Overview

The Ph.D. in Management offered by the Crescent School of Business is a rigorous research programme designed to develop scholars, academicians, industry professionals, and aspiring researchers capable of contributing to the advancement of management knowledge and practice. The programme fosters original research in contemporary business and management domains while addressing emerging challenges faced by organizations, industries, and society.

Since introducing the doctoral programme in 2009, the School has established a vibrant research ecosystem that promotes interdisciplinary inquiry, industry relevance, and academic excellence. Research scholars benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty members, access to institutional resources, and opportunities to engage with contemporary management issues of national and global significance.

Currently, the CSB has 10 Recognised research Supervisors and 39 Research Scholars on roll.

23 scholars have graduated so far with Ph.D. Degree.

Admission Cycle

Admissions to the Ph.D. Programme are conducted twice every year:

• January Session
• July Session

Prospective candidates are encouraged to identify their research interests and interact with potential research supervisors before submitting their applications.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking admission to the Ph.D. Programme in Management shall possess any one of the following qualifications:

Educational Qualification

• A One-Year / Two-Semester Master’s Degree after a Four-Year / Eight-Semester Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade.
OR
• A Two-Year / Four-Semester Master’s Degree after a Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade.
OR
• An equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited and recognized by the appropriate statutory authority in its home country.

Discipline-Specific Qualification

Applicants should possess any one of the following qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Management Studies (MMS)
• Two-Year Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management/Administration or related specializations approved by AICTE
• Postgraduate qualification awarded by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
• Equivalent postgraduate qualification recognized by AICTE or other statutory bodies

Relaxation of Marks

A relaxation of 5% marks or equivalent grade may be granted to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories as per UGC and Institute regulations.

Modes of Registration

The Ph.D. Programme is offered under the following modes:

Full-Time Mode

Designed for candidates who can dedicate themselves exclusively to research activities on campus.

Part-Time Mode

Suitable for academicians, professionals, and industry practitioners who wish to pursue doctoral research while continuing their employment, subject to the regulations of the Institute.

Duration of the Programme

The duration of the programme shall be counted from the date of registration.

Minimum Duration

• Three (3) Years including coursework for Full-Time scholars.
• Four (4) Years for eligible Part-Time scholars, wherever applicable under the Institute regulations.

Maximum Duration

• Six (6) Years from the date of admission for all categories of scholars.
The duration includes successful completion of coursework, research work, publication requirements, thesis submission, and viva-voce examination.

Admission Process

Admission to the Ph.D. Programme shall be made through either of the following routes:

Category I: National-Level Fellowship/Eligibility Tests

Candidates who have qualified in any of the following examinations may be considered for admission through an interview process:

• UGC-NET
• Other equivalent national-level examinations recognized by the Institute

Category II: Institute Entrance Examination

Candidates who do not possess the above qualifications may apply through the Institute’s Entrance Examination.

Entrance Test Pattern

• 50% on Research Methodology
• 50% on Subject-Specific Knowledge in Management

Eligibility for Interview

Candidates securing 50% of marks in the Entrance Examination shall be eligible to appear for the Interview/Viva-Voce.

A relaxation of 5% marks in the entrance examination shall be applicable for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Differently-Abled, EWS, and other categories as prescribed by regulatory authorities.

Selection Criteria

For candidates admitted through the Institute Entrance Examination, the final merit shall be based on:

• Entrance Examination
• Interview

The Interview/Viva-Voce shall evaluate the candidate’s:

• Research aptitude
• Subject knowledge
• Clarity of research interests
• Potential for independent research
• Alignment with available research expertise within the School

Research Areas

The Crescent School of Business offers doctoral research opportunities in a wide range of management disciplines, including:

Finance

• Banking
• Behavioural Finance
• Finance
• Insurance
• Islamic Finance
• Microfinance

Marketing

• Brand Management
• Consumer Behaviour
• Marketing
• Marketing Research
• Retail Marketing and Management
• Social Media Marketing
• Digital Marketing

Human Resource Management (HRM)

• Emotional Intelligence
• Employee Engagement
• Human Resource Management
• Organizational Behaviour
• Organizational Climate
• Stress Management

Operations & Supply Chain Management

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Operations Management
• Export and Import Management

Information Technology & Business Analytics

• Information Security
• AI in Management

International Business

• International Business Management

The School also encourages interdisciplinary and emerging research areas that address contemporary business challenges and societal needs.

Research Environment

The Crescent School of Business provides a research-oriented academic environment that supports scholarly excellence through:

• Experienced doctoral supervisors
• Access to research databases and digital resources
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Industry-academia collaboration
• Research seminars and workshops
• Publication support and scholarly mentoring
• Opportunities for presenting research at conferences and academic forums

Why Pursue a Ph.D. at Crescent School of Business?

• Doctoral programme offered since 2009
• Strong research culture and academic ecosystem
• Guidance from 10 recognized research supervisors
• 23 Ph.D. degrees awarded so far
• 39 active research scholars
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary and industry-relevant research
• Alignment with UGC Regulations and national research standards
• Focus on producing impactful research with academic and societal relevance

The Ph.D. Programme at Crescent School of Business is designed to nurture future researchers, educators, consultants, and thought leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to the field of Management Sciences.