ESGCI, Paris · Doctorate · Leadership & AI Strategy
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
Shaping strategic leadership in an AI-driven world. Built for senior leaders, with a specialisation in Leadership & AI Strategy — completed in 24 months, internationally aligned and professionally timed.
Duration
24 Months
Programme Fee
INR 7,15,000 (without immersion) · INR 9,00,000 (with immersion)
Reserve Seat
INR 35,000
Admission Deadline
31 Jul 2026
Credential
Your Dual-Institute Certificate
Same doctorate as on-campus, without needing to relocate. RNCP-accredited (levels 6 and 7, recognised by the French State), QUALIOPI-certified, plus an optional PwC Board Advisory Certification on completion.
Certificate of Completion
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
ESGCI, Paris

Global recognition
Accreditation & Global Recognition
Independently recognised by leading accreditation bodies worldwide.

French Ministry of Higher Education
The French Ministry of Higher Education has assessed and recognised ESGCI for imparting high-quality business education.

QUALIOPI
Qualiopi certification is a quality mark for training organisations registered with the Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) in France.

ACBSP
ACBSP is America's premier accreditation body for business schools and programs worldwide.

IACBE
IACBE is an international accreditation body recognising excellence in business education programmes.
Why this programme
Key Highlights
What sets this dual-school executive programme apart.
Pitch your ideas to real VCs with chequebooks
Release your Doctoral dissertation as a book
Teach in UGC-recognised colleges in your free time
Prototype and pilot your ideas with no-code platforms
Protect your ideas with solid IPs in 155 countries
Optional PwC Board Advisory Certification and NSDC-recognised certification
RNCP-accredited, QUALIOPI-certified French doctorate with ACBSP recognition
Who is this for
Designed For Rising & Established Leaders
Strategic, AI-ready, board-facing capabilities to accelerate enterprise impact.
Unstoppable Leaders
Those who go deeper to climb higher, and never stop creating business impact. A doctorate signals deep domain expertise and elevates leadership stature.
What you will learn
Programme Curriculum
Master the intersection of technology, AI, and business strategy.
- Foundational concepts in academic research
- The nature and types of academic research
- Key terminologies in doctoral research
- Features of business and management research
- Steps in the doctoral research process
Ready to take the next step?
Download the full brochure or apply to reserve your seat.
Getting started
How to Apply
Master's Degree (or equivalent), or Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years of work experience. Diploma holders considered case-by-case with a minimum of 8 years of work experience.
Submit Application
Submit your application to meet the eligibility criteria for the DBA from ESGCI, Paris.
Receive Offer Letter
Upon submitting the application, you will receive an offer letter if you are shortlisted.
Reserve Your Seat
Reserve your programme spot by paying the block amount of INR 35,000 and start your course.
Deep dive
Why a Doctorate of Business Administration Programme Matters in 2026
Rising demand for research-driven leaders
As organisations embed AI into strategy, operations and governance, senior leaders are expected to think more rigorously, move faster and make decisions that hold up to scrutiny. The ESGCI DBA is built for this moment.
Who should pursue this programme
C-suite and senior executives (CEO, COO, CFO, VP, Director) seeking a globally recognised doctorate; seasoned professionals with 10+ years in business, consulting, finance, technology, marketing or operations; strategists, consultants, entrepreneurs and aspiring academics building research-backed authority.
What sets this programme apart
24 months — structured for completion, not just enrolment, with Year 1 assignments feeding directly into thesis selection. A built-in Leadership & AI Strategy specialisation applies AI to strategic foresight, decision-making and executive communication, no technical complexity required.
Career impact
Graduates move into roles such as Strategy Director, VP, COO and senior consultant, with greater visibility, influence and board-level authority — backed by RNCP accreditation, QUALIOPI certification and an optional PwC Board Advisory Certification.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before applying.
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