In a significant achievement, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research’s (SPJIMR) Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) has been officially recognised as equivalent to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from an Indian university by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
On the recognition, Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, said, “The AIU recognition serves as an affirmation of the academic rigour, research excellence, and institutional credibility that SPJIMR has collectively nurtured over the years. It reinforces our commitment to advancing high-quality, impactful research that enhances the value of our scholars’ contribution to the management field, bridging academia and industry.”
Since 2016, SPJIMR’s FPM programme has consistently evolved, benchmarking itself against the best global research programmes. The curriculum integrates rigorous research training, industry engagement, and academic mentorship, equipping scholars to contribute meaningfully to management research and education. Currently, the programme has 29 active scholars, including 27 actively enrolled and two awaiting convocation. Additionally, five scholars have already been conferred their degrees in previous years, and this year, two scholars who have defended their thesis proposals are set to receive their degrees in May.
Prof. Snehal Shah, Associate Dean, Academics and Research, expressed her gratitude to all involved in making the recognition a reality and said, “With the AIU equivalence, SPJIMR’s FPM programme is now aligned with the highest academic standards, offering our scholars great opportunities for growth and success to pursue global academic and professional careers.”
SPJIMR FPM graduates will now be eligible to pursue academic careers at premier institutions in India and abroad, apply for research-driven roles in industry and policymaking, and seek positions that require a PhD qualification. This recognition also strengthens SPJIMR’s reputation as a leading research institution, positioning it as a preferred destination for scholars aspiring to engage in impactful research.
Prof. Bikramjit Ray Chaudhuri, Chairperson, Fellow Programme and Research, remarked, “As we celebrate this moment, I look forward to the continued support of our research guides, scholars, internal and international faculty, and staff in strengthening our research ecosystem and mentoring the next generation of scholars who will take SPJIMR’s legacy forward.”
