Have you ever wondered what sets top business leaders apart? Beyond experience and intuition, many possess advanced academic credentials that empower them to craft a portfolio to lead, publish, and join consulting boards.
One such credential is the Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM). Whether you’re aiming to climb the corporate ladder, transition into academia, or launch your own venture — the EFPM could be the strategic edge you’ve been looking for.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 compelling reasons why a Doctorate in Business Administration is becoming an essential qualification for ambitious business professionals like you!
What is EFPM?
The Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) is a doctoral-level program tailored for experienced executives aiming to elevate their careers. Unlike traditional PhDs that emphasize theoretical research, the EFPM focuses on real-world problem-solving and industry-relevant themes. Scholars acquire advanced research skills and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the field. With flexible learning options and global networking opportunities, the EFPM is an attractive choice for professionals aspiring to senior leadership roles.
Top 10 Reasons to Pursue an EFPM
1. Sharpen Decision making abilities through Research
EFPM programs delve deep into strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and ethical considerations. Through case studies and research papers, students learn to analyze and address real-life business challenges. According to the World Economic Forum (2024), 70% of top executives in India now consider research-based decision-making essential for business success.
2. Command the Room—With Research-Backed Confidence
The EFPM curriculum is designed to refine leadership skills, enabling professionals to motivate teams, foster innovation, and make critical strategic decisions. A FICCI report (2024) indicates that over 60% of Indian CXOs and senior executives now engage in academic research, join institutes as professor of practice, expert sessions, guest lectures, or mentorship roles, bridging the gap between industry and education.
3. Craft a Career Portfolio to Teach, Publish, Consult & join Boards
An EFPM isn’t just about moving up—it’s about moving across and beyond. The program empowers professionals to build a dynamic career portfolio, opening doors to leadership, research, consulting, teaching, and boardroom roles. With structured academic grounding and real-world application, EFPM helps you grow vertically as a leader, horizontally across functions, and laterally into new arenas like academia and thought leadership—making you future-ready in every sense.
4. Open the Door to Higher Earning Potential
Enhance your income potential by taking the EFPM course. As per the India Skills Report 2024, professionals with a doctorate often see a 40-50% increase in salary compared to those with a master’s degree, especially in leadership roles. It is helpful to add high-level prestige for those who aspire and excellent financial rewards for those in need.
5. Become an Opinion Leader in Your Field
EFPM empowers you to dive deep into your area of expertise—be it finance, marketing, operations, or entrepreneurship—and develop original insights that matter. Through rigorous research and academic exploration, you don’t just build knowledge—you shape it.
By publishing impactful work, contributing to industry dialogue, and challenging conventional thinking, you evolve from being a domain expert to becoming a credible thought leader whose voice drives conversations and influences change.
6. Flexibility to Balance Work, Life & Doctoral Ambitions
The EFPM is built for busy professionals—offering a smart mix of in-person sessions, online learning, and guided independent research. Its part-time and flexible structure empowers you to advance your career while pursuing academic excellence, without hitting pause on your professional or personal life.
7. Build a Strong Professional Network
Enrolling in an EFPM connects you with a diverse cohort of professionals, academicians, seasoned advisors and industry leaders. These relationships can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
8. Think Like a Scholar Act Like an Entrepreneur
Whether you’re launching a venture, scaling an existing business, or driving innovation from within, research-backed decision-making gives you the edge. A 2021 Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management study confirms: doctoral training strengthens entrepreneurial intent by boosting confidence, communication, and clarity in decision-making.
9. Future-Proof Your Career with Academic Credibility
As industries evolve and business cycles get shorter, credibility matters more than ever. An EFPM not only elevates your professional identity but also builds a lasting academic reputation.
With increasing recognition of practice-based research in policy making, corporate strategy, and education, EFPM graduates are uniquely positioned to contribute to high-impact forums, author books or case studies, and influence generations of decision-makers.
10. Make a Meaningful Impact Beyond the Boardroom
Whether you’re passionate about inclusive leadership, sustainability, digital transformation, or social entrepreneurship, EFPM provides the tools to address real-world challenges through evidence-based solutions.
Many EFPM scholars go on to shape public policy, mentor startups, contribute to think tanks, or support non-profits. The research you do today can ripple out into the world tomorrow—solving problems, sparking change, and leaving a mark that lasts.
EFPM vs Full-Time FPM/PhD: What’s the Difference?
While all are doctoral-level programs, the Executive Fellow Program in Management (EFPM) and the Fellow Program in Management (FPM)/PhD differ significantly in purpose, design, and target audience:
🔹 Professional Experience
- EFPM is designed for working professionals with industry or academic experience.
- FPM/PhD generally caters to fresh postgraduates or early-career researchers with a full-time academic commitment.
🔹 Program Flexibility
- EFPM offers a flexible structure with a combination of face to face + online classes, allowing professionals to balance work and research.
- FPM/PhD is a full-time, on-campus program with a more immersive academic schedule.
🔹 Research Focus
- EFPM emphasizes applied research to solve contemporary business challenges.
- FPM/PhD leans toward theoretical and foundational research aimed at academic contribution.
🔹 Career Path
- EFPM graduates often aim for C-suite roles, consulting, career advancement, or academia.
- FPM/PhD grads typically move into full-time academic and research careers.
Why Choose FIIB for Your EFPM?
Balancing research ambitions with a thriving career can be challenging. FIIB’s Executive Fellowship Programme in Management (EFPM) is designed to accommodate working professionals, offering a part-time, four-year program that aligns with your professional commitments.
Program Snapshot
- For: Working professionals seeking career progression; Academicians seeking part-time studies
- Duration: 4 years, Part-time
- Research Focus: Informed by real-world business problems
- Post Program Trajectory: Leadership positions, Consulting, and Teaching
- Time Commitment: 12-15 hours per week of self-study; 4 mandatory week-long residencies in the 1st year of the program.
The FIIB Executive Edge
➡️Globally Recognized Accreditation: FIIB’s EFPM is approved by AICTE and is an AACSB member, and an associate member of EDAMBA, ensuring international credibility.
➡️Thriving Research Ecosystem – Leverage & contribute to FIIB’s research-based Centers of Excellence and FIIB Business Review (FBR) (Scopus, ABDC, ABS Listed).
➡️ Global Thought Leadership – Opportunity to work with a globally recognized committee with 30+ international collaborations and publish in top-tier ABDC A & A* journals.
➡️Expert Mentorship & Guidance – Learn from accomplished faculty, seasoned research advisors, global industry advisors, and receive 1:1 personalized thesis mentorship.
➡️ Executive-Focused Learning – A curriculum designed for senior professionals, integrating research with real-world business challenges.
➡️ Flexible & Designed for Working Professionals – Balance career and academics with a blend of face-to-face sessions, online learning, and independent study.
➡️ Immersive Development Experience – Enhance your skills through vibrant workshops, bootcamps, and executive networking opportunities.
➡️Leadership & Growth – Prepare for boardroom leadership, academia, and consulting with a value-driven personal growth module.
Who is the Ideal Candidate?
If you are a forward-thinking professional eager to advance your expertise, shape industry insights and drive meaningful change, FIIB’s EFPM program is your gateway to impact. We seek dynamic individuals with a passion for research, a thirst for knowledge and the determination to challenge conventions.
A Scholar-Practitioner
Passionate about solving real-world business challenges through research.
➡️ A Thought Leader in Making
➡️Ready to advance your career as an educator, consultant, or industry expert.
➡️An Analytical & Curious Mind
➡️Possessing strong research aptitude and a drive for intellectual exploration.
➡️Seeking a Global Network
➡️Looking to join an exclusive peer group of senior executives and faculty mentors.
Entry Requirements
To ensure candidates are well-prepared for the rigors of the EFPM, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualifications
You must have one of the following from a recognized institution (AICTE-approved or equivalent):
- A Master’s degree in Engineering, Management, Economics, Social Science, Biological/Pure Science, Commerce, or Humanities with at least 60% marks or equivalent grade.
- A Five-year Integrated Master’s degree in Business Administration or allied fields with at least 60% marks.
- A graduate degree with a professional qualification like CA, CS, or ICWA.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology with a minimum of 60% marks (final year students may also apply).
Professional Experience
- For EFPM, a minimum of one year of experience in corporate or academic settings is mandatory.
Aptitude Test Requirements
Applicants must submit scores from any one of the following:
- JRF/NET by UGC or CSIR*
- CAT/GMAT/XAT/CMAT/ATMA*
- FIIB’s own Research Aptitude Test (RAT)
*Tests should not be taken earlier than two years from the date of admission.
For upcoming FIIB RAT dates, write to [email protected].
Still exploring if the EFPM is the right fit for you? Attend our upcoming webinar to get all your questions answered by our faculty and program advisors.
Already convinced? Apply now and take the next big step in your professional journey.
FAQs – Get to Know EFPM Better
Q1: Is EFPM better than a PhD?
A: It depends on what you’re looking for. EFPM is ideal if you’re aiming to apply research to real business challenges and grow as a leader while pursuing your professional roles. A PhD, on the other hand, is more academic and theory-focused, needing full-time commitment.
Q2: How long does it take to complete an EFPM?
A: The EFPM typically takes between 3 to 6 years, at FIIB it’s 04 years. It’s designed with flexibility in mind, so whether you’re studying full-time or balancing it with work, you’ll move through coursework, research, and dissertation at a pace that works for you.
Q3: What career opportunities are available after earning an EFPM?
A: EFPM holders can pursue various roles, including executive positions, consulting roles, and academic positions such as professors or researchers.
Q4. How will I sustain myself for 4 years, if I have a family and working in an
organization?
The Exec-FPM students will continue to work with their organizations while pursuing the programme. Yes, EFPM offers flexible formats that blend face-to-face sessions, online learning, and independent study to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.
Q5. How do I apply? What is the process of admission to the programme? Where can I
get the forms? Can I apply online?
Please visit our website link given below for details of application form https://admissions.fiib.edu.in/?_gl=1*gi9yt3*_gcl_au*MTI1MDUyMzA3MC4xNzM4OTAzNjU0*_ga*MTM3Njg4NDExLjE3MTA3NjMwMzY.*_ga_80M2QK1TCT*MTc0NDg4NzcxMi42OTYuMS4xNzQ0ODg3NzE4LjU0LjAuMzA5MDMxMzcx
For more information, you can access the brochure here – https://publuu.com/flip-book/462353/1819323
Q6. What are the important deadlines?
Last Date for submission of EFPM application – 30th April 2025.
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