Can I Do PhD After MBA? Debunking Myths and Mapping Your Academic Future

Blog / November 12, 2025

Have you just finished your MBA? It means you have spent years learning how businesses run, solving case studies, giving presentations, and working on projects that actually tested your patience and ambition.

But now the degree is in your hands, new questions start nagging you-

“What's next after an MBA?”

“Can I do PhD after MBA?”

When you do a quick Google search, you will find endless opinions like

Some say it’s impossible
Others say it's only for geniuses
Some people say it’s the smartest decision

These questions confuse students and leave them stuck. That’s why this blog aims to cut through the noise. You will find the biggest myths and a map for a clear pathway that helps you decide if pursuing a PhD after an MBA is the right decision for you.

Can you really pursue a PhD after an MBA?

Absolutely. A PhD after an MBA is a well-established academic pathway across the world for students. Many universities encourage MBA students to move toward research-driven doctoral programs.

You can easily pursue a PhD after-

Regular MBA
Online MBA
Distance-learning MBA
Executive MBA

The mode of your study doesn’t matter- what matters is accreditation and recognition.

Debunking the Myths About a PhD After an MBA

Let’s take a look at the biggest misconceptions that discourage students when they ask, “Can I do PhD after MBA?”

Myth	Reality
Only engineering or academic toppers can do PhD	Research values curiosity, discipline, and problem-solving- not just grades
PhD is only for professors	Consultants, analysts, think-tanks, policy makers, R&D leaders, and corporate strategists also thrive
Online MBA is not accepted	Recognition, entrance exams, and research proposals matter far more
PhD guarantees high salary	Growth depends on specialization, research quality, and experience
It’s too long and stressful	With planning, mentorship, and clear goals, the journey becomes rewarding

Key Highlights of a PhD You Should Know

Aspects	Details
Course Level	Doctorate
Duration	5 Years
Eligibility Criteria	PG degree with relevant subjects
Admission Process	Entrance-based (GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET)
Fee	15,000-5,00,000 INR
Job Profiles	Managing Director Chief Operating Officer Finance Manager and many more
Salary	5-24 Lakhs

Benefits of Pursuing a PhD after an MBA

Understanding the advantages is also an integral part of your question, “Can I do PhD after MBA in India?” This will clear all your doubts and provide you with a clear pathway to know whether you should pursue a PhD or not.

Let’s look at some potential benefits-

Enables deeper research beyond MBA-level study
Increases the overall value and impact of an MBA
Builds strong awareness of global business trends
Offers higher earning potential in expert roles
Creates specialization that sets you apart from regular MBA graduates
Opens opportunities to become a professor at top business schools
Strengthens eligibility for high-level consulting roles
Preferred for analytics and research-driven careers

PhD After MBA- Top Specializations You Can Explore

Let’s explore a diverse range of PhD specializations after MBA-

PhD in Chemistry
PhD in Commercial Law
PhD in Commerce
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Economics
PhD in Education
PhD in Engineering
PhD in Finance
PhD in Healthcare and Management
PhD in Human Resource Management
PhD in IT
PhD in Management
PhD in Marketing
PhD in Organizational Behavior
PhD in Operational Research
PhD in Political Science
PhD in Psychology
PhD in Statistics
PhD in Entrepreneurship
PhD in Accounting

India Vs Abroad- PhD Options After MBA

Location really matters. Below is a clear comparison that helps you elevate what fits best for you.

Can I do a PhD after MBA in India?

Duration- 4-6 years
Entrance Exams- UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, CAT, GATE, university entrance tests
Funding- Many programs are fully funded with monthly stipends
Popular research areas-

Finance
Marketing
HRM
Operations
Organizational Behavior
Strategy
Entrepreneurship
Business Analytics

Can I pursue PhD after MBA abroad?

Duration- 4-7 years
Entrance- GMAT / GRE + IELTS / TOEFL
Higher funding opportunities, especially in Europe & US
Best choice for global research or international academic careers

Eligibility Requirements to Pursue a PhD after an MBA

You have to make sure some significant things are ready before starting your PhD journey. Below are some of them-

Recognized MBA / PGDM degree
Minimum 55-60% marks (varies by university)
Valid entrance exam score
Strong research proposal or Statement of Purpose
Interview performance
Academic résumé with achievements or internships
Work experience, which is not mandatory

Step-by-Step Roadmap Towards a PhD

Let’s take a look at a clear pathway for your PhD journey planning-

Step 1- Identify specialization & research interest

Step 2- Explore universities, programs, faculty, and supervisors

Step 3- Prepare for competitive entrance exams

Step 4- Build academic profile- publish papers, take research internships, and assist professors

Step 5- Write a strong research proposal and SOP

Step 6- Apply and prepare for interviews and presentations

Step 7- Begin coursework → research → dissertation → publications → viva

Career Opportunities After Completing a PhD

You not only earn the title of “Dr.” but also gain some premium job opportunities after a PhD. Below are some high-paying job options-

Career Pathway	Average Salary
Market Research Analyst	3-9 LPA
Business Consultant	3-27 LPA
Business Operation Specialist	4-16 LPA
Economist	8-20 LPA
Chief Operating Officer	12-50 LPA

Ready for Research Excellence? Start with PhD Programs at Shiv Nadar University (Institution of Eminence)

If you are asking, “Can I do a PhD after MBA?”, you need the right college to begin your doctoral journey. Shiv Nadar University provides a strong platform and an environment that supports deep research and your academic future. The university stands out due to its-

Research-driven ecosystem
World-class faculty
Interdisciplinary learning environment

Not only this, full-time PhD scholars get full financial support (a monthly stipend of ₹45,000 for the first two years and ₹50,000 for the next three years) so that they can focus on research instead of financial pressure. Also, the campus provides advanced research infrastructure, global academic collaborations as well as modern facilities to encourage real innovation.

Students also get an opportunity to work closely with expert faculty across diverse specializations. They will benefit from publishing research, attending conferences as well as collaborating with industry partners to boost their academic and career journey.

Shiv Nadar University is an excellent choice for you if you are in search of high-impact roles. Explore PhD programs of different specializations and take your first step towards your doctoral journey!

Conclusion

So, the answer to your question- “Can I do a PhD after MBA?” is clear now. If your objective is to create knowledge, solve complex problems, or find a way to shape an industry, then it can be a rewarding experience.

If you don’t want to pursue a pathway because someone said you should, then take it because of who you want to be. If you’re going to do a PhD, you need passion, curiosity, and commitment. You should not pursue a PhD because you are trying to find the easy route.

Before you make the decision, ask yourself-

Do I want to gain new knowledge, or am I interested in applying existing knowledge?

If your answer is yes, it is the right time to explore doctoral programs at Shiv Nadar University and begin designing your academic trajectory today.

FAQs

Can I do PhD after MBA in India?

Yes, you can. MBA graduates can pursue a PhD by applying via entrance exams- UGC-NET or GATE. They can conduct research in various specializations- management, finance, marketing, HR, analytics, and more.

What are top PhD specializations after MBA?

You will find plenty of options- Chemistry, Commercial Law, Commerce, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Engineering, Finance, Human Resource Management, etc.

What are career options after PhD?

After completion of a PhD, you can get various opportunities- market research analyst, business consultant, business operation specialist, economist, chief operating officer, and more.