Doctor of Business Administration
A world-class doctoral degree designed for India’s next generation of thought leaders.
- Earn a DBA from IPAG Business School (AACSB-accredited) and a certificate from XLRI Jamshedpur.
- Faculty-led research seminars help you choose a specialisation perfectly aligned with your thesis focus
- For visionary leaders aiming to earn a prestigious doctorate, expand global impact, and solve real-world challenges.
- Lifelong alumni status with access to two elite alumni networks, along with exclusive alumni benefits
- Learn on campus through three 5-day XLRI immersions and an optional IPAG Paris/Nice immersion.
- Live online sessions led by distinguished XLRI and IPAG faculty.
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Get recognised for your thought leadership, globally
In an era where business transformation depends on strategic foresight and data-driven decision-making, the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) has emerged as a crucial pathway for senior professionals seeking to elevate their leadership impact. A DBA program bridges the gap between academic research and real-world business application, enabling leaders to approach organisational challenges through advanced methodologies, analytical thinking, and evidence-based management. It equips professionals with the ability to generate original insights that drive innovation, policy, and long-term strategic growth.
65%
20–30%
About IPAG Business School
A Premier Doctor of Business Administration, 5 Years and Counting (CEO Magazine 2025 Global Listing)
Founded in Paris in 1965, IPAG Business School is a top-ranked European institution with campuses in Paris, Nice, Los Angeles, and Kunming, and partnerships with more than 130 universities worldwide. Accredited by CEFDG and EPAS, and a member of the prestigious Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), IPAG has consistently earned global recognition, ranking among the Top 220 worldwide in Economics & Business (U.S. News). Known for its research strength, IPAG is among the top five institutions in France for Economics & Finance, with a strong focus on CSR, sustainability, and digital transformation.
IPAG Rankings
9ᵗʰ
Top 220 Globally
Top 300 Globally
IPAG Accreditations
3 Palmes
of Excellence Eduniversal Recognition
AACSB Accredited
IPAG holds AACSB accreditation, earned by less than 6% of business schools globally.
CGE Member
Conférence des Grandes Écoles (France)
IPAG Alumnus work at
Note: All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders, use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them
About XLRI – Xavier School of Management
Certificate by XLRI
Founded in 1949, XLRI is India’s first B-school and a top MBA destination for ambitious learners, known for academic rigour, ethical leadership, and corporate relevance. Accredited by AACSB and AMBA, it ranks among the Top 150 globally (QS 2024) and is India’s #1 private B-school (IIRF 2025). With a strong legacy in executive education, XLRI designs flexible, industry-focused programmes for working professionals. Its powerful alumni network spans business, policy, and entrepreneurship, offering global career opportunities for every MBA graduate.
XLRI Rankings
#9 (NIRF)
#1 (IIRF)
QS 141–150
#1 in India
XLRI Accreditations
AACSB Accredited
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
AMBA Accredited
Association of MBAs
NBA Accredited
National Board of Accreditation (India)
AICTE Approved
All India Council for Technical Education
XLRI Alumnus Work At
Note: All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders, use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them
Redefining Doctoral Excellence in Business Leadership
Recognised among the world’s top Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) programs (CEO Magazine 2025 Global Listing), IPAG Business School brings its global research-led, practice-driven legacy to India. Engage with world-class DBA faculty, international peers, and cutting-edge business research that drives real-world impact.
In partnership with XLRI Jamshedpur, India’s #1 private management institute (IIRF), this DBA program in India offers a dual credential: the internationally recognised DBA degree from IPAG and a certificate by XLRI.
The IPAG Doctorate Degree with XLRI Certificate is a transformative online DBA program for senior professionals. Choose your own specialisation, guided by immersive research seminars, ensuring your DBA research aligns with career goals, solves real business challenges, and strengthens leadership and strategic influence.
What makes the IPAG DBA with XLRI certificate truly world-class
Earn Doctoral Prestige and Recognition
Earn the distinguished title “Dr.” - a mark of respect, authority, and global recognition.
Build a Future-Focused Doctoral Specialisation
Shape your doctoral research through immersive seminars, tackling critical challenges and opportunities relevant to your career and industry.
Accelerated and Flexible Doctorate Path
Complete your DBA degree in three years or less with live online sessions and customisable research specialisations.
Graduate with Dual Global Credentials
Earn a Doctorate in Business Administration from IPAG and a postgraduate certificate from XLRI, enhancing international recognition.
Gain a Global Perspective with Indian Expertise
Benefit from IPAG’s international exposure in Paris/Nice and XLRI’s leadership legacy, combining global insights with Indian business relevance.
Programme Structure of the IPAG DBA with XLRI Certificate
The program begins with a live online, application-driven curriculum in Year 1, combining global frameworks with India-specific insights and transformational guidance from IPAG and XLRI faculty. In Years 2 and 3, participants focus on independent DBA research and dissertation writing, receiving expert supervision, regular one-on-one reviews, and structured paper submissions, ensuring their research aligns with real-world business challenges and career objectives. The programme includes mandatory campus immersions at XLRI, India, and offers optional immersions at Paris/Nice (IPAG), providing participants with a global learning experience. The doctoral journey carries 180 ECTS credits, reflecting its academic rigour and global recognition.
Shape your Doctorate research through faculty-led research seminars
At the IPAG Doctor of Business Administration, design a personalised doctoral research journey under the guidance of distinguished faculty. Through immersive doctoral research seminars, executives identify high-impact topics, explore emerging theories, and create actionable solutions that elevate careers, influence organisations, and position themselves as thought leaders in their field.
What makes the IPAG DBA so unique?
Feature | IPAG DBA with XLRI Certificate | Other DBA Programs |
Credentials | ✅ Dual credential: IPAG DBA with XLRI certificate | ❌Single credential; recognized by the program’s home institution |
Curriculum | ✅ Structured, live-synchronous sessions (~280 hours) + research project; immersive, interactive learning | ❌ Coursework + research dissertation over ~36 months; primarily recorded content with periodic live support |
Alumni Status & Benefits | ✅ Access to dual alumni network (XLRI & IPAG alumni networks) | ❌ Access to usually single institution alumni status |
Networking Opportunities | ✅ Structured interactions through live sessions, campus immersions, and dual alumni access | ❌ Optional live sessions, virtual networking, mentorship, and international exposure depending on program |
Specialisations | ✅ Flexible; participants can choose their own topics through faculty guided research seminars aligned with their interests and thesis | ❌ Usually a set of foundation + concentration courses; less flexibility in electives |
Global Exposure | ✅ Optional Paris immersion; cross-border faculty | ❌ Optional immersion in partner institutions |
ROI & Value | ✅ High ROI: Dual international credential + XLRI brand; enhances global credibility, leadership influence, and career growth | ❌ Moderate ROI: Single credential; recognition may be limited regionally; less focus on live, applied learning format may reduce live engagement value |
Best Suited For | ✅ Visionary leaders and high-impact professionals ready to redefine influence and legacy - not just performance. | ❌ Professionals seeking only a credential, title, or international exposure without the intent to produce research-driven, transformational impact. |
Designed for leaders who drive impact through original research
Bring a global edge to your dissertation
This unique pedagogy is a comprehensive blend of executive research, managerial impact, and real-world problem-solving, supported by world-class faculty, workshops, and access to extensive academic resources. The doctoral journey carries 180 ECTS credits, reflecting its academic rigour and global recognition.
Live Session Schedule
Wednesday - 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM Saturday - 6:45 PM to 9:45 PM
How the IPAG DBA with XLRI Certificate accelerates your career growth?
100% Live and Interactive
Engage directly with faculty in every live online DBA session to refine research and leadership skills.
Choose Your Specialisation Through Research Seminars
Design your doctoral journey with mentor guidance, aligning research topics to career goals in interactive research seminars.
Research-Driven, Future-Focused DBA Curriculum
A Doctorate in Business Administration curriculum built for evolving business challenges, ensuring your doctoral research has direct impact on the future of business and leadership.
Globally Recognised AACSB Accreditation
Earn a DBA degree backed by a AACSB accredited university, world’s most respected accreditation held by less than 6% of business schools, ensuring international recognition and credibility unmatched by most programs.
On-Campus Immersions
Experience academic life on campus, with opportunities for in-person learning, networking, and mentorship.
Dual International Credentials
Graduate with a Doctor of Business Administration from IPAG and a research certificate from XLRI.
Complete Your DBA Within 3 Years
Accelerated structure allows high-achieving professionals to finish dissertations quickly, delivering faster career ROI and application of research.
Smart Research Topic Recommendation
Receive faculty mentorship during interactive DBA research seminars to select relevant, career-aligned research topics with clarity.
Explore What’s Possible with this DBA
Considering your next move? Learn how this internationally designed degree can add value to your professional journey. If you have questions, our Program Advisors are here to help.
Think like a researcher. Lead like a senior executive.
Transform Insights into Business Impact
Conduct Doctorate in Business Administration research that solves real-world business challenges and delivers actionable strategies.
Define Your Scholar–Practitioner Identity
Combine executive expertise with academic rigor to build your credibility as a scholar practitioner in boardrooms, consulting, and academic settings.
Elevate Your Career with the “Dr.” Credential
Earn the prestigious Doctorate in Business Administration degree and gain recognition as a thought leader and strategic advisor.
Build Global Thought Leadership Through Doctoral Research
Publish research papers, case studies, and white papers as part of your doctoral program to position yourself as an authority in management and corporate strategy.
Experience a Practice-Oriented Doctorate
Engage with a professional doctorate curriculum designed for senior executives, focusing on applied knowledge, strategic insights, and measurable business impact.
Structured Supervision Peer Network
Receive structured guidance and peer interaction in a dynamic doctoral research environment that accelerates your learning journey.
Faculty Expertise That Blends Global & Indian Perspectives
Taught by renowned faculty from two continents, this programme merges Indian business depth with European strategic thinking. Together, the faculties bring decades of academic excellence, corporate consulting, and global collaboration ensuring a curriculum that is practical, transformative, and internationally relevant.
Faculty of Finance, XLRI Jamshedpur
Dr. Santoshkumar Prakash Sangem, a leading voice in finance and management education, has been with XLRI for over 15 years. He has trained and consulted for top organisations ...
Dean (Academics), XLRI Delhi-NCR Campus, Faculty – Strategic Management Area
Prof. Thakur serves as Dean (Academics) at XLRI Delhi-NCR and is part of the Strategic Management Area. His expertise spans Strategic Thinking, Business Policy, Corporate Gove...
IPAG Faculty
Director, French Consortium
Dr. Ashwani Kumar is a seasoned academic, consultant, and senior management professional with 30+ years of P&L leadership and business school teaching experience. His expertis...
Faculty – Finance, Innovation & Strategic Management
Prof. Vazov is a seasoned academic and thought leader with expertise in strategic management, entrepreneurship, corporate and public finance, and social insurance systems. He ...
Organizational Behaviour
Vikas Bhatnagar is a passionate leader and scholar in the field of Organizational Behaviour, with a rich and diverse background spanning military leadership, corporate strateg...
Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Dr. Kanazireva leads undergraduate and master's level courses in Corporate Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Digital Brand Management, Managing the Commons, Sustainable Business,...
Professor of Management and a Doctoral Supervisor
Raphael Lissillour is a professor of management and a doctoral supervisor. He teaches cross-cultural management, leadership, and research. Additionally, as the China Program D...
Professor of Strategy, CSR and Business Marketing Ethics
Mohamed Akli Achabou is a Professor of Strategy, CSR, and Business Marketing Ethics at IPAG Business School. He holds several master’s degrees in Agricultural and Food Economi...
Professor of Marketing
Ilaria Dalla Pozza is Professor of Marketing at IPAG Business School, where she is responsible for the development of research activities for marketing in the insurance and ba...
Associate Professor - HDR in Business Ethics and CSR
Abderrahman Jahmane is an associate professor HDR at IPAG Business School. He is also a scientific advisor in the IPAG Chair “Towards an Inclusive Company”. He holds a PhD in ...
Full Professor of Quantitative Finance and Risk Management
Hans-Jörg Henri von Mettenheim is a Professor and Director of the Chair for Quantitative Finance and Risk Management at IPAG Business School, Paris. He holds a Ph.D. in econom...
Programme Certificate
Participants will first undertake a research proposal defense between 12-15 months into the program. Upon successfully defending the proposal, they will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Research from XLRI. This is followed by the thesis viva defense at the conclusion of the three-year journey. Successful completion of the viva will lead to the award of the Doctorate Degree from IPAG, representing a significant academic and professional milestone. The participants are required to have minimum 75% attendance in all live sessions for each course in the program.
Note: All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of XLRI and IPAG.
XLRI Executive Education Alumni Status
As an Executive Education Alumni of XLRI, you gain lifelong access to a network that empowers professional growth, continuous learning, and meaningful connections.
Exclusive Networking Access –Stay connected through alumni newsletters, magazines, and invitations to XLRI alumni events and initiatives.
Digital Alumni Portal – Access the official alumni portal and download your Associate Alumni virtual ID card.
Continuous Learning Discounts – Receive preferential rates on future XLRI programmes, as determined by the Corporate Programmes & VIL Committee.
Special Invitations – Join exclusive online lectures, talks, and seminars led by XLRI faculty and industry experts.
IPAG Business School Alumni Status
Participants are conferred Full Alumni Status, enjoying the same privileges as on-campus learners at IPAG Business School.
Global Alumni Identity – Receive a school domain email ID along with physical and digital alumni ID cards.
Lifetime Campus Resources – Gain access to IPAG’s digital and on-campus library, research resources, and newsletters.
Worldwide Networking – Connect via IPAG’s alumni portal and participate in global alumni events, expanding your professional relationships across continents.
With dual alumni status, you become part of two powerful global networks, opening doors to opportunities that span industries and geographies
Celebrate Your Success at the Graduation Ceremony
Your DBA learning journey concludes with a proud moment, a graduation ceremony at the XLRI campus, where you will receive hard copies of your certificate and degree in person. For those unable to attend, your certificate delivered to your doorstep with a secure courier.
Note: A graduation (valedictory) ceremony will be conducted at the XLRI NCR campus towards the end of the programme. Participants opting for on-campus accommodation will be charged approximately INR 2,500 plus GST per day, payable directly to XLRI.
FAQs
Elevate your career with this programme!
Flexible payment options available.
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