Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal Overview

Founded in 1982, Indian Institute of Forest Management emerged as an independent institution under the purview of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, as a response to the recommendations of the National Commission on Agriculture. The momentum generated by these recommendations led to a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, which played a pivotal role in shaping IIFM's philosophy and raison d'être. The Swedish International Development Agency also provided vital financial and technical support during the institute's establishment. Since its inception, IIFM has served as a nurturing ground for some of the brightest young minds who consistently push the boundaries of excellence in this ever-evolving field.

Its MBA in Forestry Management (earlier PGDFM) is the only MBA program in the country that prepares professionals for sustainable management of natural resources for conservation, ecological balance, and development. The two-year fully residential program include five terms of classroom learning, fieldwork, summer-internship and project work which enables the students to apply the concepts through immersive experience in real life situations. The program has impeccable 100% placements record since its first batch passing out in 1990.

Its MBA in Sustainability Management (earlier PGDSM) is another unique program launched in 2019 which aims to prepare professionals with a blend of managerial, technical, analytical and social skills as well as values to address emerging sustainability challenges faced by the businesses. This 2-year fully residential program include five terms of classroom learning along with fieldwork, summer-internship and industrial project which together enable the participants to learn the theoretical concepts and build application skills through immersive experience in real life situations.

The MBA (Development and Sustainable Finance) is an upcoming program launching in the 2025-26 session. It aims to equip financial professionals with the skills to design financial instruments that create stakeholder value and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The previous batches have been recruited by organisations such as PWC, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Arabesque, Vedanta Resources Limited, Wipro Ltd, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Adani Transmission Limited, Adani Renewables, Hindalco, Technogreen environmental services and others.

IIFM Bhopal shortlists candidates on the basis of CAT 2024/ XAT 2025/ MAT 2024/ MAT (Feb 2025)/ CMAT 2024/ GMAT 2024 score.  Candidates who have completed their Bachelor’s from a recognized university and also candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. 

IIFM Bhopal Quick Facts

• Indian Institute of Forest Management Bhopal caters to managerial human resources in the area of Forestry, Environment, Sustainability and Natural Resources Management and allied sectors.
• IIFM Bhopal Ranking for MBA/PGDM by Outlook 2020 is 53.
• IIFM Bhopal fees for both PGDFM and PGDSM is INR 11.8 lakh.
• IIFM Bhopal Average Package is  INR 10.38 LPA.
• IIFM Bhopal Highest Package is  INR 21 LPA.

IIFM Bhopal Scholarships

IIFM is recognized as an Institute of Excellence under the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme of Top Class Education for Scheduled Caste (SC) students offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India and Central Sector Scholarship Scheme of Top Class Education for Scheduled Tribes (ST) Students offered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India subject to fulfilment of the conditions laid down by the Ministry. The scholarship will cover expenditure of full-fee and lodging boarding charges, books and stationary charges at a fixed rate. In addition, IIFM also offers scholarship to meritorious students. 

IIFM Bhopal FAQs

1. What is the surrounding of the IIFM Bhopal?
Ans. IIFM Bhopal is surrounded by 230 acres of lush green forest and this is a plastic-free campus. Inside the campus, there are several plants, animals, and birds’ species. The environment gives students a peaceful mind for learning and living in the lap of nature.

2. What is the exact location of the IIFM Bhopal?
Ans. IIFM, Bhopal is located in Nehru Nagar on Bhadbhada road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Habibganj railway station is 7.6 km and Raja Bhoj International airport is 16 km away from the institute. Students can hire a taxi or auto to visit the city.

3. Is IIFM Bhopal good for MBA?
Ans. Being one of the top-rated and a reputed institute, IIFM Bhopal provides excellent quality education for its PGDFM and PGDSM students and the placements for both programs at the institute are very good with the participation of top notch recruiters.

4. How well is IIFM Bhopal ranked in India?
Ans. IIFM is ranked among the top 100 Management Institutes of India. The institute has been ranked by several tops and prestigious ranking organizations such as NIRF, Outlook, MHRD, etc.

5. How are placements at IIFM Bhopal?
Ans. Placements at IIFM Bhopal are quite attractive. IIFM Bhopal Average Package is  INR 10.38 LPA and the Highest Package is  INR 21 LPA.

6. What kind of job roles are offered to IIFM Bhopal graduates?
Ans. The IIFM graduates are offered jobs in sectors like Consulting firms, Sustainability & Environmental (ESG) Divisions of Corporates, Financial sector (Sustainable and Climate finance), Energy sector, Government Organisations and with various job roles such as Development Professionals, Branch, Research Analyst or Consultants, and many more.

7. Is IIFM Bhopal worth it?
Ans. Yes, joining IIFM Bhopal is highly worthwhile as it provides world-class education by its highly qualified and experienced faculty members. The institute also focuses on the overall development of a student by encouraging them to participate in various cultural and academic events organized by the institute and exposure to the natural forests and ecosystems, fieldwork and project work with various types of organizations – Corporates, Developmental /NGOs / Corporations and Forest Departments.

8. How is life at IIFM Bhopal?

Ans. A typical day at IIFM generally begins at eight-breakfast means a run to the mess, a hurried bite and a jog to class, which begins at eight thirty, Classes stretch through the day, almost up to four, but each lecture becomes a forum for intellectual stimulation, debate and deep thought.

But seven hours of lectures is just one part of the day. Most would agree that the day at IIFM begins at dusk. IIFM lays great emphasis on students’ responsibility, which essentially means that it is the students who run the mess, organise activities, ideate and implement whatever they think would enrich their learning experience.

Quiz sessions, open house debates and guest lectures are often part of our evenings. Dinner follows, and with it the realization of the next day’s work. For even as we explore our talents, academic rigourrigour is not compromised. The 230-acre serene campus is the perfect setting for quiet study.

The night is generally spent with groups preparing presentations, assignments and preparation for the next day’s classes. This of course is punctuated with sudden visions of the future and arguments on hotly debated issues! And sleep? At IIFM that’s just an indulgence it’s hard to find time for!

9. Does IIFM Bhopal provide hostel facilities?

Ans. Three hostel blocks having one hundred and ten fully furnished rooms are available for accommodating boys and girls separately. The hostel rooms are connected with internet facility through LAN and Wi-Fi.

10. Are internship opportunities provided by IIFM Bhopal?
Ans. IIFM Bhopal provides internship opportunities to all of its students as the summer internships are an integral part of both the PGDFM/ PGDSM programs.

11. How to contact IIFM Bhopal?
Ans. You can contact IIFM Bhopal using the following number or email ID-

Admission Cell - +91 0755-2671929, Whastaspp - +91 7805840115.  Email: [email protected]