Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 23, 2026

The Ph.D. (Economics) program at Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), IIT Bombay is a prestigious 3-year full-time doctoral research program designed to develop scholars and researchers in economics. With a total fee of INR 92,700 for the complete duration and eligibility requiring Post Graduation with UGC NET qualification, the program is highly selective and research-focused. SJMSOM Ph.D. Economics is popular among aspiring researchers and academics for its affiliation with IIT Bombay, world-class faculty mentorship, emphasis on original research, strong international collaborations, and excellent career prospects in academia, research institutions, and policy organizations.

Admission for the Spring Semester 2026-27 batch includes an entrance test and interview scheduled for December 9, 2026. The program follows a rigorous selection process to identify candidates with strong research potential and commitment to academic excellence.

Key Points

Affiliation with IIT Bombay, one of India's premier research institutions
World-class faculty with international research credentials and publications
Rigorous research-focused curriculum emphasizing original contributions to economics
Comprehensive mentorship program with dedicated faculty advisors
Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and computing resources
International collaborations and exchange opportunities with leading universities
Scholarship and fellowship opportunities for deserving candidates
Strong alumni network in academia, research, and policy sectors
Regular seminars, workshops, and conferences for research dissemination
Flexibility to pursue interdisciplinary research combining economics with management

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) Fees

The Ph.D. (Economics) program at SJMSOM IIT Bombay is highly affordable with a total fee of INR 92,700 for the complete 3-year duration. The fee structure is designed to be accessible to deserving candidates, with significant portions being refundable security deposits. The program offers excellent value for doctoral education with world-class research facilities, faculty mentorship, and international exposure included in the fees.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Total
Tuition Fees	23,000	23,000	23,000	69,000
Admission Fees	9,200	-	-	9,200
Student Welfare Fund	1,300	-	-	1,300
Thesis Fees	3,200	-	-	3,200
Institute Security (Refundable)	5,000	-	-	5,000
Library Security (Refundable)	5,000	-	-	5,000
Yearly Total	46,700	23,000	23,000	92,700

Institute Security and Library Security fees are fully refundable upon completion of the program.
Tuition fees are nominal and designed to be accessible to all qualified candidates.
Additional funding through scholarships, fellowships, and research assistantships is available.
Payment can be made through bank transfer to IIT Bombay's designated account.

SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) Admission 2026

SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) follows a rigorous merit-based selection process designed to identify candidates with strong research potential, academic excellence, and commitment to doctoral research. The admission process includes a written entrance test assessing research aptitude, subject knowledge, and analytical skills, followed by a personal interview evaluating research interests, motivation, and fit with the program.

College-Specific Dates

Event	Date
Application Start Date	March 20, 2026 (Tentative)
Application Last Date	April 11, 2026 (Tentative)
Entrance Test & Interview	December 9, 2026
Result Declaration	December 2026
Semester Registration & Orientation	January 2026
Program Commencement	January 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Post Graduation (Master's degree) in Economics, Management, or related disciplines from a recognized university
Qualification in UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) in Economics or related subjects
Minimum 55% marks in Master's degree (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
Strong research aptitude and commitment to doctoral research

Admission Process

Online application submission through IIT Bombay's official portal
Shortlisting of candidates based on academic credentials and UGC NET score
Invitation to written entrance test (90-minute aptitude test covering English comprehension, analytical reasoning, and subject knowledge)
Shortlisting for personal interview based on entrance test performance
Personal interview assessing research interests, motivation, and academic potential
Merit-based final selection combining entrance test score, interview performance, and academic credentials
Offer letter issuance and admission confirmation

SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) Scholarships 2026

SJMSOM IIT Bombay offers multiple scholarship and fellowship opportunities for Ph.D. students. Merit-based scholarships recognize academic excellence, while need-based scholarships assist students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Research assistantships provide funding while allowing students to contribute to faculty research projects.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Type	Amount	Eligibility
Merit-Based Scholarship	Up to 50,000 per year	Top academic performers and entrance test scores
Need-Based Scholarship	Up to 50,000 per year	Annual family income below 3 lakhs
Research Assistantship	10,000-20,000 per month	All Ph.D. students (conditional on research contribution)
IITB-Citadel Securities Fellowship	Competitive	Outstanding candidates in finance-related research
Government Scholarships	Varies	SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates

Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and reviewed annually.
Research assistantships are available throughout the program duration.
Additional funding through grants and sponsored research projects is available.
Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships from government agencies and research organizations.

SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) Placement 2026

SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) graduates pursue diverse career paths in academia, research institutions, policy organizations, and industry. The program has produced scholars who are now faculty members at leading universities, researchers at premier research institutions, and policy advisors at government and international organizations. The strong alumni network and IIT Bombay affiliation provide excellent career prospects and networking opportunities.

Placement Outcomes

Career Outcome	Details
Academic Positions	Faculty positions at universities and business schools
Research Institutions	Researcher positions at IGIDR, NCAER, ICRIER, and similar organizations
Policy Organizations	Economist positions at government ministries and international organizations
Industry Roles	Senior analyst and strategy roles in financial institutions and consulting firms
Average Salary (Industry)	INR 25-30 lakhs per annum (varies by sector and position)
Highest Salary	INR 53.8 lakhs per annum (industry positions)
Median Salary	INR 25.82 lakhs per annum
Career Progression	Rapid progression to senior research and leadership positions

Primary Career Sectors: Academia (40%), Research Institutions (30%), Government & Policy (20%), Industry (10%)

SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) FAQs

Q1: Is UGC NET qualification mandatory for admission to SJMSOM Ph.D. Economics?

Ans. Yes, UGC NET qualification in Economics or related subjects is a mandatory eligibility criterion for admission to SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics). The UGC NET score is an important component of the merit-based selection process. Candidates who have qualified UGC NET are eligible to apply. The program values UGC NET qualification as it demonstrates research aptitude and subject knowledge required for doctoral research.

Q2: What kind of research opportunities are available in the Ph.D. program?

Ans. SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) offers diverse research opportunities across various areas including microeconomics, macroeconomics, development economics, financial economics, behavioral economics, and applied economics. Students work closely with faculty advisors to develop original research projects. The program encourages interdisciplinary research combining economics with management, policy, and social sciences. Students have access to research databases, computing facilities, and opportunities to present research at national and international conferences.

Q3: What are the career prospects after completing Ph.D. Economics from SJMSOM?

Ans. Ph.D. graduates from SJMSOM have excellent career prospects in academia, research institutions, policy organizations, and industry. Many graduates become faculty members at leading universities and business schools. Others work as researchers at premier institutions like IGIDR, NCAER, and ICRIER. Some pursue careers in government ministries, international organizations, and policy think tanks. Industry positions in financial institutions, consulting firms, and multinational corporations are also available. The strong IIT Bombay brand and alumni network provide significant career advantages.

Q4: What funding options are available for Ph.D. students?

Ans. SJMSOM offers multiple funding options including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and research assistantships. Most Ph.D. students receive some form of financial support through these mechanisms. Research assistantships provide monthly stipends while allowing students to contribute to faculty research. Additionally, students can apply for external scholarships from government agencies like UGC, CSIR, and ICSSR. The program also facilitates access to research grants and sponsored projects that provide additional funding.

Q5: How is the campus life and student community at SJMSOM?

Ans. SJMSOM has a vibrant and intellectually stimulating campus environment with a diverse community of doctoral researchers, faculty, and visiting scholars. The campus offers excellent facilities including libraries, computing centers, seminar halls, and recreational areas. Regular seminars, workshops, and conferences provide opportunities for intellectual engagement and research dissemination. The student community is collaborative and supportive, with active research groups and academic clubs. The IIT Bombay campus provides access to various cultural, sports, and recreational activities.

Q6: How does SJMSOM Ph.D. Economics compare with other top Ph.D. programs in India?

Ans. SJMSOM Ph.D. (Economics) is among the top doctoral programs in India, comparable with programs at Delhi School of Economics, IGIDR, and other premier institutions. Key advantages include IIT Bombay's world-class research infrastructure, internationally recognized faculty, strong industry connections, and excellent placement outcomes. The program's emphasis on original research, international collaborations, and interdisciplinary approaches makes it highly competitive. The affordable fee structure (INR 92,700 for 3 years) compared to other top programs makes it an excellent value proposition for aspiring researchers.