits	5

Along with the mandatory courses articulated above, scholars may take the additional methodology courses offered in the first and second years, depending on their individual research interests. Scholars are required to complete at least 3 credits from the list of additional methodology courses and are encouraged to take no more than 5 credits.

Table 2 – Research Foundation and Methodology Courses (Elective)
Course Title	Credits	Term	Year
Mathematical methods for research	1	1	1
Probability theory	1	1	1
Foundation of Social Science research	1	1	1
Econometrics 1	1	3	1
Econometrics 2	1	4	2
Experimental and survey design	1	4	2
Advanced Multivariate Data Analysis	1	5	2
Advanced Qualitative research tools and techniques	1	5	2
Structural equation modelling	1	5	2
Minimum credits to be fulfilled -3

Qualifying CGPA

For scholars to remain in the programme, they must achieve a minimum CGPA of 6.5 out of 10 at the end of the first year (Term III) and at the end of the second year (Term VI). Scholars who receive a CGPA between 6.00 and 6.49 will be allowed to move to the next year, contingent on approval from the relevant authority, to repeat courses in which they did not achieve a CGPA of 6.5 or above. The PhD Office will inform scholars about which courses will be permitted to be repeated. However, scholars who receive a CGPA below 6.00 at either assessment will be deregistered from the programme, and any appeals or requests will not be considered.

Comprehensive Examination

On completing the coursework in the first two years, the individuals have to take up a comprehensive examination in their respective area of specialization. 

Thesis Submission

Upon qualifying the comprehensive examination, the scholars will begin working on the FPM dissertation with the assistance of the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). After the student completes the dissertation, it will be evaluated by a panel comprised of experts within and external to the Institute. After the evaluation is complete, the scholar will publicly defend the thesis before the panel of examiners.

Award of Title 

After completing all the requirements for the program, the scholars will be awarded the title of ‘Doctor of Philosophy’.