The NSR Pre-doc programme, unique to IIMB, focuses on inclusion and aims to increase the social diversity of management academia in India
6 MAY, 2024: Thirteen students – seven women and six men, from different parts of India, were welcomed to the seventh batch of the N.S. Ramaswamy Pre-doctoral Fellowship programme at IIM Bangalore, this afternoon. As part of the one-year certificate programme, they will be mentored by internationally-acclaimed faculty members at the institute. They will get the opportunity to engage with both current and former PhD scholars, and receive expert guidance in writing research proposals. They will experience student life at the IIMB campus.
The thirteen NSR Pre-doc Fellows will pursue their studies in areas such as Decision Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Public Policy, Production & Operations Management, OB&HRM, Economics, Strategy, and Marketing.
The students said they were excited about receiving academic training that would help them enrol for a PhD programme in their fields of interest that range from Economics to Entrepreneurship.
The N.S. Ramaswamy Pre-doctoral Fellowship (NSR Pre-doc), launched in 2018 by IIM Bangalore, is a one-of-its-kind programme which helps participants prepare for a doctoral degree. The programme is seeing increased interest, year on year, with the number of students steadily growing.
The programme is specially designed around the needs of doctoral-level students and helps them navigate the process of applying for a doctoral degree. Once they have successfully completed the programme at IIMB, they are equipped to take tests and interviews in universities where their research areas match.
Know more about the programme structure, design, delivery and expected outcomes here.
In his welcome address this afternoon, Professor Anil B Suraj, Chairperson of the NSR Pre-doc Fellowship programme, said IIMB was proud to deliver this pioneering programme.
IIMB Director Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan welcomed the students to a unique year in their lives. “It’s rare in life to get an opportunity like this one, where you get to experience IIMB as a hub of learning. I am happy to see your varied background and valued experience,” he said, noting that the programme aims to act as a bridge to help participants enter a good PhD programme. “We have a good record in terms of many of our Pre-doc students getting admission to good PhD programmes in India and abroad. This is an important year in your lives as it will help you improve your credentials in applying to a Doctoral programme that lead you to become a valued part of the academia in India. Use your time well. Go beyond the structured activities and leverage the larger facilities, especially the excellent library, the very many research seminars organized by areas of study, the PhD Office and the Office of Research & Publications, the great databases and the sports facilities here on campus. Work closely with your mentors, build your network here with PhD students, attend events and seminars and collaborate on projects,” he said, wishing the students a successful and productive year at IIM Bangalore.
Describing the NSR Pre-doc Fellowship as “unique”, Professor Mukta Kulkarni, Dean Programmes, urged the students to work with their mentors and PhD students, choose their courses carefully, and develop a strong focus as the rigor of the programme is high. She spoke of the alumni of the programme who are all doing very well in their chosen fields.
Prof. Ganesh N Prabhu, Prof. Ananth Krishnamurthy, Prof. Apurva Sanaria, Prof. Tirthatanmoy Das, Prof. Gopal Mahapatra, Prof. Ludvig Levasseur, Prof. Aditya Shrinivas, faculty members at IIMB, some of whom are mentors to the students in the programme, encouraged the current students to interact with both faculty and PhD scholars while on campus.
“I find the perspectives of Pre-doc students interesting. It is an enriching experience to teach you. Do use the resources at IIMB wisely,” said Prof. Ganesh Prabhu. “This is a great opportunity for you to reflect on where you are planning to go after the programme. Get a sense of clarity and work on your plan,” advised Prof. Apurva Sanaria. Prof. Tirthatanmoy Das spoke on how the students can develop their research credentials. Urging the students to give the programme their best, Prof. Aditya Shrinivas termed the Pre-doc programme “a launchpad and lifetime opportunity for those keen on an academic career”. Prof. Levasseur reiterated the need for the students to invest in reading up on topics which interest them for their doctoral studies and begin working on their research papers which they could use as drafts in their PhD applications. Prof. Gopal Mahapatra said IIMB would give them depth and breadth in their learning.
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