Overview

India's social sector is shifting from traditional charity‑led models to rights‑based development frameworks driven by measurable outcomes, systems thinking, innovation, and cross‑sector collaboration. The rise of social entrepreneurship, impact investing, ESG frameworks, public‑private partnerships, and CSR mandates is reshaping how impact is conceived, funded, and delivered.

Programme Announcement

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) has announced a comprehensive revamp of its Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM). Applications are now open for Batch 28, which will commence in February 2027. The institute is moving to a single annual intake of nearly 100 development professionals, replacing the previous two‑batch model.

Accreditation and Legacy

SPJIMR's PGPDM remains India's only development management programme with the international Triple Crown accreditation of AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. In May 2026 the programme celebrated the graduation of its Silver Jubilee Batch (Batch 25), marking its 25th cohort and underscoring a 16‑year legacy of producing social sector leaders.

Cohort Profile

The programme attracts a diverse cohort comprising NGO leaders, government officials, UN professionals, social impact consultants, entrepreneurs, and CSR leaders, fostering peer learning and cross‑sector collaboration.

Leadership Commentary

Professor Tanojkumar Meshram, Chairperson of PGPDM, highlighted that the social sector no longer works in isolation. Drawing on his experience in the Indian civil services, the social sector, and academia, he noted that PGPDM builds a community where practitioners across sectors form alliances that deepen and scale real solutions.

Curriculum Enhancements

The revised curriculum is structured around four key pillars: ESG, AI for Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy. To accommodate working professionals, the programme now offers flexible online class schedules and updated evaluation methods. Elective offerings have been expanded to include advanced courses in strategy, data analytics, organisational compliance, and financial compliance, reflecting emerging leadership needs.

Experiential Learning

Three new experiential labs—focused on leadership, communication, and professional writing—have been introduced to develop critical managerial and organisational capabilities. Additionally, a year‑long Social Impact Project will be undertaken jointly with SPJIMR's full‑time management participants, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration that blends development management with corporate rigor.

Intake Structure

The transition to a single annual intake each February will bring together a larger cohort of approximately 100 development professionals on campus, enhancing networking, community building, cross‑sector collaboration, and sector‑wide dialogue.

Alumni Impact

Alumni of the programme have redesigned existing programmes, created innovative solutions, improved impact measurement, launched new social ventures, and assumed leadership and CXO roles across NGOs, social enterprises, and CSR functions.

Admissions

Eligibility criteria and application details are available on the institute's website. Admissions for Batch 28 are now open.

Disclaimer

The press release is distributed under an arrangement with PRNewswire; PTI assumes no editorial responsibility.