The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai has seen a dramatic surge in applications for its sustainability course, with 2.12 lakh applications for just 30 seats this year, a significant increase from 1,400 applications last year. The course, which was established in 2023, offers a two-year MBA program in sustainability management. The IIM Mumbai Director attributes this growth to the growing demand for sustainability professionals, driven by companies’ increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
India is setting ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030. This has led to the creation of jobs in the sustainability sector, driving up demand for professionals with expertise in sustainability. The IIM Mumbai director claims that the highest package offered to a sustainability student was Rs 45 lakh, with an average package ranging from Rs 28-30 lakh.
Other IIMs are also venturing into the sustainability domain, with IIM Lucknow offering a two-year postgraduate program in sustainable management and IIM Ahmedabad introducing a mandatory core course and electives in sustainability. IIM Kolkata is launching a one-year executive program in corporate sustainability, while IIM Kozhikode is setting up a center for climate studies.
The curriculum at IIM Mumbai blends management with sustainability, incorporating principles of sustainability into various functions such as marketing, operations, and finance. Students learn to integrate sustainability into everyday business activities, strategic vision, and long-term growth. The demand for sustainability professionals is driven by market forces, with companies recognizing the importance of managing natural resources efficiently and addressing social issues to create competitive advantages.
IIM Mumbai director Manoj Kumar Tiwari notes that the shift towards sustainability is a broader societal movement, creating more opportunities for students entering the field. With companies adopting more sustainable practices to respond to customer awareness and investor pressure, the demand for sustainability professionals is expected to continue growing.