Introduction: IIM Kozhikode PhD Admission 2026 – New Policy, New Opportunities
Are you planning to pursue a PhD from one of India’s top IIMs – IIM Kozhikode?
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has released its revised PhD Admission Policy for the 2026 intake, introducing major structural changes, new doctoral tracks, and updated eligibility criteria.
This new policy is especially important for aspirants who are confused about Full-Time PhD, Executive PhD, Teaching Track, eligibility requirements, and the selection process.
In this blog, we provide a complete, clear, and simplified guide to help you understand the IIM Kozhikode PhD Admission 2026 policy.
PhD Programs Offered by IIM Kozhikode
For the 2026 admission cycle, IIM Kozhikode offers PhD admissions under three major categories:
Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM – Full-Time)
This is the regular full-time PhD program for fresh graduates and early-career researchers who want to pursue academic research.
DPM – Practice Track (Executive PhD)
Designed for working professionals with significant industry experience who wish to pursue doctoral research while continuing their careers.
DPM – Teaching Track (New)
This is a newly introduced track for candidates with academic or knowledge-based professional experience who aim to build a career in teaching and research.
Specialization Areas Offered
All three tracks are available across the following academic areas:
- Decision Sciences & Operations
- Economics
- Finance, Accounting & Control
- Humanities & Liberal Arts in Management
- Information Systems
- Marketing Management
- Organizational Behaviour & Human -Resource Management
- Strategic Management
Eligibility Criteria | IIM Kozhikode PhD Eligibility 2026
For Full-Time DPM & Teaching Track
- Master’s Degree with 60%
- OR CA / CS with 60%
- OR 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree with 75%
For Practice Track (Executive PhD)
- Master’s Degree with 55%
- OR CA / CS with 50%
- OR 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree with 60%
Entrance Exam Requirements
For Full-Time PhD, a valid score in any of the following is required:
- CAT
- GATE
- GMAT
- GRE
- UGC-NET
- IIM Bangalore PhD Test
For Teaching Track & Practice Track, entrance tests are not mandatory.
Work Experience Requirements
- Teaching Track – Minimum 3 years
- Practice Track – Minimum 8 years
- Strategic Management – Minimum 15 years
Selection Process | IIM Kozhikode PhD Selection 2026
The selection process consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Application Screening
Shortlisting based on academic profile, research fit, and eligibility.
Stage 2: Doctoral Orientation & Assessment Includes:
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Panel Interview
- (Conducted in-person)
Stage 3: Doctoral Area Conversation
Online interaction with faculty members of the chosen specialization.
Why This New Policy is Important
The 2026 PhD policy introduces:
- A new Teaching Track
- Revised eligibility rules
- Clear separation of academic & executive PhD
- Structured multi-stage selection
Understanding these changes is crucial to avoid applying to the wrong track or missing key requirements.
Conclusion
The IIM Kozhikode PhD Admission Policy 2026 reflects a strong shift towards flexible doctoral pathways for both fresh scholars and working professionals.
Whether you aim to become a researcher, professor, or academic leader, this new structure offers the right platform to build a successful PhD journey.
Need Expert Guidance for Your PhD Application?
Applying to IIMs requires:
- A strong research proposal
- Proper SOP
- Strategic profile building
- Faculty alignment
If you need personalized mentorship, profile review, SOP drafting, or complete PhD application support, you may contact: Zenith PhD Training & Consultancy
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