The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai has witnessed an unprecedented surge in interest for its MBA in Sustainability Management, drawing a staggering 2.12 lakh applications for just 30 seats this year—a massive leap from 1,400 applicants in 2023.
The institute, formerly known as the National Institute of Training in Industrial Engineering (NITIE), was granted IIM status in 2023. Since then, its sustainability-focused MBA has rapidly gained popularity, nearly matching the general MBA programme, which received 2.6 lakh applications for 330 seats.
According to IIM Mumbai Director Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwari, the spike in demand reflects the rising importance of sustainability in business and policy worldwide. “With the global spotlight on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), companies are ramping up sustainability initiatives, which in turn has created a surge in demand for skilled professionals,” he said in an interview with ThePrint.
The course’s growing appeal is also reflected in the placement outcomes. One student from the current cohort received a record package of ₹45 lakh, while the average salary hovered between ₹28–30 lakh.
India’s climate targets—like achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and generating 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power by 2030—are driving a national shift towards greener practices, and educational institutions are stepping up to support this transition.
Expanding Footprint of Sustainability Courses
IIM Mumbai is not alone in embracing the sustainability movement. IIM Lucknow has been offering a two-year Post Graduate Programme in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM) for over a decade. IIM Ahmedabad has made sustainability a core part of its curriculum with compulsory courses and a range of electives. Meanwhile, IIM Kolkata is launching a one-year executive programme in corporate sustainability starting August 2025, and IIM Kozhikode has opened a dedicated centre for climate studies.
Although IIM Mumbai had been offering a diploma in sustainability since 2001, the full-fledged MBA programme, introduced post-IIM transition, brought with it broader recognition and interest. “Earlier, it was difficult to attract students, but the IIM tag and India’s ambitious sustainability goals have given the programme a new lease of life,” said Prof. Tiwari.
Integrating Sustainability into Management Education
Prof. Shirish Sangle, who teaches sustainable business at IIM Mumbai, emphasized that sustainability isn’t treated as a standalone subject but is deeply embedded across disciplines like accounting, marketing, and operations.
“In managerial accounting, for instance, environmental costs are factored in. In operations, energy-efficient machines, optimized production speeds, and carbon-conscious logistics are key teaching areas,” Sangle explained. He gave an example from the shipping industry, where route and speed adjustments can significantly cut emissions—a concept now applied across warehousing, trucking, and even finance, where carbon tracking is gaining traction.
At IIM Ahmedabad, students across all postgraduate programmes must take a core course in corporate sustainability in their first year. The institute also offers diverse electives covering environmental policy, social impact, and governance. “Students can take part in project courses tied to sustainability themes, working closely with faculty from our Centre for Sustainability and Corporate Governance,” said Prof. Anish Sugathan.
IIM Kolkata’s upcoming executive programme will equip participants with practical tools to embed sustainability into core business strategies. According to the institute, the course is designed to help professionals lead their organisations toward ethical, long-term, and sustainable growth.
Market-Driven Momentum
IIM Mumbai’s leadership attributes the momentum behind these programmes to evolving industry needs. Prof. Tiwari explained, “Firms that responsibly manage environmental and social resources are more likely to gain competitive advantages. This is especially true as financial institutions increasingly direct capital towards companies with strong sustainability practices.”
He also pointed to growing consumer and investor awareness as a driving force. “Companies now understand that sustainability is not just about doing good—it’s about ensuring long-term viability and success.”
Echoing this sentiment, IIM Lucknow, which reports a 100% placement rate for its PGP-SM graduates, notes that sustainability is becoming a non-negotiable part of modern business strategy. Graduates from the programme have landed roles at top firms like McKinsey, Accenture, and major consulting giants, with average salaries around ₹30 lakh annually.
As India moves ahead with its green transition, institutes like IIM Mumbai are playing a pivotal role in training the leaders who will help shape a more sustainable future.
