DOCTORAL PROGRAM
Ph.D (Part-Time)
Overview:
The program is intended to prepare participants for research and teaching positions both within and outside academia. Our doctoral scholars are expected to be specialists in their respective fields and capable of generating new knowledge and be the great new thinkers for our world.
The scholars are expected to develop a deep understanding in the areas of research selected by them. They also get a structured exposure to a range of topics, develop various professional skills, and participate in academic and other activities.
Eligibility:
Candidates need to satisfy the following criteria to be considered eligible for doctoral studies in select schools at XIM University, Bhubaneswar as indicated below. For information about schools please visit the XIM University, Bhubaneswar homepage www.xim.edu.in. Candidates not meeting the eligibility criteria of a particular school need not apply to the school.
PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES HAVING A BACHELOR’S DEGREE AS THE HIGHEST DEGREE:
Candidates seeking admission to a school under XIM University after a minimum of 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree (e.g. B.E / B.Tech / B.Sc-Agriculture & Allied Sciences / B.Arch / B.Plan) should have a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10 or equivalent.
PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES HAVING A MASTER’S OR EQUIVALENT DEGREE:
Candidates seeking admission after a Master’s or an equivalent degree need to meet the school-specific requirements as in the table below
| School | Necessary Qualification for Doctoral Studies |
|---|---|
|
Xavier Institute of Management |
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Human Resource Management |
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Rural Management |
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Sustainability |
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Human Settlements |
For Ph.D-Urban Management and Governance and Ph.D-Planning:
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Governance and Public Affairs |
Master’s degree in Public Administration / Public Policy and Governance studies / Sociology / Psychology / Political Science / Economics / Management Studies with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Commerce |
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Economics |
Master’s degree in Economics / Statistics with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Communications |
Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism / Visual Communication / Communication / Electronic Media / New media / Fine Arts / Advertising and Public Relations / Broadcast Communication / Film Studies / English language and literature, OR a professional Degree in the stream of communication declared equivalent by the corresponding statuary regulatory body with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
|
School of Computer Science and engineering |
M.Tech / M.E in relevant discipline / MCA / M.Sc / MS in Computer Science or Mathematics or Statistics or equivalent / MBA with B.Tech in the relevant discipline. Minimum requirement is 55% of marks in aggregate in the Master’s level from a recognized University. |
|
Xavier Law School |
L.L.M. Degree (regular mode) with at least 55% of marks in aggregate from a recognized University |
|
School of Liberal Arts – Department of Psychology (Ph. D. in Psychology) |
Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Psychology / Clinical Psychology with at least 55% of Marks in aggregate from a Recognized University |
For SC / ST categories a relaxation of 5% will be applicable on all schools tabled above. In case the score is available on a letter-grade system or grade-point system, the University expects a minimum equivalent of prescribed percentage of marks in aggregate as per the awarding University’s norms for conversion to a percentage.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
- Candidates with Employment: Must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on official letterhead signed by the competent authority clearly confirming: (1) Permission to pursue part-time Ph.D. studies, (2) Permission to devote sufficient time to research, and (3) Relief from duties to complete coursework when required.
- Candidates without Employment: Must submit a self-declaration stating they will not take up employment without prior approval. If employed later, an official NOC must be submitted within 30 days of joining to avoid cancellation of studentship.
How to Apply:
Applicants have to fill up the online application form separately for the Doctoral program(s) at: www.xim.edu.in. Upon successfully filling out the online application form and paying the application processing fee, the applicant will receive the confirmation by email.
Selection Process:
Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of their academic records and Statement of Purpose (SoP). The shortlisted candidates will be required to appear for XIM Research Aptitude Test (XRAT), followed by Research Presentation, and Personal Interview, the details of which will be communicated in due course. Details about XRAT is available separately on our website www.xim.edu.in/admission.
Candidates who have qualified UGC NET (Category-1: JRF) will be exempted from XRAT. However, they will take part in the other selection processes as listed above.
Candidates qualified in UGC-NET (Category-2: Assistant Professor and Category-3: Admission to Ph.D) may appear for XRAT (Conducted by XIM University). These candidates are required to take part in the other selection processes as listed above.
The coursework for the selected candidates is expected to commence tentatively from July 2027.
DURATION OF THE PROGRAM:
The doctoral program is for a minimum duration of three (3) years and a maximum duration of six (6) years following doctoral registration. Those who join after a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree will need to go through an initial pre-doctoral coursework that has been prescribed.
| Timeline | Milestone / Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Year 1 |
June/July |
University Registration & Program Admission |
|
June/July – May |
Pre-Doctoral Coursework (Mandatory for 4-Year/8-Semester Bachelor’s degree entrants) |
|
|
Year 1/2 |
June/July – May |
Doctoral Registration followed by Doctoral Coursework. |
|
End of Coursework |
Comprehensive Qualifying Examination |
|
|
Year 2 / 3+ |
Subsequent Years |
Thesis Phase (Includes): – Domain Review Seminar – Research Review Seminars (Optional) – Draft Proposal Seminar (Optional) – Thesis Proposal Seminar – Thesis Submission Seminar |
|
Final Year |
Completion Phase |
Thesis Submission & Open Thesis Defence |
* Only for those joining after a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree
ON CAMPUS REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates pursuing admission after completing a Master’s or an equivalent degree are required to attend all classes, exams, and other relevant academic events on campus for an expected duration of one year as part of the doctoral coursework.
Candidates pursuing admission after completing a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree are required to attend all classes, exams, and other relevant academic events on campus for an expected duration of two years (including pre-doctoral and doctoral coursework). In the first year, they will undergo the pre-doctoral coursework. Upon successful completion, they proceed to the doctoral coursework outlined above.
The actual duration of presence on campus for participating in the academic events during the coursework stages (pre-doctoral (if applicable) and doctoral) may vary across candidates based on the courses recommended and candidate backgrounds.
Candidates in the Thesis Phase (please refer to the Section: DOCTORAL PROGRAM STRUCTURE) are required on campus for at least 20 days each year (till completion of the thesis) to engage with the guide and appear for the mandatory examinations/seminars.
Doctoral Program Structure:
PRE-DOCTORAL COURSEWORK:
Candidates joining after a minimum of 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree will be required to attend the pre-doctoral coursework that is prescribed by the Research Committee of the school, for an expected duration of one year.
DOCTORAL COURSEWORK:
The purpose of doctoral coursework is to expose PhD students to the basic curriculum of the field of study and a variety of pedagogical approaches followed in academics and teaching. The doctoral coursework spans one year. The credit requirement ranges from 12 to 18 credits, determined by the total number of courses the PhD student completes.
COMPREHENSIVE QUALIFYING EXAMINATION:
The Comprehensive qualifying examination will be conducted after the successful completion of the doctoral coursework. After successful completion of the comprehensive qualifying examination, the student will be allowed to proceed to the Thesis Phase.
THESIS PHASE:
This phase will involve working on the thesis proposal till the final submission of the thesis. The scholar is conferred the title as given below on successful completion of all the requirements of the thesis.
| School | Title of Conferment |
|---|---|
|
Xavier Institute of Management |
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management |
|
School of Human Resource Management |
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management. |
|
School of Rural Management |
Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Management |
|
School of Sustainability |
Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Studies |
|
School of Human Settlements |
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Management and Governance |
|
Doctor of Philosophy in Planning |
|
|
School of Governance and Public Affairs |
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy |
|
School of Commerce |
Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce |
|
School of Economics |
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics |
|
School of Communications |
Doctor of Philosophy in Communications |
|
School of Computer Science & Engineering |
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science & Engineering |
|
Xavier Law School |
Doctor of Philosophy in Law |
|
School of Liberal Arts – Department of Psychology (Ph. D. in Psychology) |
Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Psychology / Clinical Psychology with at least 55% of Marks in aggregate from a Recognized University |
Any extension of time beyond the expected completion duration as noted above will be based on the review of the progress status of the scholars in concern. Students failing to comply with the program requirements will be de-registered. A student has to meet all the requirements of the Doctoral Program according to the prescribed standards and no exemption will be granted for any reason whatsoever.
Program Fee:
| Name of the Program | Fee Details | (Figure in INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Ph.D Part-Time |
Program Fee (To be paid each year) |
1,00,000 / Year |
|
Refundable Deposits (One-Time) |
8,000 |
Facilities to Scholars:
The students staying on campus will be provided with accommodation. The residential expenses will have to be paid by the students separately as per the prevalent rate, and mess expenses as per actual.
Ph.D Activity Dates 2027
| SL No. | Activity | Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Last date for On-line Application |
February 28, 2027 |
|
2. |
Conducting XRAT (Research Aptitude Test of XIM University, Bhubaneswar) |
April 2027 (Tentatively) |
|
3. |
Presentation, and Admission Interviews |
April 2027 (Tentatively) |
|
4. |
Declaration of Admission Results |
May 2027 (Tentatively) |
|
5. |
Issuance of admission letter to selected candidates |
May 2027 (Tentatively) |
|
6. |
Student Admission & Mentorship Program
(Academic Program calendar starts immediately following this) |
July 2027 (Tentatively) |
ABOUT XRAT
XRAT is the Research Aptitude Test conducted by XIM University, Bhubaneswar as a part of the Ph.D admission process. The XIM Research Aptitude Test (XRAT) evaluates foundational skills essential for academic research: writing ability, verbal ability and comprehension, logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude and basic knowledge in the domain of research.
Indicative Areas of Research
At the time of applying for admission, candidates are required to choose their School. They should also indicate their preferred area of research from the list provided below; this will however be formalized by the end of the doctoral coursework.
Xavier Institute of Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Information Systems
- Operations Management and Decision Science
- Economics
- Marketing
- Strategy and General Management
School of Human Resource Management
- Human Resource Management
- Organizational Behaviour
- Industrial Relations and Labour Laws
- Organizational Structure
School of Rural Management
- Agribusiness
- Development Management
- Inclusive Finance
- Rural Marketing
- Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG
- HR Issues in Development
- Micro-Finance
School of Sustainability
- Climate Change and Natural Resources Management
- Policies, Laws, and Governance
- Sustainable Energy
- Human Development
- Sustainability Entrepreneurship and innovation
School of Human Settlements
Urban Management and Governance
- Citizen Engagement and Inclusion
- Climate Resilience and Disaster Management
- E-Governance and Smart Systems
- Economic Development and Livelihoods Promotion
- Green Infrastructure and Sustainability Transitions
- Infrastructure and Urban/ Municipal Finance
- Urban Policy and Governance
- Urban Renewal and Heritage Management
- Urban Systems Management (Housing, Transportation, WASH, SWM, others)
Planning
- Climate Resilience and Sustainability
- Environmental planning
- Equity and Inclusion
- Housing and Real estate
- Infrastructure Planning (WASH, SWM, Green Infrastructure)
- Public and Open Space Planning
- Transportation and Mobility Planning
School of Governance and Public Affairs
- International Institutions and Global Development
- Public Leadership
- Public Policy and Business
- Public System Management
School of Commerce
- A&F: Challenges and scope of carbon trading in India
- A&F: Fintech and Financial Inclusion
- HRM/OB: AI and HRM Practices
- Marketing: Marketing Communication in Virtual Platforms
- A&F: Digital Inclusion and Accounting
- A&F: Sustainable Finance/Green Finance and firm performance
- HRM/OB: Sustainable HRM/Green HRM
- Marketing: Omni-channel marketing strategy in the digital platform era
SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
- Development Economics
- Financial Economics
- Monetary policy and Banking
- Economics of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
- International Economics
School of Communications
- Advertising, Public Relation and Corporate Communication
- Development Communication
- Journalism and Communication Studies
- Audio-Visual Communication
- Information and Communication Technology for Media
- Social Media and Mediated Communication
School of Computer Science & Engineering
- Applied Mathematics and Computing
- Blockchain and Network Security
- Internet of Things, Wireless Sensor Networks and Embedded system
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- High Performance Computing
Xavier Law School
- Constitution and Administrative Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Legal Theory and Jurisprudence
- Criminal Law and Criminology
- Labour and Employment Laws
- Trade and Business Laws including competition law and arbitration
School of Liberal Arts – Dept. of Psychology
- Psychology / Related Area
Contact US:
All Doctoral Program admission-related queries may be addressed to:
- 0674 – 6647 766/ 806/ 807 (During office hours:- 8:30am -12:30pm & 1:30pm - 5:00pm on Weekdays)