The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has introduced a Part-Time PhD program in Management, with an emphasis on producing high-quality research across a range of business sectors such as Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Operations, Supply Chain Management, IT Application Management, and Global Trade Operations. The program targets practitioners and research scholars, many of whom work in academic institutions, government, or business.

The Part-Time PhD program is a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, which includes coursework and research. The coursework typically lasts two semesters and is usually offered on weekends to accommodate working professionals. The research side of the program is rigorous, requiring students to demonstrate their ability to employ strong research methodologies, engage in critical analysis, and communicate their research findings. The program promotes independent scientific research and knowledge creation.

Admission into the Part-Time PhD program involves an entrance exam for IIFT, followed by an interview round. To be eligible, candidates must possess a postgraduate degree from a recognized university. IIFT has its campuses in New Delhi and Kolkata, where students will pursue their PhD coursework. The institute is connected, autonomous, and has a strong international business education and research focus. Overall, IIFT’s Part-Time PhD program offers the opportunity for you to progress your research skills with flexibility and rigour, while maintaining other professional commitments.

However, the candidates can also pursue an Online DBA(Doctor of Business Administration). This program is equivalent to a PhD, and the learner will get the Dr. title after the completion of an online DBA. This course is not available in India, but there are numerous renowned foreign universities that offer DBA, and one of the best parts is that Indian students can take the online classes without moving to another country. The duration of this course is a minimum of three years, and the universities assign a mentor to the students who guides them during the course.