About Fellow Programme in Management [FPM]
Surana College, Bangalore offers the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), a doctoral-level research programme equivalent to a Ph.D. in Management, approved by AICTE and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The programme spans 3 years and is offered in full-time mode on campus, with a total fee of INR 2.25 Lakhs. Admission is based on the candidate's performance in national-level entrance exams such as CAT/XAT/CMAT/MAT, followed by a personal interview and research proposal evaluation. The FPM is popular among candidates aspiring for careers in academia, research, and senior management roles, offering rigorous training in research methodology and management theory.
Admissions for the FPM 2026-27 batch are expected to open around June-July 2026 (tentative), based on the previous year's admission cycle. Candidates are advised to check the official website at suranacollege.edu.in or contact fpm.admissions@suranacollege.edu.in for the latest updates. The 2025-26 admission season has concluded.
Key Points
- FPM is equivalent to a Ph.D. in Management and is approved by AICTE and recognized by AIU.
- The programme is designed for candidates seeking careers in academic research, teaching, and senior management consulting.
- Candidates are required to submit a research proposal as part of the admission process.
- The programme involves coursework in the first year followed by independent research and thesis work.
- Surana College offers research collaboration with international universities, including the University of Malta.
Surana College FPM Fees
The total fee for the 3-year FPM programme at Surana College is INR 2.25 Lakhs, making it one of the more affordable doctoral management programmes in Bangalore. The fee covers tuition and academic charges for the entire duration. Hostel accommodation is available on campus separately and is not mandatory for FPM students.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (3 Years) | INR 2,00,000 |
| Other Academic Charges | INR 25,000 |
| Total Fees | INR 2,25,000 |
- Hostel fees are charged separately and are not included in the total fees above.
- Hostel is not mandatory.
- Application fee is charged separately at the time of form submission.
- Fee payment schedule and EMI options, if any, are communicated at the time of admission.
- Candidates are advised to confirm the exact fee breakup with the college admissions office.
Surana College FPM Admission 2026
Admissions to the FPM programme at Surana College are based on valid scores in national-level management entrance exams, followed by a personal interview and research proposal evaluation. The 2025-26 admission cycle has concluded. The 2026-27 admissions are expected to open around June-July 2026 (tentative). Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.
FPM Admission Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Personal Interview / Research Proposal Evaluation | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Batch Commencement | September 2026 (Tentative) |
Accepted Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2026 | Registration | Aug 1 - Sep 20, 2026 (Tentative) |
| CAT 2026 | Exam Date | Nov 30, 2026 (Tentative) |
| CAT 2026 | Result | Dec 24, 2026 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 | Registration | Jul 10 - Dec 5, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 | Exam Date | Jan 4, 2026 |
| XAT 2026 | Result | Jan 16, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 | Registration | Oct 17 - Nov 24, 2025 |
| CMAT 2026 | Exam Date | Jan 25, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 | Result | Feb 13, 2026 |
| MAT 2026 (Feb Session) | Exam Date (PBT) | Mar 1, 2026 |
| MAT 2026 (Feb Session) | Exam Date (CBT) | Mar 8, 2026 |
| MAT 2026 (Feb Session) | Result (PBT) | Mar 14, 2026 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Master's degree or equivalent (MBA/M.Com/M.Sc/MA in relevant disciplines) with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved category candidates) from a recognized university.
- Candidates with a valid UGC-NET/JRF qualification or equivalent are also eligible to apply.
- Candidates must submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of research at the time of application.
Admission Process
- Register and appear for a valid national-level entrance exam (CAT/XAT/CMAT/MAT/GMAT).
- Submit the application form along with the research proposal and required documents to the college.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview and research proposal presentation.
- Final selection is based on entrance exam score, academic record, research proposal quality, and interview performance.
- Selected candidates must complete the admission formalities and pay the fees within the stipulated timeline.
Surana College FPM Scholarships 2026
Surana College offers scholarship schemes to meritorious and deserving students across its programmes. While FPM-specific scholarship details are limited, students may be eligible for institutional scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. The college's SEI-CHAMP scholarship scheme is the most prominent offering.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| SEI-CHAMP Scholarship for Meritorious Students | Up to INR 30,000 | Based on academic performance and eligibility criteria |
| SEI Samudaya Scholarship | Up to INR 2,000 | Community-based eligibility |
| Government Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC) | As per government norms | Applicable for eligible category students |
- Scholarship eligibility and amounts are subject to change each academic year.
- Students must apply for scholarships separately through the college's scholarship portal or office.
- Government scholarships are disbursed as per the Karnataka state government norms and timelines.
- Candidates are advised to confirm FPM-specific scholarship availability directly with the admissions office at admissions@suranacollege.edu.in.
- 260 out of 268 under India Today Management Ranking 2021.
Read more on Surana College Bangalore Rankings here
Surana College FPM FAQs
Ques. Is the FPM at Surana College equivalent to a Ph.D.?
Ans. Yes, the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at Surana College is equivalent to a Ph.D. in Management. It is approved by AICTE (Ministry of Education, Govt. of India) and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This recognition is important for candidates who wish to pursue academic careers, as it qualifies them for faculty positions at universities and colleges.
Ques. What entrance exams are accepted for FPM admission at Surana College?
Ans. Surana College accepts scores from national-level management entrance exams including CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, and GMAT for FPM admissions. Candidates with a valid UGC-NET/JRF qualification may also be considered. The final selection involves a personal interview and research proposal evaluation in addition to the entrance exam score.
Ques. Can working professionals apply for the FPM at Surana College?
Ans. The FPM at Surana College is offered as a full-time programme, which may not be suitable for working professionals. However, candidates with significant work experience in management or research are encouraged to apply, as industry experience is valued during the selection process. Candidates should contact the admissions office to clarify any flexibility in the programme structure.
Ques. What is the research focus area for FPM at Surana College?
Ans. The FPM at Surana College covers broad areas of management including Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and Strategy. Candidates are required to submit a research proposal at the time of application, and the final research area is finalized in consultation with the assigned research guide/supervisor after admission.
Ques. Does Surana College provide any financial support or stipend for FPM students?
Ans. Unlike IIMs and some other premier institutions that offer stipends to FPM students, Surana College does not publicly advertise a stipend for FPM students. The total programme fee is INR 2.25 Lakhs for 3 years. Students may be eligible for merit-based scholarships such as the SEI-CHAMP scheme. Candidates are advised to directly inquire with the college about any financial assistance available for FPM scholars.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing FPM from Surana College?
Ans. Graduates of the FPM programme can pursue careers in academia as Assistant Professors or Researchers at universities and management institutes. They are also well-positioned for senior research and consulting roles in the corporate sector. The AICTE approval and AIU recognition of the degree ensures its acceptance across Indian universities for faculty recruitment purposes. Surana College also has research collaborations with international universities, which can open doors for global academic opportunities.