Doctoral Program Structure

The commitment to the Doctoral program is four years which includes an enriching research focused, output oriented course work. The scholars are expected to complete the program in four years and ensure that they complete the requirements of the program within this stipulated time.

However, the candidates who are unable to complete the program within the stipulated time may be allowed to continue in the program depending upon their progress. After completion of four years into the program an extension of two years may be granted subject to approval from the Doctoral Committee.

Areas of Specialization Offered

• Economics and Public Policy
• Finance and Control
• Information Systems and Analytics
• Marketing
• Operations and Quantitative Techniques
• Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources
• Strategy & Liberal Studies

Research Relevant Courses (76 Credits)

• Term-I: Foundation Courses (26 Credits)
• Term-II: Business Environment & Flexi Courses (18 Credits)
• Term-III: Intermediate Doctoral Courses (8 Credits)
• Term-IV: Advance Level Courses (8 Credits)
• Term-V: Seminar Courses (16 Credits)

Two research-oriented courses each worth 4 credit can be done from NPTEL, however, it is optional. The course needs to be approved by the doctoral committee.

The stages of the doctoral journey include coursework, comprehensive qualifying examinations, and thesis work. Scholars must submit quarterly progress reports to the Doctoral Office.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION :

• A Master’s Degree followed after a Bachelor’s Degree obtained in 10+2+3 pattern, or a 5-year Integrated Master’s Degree (obtained after completing higher secondary schooling in 10+2+5 pattern) in any discipline, with at least 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in the Bachelor’s and 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in the Master’s degrees (OR)
• A Master’s Degree followed after a Bachelor’s Degree (4 year/8 semesters Bachelor’s degree (10+2+4 pattern) with at least 6.5 CGPA or equivalent percentage marks. (OR)
• A professional qualification like CA, ICWA, CS with at least 55% marks in B. Com degree
• A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/Differently-Abled categories.
• In case of Grades / CGPA, the conversion to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the respective University/ Institution. If a University/Institution confirms that there is no scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA, and multiplying the result by 100.

The above qualification should be from any of the recognized Universities incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956; or, recognized by the Ministry of HRD/Ministry of Education, Government of India.

QUALIFYING EXAMINATION TEST SCORES:

• Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria and who have cleared the Common Admission Test (CAT) held by the IIMs in last 2 years from the date of application can apply.
• Candidates who have valid GATE, GRE, GMAT, UGC – NET (JRF and/ or Eligibility for Assistant Professorship and/ or Admission to Ph.D only), and CSIR UGC-NET (JRF and/ or Eligibility for Assistant Professorship and/ or Admission to Ph.D. only) examinations till February 2026 (or as per notification) can also apply in the relevant area of specialization
• Candidates who have already obtained a two-year PGDM from any of the IIMs with a CPGA equivalent to 60% or more are exempted from the above mentioned TEST SCORE eligibility requirement and can apply directly through the prescribed Application Form.
• Admission to the program is open to overseas candidates including NRIs and foreign nationals. Their admission will be based on valid GMAT/GMAT FOCUS/GRE scores including the other criteria as mentioned above.

For more details, visit the IIM Shillong Doctoral Program Structure page.

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