About Fellow Programme in Management [FPM]
The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, is a rigorous five-year doctoral-level programme in management research, designed for graduates who wish to pursue careers in academia, research, and senior consulting. Conducted at the Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies (RCBS) on the Kalamassery campus and affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, the FPM combines advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, seminar participation, journal publications, and an original research thesis. The programme is fully funded for fellowship-track candidates, who receive a monthly research stipend of ₹40,000 before registration and ₹50,000 after registration until thesis submission. Self-sponsored candidates may also enrol by paying programme fees. The FPM at Rajagiri RCSS produces management scholars who contribute to business knowledge through peer-reviewed research, with graduates entering faculty positions at business schools, policy research organisations, and management consulting firms across India and abroad.
Applications for the 2026-27 FPM batch are open at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, with admissions based on a valid CAT, GMAT, or UGC-NET/JRF score followed by a written test and interview, and the programme commencing in August 2026.
Key Points
- Five-year doctoral-level management research programme combining coursework, comprehensive exams, and original thesis.
- Fellowship candidates receive a monthly stipend of ₹40,000 pre-registration and ₹50,000 post-registration, making the programme cost-neutral.
- Visiting Scholar Programme abroad offers USD 1,000-1,500 per month plus a one-time USD 750 contingency grant for international research collaboration.
- Candidates must publish at least two papers in Scopus, ABDC, or Web of Science-listed journals before thesis submission.
- Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University; delivered at the RCBS Kalamassery campus with faculty specialising in management research.
Rajagiri RCSS FPM Fees
FPM Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Admission and Tuition Fee (self-sponsored) | ₹50,000 |
| Annual Registration Fee x 5 Years (self-sponsored) | ₹2,00,000 |
| Total Fees (5 Years, Self-Sponsored) | ₹2,50,000 |
- For fellowship-track candidates, there are no tuition fees; selected scholars receive a monthly research stipend of ₹40,000 pre-registration and ₹50,000 post-registration until thesis submission.
- Self-sponsored candidates pay an admission and tuition fee of ₹50,000 plus an annual registration fee of ₹40,000 per year for up to five years.
- Total cost for self-sponsored candidates over the five-year programme is ₹2,50,000 as per the official Rajagiri FPM fee structure.
- Visiting Scholar Programme abroad is available for fellowship candidates, with a monthly stipend of USD 1,000-1,500 plus a one-time contingency grant of USD 750.
Rajagiri RCSS FPM Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release | January 2026 |
| Application Deadline | June 2026 |
| Written Test and Interview | June to July 2026 |
| Admission Offer | July 2026 |
| Programme Commencement | August 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | Closed | November 24, 2025 | January 2026 |
| GMAT | Year-round | Year-round | Within 20 days |
| NET/JRF | Closed (Dec 2025 cycle) | December 2025 | February 2026 |
- Admission is based on a valid CAT, GMAT, or UGC-NET/JRF score, followed by a written test and personal interview conducted by the FPM Selection Committee.
- Candidates must have completed a master’s degree with a minimum of 60 percent marks or a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale.
- The upper age limit is 55 years as on the date of admission.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a master’s degree in Management, Engineering, Economics, Social Science, Commerce, or a related discipline from a UGC-recognised university.
- A minimum of 60 percent marks or a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale is required in the qualifying master’s programme.
- The upper age limit for admission is 55 years as on the date of the admission interview.
- Candidates must submit two publications in ABDC/Scopus/Web of Science-listed journals before thesis submission as a programme requirement.
Admission Process
- Contact the Rajagiri FPM office at admission@rajagiri.edu or +91-484-2660601 to receive the application form and brochure.
- Submit the application with a valid CAT, GMAT, or UGC-NET/JRF scorecard, master’s degree mark sheets, and a research proposal or statement of purpose.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for a written test and personal interview conducted by the FPM Selection Committee on campus.
- Selected candidates receive an admission offer specifying fellowship track or self-sponsored status.
- Fellowship-track scholars sign the fellowship agreement and complete registration formalities; self-sponsored candidates pay the admission and first-year registration fee.
Rajagiri RCSS FPM Scholarships 2026
FPM Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Institute Research Fellowship | ₹40,000/month pre-registration; ₹50,000/month post-registration | Awarded to all fellowship-track FPM scholars for up to 5 years |
| Visiting Scholar Grant | USD 1,000-1,500/month + USD 750 one-time contingency | Fellowship scholars participating in international research partnerships |
| UGC-JRF Fellowship | As per UGC norms | Candidates with valid JRF qualification may supplement institute fellowship |
- The Institute Research Fellowship covers the full duration of the FPM for fellowship-track scholars, making the programme cost-neutral for eligible candidates.
- The visiting scholar programme abroad supports research collaborations with partner universities; availability is subject to the scholar’s research area and bilateral programme slots.
Rajagiri RCSS FPM FAQs
Ques. What is the duration of the FPM at Rajagiri RCSS?
Ans. The Fellow Programme in Management is a five-year doctoral-level programme combining structured coursework, comprehensive examinations, and an original research thesis.
Ques. Are there any fees for the FPM at Rajagiri?
Ans. Fellowship-track candidates pay no fees and receive a monthly stipend (₹40,000 pre-registration, ₹50,000 post-registration). Self-sponsored candidates pay ₹50,000 admission and tuition fees plus ₹40,000 annual registration fees.
Ques. What is the eligibility for the FPM programme?
Ans. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in Management, Engineering, Economics, Social Science, Commerce, or a related field with at least 60 percent marks or 6.5 CGPA, and must be no older than 55 years.
Ques. What entrance exams are accepted for FPM admission?
Ans. A valid CAT, GMAT, or UGC-NET/JRF score is required for shortlisting, followed by a written test and personal interview by the FPM Selection Committee.
Ques. What career paths does the FPM open?
Ans. FPM graduates pursue faculty positions at management institutes and business schools, research roles at policy organisations, and senior advisory positions at management consulting firms.
Ques. What publication requirements does the FPM carry?
Ans. Candidates must publish at least two research papers in Scopus, ABDC, or Web of Science-indexed journals before thesis submission as a mandatory programme requirement.