Fellow Programme in Management [FPM]
About Fellow Programme in Management [FPM]
The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at LBSIM is a prestigious doctoral-level programme designed to develop high-quality researchers and teachers for academic institutions and business organizations. The programme spans 3-4 years for non-working scholars and up to 6 years for working professionals, with an annual intake of maximum 20 scholars. The total fees for non-working scholars is Rs 2,00,000 (Rs 60,000 per annum) while working scholars pay Rs 4,80,000 (Rs 1,20,000 per annum). The primary entrance requirement includes a valid CAT, GMAT, GRE, UGC-NET, or GATE score not older than three years. The programme is popular for its unique focus on action research methodology, scholar-centric approach, and substantial financial support for non-working scholars.
Admissions for FPM 2026 are currently ongoing with applications being accepted through the official LBSIM portal. The application deadline is typically in March 2026, with interviews conducted in hybrid mode from February to March 2026. Shortlisted candidates are required to appear for an in-house test followed by a panel interview. For the current admission season, candidates should check the official LBSIM website for the exact closing date and interview schedule.
Key Points
- Unique action research methodology rarely encouraged by other Indian institutes, allowing practitioners and consultants to conduct doctoral research from the field
- Scholar-centric and outcome-focused curriculum with flexible course selection guided by faculty advisors
- Optimization of digital technology for knowledge creation with multiple modes of learning suited to individual scholar requirements
- Interdisciplinary research focus with nine specialized areas including Business Ethics, Economics, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management
- Personalized education approach aligned with New Education Policy 2020 principles
LBSIM FPM Fees
The FPM programme offers differentiated fee structures for non-working and working scholars. Non-working scholars pay Rs 60,000 per annum while working scholars pay Rs 1,20,000 per annum (Rs 95,000 for LBSIM alumni). The fees can be paid in two instalments: 50% at admission and 50% in December. LBSIM provides exceptional financial support with non-working scholars receiving Rs 40,000 per month for the first two years and Rs 45,000 per month for years three and four, subject to satisfactory academic performance. Additionally, the institute reimburses up to Rs 50,000 for research-related activities and supports participation in up to two national conferences and one international conference.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Non-working Scholar | Working Scholar |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Annual) | Rs 60,000 | Rs 1,20,000 |
| Educational Resources | Waived | Rs 10,000 |
| Alumni Fees (One-time) | Rs 10,000 | Rs 10,000 |
| Total Annual Fees | Rs 70,000 | Rs 1,30,000 |
| Total Fees (4 years) | Rs 2,80,000 | Rs 5,20,000 |
- Fees can be paid in two instalments (50% at admission, 50% in December).
- Non-working scholars receive monthly stipend of Rs 40,000 (first 2 years) and Rs 45,000 (years 3-4).
- Working scholars do not receive stipend.
- Institute reimburses up to Rs 50,000 for research activities.
- Hostel facility available on payment basis.
- LBSIM alumni working scholars get reduced tuition fee of Rs 95,000 per annum.
LBSIM FPM Admission 2026
The FPM admission process at LBSIM is highly selective and research-focused, designed to identify scholars with strong academic credentials and genuine research interests. Candidates must have a Master's degree with first-class marks in any discipline and a valid entrance exam score. The selection is based on academic qualifications, research proposal quality, and personal interview performance. The institute conducts interviews in hybrid mode (online and offline) to accommodate candidates from across India.
Important Dates
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | December 2025 |
| Application Deadline | March 2026 |
| In-house Test | February-March 2026 |
| Panel Interview | February-March 2026 |
| Admission Offer | April 2026 |
| Programme Commencement | June 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Master's degree in any discipline with minimum 60% marks (first division) or equivalent CGPA recognized by AICTE/AIU
- Five-year integrated Master's degree with minimum 60% marks (first division)
- Maximum age of 40 years on the application closing date
Admission Process
- Online application submission through LBSIM portal with application fee of Rs 2,200
- Submission of research proposal (approximately 5,000 words) on area of research interest
- In-house test administered to shortlisted candidates
- Panel interview with faculty members and research experts
- Final selection based on academic qualifications, research proposal, and interview performance
- Provisional admission for final-year students with condition to submit degree by December 31
LBSIM FPM Scholarships 2026
LBSIM provides exceptional financial support for FPM scholars, particularly for non-working scholars pursuing full-time research. The institute's scholarship and financial aid structure is designed to enable talented researchers to pursue doctoral studies without financial constraints. Non-working scholars receive substantial monthly stipends, research grants, and conference participation support, making LBSIM one of the most financially supportive FPM programmes in India.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship/Support | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend (Years 1-2) | Rs 40,000 | Non-working scholars with satisfactory performance |
| Monthly Stipend (Years 3-4) | Rs 45,000 | Non-working scholars with satisfactory performance |
| Research Grant | Rs 50,000 (maximum) | For research-related activities and expenses |
| National Conference Support | Full support | Up to 2 conferences within India |
| International Conference Support | Substantial support | 1 conference outside India (post pre-submission seminar) |
| Alumni Discount | Rs 25,000 reduction | LBSIM alumni working scholars (annual tuition) |
- Stipend is paid for maximum 4 years subject to satisfactory quarterly academic performance.
- Research grant covers conference registrations, travel, and research materials.
- International conference support requires clearing pre-submission seminar and Research Advisory Committee approval.
- Hostel facility available on payment basis.
- Working scholars do not receive monthly stipend but can avail research grants and conference support.
LBSIM FPM Placement 2026
The FPM programme at LBSIM is designed to develop scholars for academic careers, research positions, and senior management roles in organizations. While FPM is primarily a research-focused doctoral programme rather than a placement-oriented course, LBSIM's strong industry connections and faculty network facilitate career progression for graduates. FPM scholars have pursued careers as faculty members at leading business schools, research consultants, and senior management professionals in multinational corporations and policy organizations.
Career Outcomes
| Career Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Positions | Faculty roles at leading B-schools and universities |
| Research Consultancy | Senior research positions in consulting firms |
| Corporate Leadership | Senior management and strategy roles in organizations |
| Policy Research | Positions in government and policy research organizations |
| Entrepreneurship | Founding research-based ventures and startups |
According to an external review site Ranking 2026, LBSIM Delhi ranks 69 out of 350 colleges in India for its FPM program.
- 38 out of 270 under India Today Management Ranking 2026.
- 25 out of 235 under The Week Management Ranking 2024.
- 101-125 out of 125 under NIRF Management Ranking 2025.
- 14 out of 200 under Outlook Management Ranking 2026.
- 18 out of 120 under IIRF Management Ranking 2026.
Read more on LBSIM Delhi Rankings here
LBSIM FPM FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between FPM and PhD programmes?
Ans. FPM (Fellow Programme in Management) is a structured doctoral programme with defined coursework (30 credits), seminars, and research components, while traditional PhD programmes may have less structured coursework. LBSIM's FPM emphasizes action research methodology, making it unique for practitioners and consultants. The FPM is AICTE-approved and offers better financial support for non-working scholars compared to many PhD programmes.
Ques. Can working professionals pursue FPM while maintaining their job?
Ans. Yes, LBSIM offers FPM (Working) specifically designed for working professionals with a maximum duration of 6 years compared to 3-4 years for non-working scholars. Working scholars can pursue research part-time and have flexible course schedules. However, working scholars do not receive monthly stipend but can avail research grants and conference support.
Ques. What are the publication requirements before thesis submission?
Ans. FPM scholars must publish at least two papers in reputed peer-reviewed international journals (ABDC/Scopus-indexed or Clarivate Analytics listed) and at least one case study with teaching note in Richard Ivey Case Publishing, Harvard Business School Publishing, or ACRC before submitting their thesis for evaluation.
Ques. How is the research guide selected and can it be changed?
Ans. The Director nominates research guides based on FPM Council recommendations. Guides must have PhD and at least 2 publications in reputed international journals. Each guide can supervise maximum 2 candidates per admission year. Guide change is permitted only in exceptional circumstances with Director's approval. If a guide takes leave for more than one year or leaves the institute, a new guide is nominated.
Ques. What happens if a scholar's progress is unsatisfactory?
Ans. Scholars are monitored quarterly by the Research Advisory Committee. Unsatisfactory progress leads to termination from the programme. Scholars must maintain minimum CGPA of 6.5 on 10-point scale (60%) in courses and seminars. Failure to pass a course/seminar after two attempts results in programme termination.
Ques. Are there opportunities for international exposure during FPM?
Ans. Yes, LBSIM encourages research scholars to participate in national and international conferences. The institute supports attendance at up to 2 national conferences fully and provides substantial support for 1 international conference outside India (subject to clearing pre-submission seminar and Research Advisory Committee approval). LBSIM also has international collaborations with universities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, and USA for potential research exchanges.