Schools offering PhD Programme

01

Management

02

Computer Science & Engineering

04

Liberal Arts

Why Choose IILM PhD

🎓
Experienced mentors & research supervision.
🏛️
Access to research centres, workshops, and seminars.
🌐
Interdisciplinary research environment.
🤝
Industry interface and collaboration.
🌍
Global Industry mentors.
🔬
Fully Functional Labs equipped with data sources and software.

Admission Process

01

Submission of Documents

Along with the online application, candidates must submit the Statement of Purpose (SoP) and research proposal research, outlining their intended area of research and future goals. Here is a link to submit all documents along with the application form.

02

Screening

Applications are assessed based on the Statement of Purpose (SoP), research proposal and eligibility criteria. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview as part of the selection process.

03

Test/Interview by Expert Panel

– Those without a NET/CAT/GMAT will appear for the IILM DAT.
– Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview conducted by a panel of experts.
– The panel assesses the candidate’s research aptitude, academic background, and potential fit for the programme.

04

Registration

– Candidates must accept the offer and proceed with registration.
– They are required to submit original documents (such as PG degree, NET/SLET/CSIR scores, identification proof, etc.) for verification.

05

Fee Submission

– Upon successful document verification, candidates are required to submit the semester fee as per the university’s fee structure within 15 days of receiving the admission offer..

06

Confirmation of Admission

– After fee submission and final verification, the candidate’s admission is confirmed, and they are officially enrolled in the PhD programme and proceed for pre-PhD course work (6 months).

Important Dates 2026

IILM Design Aptitude Test (DAT) & Admissions Schedule

ROUND 01
7 January 2026 Application Portal Opens
15 March 2026 Application Closed
25 March 2026 IILM DAT Exam
25 - 31 March 2026 Personal Interview & Research Proposal Presentation
5 April 2026 Final Result Announcement
ROUND 02
20 March 2026 Application Portal Opens
25 April 2026 Application Closed
30 April 2026 IILM DAT Exam
30 April - 5 May 2026 Personal Interview & Research Proposal Presentation
10 May 2026 Final Result Announcement

REGISTER NOW! ADMISSION OPEN FOR 2026

Degree eligibility – any degree as specified in UGC norms under section 3 of UGC Act, 1956 with provisions as under,

  • 3+2 years or 4+1 degree completion process for Master’s degree or equivalent in Management, Economics, Commerce or allied disciplines with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA, approved by UGC or Councils under ministry of education, government of India.
  • Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree and professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA with relevant academic record may also apply with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA.
  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with a minimum of 75% marks or equivalent grade point average. Those in the final year of their engineering degree may also apply.
  • As per provisions of University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022.

Research Proposal and Interview:

  • Evaluation of research proposal and academic profile: The applicant needs to complete the PhD application form. The form must be accompanied by a research proposal of 1000-1500 words expressing a problem statement and method to address it.
  • Personal Interview focusing on research inclination, domain knowledge, and alignment with faculty expertise.

Admission Test:

  • UGC-NET/JRF qualification. (score valid for one year)
  • UGC approved national level tests (CAT/XAT/GMAT/MAT) (score valid for one year)
  • IILM Doctoral Aptitude Test (IILM-DAT)

Year 1: Coursework (16 Credits)

  1. Research Methods and Design
  2. Quantitative Analysis
  3. Qualitative Methods
  4. Literature Review & Case Writing
  5. Academic Writing and Research Ethics
  6. Domain Elective

Outcome: Research Proposal

Year 2-3: Thesis Research Work

  • Literature Review
  • Field-based data collection
  • Industry application study
  • Regular progress seminars
  • International/industry mentor

Final Submission

  • Dissertation of 60,000–80,000 words
  • 2 research articles/cases submitted to peer-reviewed journals
  • Thesis examination and Viva-voce

PhD Chairs

Dr Rahul Singh
Dr Rahul Singh
Director of Research
Dr Pooja Gupta
Dr Pooja Gupta
Doctoral Program Coordinator
Dr Vidhisha Vyas
Dr Vidhisha Vyas
Doctoral chair
School of Management
events_bg

"

I am grateful to IILM Gurugram for the wonderful experience & exposure I got while I was doing my PGDM here. Not only the subject expertise I’ve got, but an overall well-structured education where I received life changing lessons as well as guidance from all the faculty members, one of them is to change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and move out from unacceptable.

A Special thanks to Sujata Shahi ma’am for her mentorship which made my journey a special one in IILM Gurugram.”

Senior Manager Supply Chain (Global Omni channel Logistics) at Amway India

Mr. Manoj Pal PGDM

"

My journey at IILM has been all about growth and change is perspective. Coming from a commerce background, I was apprehensive in pursuing a degree in Psychology. However, IILM and the wonderful faculty made this transition easy and helped me build a career I had always wanted.

The Psychology Department at IILM has always pushed the envelope in its efforts to support mental health advocacy- an issue I have always been passionate about. I feel fortunate to have been a part of various such initiatives throughout my journey here.

Now in my final year, I look back on the ample exposure and opportunities I received along the way that have helped me become the person I am today. Be it academics, workshops, or participating in university festivals, I have fond memories of it all and will carry them with pride.

I remain grateful to the institution and especially to the faculty for their constant support and guidance throughout. I am excited to see what the future holds for me!

Radhika BA Psychology

(2018-2021)

"

BBA classes in the day and theatre classes in the evening, my journey at IILM gave me the freedom to pursue my passion and effectively strike a balance between the two important aspects of my life with ease.
Theater has always been an integral part of my life. Having been associated with Shri Ram Centre of Performing Arts (SRCPA) since the last five years, I continued my passion for acting even after enrolling for my BBA program at IILM University.

During this duration of study, I not only learned from academicians and industry professionals at IILM University, but was also able to perform over 10+ professional theatre shows in Delhi and got associated with renowned leaders like Shah Rukh Khan, Imtiaz Ali and Alia Bhatt from the industry. Recently, I also completed my internship in the film “Night Before that Day” with acclaimed director Mr. Rajesh Chopra.
Today I have accomplished both academically and professionally because of the encouragement and support received from my teachers at IILM University. This not only gave me the confidence to continue my ambitions for theatre but also helped me succeed in both spheres. Truly grateful to be a part of IILM University!

Shlok BBA

(2018-2021)

"

I’ve always been a worrier, anything that I was supposed to do, would stress me so much, even once it was done I would run the thing over in my head. Keep on wondering, if I could have done anything differently or better.

When I started my journey at IILM, I remember doing exactly the same. submissions/tests or organizing events, would get me worked up & so was never able to enjoy the process in its glory .This could definitely have impacted what should be the most memorable 3 years of my life. During my first year, I was given so many opportunities at IILM, becoming a #Student #Ambassador for the college, going for a #summer #school program to the prestigious #London School of #Economics, being part of events I will forever remember and also getting the chance to learn from such valued faculty members. I didn’t want these times to get blown away because of me worrying. My credit goes to the IILM family who taught me that it isn’t ever about the outcome but the journey towards achieving it.
Even during these testing times, online teaching and learning was so structured and organized thanks to the IILM faculty. I again have IILM to thank for the numerous #internship opportunities given even during these trying times. My two months internship from home trained and taught me well. Ironically, being so close in proximity to IILM, in all probability will have to bid my farewell to it virtually which will be my only bone of contention thus far!

Abhilasha Wazir BBA

(2018-2021)

"

IILM has helped me tremendously in developing these critical skills by pushing me into real-time challenging tasks & leadership roles & in addition provided me the right spotlight and platform to shine & showcase my leadership & communication skills. I was also offered ample opportunities to test out my skills from first year itself, one of them in particular was being selected as “Student ambassador”, which was by far the most important & responsible leadership role I got to experience, helped me to hone my skills a lot & assisted me in driving my passion during my 2 month internship with KPMG India. Even during these arduous times, the faculty ensured to provide consistent personal attention to my visions & goals.

From participating in numerous fests to submitting assignments & meeting friends that I’ll be cherishing for life, this journey has been no less than a roller coaster. I thank IILM for providing me with countless opportunities & for these precious memories that I got experience in these past three years.

Isha Thakur BBA

(2018-2021)

"

The other day while talking to my friends I realized something, what seemed like a long journey three years back has rather been a short one.

My experience at IILM has been a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs, when I started my journey i didn’t know what these 3 years would turn out to be and how they will shape me as a person, IILM gave me opportunities to which helped me Hone my skills and discover what I am actually good at.

The faculty here encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try different things.

I thank IILM for the various internship opportunities they’ve provided us with. My 2 months of internship gave me a lot of practical exposure. I am excited to see what the future holds for me!

Rhea Mahajan B.A. Psychology

(2018-2021)

"

I joined IILM Gurgaon in 2018, while I finished high school in 2017 and then went to the USA to do my graduation but then I decided to drop out and come back to India.

IILM Gurgaon was exactly the nurturing environment I needed to get my confidence back. Thanks to the excellent faculty who have always been extremely supportive, and for me always gave me the extra push I needed after I had lost my confidence. Now towards the end of my 3-year journey at IILM and I cannot even recognize the person I was when I joined.

Thanks to the vast #internships and interesting #assignments in the classrooms to broaden my horizons and also giving me the confidence to be able to achieve whatever I put my mind to.

Arjun Vohra BBA

(2018-2021)