Executive Fellow Programme in Management

Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) at Siva Sivani Institute of Management (SSIM), Secunderabad is a full-time doctoral-level programme approved by AICTE, specifically designed for working professionals, faculty members, and executives who wish to pursue rigorous doctoral research while drawing on their industry experience. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years (maximum 5 years), comprising one year of coursework (36 credits) followed by a minimum of 2 years of thesis work. The total programme fee is Rs. 4,50,000, and admissions are based on SRAT (SSIM's own entrance test) or UGC NET scores, followed by a research proposal presentation and personal interview. SSIM alumni receive a 25% fee waiver. SSIM, accredited by NAAC and NBA, has been crafting management careers since 1992 and is known for its experienced faculty and strong industry connections.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently open. Candidates can apply online at apply.ssim.ac.in with an application fee of Rs. 2,000. The EFPM programme has limited seats and selection is highly competitive, based on entrance test scores, academic records, work experience, research proposal quality, and personal interview performance.

Key Points

• AICTE-approved doctoral programme for working professionals, designed to be pursued alongside a career in industry, academia, or government.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in teaching or industry is mandatory for eligibility.
• Focused 36-credit coursework covering Research Methodology, Managerial Statistics, General Management, stream-specific courses, and doctoral-level courses.
• Scholars must publish papers in SCOPUS/ABDC indexed journals, present at national/international conferences, and write a case study.
• 25% fee waiver available for SSIM alumni, reducing the total fee to Rs. 3,37,500.
• Faculty with 8-36 years of experience in Finance, Marketing, HRM, Strategy, Analytics, and Operations guide EFPM scholars.

SSIM EFPM Fees

The total fee for the EFPM programme at SSIM is Rs. 4,50,000, payable in instalments. An initial non-refundable acceptance fee of Rs. 60,000 is payable before commencement, followed by three equal instalments of Rs. 1,30,000 each. SSIM alumni are eligible for a 25% fee waiver on the total programme fee.

Fee Structure

• The acceptance fee of Rs. 60,000 is non-refundable.
• SSIM alumni receive a 25% fee waiver on the total programme fee.
• Application fee: Rs. 2,000 (non-refundable, payable online at apply.ssim.ac.in).
• Unlike the FPM, the EFPM does not offer a stipend scheme as it is designed for working professionals.
• Fees are subject to revision as per institute norms.

SSIM EFPM Admission 2026

Admissions to the EFPM at SSIM are conducted through a three-step process: application with research proposal, entrance test (SRAT or UGC NET), and research proposal presentation with personal interview. The programme is designed for working professionals with at least 3 years of relevant experience. Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently open.

SSIM EFPM Admission Dates

UGC NET June 2026 Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Master's Degree or equivalent in Engineering and Technology / Management / Economics / Social Science / Biological Science / Pure Science / Commerce / Humanities with First Class (minimum 60% aggregate).
• OR Graduate with professional qualifications like CA, ICWA, CS with a minimum of 60% aggregate.
• In addition, the candidate must have completed a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in teaching or industry.
• Candidates appearing for the final examination in the respective discipline can also apply.

Admission Process

• Fill the online application form at apply.ssim.ac.in and pay the application fee of Rs. 2,000.
• Submit an abstract (5,000 words) on the area of research interest (tentative research proposal) along with the application.
• Appear for SRAT (SSIM Research Aptitude Test) conducted by SSIM, OR submit a valid UGC NET score.
• Shortlisted candidates are called for presentation of the tentative research proposal to the selection committee.
• Attend the personal interview conducted by the selection committee.
• Final selection is based on entrance exam scores, past academic records, work experience, research proposal presentation, and personal interview.
• Communication is sent only to selected candidates.

SSIM EFPM Scholarships 2026

Unlike the FPM, the EFPM does not offer a monthly stipend scheme as it is designed for working professionals who continue their employment during the programme. However, SSIM alumni receive a significant 25% fee waiver on the total programme fee, reducing the payable amount from Rs. 4,50,000 to Rs. 3,37,500. No other institutional scholarships are currently listed for the EFPM programme.

Fee Concessions

• The 25% alumni fee waiver is applicable on the total programme fee of Rs. 4,50,000.
• Government scholarships (e.g., state scholarships) may be applicable for eligible candidates; candidates should check with the admissions office.
• No stipend is available for EFPM scholars as the programme is designed for working professionals.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, Siva Sivani Institute of Management Hyderabad ranks 253 out of 370 colleges in India for its Executive FPM program.

• 45 out of 200 under Outlook Management Ranking 2025.
• 27 out of 122 under IIRF Management Ranking 2025.
• 155 out of 275 under India Today Management Ranking 2024.
• 79 out of 235 under The Week Management Ranking 2024.
• 50 out of 79 under The Times Of India Management Ranking 2020.

Read more on Siva Sivani Institute of Management Hyderabad Rankings here

SSIM EFPM FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between FPM and EFPM at SSIM? Which one should I choose?

Ans. The FPM (Fellow Programme in Management) is designed for full-time scholars who are not employed elsewhere, while the EFPM (Executive Fellow Programme in Management) is designed for working professionals with at least 3 years of work experience. The FPM offers a monthly stipend (Rs. 20,000-30,000/month) and a lower fee (Rs. 3,00,000), while the EFPM has a higher fee (Rs. 4,50,000) but allows scholars to continue working. The FPM has 45 credits of coursework while the EFPM has 36 credits. Choose FPM if you can commit full-time; choose EFPM if you want to continue working.

Ques. Is the EFPM from SSIM recognised for faculty positions in management institutions?

Ans. The EFPM from SSIM is an AICTE-approved doctoral-level programme. Upon successful completion, the scholar is awarded the title "Executive Fellow in Management" by SSIM. As per AICTE norms, this is recognised as equivalent to a Ph.D. for faculty positions in AICTE-approved management institutions. For UGC-regulated university positions, candidates should verify recognition with the specific institution before applying.

Ques. Can I pursue the EFPM at SSIM while working full-time in a corporate job?

Ans. Yes. The EFPM is specifically designed for working professionals. The coursework is structured to accommodate working executives, and the thesis work can be conducted alongside employment. However, the programme requires significant time commitment for coursework, research, and thesis writing. Candidates should discuss the schedule and flexibility with the EFPM Chairperson (Dr. V. Annapurna, contact: 92471 31505) before applying.

Ques. What areas of specialisation are available in the EFPM at SSIM?

Ans. The EFPM at SSIM offers specialisations in Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management (HRM), Strategy, Operations, Analytics, and Communications. The specialisation is chosen based on the scholar's research interest and the availability of a suitable faculty guide. The coursework in Module II includes three stream-specific courses based on the chosen specialisation.

Ques. What are the publication and research requirements for completing the EFPM at SSIM?

Ans. For the award of the Executive Fellow in Management title, scholars must fulfil the following requirements: (1) publish papers in SCOPUS/ABDC indexed journals, (2) present papers at national/international conferences, and (3) write a case study. These requirements ensure that EFPM graduates have a credible research portfolio, making them competitive for senior academic and research roles.

Ques. I am an SSIM alumnus. How much fee do I need to pay for the EFPM?

Ans. SSIM alumni receive a 25% fee waiver on the total EFPM programme fee. The total fee is Rs. 4,50,000, so alumni pay Rs. 3,37,500 (saving Rs. 1,12,500). The acceptance fee of Rs. 60,000 is payable before commencement, and the balance is paid in three instalments. Alumni should mention their SSIM alumni status in the application form to avail the fee waiver.