AICTE Approved

Fellow Program in Management

Praxis Business School offers a program for industry professionals, academicians and postgraduates seeking to undertake rigorous, applied management research.

FPM AICTE Approved Fellowship
3–5 Years Flexible Duration
30 Credits To Candidacy
6 Areas Research Specializations
5 Days Campus Immersion
Why Praxis

Why Praxis for FPM?

Flexible, AICTE-Approved Program for Professionals

The FPM is a part-time doctoral-level program designed for industry professionals, academicians, and researchers. It is approved by AICTE and offers flexibility in duration (3–5 years) to accommodate working individuals.

Structured Curriculum and Research Focus

The program requires completion of 30 credits through coursework and seminars within 3 years, extendable by 1 year. It includes foundational modules such as Research Methodology, Managerial Statistics, General and stream-specific courses, followed by research and thesis phases.

Strong Research Ecosystem and Guidance

Participants are assigned one or two internal research guides and must undergo regular progress reviews. Research areas span Marketing, Finance, HR, Economics, Operations, and Data Science, supported by a diverse team of qualified faculty members.

Research Areas

Industry-Aligned Specializations

Choose a research stream aligned with contemporary business challenges and supported by experienced faculty guidance across management and data-led disciplines.

  • Marketing
  • OB & HR
  • Operations
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Data Science
FPM at Praxis Business School

FPM September 2026 | Applications Open

Batch September 2026 (Enrolling Now)
Location Kolkata, India
Approved AICTE
Research Guides

Faculty guidance across every specialization.

Fellows work with experienced faculty guides whose academic training and research interests support the candidate's chosen stream and thesis direction.

Dr. Prithwis Mukerjee

Dr. Prithwis Mukerjee

B.Tech (IIT KGP), M.S. & Ph.D. (University of Texas at Dallas)

Director |
Business Analytics
Dr. Subhasis Dasgupta

Dr. Subhasis Dasgupta

B.Tech (NIT), MBA (IBS), Ph.D. (RK University)

Associate Professor |
Business Analytics
Dr. Sourav Saha

Dr. Sourav Saha

B.Tech (CSE), PGDBA, Fellow (IIM Calcutta)

Professor |
Business Analytics
Dr. Arunava Dalal

Dr. Arunava Dalal

B.E. Mechanical, PGDM, Ph.D., UGC-NET

Assistant Professor | Marketing
Dr. Ridhi Agarwala

Dr. Ridhi Agarwala

PGDM (IIM Kozhikode), Ph.D. (IIM Calcutta)

Assistant Professor | Marketing
Dr. Abhijit Biswas

Dr. Abhijit Biswas

MBA, M.Com, CMA-USA, FRM, Ph.D.

Associate Professor |
Finance
Dr. Sweta Tiwari

Dr. Sweta Tiwari

MBA, FPM (IMI)

Assistant Professor | Finance
Dr. Sayantani Roy Choudhury

Dr. Sayantani Roy Choudhury

Ph.D., MPhil, M.Sc., PGDBA, UGC-NET

Associate Professor | Economics & Statistics
Dr. Kankana Mukhopadhyay

Dr. Kankana Mukhopadhyay

MCA, MBA & Ph.D. (IIEST Shibpur)

Professor |
Human Resources
Dr. Ratna Sinha

Dr. Ratna Sinha

MBA, Fellow XLRI

Assistant professor |
Human Resources
Eligibility

Who can apply to the FPM?

The programme is designed for experienced professionals, academicians and researchers with the academic preparation required for doctoral-level management research.

Candidate Profile 01

Industry Professionals

Industry professionals with significant experience and research interests.

Candidate Profile 02

Academicians or Researcher Professionals

Academicians or researcher professionals seeking to undertake structured management research.

Academic Qualifications

  • Master's degree with at least 55% marks.
  • Four-year Bachelor's degree such as B.Tech or Honours with Research with 75% marks.
  • Equivalent international degrees with AIU equivalence.
Curriculum

Thirty credits through coursework and seminars.

Candidates must complete 30 credits through coursework and seminars. Stream-specific courses and seminars are finalized based on recommendations by the candidate's Guide or Guides and the Research Advisory Committee, and approved by the Director.

A

Credit Requirement

Candidates must complete 30 credits through coursework and seminars.

B

Course and Seminar Details

Stream-specific courses and seminars are finalized based on recommendations by the candidate's Guide or Guides and the Research Advisory Committee, and approved by the Director.

C

Timeline for Credit Completion

Credits must be earned within three years from admission. An extension of up to one additional year may be approved, with progress review every six months.

Module Code Course Title Credits
Module 1FP01Research Methodology3
FP02Managerial Statistics3
FP03General Management3
FP04System Approach to Management3
Module 2FP05Three Stream-specific Courses (3 credits each)9
FP06Credit Seminar (General)3
Module 3FP07Credit Seminar (Specific)3
FP08Review Paper based on Thesis Topic Literature3
Total Credits30

Duration

Minimum3 Years
Maximum5 Years
ExtensionUpon Approval
Program Journey

From admission to thesis submission.

The journey progresses through coursework, qualifying examination, doctoral registration, research reviews and final thesis submission.

Year 1 · September

Admission into Doctoral Program

Year 1 · September–March

Module 1

FP01 to FP04.

Year 1 · April–September

Module 2

Three courses under FP05 and FP06.

Year 1 · October (Expected)

End of Coursework and Comprehensive Qualifying Examination

Year 2 · October

Doctoral Registration

Year 2 · October–March

Module 3

FP07 and FP08.

Years 2–5 · Continuous

Thesis Phase

Pre-submission seminar and research progress.

Final Year · Years 3–5

Thesis Submission

Note: A maximum extension of two years may be permitted at the Director's discretion.
Research and Evaluation

A structured process from registration to final viva-voce.

Every Fellow progresses through guide allocation, seminars, progress reviews, thesis evaluation and final oral defence.

01

Research Guides

Each Fellow is assigned one or two internal research guides.

02

Pre-registration Seminar

Pre-registration seminar followed by formal doctoral registration.

03

Progress Seminars

Regular research progress seminars are mandatory.

04

Minimum Research Period

Thesis submission is permitted after a minimum of two years post-registration.

05

Submission Sequence

Pre-Synopsis Seminar, followed by Synopsis and then Thesis submission.

06

External Evaluation

The thesis is evaluated by two external examiners, one Indian and one foreign.

07

Final Viva-Voce

The research journey concludes with the Final Viva-Voce Examination.

Fees and Award

Programme fee structure and the qualification awarded.

The total fee for the four-year Fellowship Program is structured as follows.

Programme Fee Structure

First and Second Years₹1,50,000 per year
Third and Fourth Years₹50,000 per year
Click Here to Pay the Fees
Award

Fellow in Management

Upon successful completion, Fellows are awarded the title “Fellow in Management”. The thesis title will appear on the certificate.

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Application Fee INR 1000/-

FPM application QR code
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the FPM.

Program Overview & Accreditation

What is the Fellowship Program in Management (FPM) at Praxis Business School?
The FPM is a part-time, doctoral-level program designed to nurture academic talent and leadership among emerging scholars, researchers, and industry professionals. It combines rigorous academic training with practical applicability.
Is the FPM program recognized by any official body? Is it equivalent to a PhD?
Yes, the FPM program is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). It is an officially recognized doctoral-level fellowship program in management.
Is this a full-time or part-time program?
It is a part-time doctoral program specifically structured for working professionals, academicians, and active researchers, allowing them to balance their existing career commitments while pursuing research.
Can I continue my job while studying, and what is the schedule?
Yes. The program is tailored for working professionals. Classes and coursework modules are scheduled flexibly, primarily on weekends or in modular block structures.
Is there a residency requirement?
While it is a part-time program, scholars are expected to visit the campus periodically for coursework modules, comprehensive examinations, research progress reviews, and pre-submission presentations.
What is the intake capacity for the FPM program?
Admission is highly selective, with a maximum intake of 10 candidates per year to ensure high-quality mentorship and faculty guidance.

Research Areas & Specializations

What research domains and specializations are offered?

Candidates can pursue specialized doctoral research in the following functional areas:

  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Human Resource / OB & HR
  • Data Science / Analytics
  • Economics
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management
Can I select a specific topic within these broad areas?
Yes. Stream-specific courses, seminars, and your precise thesis topic are finalized based on recommendations from your designated Research Guide and the Research Advisory Committee.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

Who is the ideal candidate for the FPM program?
The program is open to industry professionals with significant work experience and research interests, as well as faculty members, researchers, and academicians working in educational or research institutions.
What are the academic eligibility criteria?
  • Master’s Degree Holders: A Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with at least 55% marks after completing a bachelor’s degree.
  • 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree Holders: A 4-year Bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Tech, B.E., or 4-Year Honours with Research) with a minimum of 75% marks.
  • International Degrees: Accepted provided they carry official AIU (Association of Indian Universities) equivalence.
Can final-year Master’s students apply?
Typically, candidates must have completed their qualifying degree with all requisite mark sheets and certificates at the time of final admission in September.
Is there an upper age limit for applying?
No, there is no upper age limit. The program welcomes experienced mid-to-senior level professionals, executives, and veteran academicians.
How are candidates selected for the program?

The selection process involves three steps:

  • Shortlisting based on academic credentials and background.
  • Presentation of a 1,000-word Research Abstract / Proposal.
  • Personal Interview with the Doctoral Selection Committee.
What should the 1,000-word application abstract focus on? Is it final?
The abstract should outline your proposed research domain, background, objectives, and research interest. It is non-binding and serves to gauge your research intent; your actual thesis proposal can be refined with your Research Guide after formal admission.
What documents are required at the time of application?
  • Completed application form.
  • Self-attested copies of mark sheets and degree certificates (Graduation & Post-Graduation).
  • AIU equivalence certificate (if holding an international degree).
  • 1,000-word research abstract.
  • Relevant work experience / tenure certificates.

Program Duration, Credits & Curriculum Structure

What is the duration of the FPM program?
  • Minimum Duration: 3 years
  • Maximum Duration: 5 years
  • Extension: Up to a maximum 2-year extension, granted at the discretion of the Director.
How many credits are required, and what is the academic timeline?

Candidates must earn a total of 30 credits within 3 years of admission. The academic timeline is structured as follows:

  • Year 1 (Admission in September):
  • Module 1 (Coursework): Research Methodology, Managerial Statistics, General Management, and System Approach to Management (3 credits each).
  • Module 2 (Specialization): Three stream-specific elective courses and a general credit seminar.
  • Coursework completes by October of Year 1, followed by the Comprehensive Qualifying Examination.
  • Year 2:
  • Doctoral Registration: Formal registration in October after clearing the qualifying exam.
  • Module 3: Advanced credit seminar and a comprehensive literature review paper.
  • Years 2 to 5 (Thesis Phase):
  • Research work, progress seminars, pre-submission defense, thesis submission, and external evaluation.
What is the Comprehensive Qualifying Examination?
It is a mandatory examination conducted at the end of Year 1 coursework to evaluate the candidate's understanding of foundational and stream-specific methodologies before granting formal Doctoral Registration.

Fees, Financial Aid & Scholarships

What is the total fee structure for the FPM program?

The total program fee for 4 years is ₹4,00,000, payable in annual installments:

  • Year 1: ₹1,50,000
  • Year 2: ₹1,50,000
  • Year 3: ₹50,000
  • Year 4: ₹50,000
Are there any scholarships available?
Yes. Praxis alumni are eligible for a 50% scholarship on tuition fees.
Do scholars receive a monthly stipend or fellowship grant?
The part-time FPM is designed for working professionals who maintain their regular employment; hence, it does not offer a monthly stipend.
Are there fee implications if I need an extension beyond 4 years?
Yes. If research extends beyond Year 4 into the allowed extension window, a nominal annual re-registration fee (typically ₹50,000/year) applies.
Are external education loans available?
While specific FPM loans depend on bank discretion, Praxis maintains arrangements with partner banks (e.g., Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank) for institutional education loan processing assistance.

Mentorship, Evaluation & Degree Award

Will I be assigned a mentor or research guide?
Yes. Every admitted scholar is assigned 1 to 2 internal Research Guides based on their specialization area.
How is research progress monitored?
Regular progress seminars and review presentations before the Research Advisory Committee are mandatory during the thesis phase to keep scholars on track.
Who evaluates the final thesis?
The final thesis is evaluated by two independent external examiners—one Indian academic expert and one foreign academic expert—followed by a viva-voce defense.
Is there a mandatory plagiarism check for the thesis?
Yes. All thesis submissions must clear a mandatory similarity/plagiarism check (using standard tools like Turnitin) in strict compliance with AICTE standards.
What designation or title is awarded upon completion?
Upon successful thesis defense, candidates receive the doctoral title "Fellow in Management". The title of your doctoral thesis is explicitly listed on the final official certificate.
Can graduates use the title "Dr." after completing the program?
While the official title awarded by AICTE-approved management institutes is Fellow in Management (FPM), scholars completing doctoral-level programs conventionally use the doctoral prefix in professional and academic settings.

Facilities, Resources & Campus Life

What academic databases and library facilities are available?
Scholars receive access to digital databases, journals, and e-learning platforms, including J-Gate, EBSCO, ProQuest, Statista, DOAJ, and NDLI, along with physical access to over 1,700 campus library resources.
Is there a separate library or database fee?
No. Access to online databases, journals, and the physical library is included in the program fee structure.
Are laptop requirements applicable for FPM scholars?
Yes. Scholars must bring their own Wi-Fi–enabled 64-bit laptop (minimum 6 GB RAM recommended) for coursework, statistical computations, and software applications.
Are hostel facilities available for FPM scholars?
Since FPM is a flexible part-time program for working professionals, hostel accommodation is not included by default. However, short-term accommodation during campus visits can be requested through the campus administration based on availability.
Can candidates transfer doctoral credits from another institute?
Credit transfers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are strictly subject to approval by the FPM Committee in accordance with AICTE regulations.
What networking and career development opportunities does the program offer?
Scholars gain access to the broad Praxis Alumni Network, collaborative research possibilities with faculty, and opportunities to present research papers at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars.