EFPM | Official Website of Indian Institute of Management,Lucknow

EFPM

Increasing complexity in the corporate world is forcing the middle level and senior level executives to search for options that can give them significant edge. IIM Lucknow's Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) is the likely answer. The program is uniquely designed to meet learning aspirations of enthusiastic executives and teaching professionals, and will inculcate in them state-of-the-art research skills required for increased understanding of today's complex business world while continuing to work. This is a doctoral program and primarily aims at preparing students for career in management research, teaching and consulting. EFPM helps corporate honchos who are aspiring to gain competency for rigorous research and also create an opportunity for alternate career option.

Objectives of the Programme

  • To acquire inter-disciplinary knowledge of various functions of business
  • To acquire and apply knowledge of research methodologies in their disciplines
  • To hone scholarship skills: Teaching — Learning Pedagogies and academic writing.
  • To meet learning aspirations of enthusiastic executives and teaching professionals.
  • To inculcate in them state-of-the-art research skills required for increased understanding of today's complex business world while continuing to work
  • To aim at preparing students for career in management research, teaching and consulting for business.

First Year (Mandatory Course Work)

An EFPM student has to do first year course work with Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE). All these courses are compulsory courses. The PGPWE classes are held on alternative weekends at NOIDA Campus of IIM Lucknow.

Second Year (Mandatory Course Work)

An EFPM student has to do specialized elective and compulsory courses in second year. In order to do these courses, an EFPM student has to make three visits of 21 days' duration each to NOIDA/ Lucknow Campus during the second year. (During Campus visits, the fee for boarding and lodging facility will be paid by the student on actual basis. The fee will be intimated before the commencement of the term by EFPM office.)

After completing mandatory course work successfully in first and second year, the student needs to take a Comprehensive Examination.

After passing the Comprehensive Examination successfully, the student needs to form his/her Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) in consultation with his area's faculty members.

After the formation of TAC, the student presents the thesis proposal.

The last steps of the programme are Thesis Submission and Defense.

EFPM is a part-time, non-residential programme. The student is expected to complete the programme ordinarily in five years (four years in case of direct admission to second year). An extension may be granted for a period of maximum 2years (with approval from the TAC), such that the totalduration of the program does not exceed beyond 7 years.

Minimum eligibility criteria for applying to EFPM in the Academic Year: 2025- 26 are as below:

Educational qualification (10+2+3 or 4 years of formal education)

a. For General/OBC category:

  • Secondary (Class X) and Senior Secondary (Class XII) with minimum 55% marks;
  • Graduation (non-engineering) with minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA and Post-graduation* with minimum 55% marks or equivalent CGPA,
  • OR Graduation (engineering) with minimum 65% marks or equivalent CGPA.

b. For SC/ST category:

  • Secondary (Class X) and Senior Secondary (Class XII) with minimum 50% marks;
  • Graduation (non-engineering) with minimum 45% marks or equivalent CGPA and Post-graduation* with minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA,
  • OR Graduation (engineering) with minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
  • (Note: (*Post Graduation with duration of less than two years are not eligible)

In case of the candidate being awarded grades/CGPA instead of marks, the equivalence would be based on the conversion formula provided by the institution/university from where they have obtained the bachelor's/Master's degree. In case the institution/university does not have any conversion formula for converting the CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by IIML by dividing the obtained CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the resultant by 100.

Age and Work Experience

  • Currently employed in a full-time job with a minimum of 7 years of work experience as on 31st March 2025;
  • Must not be more than 55 years of age as on 31st March 2025.

Qualifying examinations (any one of the followings)

  • CAT Score(CAT taken in the year 2022 & 2023 are eligible);
  • GATE Score(GATE taken in the year 2023 & 2024 are eligible);
  • A valid GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition score as on the last date of applying to the program;
  • A valid GRE score as on the last date of applying to the program;
  • Note: Online GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/GRE (Take home) exam scores are not valid, only test centre-based GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/GRE scores are valid.

  • Valid JRF/SRF (Qualified) score;
  • PGPWE Entrance Exam to be conducted in December 2024 at IIM Lucknow, NOIDA Campus (please mention in the application form if you wish to take this exam).

Exemption from the first year

On the recommendation of the interview panel, the exemption from the first year would be given to a candidate, who, in addition to the aforementioned points, is a two-year MBA/PGDM/equivalent, with a minimum CGPA of 7.0 on a 10-point scale/minimum 70% marks/equivalent;

(i) is a two-year MBA/PGDM/equivalent from an Indian institute/university that has featured in the 15 top institutes/universities as per the NIRF list released by the Government of India (List of Management Schools, any year),
OR
(ii)An institute/university having the MBA program pursued by the candidate, accredited by at least one of AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS.

(NOTE: that the candidates who have done MBA/PGDM/Equivalent of a duration of less than two academic years are not eligible for first-year exemption.)

Mode of Exam Offline (At Noida Campus)
Medium of Exam English
Exam Type MCQ
Total Number of Questions 100
Exam Date December 15, 2024 (Admit Card for the entrance exam will be sent to your email by 5th December 2024.)
Duration of Exam 120 minutes
Number of Sections
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Ability (QA)
  • Candidate submit duly filled Application Form along with copies of documents in support of the attainments mentioned in Eligibility Criteria.
  • If a candidate is seeking admission in first-year-exempted category under the Eligibility Criteria 4 (ii) mentioned above, the candidate has to provide a document or letter from the corresponding institute/ university proving the accreditation.
  • Candidate needs to mention the area of specialization from the below mentioned academic areas.
    • Agribusiness Management
    • Business Environment (Economics)
    • Business Sustainability
    • Decision Sciences (Operations Research)
    • Finance and Accounting
    • Human Resource Management
    • Information Technology and Systems
    • Marketing Management
    • Operations Management
    • Strategic Management
  • A candidate can fill only one application in which the candidate may apply in two academic areas.
  • Applications are shortlisted by separate area level screening committees.
  • Shortlisted candidates are called for personal interview to any one of IIM Lucknow Campus (Lucknow/ NOIDA).
  • Final selection is based on personal interview and academic and professional profile.

Activity

Date

Announcement of the Program

01-Oct-24

Last date of submission of completed application#

20-Nov-24

Entrance Exam

December 15, 2024*

Announcement of Shortlisted Candidates#

25-Jan-25*

Personal Interviews

20-23 Feb-25*

Announcement of Selected Candidates

05-March-25*

Last Date of Acceptance and Submission of Acceptance Fee

20-March-25*

Induction and commencement of Program

April 2025*

*tentative dates

Note: #Only those candidates who have been shortlisted/selected will be intimated by email, with all the relevant details.

You will be required to make a Payment of INR 1000/- (INR 500 for SC/ST candidates) towards Application Fees (Non-refundable) to complete the application process. Note that you will not be able to make any changes to the Application once it is submitted. You may like to "Preview" the application very carefully once it is completed before submitting it. The System will allow you to "Preview" the application multiple times before you "Submit" it.

Click here to APPLY ONLINE

Candidates are requested to submit the online application by using any computer/laptop device not in any Mobile devices.

What is EFPM?
The Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) is a part time, non-residential, doctoral program that has been specifically designed to cater to the academic needs of working executives/ managers/ faculty members/ researchers. EFPM is open for candidates based in India or abroad.
Is it possible to complete the programme on a part-time basis?

Yes. EFPM is a part time non - residential programme.

  • Classes during the first year are held with PGPWE students in alternate weekends.
  • During the second year, three campus visits of 21 days’ duration each are needed to finish the course work. Thus, for “exempted” candidates (e.g., those who are qualified to join the programme directly in the second year), only three visits of 21 days are needed to finish course work.
  • During third and fourth year, a few campus visits for a few days may be needed to complete other formalities (e.g., to take comprehensive examination, thesis proposal presentation, thesis defence etc.). There is, however, an implicit understanding that the student will be in constant touch with his/her supervisor through skype, mails and other mediums.
Who should apply? What are the typical backgrounds of doctoral students?

Students interested in pursuing research careers and having high scholastic aptitude should apply. Typically, students may have varied backgrounds.

What are the qualities which IIM Lucknow is looking for in applicants to the programme?

We are looking for highly motivated and disciplined candidates with strong academic preparation who exhibit curiosity, desire to learn, and have an inclination towards research. More importantly, candidates should be self-driven enough to work on their research problem regularly despite the demands of their regular job and other personal and family obligation.

How will I sustain myself for 4-5 years, if I have a family and working in an organization?

The EFPM students will continue to work with their organizations while pursuing the programme.

What is the purpose of the personal interview? What is expected at the interview?
    Does it help if I come prepared with a research proposal?

The purpose of the personal interview is to gauge the academic preparedness and the drive of the candidate for the programme. It also gives the candidate an opportunity to find out if the programme meets the expectations of the student. You are encouraged to bring a proposal of your research interest during interview.

What is the last date of submission of application form?

For the 2025 session, the application procedure will start on October 01, 2024 and the last date for submitting your online application will be November 20, 2024. Only Online submission is allowed. Non-refundable application form fee is INR 1000 (INR 500 for SC/ST candidates) through an Online mode.

What care should one take while filling in the online application form?

Please ensure that all data such as your Date of Birth, academic qualifications (degree titles, duration names of the institution/university, grades/marks, GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/GRE scores etc.) and work experience are correctly entered. Please remember that all the details mentioned in the online application form will have to be supported by relevant documents later. The admission (if offered) will automatically stand cancelled if the data you enter and the data on the documents are found to be different

What documents need to be uploaded with the application form?
  • Duly filled-in application form along with Non-refundable application form fee is INR 1000 (INR 500 for SC/ST candidates) through an Online mode.
  • A copy of the candidate’s GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE/JRF score card, the score must be valid till last date of application. (if you are applying through PGPWE Entrance Exam, you need not to submit any score card);
  • A recent, recognizable photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm) should be uploaded by the candidate in the online application form
  • Combined scanned PDF of High School Marks Sheet and Certificate.
  • Combined scanned PDF of Intermediate Marks Sheet and Certificate.
  • Combined scanned PDF of all Graduation Marks Sheets and Degree.
  • Combined scanned PDF of all Post Graduation Marks Sheets and Degree.
  • Combined scanned PDF of all Experience, reliving letter and First and last salary slips.
  • Scanned PDF of VALID Cast Certificate for SC, ST, OBC. (If applicable)
What are the total numbers of seat available for EFPM in each area?

No fixed batch sizes. Would depend on suitable candidates.

Is there any upper age limit for applying to the program?

Must not be more than 55 years of age as on 31st March 2025.

Is GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE/JRF score or PGPWE entrance exam is compulsory for all?

YES.

What is the minimum acceptable GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE/PGPWE score?

We do not specify a minimum GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE/PGPWE score. The GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE/PGPWE score is one of the criteria for evaluating a candidate. Some other criteria of evaluation include personal interview, professional experience, and leadership role, among many others.

Can I apply with a Test Centre/Unofficial GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/GRE Score Report?

Yes. However, you must provide the official score card later through GMAC, if you get selected.

Should I submit my GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE score card with the Application Form?

You need to submit the GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE score card along with the Application Form. You should also inform GMAC. The code for IIM Lucknow is J 39-VT-47.

What is the validity period of a GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/GRE/CAT/GATE /PGPWE Entrance exam?

Please check eligibility criteria.

Can the GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE/JRF score card or PGPWE entrance exam requirement be waived under exceptional
    circumstances?

No

Does the admission offer open to me for the next batch in case I am unable to join this year?

No. You will have to re- apply.

Are there any seats reserved for company sponsored candidates?

We encourage sponsored candidates. Though, we do not have any reserved seats for such candidates.

What is the selection process?

The selection process and eligibility criteria are mentioned under ADMISSION tab on EFPM page of IIM Lucknow website.

Can one apply with graduation undertaken through a 2-year course?

No. The participants are required to have a minimum of 3 years of under-graduate study after 12 years of school education and the graduation should be from a recognized university or equivalent.

Will the participant be given the Alumni status on successful completion of the programme?

The participants are considered bonafide students of IIM Lucknow and will enjoy similar privileges, including alumni status.

Please advise by when shall the candidate be notified for selection to write the exam?

By 01 st December 2024 (tentatively), we would send an invite for the entrance exam.

If short listed, would I have to come to IIML Noida Campus for the interview?

Yes

If I am now based abroad and do not have my documents with me, what should I do?

You may send the scanned copies of the documents. WAT and PI may be conducted online. If you get selected, you have to show the original documents at the time of registration in the program.

I am currently in Located in US and planning to apply for EFPM. Will there be any telephonic interview for international
    candidates?

Teleconferencing/Videoconferencing facility would be provided to the shortlisted Overseas candidates for Interview process (subject to conditions) by considering Time, location and logistics situations.

Will all applicants who fulfil the eligibility criteria be called for the interview?

No. A minimum cut-off score of GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/CAT/GATE/GRE/JRF/PGPWE will be decided. Candidates will be called for PI based on that minimum cut-off score.

Will feedback on my application or interview be provided on request?

No

Is the admission process different for sponsored candidates?

No

When will I know if I have been finally selected for EFPM 2025?

In case you have been selected we will inform you by email by the 5 th March 2025 (Tentatively).

Is separate accommodation for married people available?

Right now, there is no provision for such accommodation.

Does the programme accept international students?

Yes. The programme accepts international students. The eligibility requirements and course structure are the same as for domestic students.

What are the important stages in the programme?

The key stages are: Course work, Comprehensive examination, formulation of thesis proposal for Doctoral level research, Thesis Submission and Defense.

Do I apply for a specific area or can I choose my area after getting admission?

You must apply for a specific area (http://www.iiml.ac.in/faculty-list-by-area). You can apply for two different areas, in that case, you need not to pay the additional fee. Areas to which you apply, will decide on your suitability for admission separately. You cannot change your area of specialization after your admission.

How do I choose my research topic?

A research topic requires interest and motivation of student and availability of a suitable guide interested in the area. After course work, consulting with EFPM student, a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) is formed. The TAC of a student helps the student to identify an appropriate topic.

What is the process of getting a scholarship and how much is the amount?

Since the EFPM students are working professionals, no scholarship will be offered.

What is the average completion time for EFPM?

The total duration of the program will ordinarily be four years and a maximum of six years.

Will these classes be held in Lucknow or Noida?

Classes may be held in either Lucknow or Noida campus at the discretion of the authorities.

Does the Institute offer placement services?

No

What is the total cost of the Programme?

The total cost is mentioned under Fee tab on EFPM page of IIM Lucknow website.

A webinar is being conducted for providing information and answering queries related to admissions EFPM. If you wish to attend, please click here https://forms.gle/HgK7uRvoHDVUTX8x7

The program structure is as academically rigorous as a PhD but is designed for senior, experienced professional managers /teaching professionals – average age 42 (with a range between 31 and 55) – and is highly applicable within your specific sector and career.

The programme has the following components:

  • Mandatory Course work
  • Comprehensive Examination
  • Formulation of thesis proposal for Doctoral level Research
  • Thesis Submission and Defense

Thus the total programme fee for the students who fulfill all the requirements of the programme in time, the total programme fee works out to be INR 7,50,000.
For exempted candidates who join the EFPM directly in second year and fulfill all the requirements of the programme in time, the total programme fee works out to be INR 5,00,000.

Payment Schedule

The tentative fee schedule for EFPM for first-year-non-exempted candidates:

Amount

Detail

Last date of payment*

INR 50,000

Acceptance Fee (non-refundable)

20 March 2025

INR 2,00,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2025

INR 1,25,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2026

INR 1,25,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2027

INR 1,25,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2028

INR 1,25,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2029

The tentative fee schedule for EFPM for first-year-exempted candidates:

Amount

Detail

Last date of payment*

INR 50,000

Acceptance Fee (non-refundable)

20 March 2025

INR 75,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2025

INR 1,25,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2026

INR 1,25,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2027

INR 1,25,000

Program Fee Installment

First Week of April 2028

*Exact dates will be announced later.

It may be noted that

At the time of giving an offer of admission to an applicant, a last date of withdrawal will also be announced. Any withdrawal from the program by that date will attract INR 5,000/- as a processing fee and the remaining amount will be refunded. If the withdrawal request comes after the date of withdrawal, no money will be refunded. After joining the program, all paid fee instalment amounts are non-refundable.

  • Admissions Office
    Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, Noida Campus
    B-1, Sector-62, Institutional Area
    Noida 201 307 (UP) INDIA
    +91-120-6678481
    admission_nc[at]iiml[dot]ac[dot]in