Why IPAG’s DBA Is Emerging as a Strategic Leadership Degree

In today’s business environment, leadership is no longer just about operational efficiency. Senior executives are increasingly expected to justify decisions with data, strategic foresight, and research-backed reasoning.

Against this backdrop, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is gaining attention as a qualification that goes beyond traditional executive education.

The DBA offered by IPAG Business School, delivered in collaboration with Xavier School of Management (XLRI), is positioned as a research-driven doctoral programme for working professionals.

Why Leaders Are Considering a DBA

According to industry discussions cited in the programme overview, many senior leaders identify skills such as long-term strategy, change leadership, and prioritisation as essential. However, fewer report having formally developed these capabilities at an advanced level.

While short executive courses enhance specific techniques, a doctoral programme is designed to build research literacy, critical thinking, and the ability to frame complex problems with evidence.

Globally, only a small percentage of postgraduate business professionals hold a doctorate, making the DBA a relatively rare qualification in corporate leadership.

Programme Structure and Academic Collaboration

The IPAG DBA is structured as a three-year programme designed for working professionals. It combines live online learning with mandatory campus immersions.

Key academic components include:

• A Doctor of Business Administration degree from IPAG (France)

• A postgraduate certificate in research from XLRI (India)

• Structured research seminars

• A final doctoral research paper and presentation

• Three mandatory campus immersions at XLRI Delhi-NCR

• Optional international immersion at IPAG Paris or Nice

IPAG is AACSB-accredited, a global accreditation held by a limited percentage of business schools worldwide. The collaboration with XLRI adds Indian institutional recognition and industry relevance.

Focus on Applied Research

The programme emphasises applied research. Participants are expected to identify real organisational or policy-level challenges and develop structured research around them.

According to the programme outline, the objective is to equip leaders with the ability to:

• Evaluate complex problems critically

• Design evidence-based strategies

• Strengthen boardroom credibility

• Contribute to policy and industry discussions

Graduates may use their research to publish work, advise organisations, or engage with academia while continuing professional careers.

Who Can Apply

The programme is targeted at mid- to senior-level professionals aiming to expand their strategic influence.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Master’s degree with three years of work experience

• Bachelor’s degree with eight years of experience

• Diploma with ten years of experience

Applicants must submit academic records, a resume, and a statement of purpose. English language proficiency requirements apply, unless prior education was conducted in English.

The next cohort is scheduled to begin on March 31, 2026.

Investment and Duration

• Duration: 3 years

• Format: Live online sessions with campus immersions

• Programme fee: ₹13,20,000 plus GST (immersion costs additional)

Strategic Positioning

The programme is presented as a pathway for executives preparing for CXO, board, governance, consulting, or thought leadership roles.

Rather than focusing purely on managerial tools, the DBA aims to build research-based authority — positioning leaders to defend strategic decisions with structured analysis and academic rigour.

As businesses face increasing scrutiny from investors, regulators, and stakeholders, research-led leadership development is becoming a growing area of interest among senior professionals.