Fellow Programme in Management [FPM]

IPE Hyderabad's Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) is an AICTE-approved, full-time doctoral research program designed to develop management scholars and researchers with expertise in advanced management research, policy analysis, and organizational studies. The program spans 3-4 years with a fellowship stipend of Rs 50,000 per month for Years 1-2 and Rs 60,000 per month for Years 3-4, plus Rs 25,000 contingency per year. The program accepts candidates with strong academic backgrounds and research aptitude. The course is offered in full-time on-campus mode and is highly popular for its research-focused curriculum, strong faculty mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to management scholarship and policy research.

Admissions for FPM 2026 (2nd Batch) are currently open. The last date to apply is March 31, 2026. The program follows a rolling admission process with applications reviewed on a continuous basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews and research proposal presentations. The program typically commences in July/August each year. Candidates are encouraged to apply early as seats are limited and admission is highly competitive based on academic merit and research potential.

Key Points:

• Full-time doctoral research program with comprehensive fellowship support covering living expenses and research contingency
• Rigorous research methodology training combined with advanced management theory and specialized domain expertise
• Mentorship from experienced faculty with strong research credentials and publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, library resources, and international academic databases
• Opportunities for international collaboration through MOUs with 28+ international institutes and research partnerships
• Flexibility to pursue research in diverse management domains including finance, marketing, HR, operations, economics, and public policy
• Strong emphasis on policy-relevant research contributing to government, corporate, and social sector organizations

IPE FPM Fees

The FPM program at IPE Hyderabad is a fully-funded doctoral program with no tuition fees charged to students. Instead, students receive a monthly fellowship stipend to support their living expenses and research activities. The fellowship structure is designed to enable full-time focus on research without financial burden. In the first two years, fellows receive Rs 50,000 per month, which increases to Rs 60,000 per month in Years 3-4. Additionally, each fellow receives Rs 25,000 per year as contingency funds for research-related expenses such as data collection, travel for conferences, and research materials.

Fellowship Structure

• The fellowship is provided to all admitted fellows and covers living expenses and research costs.
• No tuition fees are charged.
• The contingency amount is provided annually for research-related expenses.
• Additional support may be available for conference presentations and international research collaborations.
• The fellowship is subject to satisfactory academic progress and adherence to program requirements.

IPE FPM Admission 2026

IPE Hyderabad follows a merit-based admission process for its FPM program. The selection is based on academic excellence, research aptitude, performance in entrance exams (CAT/XAT/GMAT/CMAT/MAT/ATMA or equivalent), and the quality of the research proposal submitted by the candidate. The institute seeks candidates with strong analytical abilities, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to advancing management knowledge through rigorous research. The admission process includes evaluation of academic credentials, entrance exam scores, research proposal quality, and personal interview performance.

Important Dates

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor's degree with minimum 60% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university
• Valid scores from CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, or any other entrance exam approved by AICTE
• Strong academic record with demonstrated research interest and analytical capabilities
• Submission of a research proposal (2-3 pages) outlining the proposed research area and research questions

Admission Process

• Submit completed application form with all required documents including academic transcripts and entrance exam scores
• Submit a research proposal outlining the proposed research area, research questions, and methodology
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for personal interview and research proposal presentation
• Interview will assess research aptitude, communication skills, and commitment to doctoral research
• Final admission offers will be announced based on overall evaluation of academic credentials, entrance exam scores, research proposal quality, and interview performance

Research and Academics:

The FPM program at IPE Hyderabad is designed as a rigorous doctoral research program with strong emphasis on original research contribution to management scholarship. The program combines advanced coursework in research methodology, management theory, and specialized domains with independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Fellows work closely with faculty advisors to develop and execute their research projects. The program encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry and government organizations for policy-relevant research.

Program Structure

The program emphasizes publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international conferences. Fellows are expected to contribute to the advancement of management knowledge through original research addressing contemporary management challenges and policy issues.

IPE FPM Scholarships 2026

The FPM program provides comprehensive financial support to all admitted fellows through monthly fellowship stipends and annual research contingency funds. No tuition fees are charged, making the program fully accessible to meritorious candidates. The fellowship structure is designed to enable fellows to focus entirely on their research without financial constraints. Additional support may be available for conference presentations, international research collaborations, and publication costs.

Financial Support Details

• All admitted fellows receive the fellowship.
• No tuition fees are charged.
• The fellowship is subject to satisfactory academic progress.
• Additional support may be available based on research requirements and institutional resources.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, IPE Hyderabad ranks 145 out of 370 colleges in India for its FPM program.

• 22 out of 200 under Outlook Management Ranking 2026.
• 92 out of 122 under IIRF Management Ranking 2025.
• 13 out of 100 under The Times Of India Management Ranking 2025.
• 46 out of 275 under India Today Management Ranking 2024.
• 42 out of 235 under The Week Management Ranking 2024.

Read more on IPE Hyderabad Rankings here

IPE FPM FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between FPM and regular MBA/PGDM programs?

Ans. FPM is a doctoral research program focused on developing management scholars and researchers, while MBA/PGDM programs are master's level programs focused on management practice and professional development. FPM requires original research contribution and dissertation submission, whereas PGDM focuses on coursework and professional skills. FPM is ideal for candidates interested in academic careers, research, and policy analysis, while PGDM is suited for those seeking corporate management roles.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing FPM?

Ans. FPM graduates can pursue careers as management researchers, academics in business schools and universities, policy analysts in government and think tanks, research consultants, and senior management positions in organizations valuing research expertise. Many FPM graduates join academic institutions as faculty members, conduct research for government agencies and international organizations, or work as senior consultants in management consulting firms.

Ques. Is work experience required for FPM admission?

Ans. Work experience is not mandatory for FPM admission. However, candidates with relevant work experience may have an advantage in the selection process as it demonstrates practical understanding of management issues. Fresh graduates with strong academic records and research aptitude are equally welcome to apply.

Ques. How is the research topic selected in FPM?

Ans. Candidates propose their research topic in the application form. During the first year, fellows work with faculty advisors to refine their research questions, conduct literature review, and develop a detailed research proposal. The final research topic is finalized in consultation with the faculty advisor based on feasibility, relevance, and contribution to management knowledge.

Ques. Are there opportunities for international exposure in FPM?

Ans. Yes, IPE has MOUs with 28+ international institutes and encourages international research collaborations. Fellows may have opportunities to present their research at international conferences, collaborate with international researchers, and pursue research visits to partner institutions. The institute also facilitates publication of research in international peer-reviewed journals.

Ques. What support is provided for research and publication?

Ans. IPE provides comprehensive research support including access to research databases, library resources, research methodology training, and mentorship from experienced faculty. The annual research contingency fund supports research-related expenses. The institute also provides support for conference presentations and publication costs, helping fellows disseminate their research findings to the academic and professional community.