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To be eligible for the Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM) programme, applicants must:
Yes.
Applicants should have at least two years of work experience in the social sector.
Professionals from other sectors who wish to transition into the social sector are also eligible, provided they have at least 2 years of work experience, demonstrate a strong passion for working in the social sector, and possess skills that can be transferred to the social sector.
No.
A background in social work or development studies is not a prerequisite for joining the PGPDM programme.
PGPDM is designed for professionals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The curriculum combines development perspectives with rigorous management education, enabling participants to lead social initiatives effectively and sustainably.
This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with both conceptual understanding and practical management capabilities, regardless of their background.
Yes.
The PGPDM programme is specifically designed for working professionals and enables participants to continue working while pursuing the programme.
Its modular format combines rigorous management education with a deep understanding of development challenges, helping participants strengthen their leadership and management capabilities while applying their learning directly in the workplace.
PGPDM is a modular programme that enables participants to continue working while they study.
The programme comprises over six contact periods of two weeks each. The first, third and last contact periods are residential and held at the SPJIMR Mumbai campus. The remaining three contact periods are delivered online, with sessions scheduled after lunch on weekdays and throughout the day on Sundays.
Participants are required to stay in the SPJIMR hostel or programme-arranged accommodation during the residential on-campus sessions.
Residential accommodation promotes peer learning, community building and complete engagement with the programme. Staying in the designated accommodation is compulsory during on-campus sessions.
Accommodation and food costs are subsidised, and the associated costs are borne by the participants.
PGPDM follows rolling admissions; you can submit your application throughout the year for the upcoming batch. Typically, admissions are announced in July each year, with phase-wise application deadlines and early-bird benefits. Please visit the website for the latest updates on batch commencement dates, phase-wise application deadlines, and more.
Please visit the admissions section of the PGPDM programme page on our website for the latest application details.
The application fee must be paid online through the application portal.
Please contact the PGPDM office for assistance:
Applicants shortlisted for interviews and those selected after the interview will receive communication via email, SMS, and, where required, telephone.
Applicants who are not shortlisted or selected will not receive further communication regarding their application status or the reasons for non-selection.
Supporting documents must be produced or submitted when you report to the SPJIMR Mumbai campus.
Yes.
Scholarships are available for deserving candidates from low-income backgrounds as part of SPJIMR’s commitment to making the programme accessible.
In addition, the programme is highly subsidised to ensure affordability for professionals working in the social sector.
Please visit the fees and scholarship webpage for detailed information and latest updates.
PGPDM offers partial and full tuition scholarships for deserving candidates from low-income backgrounds.
After receiving and accepting an admission offer, candidates may request a scholarship application form from the PGPDM office via email.
Scholarship applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee on a first-come, first-served basis.
As scholarship decisions may take a few days, candidates whose admission acceptance deadline is approaching are advised to confirm their admission by paying the first instalment of the tuition and hostel fees.
For any queries regarding scholarships or eligibility, please reach out to the PGPDM Office:
PGPDM is designed for professionals with at least two years of work experience who are committed to creating impactful social impact.
The programme is suitable for:
The programme equips participants with the management capabilities needed to design, scale, and lead impactful social initiatives. Learn more.
The PGPDM is uniquely designed to help experienced professionals make a meaningful transition from the corporate sector to the development sector.
The programme begins with a strong foundation in social sciences and development, enabling participants to understand the broader social context. It then integrates management, technology, and leadership perspectives to equip participants with the skills required to lead complex social initiatives.
This combination enables professionals to apply their corporate experience in new ways while preparing them for leadership roles in NGOs, social enterprises, CSR functions, development organisations and other social impact institutions. Explore personal insights by our alum Aaboo Varghese.
Absolutely.
The PGPDM is designed for professionals working in, or aspiring to work in, CSR functions or organisations that partner with CSR initiatives.
The curriculum includes a dedicated core course on Management of CSR, which develops the competencies required for leadership roles in CSR.
Yes.
The programme prepares participants for careers related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), with particular emphasis on the Social and Environmental dimensions.
Participants can also choose the elective Introduction to ESG in the final term. Learn more about the ESG elective from PGPDM faculty here.
Yes.
The programme is highly relevant for professionals working in government, social welfare, and development.
It also prepares professionals from non-government organisations who work with government or public institutions or contribute to the design and implementation of social policies and programmes.
The curriculum includes dedicated courses such as Understanding Society and Government and the elective Public Policy: Formulation, Implementation and Analysis.
For professionals already working in NGOs, foundations, social enterprises, or CSR, PGPDM prepares them for senior leadership, strategic planning, and organisational management roles.
Many alumni have progressed to CXO- level positions, founded social enterprises, expanded existing programmes, designed new interventions and mobilised larger pools of funding.
Professionals from social impact funds and consulting organisations are better equipped to take on senior advisory and leadership roles focused on maximising social impact.
Government and public sector professionals strengthen their ability to lead policy development, programme implementation, and public welfare initiatives.
Beyond career progression, PGPDM develops participants’ ability to identify complex social challenges, design effective and scalable solutions, mobilise funding, implement programmes successfully, and, where required, build innovative organisations that create lasting social impact. For more insights, read a detailed blog here.
