Bengaluru: Azim Premji University has announced the launch of a unique and purpose-driven Executive MBA in Development Management, a one-year full-time program designed to equip working professionals with the management and leadership skills needed to drive social impact and inclusive development in India.
Scheduled to begin in January 2026 at the university’s Bengaluru campus, the Executive MBA in Development Management is now open for applications.
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Professionals with a minimum of two years of work experience – especially those working in or transitioning to the social sector – are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is July 31, 2025.
As India continues to confront complex challenges related to inequality, sustainability, and public system reform, there is an increasing demand for leaders who understand both management strategy and development practice.
Azim Premji University’s new offering bridges this gap, providing an MBA experience that transcends conventional metrics of success like profit and performance.
Unlike typical MBA programs that focus solely on business outcomes, the Executive MBA in Development Management is built for professionals who want to lead organizations committed to social change, public service, and inclusive growth.
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What Makes This Programme Unique?
The Executive MBA in Development Management curriculum is carefully crafted to blend core management disciplines with development sector insights, making it highly relevant to the context of India’s diverse and evolving social landscape.
Students will gain expertise in:
- Finance and Budgeting
- People and Project Management
- Organizational Design and Change
- Public Policy and Systemic Reform
- Sustainability and Equity
The learning model promotes critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and an immersive engagement with real-world social development challenges.
Participants will explore the functioning of grassroots institutions, NGOs, and public systems, enabling them to navigate and influence India’s complex socio-economic realities.
A Platform for Purpose-Driven Professionals
“At the heart of this program is the belief that effective social leadership requires both strategic thinking and a deep sense of purpose,” said a spokesperson from Azim Premji University. “We aim to prepare professionals who can build and lead institutions with integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to the public good.”
This Executive MBA in Development Management is ideal for:
- Mid-career professionals seeking a transition into the development sector
- Social sector practitioners aiming to enhance their management capabilities
- CSR professionals, entrepreneurs, and policy advocates looking to scale their impact
Campus and Learning Environment
The one-year residential program will be hosted at Azim Premji University’s state-of-the-art Bengaluru campus, offering a vibrant learning environment with access to faculty experts, research centers, and peer networks focused on development and public policy.
Admissions and Key Dates
- Program Start Date: January 2026
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Minimum Experience Required: 2 years (preferably in or transitioning to the social/development sector)
- Location: Azim Premji University, Bengaluru
