MBA Sustainable Development Management Admission Process 2025

• Updated on  Jul 21, 2025, by Rajnandini Malladeb

MBA Sustainable Development Management focuses on core business principles, sustainability concepts, and specialized areas like environmental management and social responsibility. It is a two-year PG course. It blends business principles with sustainability concerns. In this program, students learn about topics such as supply chain sustainability, green technologies and innovations, environmental economics, project management, etc.

 

The MBA Sustainable Development Management eligibility criteria is that the candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline. They must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks at the UG level. Moreover, certain institutions prefer candidates who have work experience of 1-3 years.

 

After completion of an MBA in Sustainable Development Management, students can find ample job opportunities and can even work across sectors. They can work as sustainability consultants, sustainability project managers, ESG Analysts, Sustainable Finance Managers, etc. The average starting salary for freshers ranges from 5-7 LPA.

 

Table of Contents
  1. MBA Sustainable Development Management Highlights
  2. What is MBA Sustainable Development Management?
  3. Why Study MBA Sustainable Development Management?
  4. Who should study MBA Sustainable Development Management?
  5. MBA Sustainable Development Management Eligibility Criteria
  6. MBA Sustainable Development Management Entrance Exams 2025
  7. MBA Sustainable Development Management Colleges in India
  8. MBA Sustainable Development Management Admission Process 2025
  9. MBA Sustainable Development Management Syllabus
  10. MBA Sustainable Development Management Job Opportunities in India
  11. MBA Sustainable Development Management Vs MBA Environmental Management
  12. MBA Sustainable Development Management FAQs

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management Highlights

MBA in Sustainable Development Management is one of the most sought-after courses and is offered by top institutes in India. The table below shows the highlights of the Master of Business Administration Sustainable Development Management.

Details

Particulars

Course Name

Master of Business Administration Sustainable Development Management

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years

Course Type

Full-time

Admission Process

Entrance-exam+GDPI/WAT

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, along with a valid score in entrance exam.

Course Fees

INR 7,50,000-17,00,000

Top Colleges

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai, XIM University, IIM Shillong, Amity School of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Nalanda University, etc.

Job Profiles

Sustainability consultants, sustainability project managers, ESG Analyst, Sustainable Finance Manager, etc.

Top Recruiters

Tesla, Siemens Gamesa, First Solar, Amazon, Walmart, Reliance Industries, and KPMG

Average Salary in India

INR 5-7 LPA (Fresher)

 

What is MBA Sustainable Development Management?

An MBA in Sustainable Development Management is a two-year PG degree program. Its aim is to blend sustainability concerns with business ethics. It provides in-depth knowledge regarding core business principles, sustainability concepts, and specialized areas like environmental management and social responsibility. After graduation, students can work in sectors such as environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

 

Why Study MBA Sustainable Development Management?

In today’s world, which is marked by a concern for environmental issues, sustainable development management is one of the most important areas of research. Opting for this course is a wise choice. A few reasons to choose this course are as follows:

  • Graduates are in high demand globally. This is due to the environmental concerns all around the world, which must be tackled immediately.
  • By pursuing this course, students learn important skills such as analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making.
  • After completing this course, students can find stable and high paying job roles across sectors.
  • This course equips students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills, thus making them career-ready.

 

Who should study MBA Sustainable Development Management?

Candidates who wish to contribute to environmental concerns and have a solid background in commerce will gain from an MBA in Sustainable Development Management. A few candidates who can consider this course are as follows:

  • Candidates who have a solid background in commerce and business administration.
  • Candidates who wish to contribute to the rising environmental concerns globally.
  • Students who wish for a career in sectors such as consulting, corporate sustainability, green finance, supply chain management, renewable energy, etc.
  • Candidates who wish to occupy higher positions in the above-mentioned sector can pursue this course. It will boost their career growth.
  • Candidates who aim to have a stable career that provides them with financial independence.
  • Candidates who want to work on real-world issues, such as the environment and climate change.

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management Eligibility Criteria

Before opting for admission, students must consider the eligibility criteria for admission to the Master of Business Administration Sustainable Development Management. Below are the eligibility criteria for IIM Mumbai:

  • Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories) and have completed a three-year degree.
  • Candidates must appear for the entrance examination, CAT, which is used to determine admission for this course.
  • Having work experience is not necessary, but it is preferred.

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management Entrance Exams 2025

To be eligible for admission, candidates must appear for the entrance examinations. They must obtain a valid score and meet the cut-off as decided by the college. The list of entrance exams is mentioned in the table below:

Exam Name

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

CAT 2025

September 2025 onwards

November 30, 2025

INR 2,500 for General, EWS, and OBC/ INR 1,250 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates

XAT 2026

July- December 2025 (Tentative)

January 4, 2026

INR 2200

GMAT

All year round

All year round

INR 22,000-23,000

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management Colleges in India

There are numerous top B-Schools offering admission to an MBA in Sustainable Development Management. A list of a few of these premier institutes, along with their fees, ranking, and admission process, is reflected below:

College Name

Location

Fees in INR (Approx.)

NIRF Ranking

Admission Process

Indian Institute of Management Mumbai

Mumbai, Maharashtra

INR 14,00,000

#6

Entrance Exam+GDP

XIM University

Kakudia, Odisha

INR 12,20,000

#43

Entrance Exam+GDP

Indian Institute of Management Shillong

Shillong, Meghalaya

INR 12,00,000

#24

Entrance Exam+GDPI

Nalanda University

Philki, Bihar

INR 2,00,000

#19

Entrance Exam: CATMAT/ XAT

Amity School of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

INR 8,44,000

#29

Entrance Exam

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management Admission Process 2025

The admission process of the MBA Sustainable Development Management is based on an entrance exam, followed by a group discussion or personal interview round. The step-wise admission process for the MBA in Sustainable Development Management offered by IIM Mumbai is stated below:

 

Step 1: Apply for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

 

Step 2: Meet the cut-off score as determined by IIM Mumbai. Separately, fill out an application form by visiting the official website of IIM Mumbai.

 

Step 3: Candidates who meet the CAT cut-off criteria and other academic criteria will be shortlisted for the Group Discussion and Interview Round.

 

Step 4: After the GDPI round, the shortlisted candidates receive an offer letter from IIM Mumbai.

 

Step 5: The candidates, if selected, need to visit the campus for the document verification process.

 

Step 6: The candidates have to now secure their seat by paying the first installment fee.

 

Documents Required for Admission

  • Mark sheets: 10th, 12th, and semester-wise.
  • Identity proof: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter-ID
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Birth certificate
  • Entrance exam admit card and scorecard
  • Passport-sized photographs

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management Syllabus

The syllabus of the MBA Sustainable Development Management is divided into four semesters. It provides both descriptive knowledge and practical skills. It aims to make students career-ready. Given below is the syllabus of IIM Mumbai:

Semester I

Semester II

Data Science for Managerial Decisions

Managerial Communication

Operations Management

Applications of AI & ML Techniques

Marketing Management

Corporate Finance

Financial Reporting & Accounting

Managing Workplace Behaviour

Microeconomics for Managers

Supply chain management

Sustainable development for business

Project Management

Semester III

Semester IV

Environmental Law and Policies

ESG frameworks and standards

People Management

Sustainable Strategic Management

Process Safety Management

Elective 1

Circular Business Models

Elective 2

Optimization and Decision Techniques (Operations Research)

Elective 3

Innovation and entrepreneurship lab

Elective 4

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management Job Opportunities in India

There are ample job opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, consulting, urban planning, corporate social responsibility, etc. The table below presents a detailed list of MBA in Sustainable Development Management Jobs:

Job Profile

Experience

Top Recruiters

Average Salary (INR)

Sustainability Manager

2-14 years

Amazon, EY, KPMG, Schneider Electric, HCL

INR 6–35 LPA

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager

3-10 years

Unilever, Nestlé, Tata Group, Infosys

INR 6–12 LPA

Environmental Consultant

2-8 years

WNS Global Services, Accenture, Indfrag Biosciences

INR 5-8 LPA

Sustainable Finance Manager

3–10 years

JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Yes Bank

INR 7-15 LPA

Renewable Energy Project Manager

3–10 years

Siemens Gamesa, Tata Power, ReNew Power

INR 8–12 LPA

Climate Change Analyst

3–8 years

Environmental NGOs, Government Bodies

INR 6-10 LPA

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management Vs MBA Environmental Management

MBA Sustainable Management is a degree that focuses on applying the principles of sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) to the business strategy, processes, and functions, and also management, most importantly. MBA Environmental Management is used to target a specific area of environmental policy and solutions. They are more technical and scientific, and explore such issues as green technologies, environmental protection, compliance, control, and resource management.

Feature/Aspect

MBA Sustainable Development Management

MBA Environmental Management

Focus

Triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit. Balances business growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Environmental policy, regulation, and resource management. Tackles climate, energy, conservation, and compliance.

Key Subjects

Sustainable business strategy, ESG (environmental, social, governance), sustainability reporting, corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainable finance.

Environmental science/technology, environmental law, impact assessment, ecology, environmental economics, green innovation.

Career Pathways

Sustainability lead in corporations, ESG analyst, CSR manager, strategy/operations in green business, roles in NGOs/government, consulting in sustainability or responsible business.

Environmental manager in industry, regulatory agencies, consultant on compliance and environmental audits, renewable energy business, project manager - environmental services, NGO roles.

Industry Demand

Rising: ESG integration in business, sustainability as a competitive edge. Wide applicability in all industries undergoing green transformation.

Strong: Growing regulations, increased demand for compliance, and environmental risk management in industry, government, energy, and infrastructure sectors

 

MBA Sustainable Development Management FAQs

What is the highest-paying career in MBA Sustainable Development Management?

The highest-paying career of an MBA in Sustainable Development Management includes Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), Sustainability Director, etc. Candidates working in these roles need ample amount of work experience and skills.

What is the market demand and scope of MBA Sustainable Development Management graduates?

This course is in demand with the growing concerns of climate change, sustainable development, global warming, etc. This increased the demand for sustainability managers, ESG emerging professionals, green consultants, renewable energy managers, and regulatory compliance professionals in the public sector, corporate sector, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations.

How much is the average starting salary of MBA Sustainable Development Management jobs?

The average entry-level salary is between INR 5 lakhs to 17 lakhs per annum. The salary mainly depends on the experience level, skills, and certifications of the graduates.

Which sectors hire the MBA Sustainable Development Management graduates?

The environmental planning companies, multinational NGOs, trade and industry associations, consulting firms, renewable energy companies, and educational and research institutions hire the graduates, and the government or policymaking bodies. Some such examples include TERI SAS, IIMs, government departments, and large companies with their sustainability departments.

Can I pursue the MBA Sustainable Development Management online course or as a distance program?

Yes, part-time, executive, or online classes are available in some institutions, mostly for working individuals or international students. Yet, the regular ones tend to be full-time and might require residential participation as an opportunity of being more deeply immersed and connected.

Exam Accepting

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UG|
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ExamNov 30, 2025
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PG|
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Computer-based test|
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