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More About IIFM
Campus Area
116
Total Seat
180
Faculty Student Ratio
7:1
IIFM Rankings, Accreditations & Recognitions
About Indian Institute of Forest Management - [IIFM] Bhopal
The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) is an autonomous, sectoral management institute established in 1982 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, with initial financial assistance from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and academic support from IIM Ahmedabad. The institute focuses on forestry, environment and natural resources management education, research and training.
IIFM holds NAAC A+ accreditation and is approved by AICTE, and figures in the NIRF Management list as Indian Institute of Forest Management. Its flagship programmes include the MBA in Forest Management and Environmental Management, along with specialised postgraduate diplomas and doctoral programmes in natural resource management. The institute has a strong research and consultancy footprint in forestry, environment and climate-related sectors and is recognized as a premier national-level institution in its niche domain.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal |
| Established | 1982 |
| Type | Autonomous institute under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India |
| Affiliation | Autonomous |
| Approved By | AICTE |
| NAAC Grade | A+ |
| Campus | Bhadbhada Road, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Popular Programmes | MBA in Forest Management, MBA in Environmental Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management, PhD in Management |
| Website | https://iifm.ac.in |
Courses Offered at IIFM
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Admission Dates 2026
For 2026 admissions, Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) Bhopal is accepting applications for its flagship MBA programmes in Forestry Management, Sustainability Management, Sustainable Development and Development & Sustainable Finance. Admission is based on CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT or GMAT scores followed by a personal interview conducted by IIFM at designated centres.
| Programme | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| MBA (All Specialisations) | Application Deadline | 31 December 2025 |
Campus Gallery Of IIFM
Admission Process
IIFM Bhopal admits students to its 2-year residential MBA programmes (Forestry Management, Sustainability Management, Sustainable Development, Development and Sustainable Finance) through national-level management entrance tests, followed by Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Candidates must apply separately on the IIFM online portal after obtaining valid scores in accepted exams.
MBA (Forestry / Sustainability / Sustainable Development / Development & Sustainable Finance) Admission
Steps to Apply
- Check eligibility (bachelor’s degree marks, category relaxation, valid CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT/GMAT score) on the IIFM website.
- Register and appear for at least one accepted exam: CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT or GMAT.
- Visit the IIFM Bhopal admission page and click on the online application link for MBA batch 2025–27.
- Register with email ID and mobile number to generate login credentials.
- Fill the online form with personal details, academic records, work experience and entrance test scores.
- Upload scanned photo, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the IIFM application fee online (₹1,500 for GEN/OBC/EWS/DA; ₹750 for SC/ST) via debit/credit card or net banking.
- Submit the form and download/print the application confirmation for future reference.
- Track shortlist announcements for WAT/PI on the IIFM website or registered email/SMS.
- Appear for offline WAT and PI at the allotted centre (Bhopal, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Bengaluru, Kolkata or Chennai).
- On selection, confirm admission by paying the first-year fee within the deadline and completing document verification on campus.
Eligibility Criteria & Fees
| Programme | Qualification | Entrance Exam | Min % | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Forestry Management) | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university | CAT / XAT / MAT / CMAT / GMAT | 50% (45% for SC/ST/DA/PwD) | ₹5.90 lakh |
| MBA (Sustainability Management) | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university | CAT / XAT / MAT / CMAT / GMAT | 50% (45% for SC/ST/DA/PwD) | ₹5.90 lakh |
| MBA (Sustainable Development) | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university | CAT / XAT / MAT / CMAT / GMAT | 50% (45% for SC/ST/DA/PwD) | ₹5.90 lakh |
| MBA (Development and Sustainable Finance) | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university | CAT / XAT / MAT / CMAT / GMAT | 50% (45% for SC/ST/DA/PwD) | ₹5.90 lakh |
Documents Required
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
- Class 12 mark sheet and certificate
- All semester/annual graduation mark sheets
- Graduation degree/provisional degree certificate
- Valid CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT/GMAT scorecard
- Caste/category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), if applicable
- PwD/DA certificate, if applicable
- Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving Licence)
- Transfer certificate and migration certificate (at the time of admission)
- Recent passport-size colour photographs
Nearest Attractions at IIFM
Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal
26 km
ISBT Bhopal
13 km
AIIMS Bhopal
10 km
Bhopal Junction
16 km
Placements 2025
IIFM Bhopal has not yet released an official 2025 placement report. The latest verified data is for the 2023 PGDFM and PGDSM batches, which recorded 100% placements with strong salaries and a diverse recruiter base across BFSI, consulting, IT and sustainability sectors.
Placement Statistics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest Package | ₹20.50 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹10.38 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹10.00 LPA |
| Placement Rate | 100% |
| Students Placed | 100/101 |
| Companies Visited | 46 |
Top Recruiters
IT: Infosys
Consulting: EY, Deloitte
Core: Vedanta, Aditya Birla, S&P Global, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, Birla Estates, NAFED, JK Paper Ltd.
Branch-wise Placement
| Branch | Highest | Average | %Placed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGDFM & PGDSM (combined) | ₹20.50 LPA | ₹10.38 LPA | 100% |
Campus Facilities at IIFM
Auditorium
Conference Rooms
Lecture Halls
Seminar Halls
Smart Classrooms
Institute Guest House
ATM Facility
Laundry Services
Power Backup Systems
Purified Drinking Water Facilities
Stationery and General Store
Lifts/Elevators
Ramps for Accessibility
Access Control System
Cafeteria
Canteen
Hostel Mess Facilities
Boys Hostel Blocks
Girls Hostel Blocks
Hostel Guest Rooms
Center for Forest Based Livelihoods and Extension (CFLE)
Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (CCCSD)
Centre for Sustainable Forest Management (CSFM)
Centre for Tribal and Livelihood Development (CTLD)
Campus-wide Wi-Fi Connectivity
Central Computer Centre
Server Room
Computer Centre
Digital Language Lab
GIS Lab
Remote Sensing Lab
Statistical Computing Lab
Central Library
Digital Library
Ambulance Service
Health Center
Gardens and Lawns
Hostel Common Rooms
Open Air Amphitheatre
24/7 Security Personnel
CCTV Surveillance System
Fire Safety Equipment
Perimeter Security
Badminton Courts
Basketball Court
Gymnasium
Indoor Games Room
Outdoor Sports Grounds
Tennis Court
Counseling Services
Grievance Redressal Cell
Placement Cell
Student Affairs Office
Parking Facilities
Rankings & Accreditations
Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) Bhopal is consistently ranked among the top management institutes in India, featuring in the national Management category of NIRF and securing strong positions in private rankings such as IIRF. The institute also holds a high NAAC grade, reinforcing its academic and institutional quality.
NIRF 2025
| Category | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Management (Research and Teaching) | #8 | 81.01/100 |
Other Rankings
| Agency | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| IIRF – Top MBA Colleges in India | #3 | 2025 |
| Times of India – MBA Category | #34 | 2024 |
| India Today – MBA/Business Today List | #48 | 2023 |
Accreditations
- NAAC: A+ Grade
- NBA: Not accredited by NBA for its management programmes (no NBA listing for IIFM Bhopal)
Student Reviews & Testimonials
Sumit सुमीत वरमा Verma
Words aren't enough to review this heavenly abode. This place is a knowledge centre of Forestry, Environment, Social and Rural Development, Finance, and many more sectors. With 200 Acres of campus spawn from Upper Lake to Bhadbhada bridge to Nehru Nagar police colony, IIFM can be observed from all directions. Taj Lake Front has opted for the location in Bhopal in front of IIFM to add beauty to its customers. It has got three hostels at present Nilgiri, Vindhyachal and Aravali. One Guest House, one training MDP guest house and six faculty residential. One student mess - ' Swaruchi' स्वरूची Courts are available for Badminton, volleyball, basketball, tennis, cricket, table tennis.
Satish Chodisetti
Unreachable mobile signal, lush green campus with peacocks 🦚, on the top of tiny up hill, where one can made unmemorable memories
Toshani Roy
PGDFM course offered here is the best in Asia.. great place to study Post Graduate course for 2 years.. 😄 The Institute also stands as one of the premier B schools in India..
sabir ansari
I stayed guest house of IIFM when we had reached Bhopal in our central India tour. Very beautiful location as well as beautiful accomodation. All faculties are very helpful and co-operate. . Its stablished in 1982 as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, IIFM was conceptualized in response to the recommendations of the National Commission on Agriculture. The impetus generated by these recommendations culminated in an alliance with the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad through which the philosophy and raison d'erte of IIFM was evolved. The Swedish International Development Agency also contributed financially and technically in establishing the Institute. Since its inception, IIFM has been home to some of the most brilliant young minds who are constantly raising the bar of excellence in this dynamic field.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
IIFM Bhopal offers performance-based institute scholarships and is covered under central Top Class Education scholarship schemes for SC and ST students routed through the National Scholarship Portal. Eligible students also access government-funded stipends for reserved categories and education loans through banks.
Institute Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship – General Category | Top 10 rank holders in general category based on 1st and 4th term results of the PG programmes | ₹50,000 per student (one-time, linked to term performance) |
| Merit Scholarship – OBC Category | Top 5 OBC students based on 1st and 4th term results | ₹50,000 per student |
| Merit Scholarship – SC Category | Top 3 SC students based on 1st and 4th term results | ₹50,000 per student |
| Merit Scholarship – ST Category | Top 2 ST students based on 1st and 4th term results | ₹50,000 per student |
| Performance Stipend | Top 20% performers in the batch based on term results | ₹5,000 per month during the period stipulated by the institute |
| Government Stipend via Institute (Reserved Categories) | Students from backward communities (SC/ST/OBC) eligible under government norms, irrespective of scores | Monthly stipend credited via institute (amount prevailing government norms) |
Government Scholarships
| Scheme | For | Amount | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Class Education Scheme for SC Students (Central Sector) | SC students admitted in IIFM on merit, family income up to ₹8,00,000 per year ( scheme norms), with valid caste and income certificates | Full tuition fee, non-refundable charges, lodging and boarding, plus books and stationery at fixed annual rate as notified in scheme guidelines | NSP |
| National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students – Top Class Component | ST students studying at notified Top Class Institutes list that includes IIFM, with family income up to ₹8,00,000 per year and admission on merit | Full tuition fee and non-refundable charges, living expenses, books and stationery, and other admissible components scheme norms | NSP |
| Post‑Matric / Higher Education Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC Students – Madhya Pradesh | Domicle students of Madhya Pradesh from SC/ST/OBC categories enrolled in IIFM, with income limits as fixed by MP government for each category | Reimbursement of approved tuition fee and admissible maintenance allowance under MP state rules | MP State Scholarship Portal |
External Scholarships
- Bank Education Loan–linked Support: Education loans up to ₹7,50,000 without collateral from SBI for IIFM students based on the institute’s AA rating; interest subsidy and other benefits wherever linked to central or state education loan subsidy schemes.
Comparison
Indian Institute of Forest Management Bhopal is compared with Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur and Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon as they are top-tier, government-recognized management institutes with strong NIRF rankings, sectoral specializations, and comparable placement profiles.
| Parameter | Indian Institute of Forest Management - [IIFM] Bhopal | Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur | Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Government | Private | Deemed-to-be-University (Private) |
| Established | 1982 | 1949 | 1973 |
| NIRF 2025 | #8 | #13 | #11 |
| NAAC | A+ | A++ | A++ |
| Fee (Total) | ₹11.8 L | ₹27.5 L | ₹26.5 L |
| Highest Package | ₹23.5 LPA | ₹54 LPA | ₹42 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹10.3 LPA | ₹28.5 LPA | ₹25.2 LPA |
Key Strengths
- Indian Institute of Forest Management - [IIFM] Bhopal: Premier institute for forest, environment and natural resources management with strong government linkages, low fees, and excellent ROI in sustainability and rural development sectors.
- Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur: One of India’s oldest and most reputed management schools with exceptional brand value, high average and highest packages, and strong HR and general management programs.
- Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon: High placement averages, strong corporate connections, diverse specializations, and excellent infrastructure and alumni network in general management and consulting.
Campus & Infrastructure
IIFM Bhopal has a hilltop, architect-designed campus spread over about 230 acres of green forested land in Nehru Nagar, southwestern Bhopal, overlooking the Bhadbhada barrage and Upper Lake. The peninsula-like setting, rich flora and fauna, and low-rise academic blocks create a distinctive, nature-immersed learning environment.
Campus Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 230 acres |
| Location | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Nearest Railway | Bhopal Junction (~9 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (~18 km) |
Academic Facilities
- Library: Multistorey, air-conditioned library building with print and digital holdings, including databases such as ScienceDirect (environmental science, business and management), EBSCO Business Source Elite, EBSCO Environment Complete, EBSCO eBook Business Collection, J-Gate, Emerald Marketing e-journals, Prowess and Indiastat
- Labs: Dedicated computer centre with 24×7 access, LAN-connected desktops and Geographic Information System (GIS) and image processing facilities
- Classrooms: State-of-the-art, air-conditioned smart classrooms with projectors, audio systems and Wi‑Fi across the academic block
Hostel
| Type | Capacity | Fee/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Boys | Three hostel blocks with a total of 110 fully furnished rooms for boys and girls combined (hostels Nilgiri and Vindhyachal for boys) | ₹62,500 (General/NC-OBC/DA, annualised from ₹1,25,000 for 2-year 2023–25 batch) |
| Girls | Part of the same 110-room capacity (Aravali hostel for girls) | ₹37,500 (SC/ST, annualised from ₹75,000 for 2-year 2023–25 batch) |
Other Facilities
- Indoor and outdoor sports facilities including badminton court, basketball court, football ground, cricket ground, volleyball court and table tennis
- Dedicated sports centre and gymnasium
- Auditorium and seminar rooms forming part of the academic court complex
- 24×7 working computer centre separate from classrooms
- On-campus medical facility with regular doctor visits and emergency vehicle support
- Cafeteria and student-managed “Swaruchi” mess
- Campus-wide Wi‑Fi and LAN connectivity for hostels and academic blocks
- On-campus bank and ATM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which entrance exams are accepted for MBA at IIFM Bhopal and what is the basic eligibility?
IIFM Bhopal accepts CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT and GMAT scores for its MBA programs. Graduation with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/DA/PwD) in any discipline is required, followed by Written Ability Test and Personal Interview at centres like Bhopal, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai.
What is the selection process for the Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM) at IIFM Bhopal?
DPM applicants need a bachelor’s and master’s degree each with 60% marks or a professional qualification like CA/ICWA/CS plus 60% in graduation, and a valid score in CAT, GMAT, GRE, UGC NET-JRF, ICAR-SRF, RAT, DST Inspire or CSIR NET. Shortlisted candidates present a research proposal and face a personal interview.
How do I apply to IIFM Bhopal and what is the application fee?
The application is fully online through the IIFM website. Candidates fill the form, upload documents and pay a non-refundable application fee of ₹1,500 (₹1,000 for SC/ST/DA for some programmes) using digital payment options before the notified deadline.
What is the approximate MBA fee at IIFM Bhopal and what does it include?
For recent batches, the MBA total academic fee is in the range of ₹7–₹9 lakh for the full two-year programme, excluding hostel and mess. This covers tuition, library, computer lab, examination and most academic facilities on campus.
How much is the hostel fee at IIFM Bhopal for MBA students?
For the 2023–2025 batch, hostel fees are ₹1,25,000 for General/NC-OBC/DA students and ₹75,000 for SC/ST students for the full programme duration. This includes furnished twin-sharing accommodation with Wi-Fi, hot water and basic facilities in on-campus hostels.
Are there scholarships or fee waivers available at IIFM Bhopal?
IIFM supports students through SC/ST fee concessions on hostel charges, and eligible students can also use government scholarships such as state post-matric and national schemes routed via the institute. Many students finance fees through bank education loans using IIFM’s recognition and placement record.
What is the average and highest package in IIFM Bhopal placements for MBA?
Recent MBA batches at IIFM Bhopal have average CTCs in the range of ₹10–₹11 lakh per annum, with top packages crossing ₹18–20 lakh per annum. The institute consistently achieves near-100% placement for flagship MBA programmes in core and allied sectors.
Which sectors and recruiters hire from IIFM Bhopal?
Key sectors include environment and sustainability consulting, development sector, microfinance, banking, forestry and natural resource management, CSR and ESG roles. Regular recruiters include multilateral agencies, consulting firms, public sector units, impact funds, NBFCs and environmental services companies.
Do IIFM students get good internships and fieldwork opportunities?
All MBA students undergo a compulsory summer internship of 8–10 weeks with organisations in forestry, development, CSR, consulting, banking or sustainability roles. The curriculum also includes multiple field visits and live projects in forest divisions, NGOs and corporate sustainability departments.
What specializations or programme tracks are offered in MBA at IIFM Bhopal?
IIFM offers sectoral management programmes in areas like Forestry Management, Sustainability Management, Sustainable Development and Development & Sustainable Finance. The curriculum blends core management subjects with environment, climate change, livelihoods, policy and quantitative courses.
How is the faculty quality and research culture at IIFM Bhopal?
IIFM has faculty with PhDs from leading Indian and foreign institutions in forestry, environment, economics, management and social sciences. The institute undertakes sponsored research and consultancy projects with MoEFCC, state forest departments and international agencies, offering students exposure to applied research.
Is hostel life compulsory and what are the room arrangements?
The flagship programmes are fully residential and students are required to stay on campus. There are separate boys’ hostels (Nilgiri, Vindhyachal) and the Aravalli girls’ hostel, largely with twin-sharing, fully furnished rooms equipped with LAN/Wi‑Fi, hot water, DTH and common recreation areas.
How is the food quality in the mess at IIFM Bhopal?
The main mess, often referred to as Swaruchi Mess, is run by a student mess committee on a cooperative basis and can serve around 300 people at a time. Students decide the menu and timings, and reviews consistently highlight hygienic, reasonably varied vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
What clubs, sports and extracurricular activities are available on campus?
The 230‑acre campus has sports facilities for football, cricket, basketball, badminton, table tennis and a gym. Students run cultural, nature, literary, adventure and sports clubs, and IIFM teams regularly participate in the All India Forest Sports and Games Meet of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
How safe is the IIFM Bhopal campus and what medical facilities exist?
The campus is fully residential with 24×7 security at gates and hostel areas. Doctors visit on alternate days for free consultations, a campus dispensary handles minor issues, and tie-ups with city hospitals in Bhopal cover emergencies.
Is a laptop mandatory for MBA students at IIFM Bhopal and how is the IT infrastructure?
While not always formally mandated, most MBA coursework assumes personal laptop access for case analysis, data work and presentations. The campus offers 24×7 computer labs, LAN and Wi‑Fi connectivity in hostels and academic blocks to support software and online resources.
Can students work part-time or do off-campus jobs during the programme?
IIFM’s programmes are intensive and fully residential with a packed schedule of classes, projects, fieldwork and committee activities. Students generally do not take up off‑campus part-time jobs; the institute expects full-time academic engagement throughout the trimesters.
How does IIFM Bhopal compare with other management institutes in terms of ROI?
With total fees significantly lower than many general MBA institutes and average placements around ₹10–₹11 lakh per annum, IIFM offers strong return on investment, especially for students targeting environment, sustainability, development and public policy careers where tuition levels in comparable schools are higher.
What kind of roles do alumni of IIFM Bhopal hold and how active is the alumni network?
IIFM alumni work as sustainability heads, ESG consultants, policy specialists, development sector managers, forest and wildlife project leads and impact investors across government, multilaterals, consulting firms and corporates. The alumni network is active through reunions, guest lectures, mentorship and support in placements and internships.
