Explore IIM PhD fully funded in 2025. Learn about stipends, scholarships, and full fellowship benefits at top Indian Institutes of Management.
Why an IIM PhD is a Dream Opportunity
Pursuing a PhD from an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is not just prestigious — it’s also financially rewarding. Imagine earning the highest academic degree without spending a penny. In fact, IIMs pay you to pursue your research through monthly PhD fellowships and multiple benefits.
Do All IIMs Offer a Fully Funded PhD Fellowship?
- Yes, all 21 IIMs offer fully funded PhD programs to their selected candidates.
- Barring IIM Mumbai, no IIM charges PhD tuition fees.
A nominal, refundable security or admission confirmation fee may be required.
What is the Duration of IIM PhD Fellowship?
PhD fellowships at IIMs are provided for:
- 4 to 5 years, depending on the institute.
Some examples:
- IIM Indore: 4 years and 9 months
- IIM Ranchi: 4 years
- IIM Ahmedabad & IIM Bangalore: 5 years
You receive the fellowship until thesis submission or duration limit, whichever comes first.
Does the IIM PhD Fellowship Increase Over Time?
Yes, there are three types of trends in fellowship structure across IIMs:
1. Constant Fellowship
The monthly stipend stays the same throughout the PhD.
Examples:
- IIM Bangalore: ₹42,000/month for 5 years
- IIM Jammu: ₹45,000/month
2. Fellowship Increases Once
The stipend increases once, typically after comprehensive viva.
Examples:
- IIM Ranchi & Raipur: ₹37,000 → ₹40,000
- IIM Rohtak & Vishakhapatnam
3. Fellowship Increases Twice
The most common pattern — fellowship increases twice:
- After comprehensive viva
- After PhD research proposal approval
Examples:
- IIM Calcutta, Kozhikode, Udaipur, Trichy, Bodh Gaya
Tip: Most IIMs increase fellowship after your comprehensive viva. If you’re unsure what that is, check out our video on coursework & milestones (linked above).
How Much Monthly Fellowship is Paid by IIMs?
Let’s break it down:
Top Paying IIMs:
IIM Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Kozhikode
- Start: ₹42,000
- Mid: ₹45,000
- After Proposal: ₹50,000/month
Lowest Fellowship IIMs:
IIM Sirmaur, Nagpur, Rohtak:
- Start: ₹30,000
- Final: ₹33,000 – ₹35,000
Other IIMs:
- IIM Bodh Gaya: ₹32,000 → ₹39,000
- IIM Ranchi, Raipur, Trichy, Sambalpur, Lucknow: Start at ₹35,000
Advice: Don’t select an IIM based on stipend. Quality of research should be your main criterion.
Additional Perks and Benefits for IIM PhD Scholars
Here’s what most IIMs provide in addition to the monthly fellowship:
Free Accommodation:
- Residential campuses
- Family housing at nominal rates (available in many IIMs)
Research & Academic Grants:
- Contingency grants of ₹1–1.5 lakhs (over 4–5 years)
Conference funding:
- 1 International Conference
- 2 National Conferences
Teaching and Research Opportunities:
- IIM Calcutta pays PhD scholars for teaching
- Startup Research Grants (e.g., IIM Bangalore)
Laptops & Devices:
- Many IIMs give a grant for purchasing laptops/desktops
These perks are valuable for developing your research profile and academic network.
Why You Should Focus on Research Quality, Not Just Fellowship
- A PhD is about learning, exploration, and contribution to knowledge.
- You can always earn more later, but a strong research foundation sets the stage for a great academic or industry career.
Conclusion: Yes, IIM PhDs are Fully Funded — and More!
So to answer the original question — Is IIM PhD Fully Funded? Absolutely Yes!
You not only receive a generous monthly fellowship, but also enjoy several academic, financial, and infrastructural perks.
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By Dr. Ritika Gauba– PhD Mentor & Advisor
CEO & Founder ZPTC
Dr. Ritika Gauba
Dr. Ritika Gauba the Founder & CEO of Zenith Ph.D. Training & Consultancy is a Ph.D. Coach, Mentor & Guide. She has an in-depth knowledge of all the Ph.D. rules by UGC and the New Education Policy. She has done an unfathomable study of the Ph.D. regulations of more than 1000 Indian and international universities, including institutions of national importance like IIMs, IITs, IIITs, IVY League colleges & so on, making her a specialist in the area.