MBA in Sustainability Management: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
MBA in Sustainability Management is a 2-year professional management degree with the objective of providing expertise on the management of business administrative functions in the sustainable development sector.
Admission to MBA in Sustainability Management course is based on entrance exams such as CAT, GMAT, CMAT, XAT and personal assessment rounds of GD+PI. A 50% minimum aggregate in an undergraduate degree (10+2+3 pattern) is the eligibility criteria for admission to the course. A 5% relaxation is given to candidates in SC/ST/OBC category. The average fee for an MBA in Sustainability Management is INR 65,000 - 8.3 LPA.
Table of Contents
- About MBA in Sustainability Management
- MBA in Sustainability Management Eligibility Criteria
- Why Choose an MBA in Sustainability Management Course?
- MBA in Sustainability Management Admissions 2023
- MBA in Sustainability Management Entrance Examinations
- Top MBA in Sustainability Management Colleges in India with Fee Details
- MBA in Sustainability Management Cutoff
- Types of MBA in Sustainability Management Courses
- Syllabus and Subjects for MBA in Sustainability Management
- Salary of an MBA in Sustainability Management Graduate In India
- Courses After MBA in Sustainability Management
- Career Options After MBA in Sustainability Management
- Skills to Excel in for MBA in Sustainability Management
- Preparation Tips for MBA in Sustainability Management Course
MBA in Sustainability Management Course Details
| Degree | Masters |
| Full Form | Master of Business Administration in Sustainability Management |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Age | There is no age limit. |
| Entrance Exam | CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, KMAT, etc. |
| Subjects Required | Any subjects in Undergraduate Degree |
| Minimum Percentage | Minimum 50% aggregate in UG degree or as specified by University for general category students, 5% relaxations for reserved categories |
| Average Fees | ₹50K - 5 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 2.6 - 8 LPA (Source: AmbitionBox) |
| Employment Roles | Sustainability Consultant, R&D Manager, Natural Science Manager, and Research Analyst. |
| Top Recruiters | Tata Power, Vedanta, PWC, Larsen & Toubro, Aditya Birla |
About MBA in Sustainability Management
MBA in Sustainability Management is a management professional degree that stands for Masters of Business Administration in Sustainability Management. It is typically a 2-year postgraduate course that merges aspects of people, sustainability, and businesses to attain organizational goals. MBA in Sustainability Management is one of the specialization courses in an MBA course.
XIM University, Pune University, TERI School of Advanced Studies, Prestige University, Nalanda University, and Amity University are some of the prominent colleges that offer a comprehensive degree in MBA in Sustainability Management. Post completion of the course, a myriad of job opportunities become available to graduates such as Sustainability Consultant, R&D Manager, Business Operations Manager, Natural Science Manager, etc. The average salary for a fresh graduate may range from INR 2.6 - 8 LPA [Source: AmbitionBox].
MBA in Sustainability Management Eligibility Criteria
Admission to MBA in Sustainability Management courses is based on various eligibility requirements plus qualifying the minimum cut-off in entrance examinations. Students attempting admission into MBA in Sustainability Management course must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- Aspirants must possess a completed undergraduate degree in any field with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks obtained from a recognized University.
- A relaxation of 5% is also given to SC/ST/OBC reserved category.
- Preference for admissions may be given to aspirants holding a degree of Bachelor in Business Administration.
- Aspirants must have qualified management entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, etc. to apply for MBA in Sustainability Management courses.
- Some colleges also require aspirants to have a minimum of 2 years of work experience, before processing them further for MBA in Sustainability Management admissions.
Why Choose an MBA in Sustainability Management Course?
MBA in Sustainability Management degree is a rewarding course that prepares students for upcoming trends and teaches the need for sustainability systems in businesses. The NRDC (National Research & Development Corporation) noted the need for clean-energy jobs in India increased 5x from 2014 to 2019. This statistic builds on the fact that the need for Sustainability measures and communities is increasing with time.
Aspirants for MBA in Sustainability Management Admissions must be mindful of some critical factors:
- MBA in Sustainability Management employment opportunities are abundant, with both private and public sector companies hiring graduates for their CSR and R&D operations.
- Students gain current industry-relevant knowledge on Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Marketing Concepts, Sustainability Measurement & Reporting, etc.
- MBA in Sustainability Management has lucrative job offers for graduates. The annual salary range for an MBA in Sustainability Management graduate usually ranges from INR 2.6 - 8 LPA.
- MBA in Sustainability Management graduates have the opportunity for multiple career options in the public and private sectors, like R&D Managers, Sustainability Consultants, Natural Science Managers, Business Operations Managers, Research Fellowships, etc.
MBA in Sustainability Management Admissions 2023
The Admissions Process for most management courses requires candidates to qualify through management entrance exams or college-specific entrance exams.
The MBA in Sustainability Management admission process is listed below for clarity:
- Step 1: Aspirants opting for MBA in Sustainability Management must decide which college fulfills their criteria of interest, exposure, facilities, and career objectives.
- Step 2: Registration for Admissions is done either through offline or online mode. Aspirants must either visit the college to fill out offline forms or visit the official website to register online.
- Step 3: CAT, XAT, MAT or CMAT, etc. are some important management entrance exams students must clear with minimum cut-offs to qualify for MBA in Sustainability Management admissions.
- Step 4: Students must check to ensure that they have qualified for the minimum cut-offs required for Admission to their college after the announcement of entrance exam results.
- Step 5: Students who satisfy the minimum cut-off scores will have to pay the admission fee and attend the GD + PI assessment rounds. Post that, students attend counseling sessions which allow them to learn more about the college.
- Step 6: Students must complete one last process before gaining Admission into MBA in Sustainability Management, such as completing formalities like submitting educational transcripts, ID proofs, migration letters, etc.
MBA in Sustainability Management Entrance Examinations
Management colleges for MBA in Sustainability Management admit students based on students’ entrance exam scores and whether they meet minimum eligibility. The syllabus entrance examinations for MBA in Sustainability Management are based on Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Aptitude. These topics need to be prepared well in advance, with sample papers and coaching classes as suitable aids for students.
Some important MBA in Sustainability Management entrance exams are mentioned below for the student’s convenience. The table below also mentions registration dates and colleges that accept these exams:
| Entrance Exams | Tentative Registration Dates | Accepting Colleges |
| CAT | Aug 2 - Sep 13, 2023 | Prestige University, TERI |
| MAT | Aug 17 - Sep 14, 2023 | Amity University, Nalanda University |
| XAT | Jul 15 - Nov 30, 2023 | XIM |
| CMAT | February 2024 | TERI |
Top MBA in Sustainability Management Colleges in India with Fee Details
For MBA in Sustainability Management, students have options to choose from with regard to the infrastructure, facilities, locations, career exposure, offered by colleges.
The course fee structure for MBA in Sustainability Management largely depends on the type of college. A private institution such as Amity University may have higher fees than Pune University which is a government-run institution. The average course fee for an MBA in Sustainability Management ranges from INR 65,000 to 8.3 LPA.
Tabulated below are important colleges offering MBA in Sustainability Management courses in India:
| S. No. | Name of Institute | Average Annual Fee (INR) |
| 1 | XIM | 6.9 LPA |
| 2 | Pune University | 65,000 PA |
| 3 | TERI School of Advanced Studies | 5.5 LPA |
| 4 | Amity University | 1.62 LPA |
| 5 | Nalanda University | 1.11 LPA |
| 6 | Nicmar, Pune | 3.07 LPA |
| 7 | Prestige University | 8.3 LPA |
MBA in Sustainability Management Cutoff
The MBA in Sustainability Management admissions are based on the cut-off scores each college sets. The cut-off scores are largely dependent on the number of applicants for the exam, and the overall entrance exam marks of the candidates. Mentioned below are some important entrance exams with their cumulative general category cut-off for colleges:
| Entrance Exam | Expected Cut-off Percentile (2023) |
| XAT | 91+ Percentile |
| MAT | 70+ Percentile |
| CAT | 90+ Percentile |
| CMAT | 95+ Percentile |
| MAH CET | 99+ Percentile |
| CUET | 85+ Percentile |
Types of MBA in Sustainability Management Courses
With global environmental crises happening every day, the need to protect ecosystems through sustainability measures has increased exponentially. Businesses have started Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and need strong champions to manage these programs. Hence, colleges have begun making MBA in Sustainability Management courses available over different modes.
The different types of MBA in Sustainability Management courses are:
| Type | Eligibility Criteria | Colleges Offering | Duration of Course |
| MBA in Sustainability Management Full-time | Candidate must have complete UG degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks + Entrance Exam | XIM, TERI, Pune University, NICMAR, Nalanda University, Prestige University | 2 Years |
| Executive MBA in Sustainability Management | Candidate must have completed UG degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks + Entrance Exam + 3 years of work experience | Amity University | 12-18 months |
Syllabus and Subjects for MBA in Sustainability Management
The syllabus for the 2-year MBA in Sustainability Management course consists of two types of subjects - core and elective subjects that are taught over 4 semesters. The MBA in Sustainability Management syllabus focuses on sustainability aspects such as Business & Environmental Legislation, Sustainable Development, Green Marketing and Environmental Product Design, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, etc.
Some core and elective MBA Sustainability Management subjects have been dissected below with details:
| MBA in Sustainability Management Subjects | Topics Covered |
| Principles & Concepts of Sustainability | Introduction to Sustainable Development, Strategies for Sustainable Development, Sustainability & Climate Change: Carbon Footprint, Protecting Bio-Diversity, Sustainable Agri-Practices, Sustainability & Business Ethics: CSR, ESG, Social Accountability Standards, International Contribution |
| Sustainability Operations & Processes | Operational Sustainability, Fish Bank Simulation Strategy, Systems Dynamic Modelling, Corporate Sustainability Initiatives, Product Stewardship, Design for Environment, Green Environment, Carbon Offset, Waste Management & Natural Resources, Case Study and Situational Analysis for Operations and Processes in Sustainability |
| Environmental Economics & Sustainable Development | Environmental Economics, Market Failure, Economics of Sustainable Development: Strategies & Measurement, Economics of International Environmental Problems, Models of Sustainable Development: Balancing Economic Growth, HUman Development & Environmental Sustainability, Economics of Climate Change |
| Global Framework for Sustainability | Global Framework: Meaning, Concept, Nature, Global Framework for Managing Change, Global Framework Agreement: Labour Union, Labour Code, Labour Laws, Global Framework & Sustainable Development, Contemporary Issues & Global Framework |
| Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | CSR: Components, Definition, Strategic Advantages, Historical Development, Sustainability Management, CSR & Regulatory Framework in India, CSR and Governance: USO Fund, SEBI Guidelines, Role of Ministry of Corporate Affairs |
| Legal Framework for Governance of Sustainable Management | Corporate Governance, Business Environment, National E-Governance Plan, Sustainable Development & Environmental Protection, Sustainable Development in Indian Law: First, Second, Third, and Fourth Phase |
Salary of an MBA in Sustainability Management Graduate In India
With natural resource depletion and the ongoing climate crisis, opportunities to manage sustainability measures and build sustainable practices have burgeoned, and with it, the need for competent managers who can manage these practices. The average salary for such managers with an MBA in Sustainability Management graduate is around INR 2.6 - 8 LPA. [Source: AmbitionBox]As candidates get more practical experience and exposure, they will get higher positions and earn higher salary slabs.
| Job Roles | Average Annual Entry-Level Salary (in INR) |
| R&D Manager | INR 5.9 LPA |
| Natural Science Manager | INR 8 LPA |
| Sustainability Consultant | INR 4.4 LPA |
| Business Operations Manager | INR 4 LPA |
| Sustainability Manager | INR 6 LPA |
| Research Analyst | INR 2.6 LPA |
| CSR Manager | INR 4 LPA |
[Source: AmbitionBox]
Courses After MBA in Sustainability Management
Since the scope for MBA in Sustainability Management is increasing day by day, higher education options are becoming more accessible. Higher education leads to the exchange of knowledge and skills through interaction with college peers, faculty mentors, and field experts. Here are some of the best higher education opportunities for an MBA in Sustainability Management:
- M.Phil in Sustainability Development
- Ph.D. in Sustainable Management/Development
- Executive MBA in Sustainability Management
- Certifications relating to Sustainability Development/Management
Career Options After MBA in Sustainability Management
MBA in Sustainability Management career options are innumerable in various public and private organizations. The ILO (International Labour Organization) predicted 3 million jobs in the Indian Sustainable Development sector by the year 2030. Companies are constantly seeking graduates with a knowledge backing of management skills interwoven with sustainable strategy development in the corporate, manufacturing, policy-making, and research domains.
Here are some career options for MBA in Sustainability Management graduates:
| Employment Roles | Job Description | Top Recruiters |
| R&D Manager | Responsible for analyzing gaps, and developing project goals, piloting strategies for sustainable practices. Also works hand-in-hand with other sustainability experts. | IBM, Amazon, TCS, Reliance Industries, PwC |
| Natural Science Manager | Tasked with screening, recruiting an organization's staff of scientists, lab technicians, etc. Responsible for managing projects and evaluating employee performance, and evaluating any training needs required by the staff. | Vedanta |
| Sustainability Consultant | Tasked with planning, organizing, and coordinating strategies for sustainability practices. Optimizing waste management processes, planning green building designs, improving facilities, and instilling sustainable purchasing practices in an organization. | EY, Deloitte, Arcadis, Jacobs |
| Sustainability Manager | Duties involve implementing sustainable strategies, analyzing the environmental impact of materials utilized, and adhering to economical and eco-friendly practices in a construction project. | Deloitte, Jabroyd, dss+, Coats Group |
| Research Analyst | Responsible for identifying areas of improvement and writing reports with recommendations and follow-up actions. Also has to communicate environmental impact assessment to internal and external stakeholders. | Crisil, Deloitte, TCS, S&P Global, Larsen & Toubro |
| Business Operations Manager | Responsible for analyzing organizational data of functional teams, identifying gaps, and creating strategies to roll out POAs that align organizational and employee goals together. | Accenture, Amazon, ZS Associates, Dell |
| CSR Manager | Formulating organizational social responsibility goals, designing strategies, and implementing them to develop organizations’ CSR objectives. | Reliance, Tata, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Aditya Birla |
Skills to Excel in for MBA in Sustainability Management
MBA in Sustainability Management courses require some critical skills from graduates to strategize, implement, and maintain sustainability practices in an organization. Some of these important skills are:
- Excellent Communication Skills - A sustainability Development professional must be able to engage company stakeholders such as investors, customers, or employees in relaying strategies relating to sustainability action plans.
- Strong Networking Skills - A sustainability manager should be able to promote sustainable practices, organize events, and push discourse focused on sustainability and its needs.
- Waste Management - Practicing waste management processes like reuse, reduce, and recycle in one’s own personal life commends to the fact that such people are wholly committed to sustainability.
- Ethics - Sustainability rests on these three pillars: environmental health, social equity, and economic progress. Professionals must understand the need of the hour and the possibilities of eco-protection for future generations.
- Innovation - The sustainability profession requires creating and implementing newer technologies, ideas, and mechanisms to contribute to ecological conservation and long-term sustainable development for future generations.
- Environmental Compliance - Managers must possess an understanding of the scientific basis behind environmental issues. They should understand the environmental mismanagement that gives way to socio-economic problems as well.
- Vendor Management - Candidates must be adept at negotiating contracts with vendors and building relationships.
- Project Management - People with an understanding of what sustainability means in a business can rightfully control the various components of a project and ensure a positive impact on society.
Preparation Tips for MBA in Sustainability Management Course
- Pick the college that best fits your overall career goals and domain of interest. Be mindful of future prospects and scope in the field.
- Some colleges require work experience as a part of their eligibility criteria. Apart from the technical requirement, work experience can also provide an in-depth understanding of the implications of working in the Sustainable Development Sector.
- Prepare yourself for the Admissions process, check your eligibility criteria, study dutifully, and devote sufficient time.
- Networking with industry field experts through social media or company/college official websites can help in understanding the industry through the lens of an expert.
Top Management Entrance Exams
Exam Date: May 19, 2024
FAQs on MBA in Sustainability Management
Q: What is an MBA in Sustainability Management?
A: MBA in Sustainability Management is a Postgraduate course of 2 years focusing on aligning business functions with sustainability practices and strategies within an organization to achieve social responsibility goals.
Q: Which college is best for an MBA in Sustainability Management?
A: Some renowned colleges that offer extensive MBA in Sustainability Management courses are XIM, Pune University, Prestige University, Amity University, TERI School of Advanced Studies, etc.
Q: What is the scope after MBA in Sustainability Management?
A: Freshers with an MBA in Sustainability Management can hold a multitude of job roles, such as Sustainability Managers, Consultants, R&D Managers, and Research Analysts in various capacities such as Ministry of Environment, TATA Power, Vedanta, Aditya Birla, PwC, etc.
Q: Who is eligible for an MBA in Sustainability Management?
A: Candidates must have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in any UG course/degree from a recognized University, or as specified by the college you’re applying to.
Q: What is the salary for an MBA in Sustainability Management graduate?
A: Fresh graduates of the MBA in Sustainability Management course can expect a starting salary range of 2.6 - 8 LPA.
Q: How can MBA help in Sustainability?
A: MBA in Sustainability Management graduates can learn to align business operations and organizational goals to sustainability practices and methods to help an organization adopt sustainability mechanisms or achieve organizational social responsibility objectives.
