Master of Business Administration [MBA] (Development Management)
Fees
Fees at Azim Premji University for the Master of Arts (MA) in Development Studies program consist of a tuition fee of 42,000 INR per semester, totaling 168,000 INR for all four semesters. The hostel fee without food is 84,000 INR per year. The university offers scholarships based on financial need, family income, and work experience, which may cover a significant portion of these fees.
However, specific scholarship amounts or percentage reductions are not detailed. Earnings opportunities through student assistantships and internships are available, providing additional financial support options. Scholarship offerings are need-based, with specific criteria such as parental income below seven lakh INR per annum being considered.
About Master of Business Administration [MBA] (Development Management)
The MBA (Development Management) at Azim Premji University, Bangalore, Karnataka, is a one-year full-time executive programme for mid-career professionals in the development sector. Offered at a NAAC A++ not-for-profit university, the curriculum covers strategic management, development economics, social impact measurement, programme design and evaluation, and organisational leadership. The programme equips professionals from NGOs, social enterprises, and government programmes to lead complex development initiatives. Total fees are INR 2,65,000.
📋 Admission Status: APU MBA (Development Management) admissions for the January 2027 batch are expected to open in mid-2026. Visit azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in for the current application schedule.
Key Points
- 1-year Executive MBA, NAAC A++ APU Bangalore
- For professionals with 2-plus years development sector experience
- Total tuition INR 2,65,000 for 1-year programme
APU MBA Dev Management Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (1-year programme) | INR 2,65,000 |
| Optional Hostel (per year) | INR 60,000 |
| Total Tuition Fees (1-year MBA Dev Management, Hostel charges separate) | INR 2,65,000 |
- 50% tuition waiver available for candidates with grassroots or NGO experience.
- Hostel fee INR 60,000 for the year, optional and separate.
- Confirm current fee schedule at azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in.
APU MBA Dev Management Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
- No entrance exam. CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE, or CMAT scores accepted.
- APU conducts selection via application review and personal interview.
- Check azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in for the January 2027 batch schedule.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Any recognised bachelor’s degree (any discipline) with at least 2 years of work experience in the development sector, NGO, social enterprise, government programme, or CSR function. Strong preference for candidates with grassroots or field-level professional experience.
Admission Process
- 1. Check the APU website for open application window. 2. Submit online application with statement of purpose and work experience details. 3. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a written exercise and personal interview. 4. Offer letters issued to selected candidates. 5. Fee payment and enrolment complete admission.
✓ Opt for this if
- Mid-career professional in NGO, social enterprise, or CSR
- Seeking leadership skills for development sector management roles
- Want short intensive programme without 2-year career break
- Eligible for 50% tuition waiver based on grassroots experience
✗ Skip if
- Fresh graduate without 2-plus years professional work experience
- Seeking general management MBA for corporate sector placement
- Need top business school MBA for corporate career brand
- Prefer large cohort with pan-India corporate recruiter access
APU MBA Dev Management Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| APU Need-Based Financial Aid | Up to full tuition waiver | Based on financial need, applied during admission |
| APU Merit Scholarship | As per APU policy | High-performing students, awarded during admission process |
| National Scholarship Portal Schemes | As per central government norms | SC/ST/OBC candidates with income criteria |
| Education Loan (Nationalised Banks) | As per bank policy | All eligible candidates |
- APU has a robust financial aid programme. Apply via azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in.
- Confirm scholarship eligibility and renewal conditions with APU admissions before enrolling.
APU MBA Dev Management FAQs
Ques. What work experience is required for the MBA Development Management at APU?
Ans. Applicants must have at least 2 years of professional work experience, preferably in the development sector, NGOs, social enterprises, CSR, or government programmes. Candidates with grassroots or field-level experience are given preference. Fresh graduates without relevant work experience are not eligible for this programme.
Ques. What entrance exam is accepted for APU MBA Development Management?
Ans. APU accepts CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE, MAT, ATMA, or CMAT scores for the MBA in Development Management. APU also conducts its own selection process, including a written exercise and personal interview, for final admission decisions. Check azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in for the current application cycle and score submission requirements.
Ques. What is the total fee for the MBA Development Management at APU?
Ans. The total tuition fee for the 1-year MBA in Development Management at Azim Premji University is INR 2,65,000. A 50% tuition waiver is available for candidates with documented grassroots or NGO experience. Optional hostel accommodation costs INR 60,000 for the year and is separate from tuition fees.
Ques. What careers does the APU MBA Development Management programme lead to?
Ans. Graduates are equipped for senior management and leadership roles in NGOs, foundations, social enterprises, international development organisations, CSR departments, and government programmes. Common career paths include programme director, impact measurement lead, development consultant, social sector strategist, and policy advisor. The degree is especially valued by mid-career professionals seeking to move into senior roles within the Indian and global development ecosystem. APU’s alumni network spans organisations working in education, health, livelihoods, environment, and governance, offering strong peer connections for career transitions and leadership opportunities.
Ques. Is the APU MBA Development Management a regular MBA or an executive programme?
Ans. The MBA in Development Management at APU is a 1-year full-time executive programme, not a conventional 2-year MBA. It is designed specifically for professionals already working in the development sector who want to strengthen management and leadership capabilities. The curriculum is development-sector focused and differs from general management MBA programmes offered at business schools.
Ques. What is the duration and campus for the APU MBA Development Management?
Ans. The MBA in Development Management is a 1-year full-time programme offered at Azim Premji University, Bangalore, Karnataka. Classes run over 12 months with a mix of coursework, fieldwork, and project-based learning. The programme runs on a January-December cycle. The next batch is scheduled to commence in January 2027. Applicants are encouraged to check azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in for the current application window, shortlisting criteria, and offer timelines well before the start date.