Fellow Programme in Management
Fellow Programme in Management Syllabus 2026
The Fellow Programme in Management (Fellow Programme in Management) syllabus covers a structured programme spanning 5 Years designed to build both foundational knowledge and specialised expertise. Below is the detailed semester-wise subject breakdown and programme structure.
Fellow Programme in Management Semester-wise Subjects
FPM Syllabus & Subjects
The FPM curriculum combines rigorous research methodology training with deep domain specialisation. Scholars complete approximately 30-40 credits of coursework in the first two years before dedicating the remaining years to original thesis research.
Foundation Courses (Common Across All Areas)
| Course Category | Key Subjects |
|---|---|
| Research Methodology | Philosophy of Science, Research Design, Qualitative Methods, Mixed Methods, Survey Design |
| Quantitative Methods | Advanced Statistics, Econometrics, Multivariate Analysis, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), Panel Data Analysis |
| Statistical Tools | R Programming, Python for Research, Stata, SPSS, AMOS, LISREL, NVivo |
| Academic Skills | Academic Writing, Literature Review Methods, Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analysis, Publication Ethics |
Specialisation Areas & Doctoral Seminars
| Research Area | XLRI | SPJIMR | Sample Doctoral Seminars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | ✓ | ✓ | Consumer Behaviour Theory, Experimental Design, Digital Marketing Analytics |
| Finance & Accounting | ✓ | ✓ | Asset Pricing, Corporate Governance, Behavioural Finance, Financial Econometrics |
| OB & HRM | ✓ | ✓ | Micro-OB Theory, Leadership Research, Psychometrics, HR Analytics |
| Strategy | ✓ | ✓ | Competitive Dynamics, Institutional Theory, Innovation Strategy |
| Operations & Supply Chain | ✓ | ✓ | Optimisation Models, Stochastic Processes, Supply Chain Analytics |
| Information Systems | ✓ | ✓ | IS Strategy, Technology Adoption, Platform Economics, AI in Business |
| Economics | ✓ | - | Microeconomic Theory, Game Theory, Development Economics |
| General Management | ✓ | - | Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship, Corporate Law, Communication |
SPJIMR FPM Coursework Structure
SPJIMR's FPM requires 39 credits of coursework delivered through seminar-style classes. Faculty curate classic and contemporary research papers for critique and analysis. Scholars write term papers exploring topics of interest, building toward their thesis research. The coursework phase culminates in the Comprehensive Qualifying Examination (CQE).
Fellow Programme in Management Programme Structure & Credit Distribution
FPM Year-Wise Programme Structure
FPM follows a structured two-phase model: intensive coursework in years 1-2 followed by independent thesis research in years 3-5. The programme develops scholars from consumers of knowledge to creators of knowledge.
| Phase / Year | Focus | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Foundations | Research Methods & Core Management | Foundation courses in research methodology, statistics, econometrics. Selected PGP-level core courses as recommended by area faculty. Introduction to chosen specialisation area. |
| Year 2 - Specialisation | Doctoral Seminars & CQE | Advanced doctoral seminars in chosen area. PGP elective courses aligned with research interest. Independent study projects and term papers. Comprehensive Qualifying Examination (CQE) at year-end. |
| Year 3 - Proposal | Guide Allocation & Research Design | Thesis supervisor allocation. Literature review and research gap identification. Research proposal development and defence. Pilot studies and data collection planning. |
| Year 4 - Thesis Research | Data Collection & Analysis | Primary/secondary data collection. Statistical analysis and interpretation. Draft thesis chapters. Conference paper presentations. Journal article submissions. |
| Year 5 (if needed) | Thesis Completion & Defence | Final thesis writing and revision. External review process. Viva voce (oral defence) with internal and external examiners. Degree conferment. |
Research Output Expectations
- Doctoral Thesis: Original contribution to management knowledge in chosen area, typically 200-400 pages
- Journal Publications: Most programmes expect 1-3 papers in peer-reviewed journals (ABDC/ABS-ranked) before or shortly after graduation
- Conference Presentations: Presentations at national/international conferences (AOM, AMA, INFORMS, SMS, IIMA Research Conference)
- Teaching Assistantship: Scholars assist faculty in PGP/MBA courses, developing pedagogy skills for future academic careers
Maximum Duration
XLRI allows a maximum of 7 years to complete the FPM. SPJIMR expects completion in 4-5 years. IIMs generally permit up to 6-7 years. Scholars who do not pass the CQE within the stipulated period may be asked to exit the programme.
Skills Developed in Fellow Programme in Management
Skills Required & Acquired in FPM
Skills Required for FPM Admission
Strong mathematical and statistical aptitude, demonstrated through CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE scores. Ability to think logically about complex problems and interpret data.
Genuine interest in understanding "why" behind management phenomena. Willingness to read extensively and question existing theories and assumptions.
Ability to articulate ideas clearly in academic writing. Strong SOP, research proposals, and term papers are critical at every stage of FPM.
Commitment to a 4-5 year full-time programme with extended periods of independent research. Ability to work without external deadlines during thesis phase.
Skills Acquired During FPM
Expertise in quantitative methods (econometrics, SEM, panel data), qualitative methods (case study, ethnography, grounded theory), and mixed-methods research design.
Proficiency in R, Python, Stata, SPSS, AMOS, LISREL, NVivo, and domain-specific tools (Bloomberg Terminal, CMIE Prowess, WRDS).
Ability to write and publish in ABDC/ABS-ranked journals. Skills in peer review, responding to reviewer comments, and navigating the publication process.
Developed through teaching assistantship for PGP/MBA courses. Case teaching method, course design, student evaluation, and classroom management.
Deep specialisation in chosen area (Marketing, Finance, OB, Strategy, Operations, IS, Economics) backed by 3+ years of focused research.
Research proposal development, grant applications, conference submissions, and managing multi-year independent research projects with milestones.