Building The Management Backbone Of India's Social Sector
Since 2017, ISDM has shaped leaders, strengthened institutions, and convened the ecosystem around Development Management as a discipline. Today, that work shows up in alumni building the next generation of social-purpose organisations, in institutions bringing new rigour to how they govern, measure, and grow, and in a sector that has begun to treat management as central, not peripheral, to impact.
586
graduates trained across nine cohorts since 2017
427
organisationsacross India have hired ISDM alumni
530
SPOs use ISDM’s knowledge and data platforms
530
SPOs use ISDM’s knowledge and data platforms
ISDM Impact Assessment
~200 stakeholders consulted across alumni, employers, faculty, thought leaders, and partners. Five-phase methodology spanning KPI design, primary interviews, peer benchmarking, and triangulation. Independently conducted by Deloitte, March 2026.
Leadership, Career Growth And Alumni Outcomes
Our graduates don't just enter the social sector — they redefine what leadership looks like inside it. Across cohorts, alumni report sharp upward mobility, stronger compensation, and a deep, durable commitment to the field.
32%
Have founded or co-founded a social venture; over 60% of those founders credit ISDM as a catalytic influence on their entrepreneurial readiness.
59%
Of alumni report 2+ role transitions, moving from delivery to leadership or strategic roles, including CXO-level positions.
74%
of alumni have introduced or led new programs, pilots, or initiatives.
92%
Would refer ISDM to others.
Alumni Spotlight
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"Development Management gave me a leadership lens I could carry across entrepreneurship, business, education, and government."
Organisational Capability And Institutional Growth
ISDM alumni increasingly contribute to organizational systems, cross-functional management, and decision-making across social purpose organizations.
ALUMNI SPHERE OF IMPACT
1 in 3 alumni lead work reaching 25,000+ beneficiaries every year.
100,000 + beneficiaries
19%
25,000 - 100,000
33%
5,000 - 25,000
9%
1,000 - 5,000
12%
Under 1,000
19%
Discipline Building And Sector Influence
Beyond individuals and institutions, ISDM functions as a field-builder — the connective tissue of an ecosystem that has historically been fragmented across themes, geographies, and institutional types. ISDM has established Development Management as a standalone discipline in India with curriculum standards now mirrored by peer institutions.
“ISDM's vision is a wonderful idea. The country needs multiple Development Management institutions. ISDM has well-executed the task of widening the entry-level talent pool for the sector."
Annual SPHERE OF IMPACT
