About the Programme
A collaboration between Bordeaux University School of Management and IIM Sambalpur, the Executive PhD & DBA Programme is India's pioneering dual-degree doctoral initiative. Designed for working professionals seeking advanced academic qualifications, it offers a pathway to a doctoral degree without disrupting their careers.
Built for individuals with significant work experience, the programme emphasises practical applicability and interdisciplinary approaches, delivering rigorous, world-class training across areas of business management and enabling research of international standard. Graduates are equipped to critically assess and influence organisational landscapes, whether transitioning into academia or research roles in the public or private sector.
Programme Details
- Spans a minimum of three years (36 months).
- Year 1 requires at least 8 core courses in the chosen research area, plus Epistemology and Methodology courses covering management research and qualitative/quantitative techniques.
- At the end of Year 1, students defend their research proposal to earn a Research in Management certificate; failure requires re-registration for an additional year.
- Years 2 and 3 focus on thesis writing and preliminary thesis presentations.
- Each student is assigned a Research Supervisor/Co-Supervisor from both institutions.
- A 3-day Academic Writing Workshop at Cambridge/Bordeaux/Dubai or another European partner institute.
- A mandatory two-week face-to-face module at the Bordeaux campus.
- Hybrid delivery, blending face-to-face sessions (at IIM Sambalpur, the Delhi Campus, and Bordeaux) with flexible learning.
- Admission is overseen by IIM Sambalpur per its minimum entry requirements; the Doctoral Committee may adjust core courses and contact-hour allocation.
- Instruction is predominantly by international faculty, not limited to Bordeaux Business School.
- Students are charged pro-rata for any additional years required to complete the programme.
- A minimum of three 3-day face-to-face classes take place exclusively at the Sambalpur or Delhi campus.
Programme Structure
ExPhD & DBA Admission 2025 is offered in the following area of specialization:
Areas of Specialization (2025 Admission)
- Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management
- Finance & Accounting Management
- Operations Management
- General Management, Policy & Economics
- Strategic Management
- Information System Management
- Marketing Management
First Year — Course Work (Theme: Principles of Business Research)
- Sustainability Finance & Financial Markets
- Financial Information, Accounting, Reporting and Control
- Corporate Governance
- Management of Business Models, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Strategy
- Intercultural & Project Management
- Human Resources and Organizational Behaviour
- International Business Economics
- Marketing and Commerce in an International Context
Epistemology and Methodology
- Introduction to Management Research
- Quantitative Methods Applied to Management Science (incl. R)
- Qualitative Methods Applied to Management Science (incl. Nvivo)
- Creating Research Output / Academic Writing & Publishing
- Case Writing
Second Year — Research Project and Writing (Theme: Practice in Business Research)
- Research Proposal
- Verification of Research Progress
- Preliminary Presentation of Thesis
Third Year — Thesis (Theme: Presentation of Thesis)
- Dissertation
- Oral Presentation
Admission & Eligibility
Eligibility
- Work Experience: Minimum 5 years in a professional setting, holding a postgraduate degree.
- Educational Background: A relevant Master's degree (MBA/3+2 years or equivalent) or a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution.
- Academic Record: A strong record — transcripts, GPA and relevant achievements/honours.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English (the language of instruction).
- Research Interest: A clearly articulated research topic within management or a related discipline.
- Statement of Purpose: Covering academic/professional background, research interests, career goals, and motivation.
An NOC/Consent Letter from the employer is required (or a self-employment declaration, if applicable).
Selection Process
- Academic Profile — graduation score/percentage.
- Personal Interview.
- Merit List based on resume and PI performance.
IIM Sambalpur strictly follows the Government of India's Reservation Policy.
Programme Fee (Proposed, 2026-29)
| Year I | Year II | Year III | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIMS Tuition Fee | ₹5,25,000 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹9,25,000 |
| Bordeaux Tuition Fee | €6,000 | €6,000 | €3,000 | €15,000 |
Candidates pay campus accommodation fees separately when staying at the IIMS campus, plus a one-time refundable caution deposit of ₹25,000 with the first-semester fees.
Award of Degree
Participants who complete all conditions to the Academic Council's satisfaction are awarded the degree of Executive PhD, IIM Sambalpur & DBA, IAE Bordeaux University School of Management.
Admission disputes fall under the jurisdiction of courts in Sambalpur.
How To Apply
Application Fee
₹1,000 (non-refundable) + 18% GST = ₹1,180 total. Upload the payment receipt with your application and other required documents on the admissions portal.
Important Dates
Last date for submission of the Online Application form: 31 July 2026.
Fee Structure
Proposed Fee Structure 2026-29
| Year I | Year II | Year III | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIMS Tuition Fee | ₹5,25,000 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 | ₹9,25,000 |
| Bordeaux Tuition Fee | €6,000 | €6,000 | €3,000 | €15,000 |
Campus accommodation fees are additional and paid separately during stays at the IIMS campus. A one-time refundable caution deposit of ₹25,000 is payable with the first-semester fees. Students are charged pro-rata for any extra time needed beyond the standard three years.
Career / Outcomes
Outcomes
Senior leadership, consulting, research and academic careers, backed by a dual Executive PhD (IIM Sambalpur) and DBA (IAE Bordeaux University School of Management) qualification, across specializations in OB & HR, Finance & Accounting, Operations, General Management/Policy/Economics, Strategic Management, Information Systems and Marketing.
FAQ & Contact
Contact Information
Phone: +91 9903471420
Email: exephd-dba[at]iimsambalpur[dot]ac[dot]in, padmavathy[at]iimsambalpur[dot]ac[dot]in
Address: IIM Sambalpur, Goshala, Basantpur, Odisha 768025
www.iimsambalpur.ac.in