Doctor of Philosophy
in Christian Management
Developing biblical solutions for managerial issues of Not-for-Profit Organisations — research that transforms churches, institutions, and the world.
- Developing advanced theories and models in Christian Management for the Indian context
- Capturing best practices in management and finding their application in NPOs
- Discovering new methodologies in different areas of NPO management
- Generating high-quality literature grounded in biblical values
- Formulating interventions that offer solutions to specific problems of NPOs
5 June 2026
Programme Objectives
A rigorous doctoral programme designed to equip leaders of non-profit organisations with advanced, biblically-rooted management frameworks.
Cutting-Edge Solutions
Provide advanced, biblical-foundation solutions to the managerial issues faced by NPOs and faith-based organisations.
High-Quality Research
Conduct and disseminate scholarly research relevant to Christian management, reaching academic and practitioner audiences.
Academic Excellence
Enhance knowledge and competence in teaching and research at colleges, theological institutions, and universities.
Community Engagement
Engage in service and outreach through religious and charitable organisations that promote scholarship and public impact.
Original Scholarship
Enhance writing capacity to make original contributions to the discipline that are significant for religious communities and academia.
Collaborative Inquiry
Instill commitment to collaborative inquiry, mentoring, publication and other modes of knowledge transfer.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme follows the standard 10+2+3/4+2 education pattern. Candidates must hold a relevant Master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade).
Note: All admitted candidates must complete a Pre-Doctoral Programme (PDP) before joining the PhD programme. Candidates without a management background are required to complete an additional management course as part of PDP. In exceptional cases, the RAC may grant an exemption.
MA in Christian Management (MACM) / MBA from a recognised University or Institute with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade; preferably with two or more years of work experience.
MTh from Serampore / ATA or any other recognised University, with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade on a point scale.
Any Master's Degree from a recognised University with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade, accepted by Martin Luther Christian University.
ACA, FCA, AICWAI, or ACSI qualifications from ICAI, ICWAI, or ICSI, provided the candidate has secured 55% or more in the aggregate qualifying degree examination.
Since this is a part-time programme, candidates need to apply through their organisation and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Duration of the Programme
The programme is designed for working professionals and can be completed on a part-time basis. Duration is counted from the date of admission.
Pre-Doctoral Programme
Foundational courses in Biblical Understanding of Management, Christian Management Research, and Organisation Management (if required). Culminates in a tentative research proposal.
Year 1 — Coursework
Entrance exam & interview, then four PhD courses: Research Methodology, Theoretical Approach to Christian Management Research, Advanced/Specialised Course, and Research Paper.
Year 2 — Research Proposal
Proposal presentation and approval by the Doctoral Committee. Candidates begin primary research after ethical clearance from the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC).
Years 3–6 — Thesis & Defence
Primary research, writing, conference presentations, pre-submission presentation, thesis submission, and public defence. Ordinarily completed within 6 months of submission.
Admission Process
A structured, transparent process to identify candidates with passion, potential, and purpose.
Apply for Pre-Doctoral Programme (PDP)
Register online and complete the PDP courses. Prepare your tentative research proposal during this phase. Candidates need a No Objection Certificate from their organisation.
Apply for PhD Admission
After completing PDP, submit your PhD application along with a 500-word statement of purpose and a 1,500-word tentative dissertation proposal with 5–10 academic references.
Entrance Examination
Sit the MLCU entrance examination. The qualifying mark is 50%. The exam covers English competency, research methods, analytical skills, and community orientation.
Interview
Candidates who pass the entrance test are invited for an interview based on their dissertation proposal. This is an opportunity to showcase your research vision.
Registration & Supervisor Assignment
Successful candidates are assigned a Research Supervisor. A co-supervisor may be secured if the research is interdisciplinary or involves specialised subjects.
Entrance Exam Components
- A English Language Competency
- B Research Methods & Methodological Approaches
- C Analytical Skills
- D Community Orientation
Application Deadline
5 June 2026Coursework Structure
- 4cr Research Methodology
- 4cr Theoretical Approach to Christian Management Research
- 4cr Specialised / Advanced Course (if required)
- 4cr Research Paper (on prescribed topic)
Academic Calendar
Planned schedule for the 2026–2028 cohort. All dates are tentative and subject to confirmation by the Institute.
Fee Structure
Fees are payable in two portions — to CIM (Chennai) and MLCU (Shillong). Installment payment options are available.
Fees to CIM, Chennai
Christian Institute of Management
Fees to MLCU, Shillong
Martin Luther Christian University
Additional Charges (MLCU): Resubmission fee = 50% of Examination Fee. Proof-reading and copy-editing fee: Minor editing — ₹12,000; Moderate editing — ₹20,000.
Late Payment Fine (MLCU): ₹100 per day on delayed payments. Fees are subject to change; the fee structure enforced at the time of submission will apply for examination fees.
IMPORTANT
Candidates will be required to comply with the MLCU guidelines, which may be updated periodically and will be made available on the MLCU website.
Ready to Begin Your Research Journey?
Join a community of scholars committed to advancing Christian leadership in NPOs. Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open.