About ISDM

ISDM’s Post Graduate Program in Development Management is a unique management program specifically designed for application in the social development sector. It blends concepts, ideas and practices of development with management theories, combining in-class sessions with collaborative assignments and an on-field component.

The PGP-DM aims to develop a cadre of Management Professionals, specifically for Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs), who can grapple with the complex context of social change and design interventions, to build, lead and manage organisations for sustainable social impact at scale.

1. 22 Development Management core & elective courses and 10 workshops
2. The only institute to use ‘bricoleuring’ in its pedagogy
3. A foundation-building orientation-cum-induction term
4. Access to the world’s best journals and other digital resources
5. Plenaries, Hot Conversations and CEO Talks

1. Personal Mastery for Development Leadership
2. 2-week immersive field component called Realising India
3. Unique Context-Based Collaborative Learning (CBCL) pedagogy
4. 12 Harvard ManageMentor Courses covering Management topics
5. Live Interactions with Eminent Speakers
6. Specially curated Workshops
7. Development Management Writing Centre along with the course ‘Writing in the Discipline’
8. Mix of Courses in Development Management
9. Special Capstone Project on Scale and Sustainability

As a Development Manager, you will be able to understand complex social issues and design interventions, and lead, manage and build sustainable organisations, with cultures and values for socially relevant teams, to create sustained and scalable impact.

Yes. The program includes an immersive fieldwork module called Realising India, a two-week district immersion that takes students beyond the classroom to directly experience India’s social realities.

During this two-week immersion, students live and work in a rural district, engaging closely with local communities, governance systems, and institutions. The experience is designed to move beyond classroom theory, offering a firsthand understanding of society’s complex structures, power dynamics, and systemic challenges.

The immersion bridges academic learning with lived realities. It provokes reflection, challenges preconceived notions, and fosters empathy, qualities essential for anyone aspiring to lead transformative change in the development sector.

By the end of the journey, students often return with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of systemic injustice, and a stronger commitment to building a society grounded in fairness, dignity, and collaboration.

Graduates from any stream, whether working professionals or freshers (with minimum of 60% marks in 10th and 12th boards), who are interested in pursuing a career and creating an impact in the Social sector, can apply for our PGP-DM program.

The minimum eligibility criteria for applying is an undergraduate degree in any discipline. This includes recent graduates, working professionals, as well as students in their final year (completing their Bachelor’s programs within July 2026).

No, it is not mandatory to have previous professional experience to be eligible to apply. However, it is recommended that you have some professional or volunteering experience, as it gives you an edge for selection.

No. The PGP-DM is a full-time on-campus program, and cannot be pursued online, or while working. Given the rigorous and highly collaborative nature of the program, all students are required to attend classes in person, at all times.

Applications for admission into the PGP-DM program for the batch of 2026-27 open in December 2025, and the session starts from late July. If you’re interested in applying for the upcoming batch, please register your interest here.

Due to the limited number of seats in the cohort, applying early gives you better chances of securing admission. Additionally, due to the further limited seats for specific scholarships, early applicants inherently have better chances of securing higher scholarships (based on eligibility).

Application for admission to ISDM’s PGP-DM program is free of cost. If you are interested in applying, please Register Your Interest here. Once you register, you will receive a link to the online Application Form.

Yes, applicants will receive communication with the latest information regarding the status of their application via email, at all stages during the Admission Process.

ISDM's Online Assessment consists of two test components:

Once your application is short-listed, you will receive preparatory material on your registered email address. You may also find the same on your Application Dashboard. To better understand the assessment and the preparation required, you may also refer to this article on How to Prepare for ISDM's Online Assessment.

Once your application is short-listed, you will receive detailed instructions and guidelines for logging in to the Online Assessment portal. You may also find the same on your Application Dashboard.

The link for the Online Assessment will be active for 5 days from the receipt of the Online Assessment Link. Further details will be shared on your registered email, prior to the scheduled assessment date. Please note that once the Online Assessment is initiated, it must be completed in one attempt.

In case an applicant faces a technical glitch during the test, they are advised to reach out to the Test Technical Team through this link: Candidate Support immediately, or reach out to your assigned counsellor during working hours (9am to 6pm, from Monday to Saturday).

The Personal Interview will be conducted online. All the necessary information will be sent to shortlisted applicants on their registered email ID, prior to their scheduled Personal Interview date.

We will send a set of preparatory guidelines to help shortlisted candidates prepare for the Personal Interview round, prior to their scheduled interview date. If you do not receive the same after being shortlisted, please reach out to your assigned counsellor.

The fee structure at ISDM is as follows:

1. An Enrolment-cum-Caution Deposit of INR 25,000 (twenty-five thousand) needs to be deposited to confirm your seat in the program. Caution Deposit is refundable after completion of the program.
2. The Tuition Fee for the entire program is INR 7,50,000 (seven lakh and fifty thousand), payable in two equal installments. This fee does not include any living/accommodation costs.
3. The first instalment of the Tuition Fee is to be paid in July, before the commencement of the program.
4. The second instalment of the Tuition Fee is to be paid in January, roughly 6 months after the first instalment.

ISDM offers a diverse range of Scholarships (with limited seats) based on Merit, Need and Merit-cum-Need ranging from INR 2,50,000 to INR 7,50,000 (full waiver), as well as an option of Deferred Payment of up to INR 3,00,000. The eligibility for Scholarships is dependent on multiple factors, including the candidate’s academic records, financial conditions, and performance in ISDM’s Admission Process. The final decision regarding Scholarships and Deferred Payments rests solely with the Financial Assistance Committee.

Click here to know more about Financial Assistance options available.

The Enrolment-cum-Caution Deposit will be refunded on successful program completion and clearance of all dues, after deduction of applicable processing charges.

If a candidate withdraws their enrolment before the commencement of the program, the Enrolment-cum-Caution Deposit refund may (or may not) be refunded based on the nature of Scholarship availed:

Full Scholarship: No refund
Partial/No Scholarship: Partial refund after deduction of processing charges

Currently, ISDM does not have an on-campus accommodation facility. However, ISDM provides students with recommendations for verified, affordable accommodation options within a 5 km radius of the campus.

ISDM offers two types of scholarships for its 11-month PGP-DM program: Merit-based and Need-based. The process for each is outlined below.

1. Merit-based Scholarships

Merit-based Scholarships are awarded at the sole discretion of ISDM’s Financial Assistance Committee, based on a candidate’s scholastic scores. You do not need to apply separately for this scholarship, as eligibility for merit is assessed based on scholastic scores already submitted as part of the general application process.

2. Need-based Scholarship

If you wish to be considered for Need-based Financial Assistance, you can indicate this in the dedicated Need-based Scholarship Consideration section of the Application Form. This section outlines the eligibility criteria, income calculations, and instructions for submission.

After the Personal Interview (PI), candidates who have opted for Need-based Scholarships will receive a prompt to complete and submit a detailed Need-based Scholarship Application along with the necessary supporting documents. This must be submitted within the given timeline, typically within 10 days of application submission or 4 days after the PI.

All scholarship applications are reviewed by the Financial Assistance Committee, and decisions are released along with the Offer of Admission to selected candidates.

In summary, while Merit-based Scholarships are automatic, Need-based Scholarships require a short, structured application process after your interview.

ISDM has 350+ placement partners in the sector, and the program’s latest cohorts (2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25) have a 100% placement record. While ISDM does not guarantee placements, our PGP-DM program prepares our graduates to excel in diverse roles within the sector. ISDM provides placement assistance to all its PGP-DM students. Our alumni have secured positions in reputed organisations, reflecting the program's success in equipping students for successful careers in social development.

The placement process at ISDM is essentially student-centric. The information that the students share in conversations with the Placement team all round the year helps the team understand their preferences and the type of roles and organisations that they are most inclined towards. Additionally, during the placement process, students are supported, guided and enabled till the end to apply for roles that resonate the most with them. This 'reverse' process is what makes the placements at ISDM unique. Additionally, organisations who participate in the process are also supported end to end in running the process on campus or virtually (whichever mode they decide for selection).

ISDM has earned recognition as a preferred destination for recruiters in the development sector. Over 400+ ISDM alumni are currently working with leading organisations across diverse areas such as education, healthcare, water and sanitation, women’s empowerment, child development, livelihoods, and skill development.

The placement process at ISDM is designed to align students’ interests with organisational needs, ensuring meaningful roles that create social impact.

Here’s a broad overview of how placements unfold at ISDM:

1. Expression of Interest: Partner organisations share their intent to recruit from ISDM.
2. Pre-Placement Talks (if applicable): Organisations introduce their work, culture, and available roles to students.
3. Job Descriptions Shared: Partner organisations submit detailed JDs outlining roles, responsibilities, and requirements.
4. Student Applications: Students apply to roles that match their interests by submitting resumes and cover letters.
5. Selection Process: Organisations conduct their recruitment process, which may include interviews, assignments, aptitude tests, or case studies, depending on the role.
6. Final Offers: Selected candidates receive offers and begin their professional journey in the sector.

Students are placed in a variety of roles across program management, research and policy, partnerships, communications, fundraising, impact evaluation, and strategy, among others. The diversity of opportunities reflects the interdisciplinary nature of development management as a field.

ISDM’s placement committee actively engages with a diverse range of organisations across the development ecosystem — from grassroots implementation agencies to consulting firms and corporate foundations. The goal is to offer students opportunities that align with their interests and the wide scope of development management.

Broadly, ISDM targets the following categories of recruitment partners:

1. Domestic Implementation Organisations
   Examples: PRADAN, Piramal Foundation
   These organisations work directly at the grassroots level, implementing large-scale social programs in partnership with communities and governments.
2. International Implementation Organisations
   Examples: PLAN India, Room to Read
   These are globally affiliated organisations that implement development programs across education, health, and livelihoods in India.
3. Consulting Organisations
   Examples: Thinkthrough Consulting, Samhita
   They provide advisory and strategy support to foundations, NGOs, and CSR arms, helping design and evaluate social impact programs.
4. Enabling Organisations
   Examples: EdelGive Foundation, Social Venture Partners (SVP)
   These organisations strengthen the development ecosystem through funding, capacity building, and network support.
5. Social Enterprises
   Examples: VisionSpring, Karo Sambhav
   Mission-driven businesses that apply market-based solutions to social and environmental challenges.
6. CSR Wings and Corporate Foundations
   Examples: Reliance Foundation, JSW Foundation
   These entities focus on delivering social impact programs funded by corporations, blending business principles with community development.

ISDM does not offer an MBA; the program is a Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM), a certificate course focused on preparing students for leadership in the development sector.

Over the last 8 batches, the program has seen strong placement outcomes:

1. Overall average salary: ₹6.2–7.0 LPA
2. Highest salary: ₹16 LPA
3. Placement rate: ISDM has consistently achieved 100% placements, except for the Class of 2020, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The placements reflect the program’s focus on meaningful roles across development organisations, social enterprises, CSR wings, consulting, and other mission-driven organisations.

Graduates of the Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM) can pursue a wide variety of roles across the development sector, social enterprises, CSR, and allied areas. Some of the key functions include:

1. Program Operations & Management – Leading and managing development projects on the ground.
2. Fundraising – Engaging with retail donors, corporate partners, and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).
3. Communications & Engagement – Crafting outreach strategies, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement.
4. Strategy & Data-Based Decision Making – Using insights and analytics to drive organizational impact.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Designing and implementing CSR initiatives within corporates.
6. Strategic Partnerships & Alliances – Building collaborations with NGOs, governments, and corporates.
7. Government Relations & Advocacy – Influencing policy and engaging with public institutions.
8. Monitoring & Evaluation – Measuring program effectiveness and impact.
9. EA to the CEO or Founder’s Office – Supporting leadership in decision-making and operations.

Some graduates also choose the path of entrepreneurship, founding their own organisations or social enterprises to directly address pressing social challenges.

A day at ISDM isn’t like a regular classroom experience; it's immersive, collaborative, and full of meaningful interactions. Your day usually begins around 9 a.m. and can extend beyond 6 p.m. on some days. But it never feels like just clocking hours; every moment is filled with engaging discussions, reflection, and learning.

Not at all! While academics are rigorous, life at ISDM is vibrant and full of community energy. Lunch breaks often turn into lively conversations, and festivals like Onam are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Students also form clubs, study circles, and interest-based groups, sometimes even spontaneous ones. The program encourages you to take initiative and co-create these experiences with your peers.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom. It happens in tea-break conversations, late-night debates, and moments of collaboration that challenge your thinking. ISDM nurtures not just your professional skills but also your personal growth helping you become someone who listens deeply, includes others, and leads with empathy.

A lot. You have access to mentors, peers, and a well-equipped library, but what truly defines your experience is the initiative you take. The choices you make from joining a project to starting a new club shape your learning journey in powerful ways.

Although an MSW (Master of Social Work) course and the PGP-DM are both designed to prepare students to work in the Social Sector, an MSW program is geared more towards familiarising students with field-work and working at the grass-root level, while the PGP-DM program teaches students management and leadership skills that are required to mentor teams working at the grass-root level.

An MSW program prepares you to work better on the ground, understand communities and issues, develop solutions, and implement them. On the other hand, ISDM’s PGP-DM teaches you to create world-class social organisations with appropriate strategy, structure, systems and processes. It also teaches you to put in place relevant networks, evaluation systems and a structure for monitoring progress. Students of PGP-DM master the ability to manage and lead a variety of Social Sector organisations, and successfully take up multiple roles that are indispensable for a thriving organisation in the sector.

Public Policy is a theoretical discipline that focuses on how government policies can impact the lives of the public at large, how policies can be implemented effectively, and the factors that impact the making of said policies. The PGP-DM, on the other hand, is more hands-on and designed to prepare students to work for the needs of the Social Sector. Students of PGP-DM gain practical exposure through Rural Immersion, Professional Learning Communities and various workshops, and go on to work in Think Tanks, Consultancies, Government organisations or International NGOs.

Development Studies is a theoretical discipline that examines social, economic, and political factors influencing development, focusing on understanding inequalities and promoting sustainable solutions. On the other hand, ISDM’s PGP-DM goes beyond theory, and imparts strategic management skills to design interventions, create sustainable SPOs, and lead impactful social change, bridging the gap between theory and practical implementation for tangible impact.