Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, is a premier Deemed University established in 1987 by the RBI. Renowned for its focus on Economics and Development Studies, IGIDR offers rigorous M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs. It boasts a strong academic environment and impressive career outcomes for its graduates.
About Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research - [IGIDR] Mumbai
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), established in 1987, is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a deemed-to-be university and an autonomous advanced research institute fully funded by the Reserve Bank of India, focusing on multidisciplinary development research.
IGIDR holds an "A" grade accreditation from NAAC and is ranked 6th among deemed universities in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025. It offers postgraduate and doctoral programs primarily in Economics and Development Studies, with a strong emphasis on research in economics, energy, environment, and policy. The institute has a faculty strength of around 28 and hosts one of Asia's largest social sciences libraries.
Key Highlights
Overview
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), established in 1987, is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a deemed-to-be university and an autonomous advanced research institute fully funded by the Reserve Bank of India, focusing on multidisciplinary development research.
IGIDR holds an "A" grade accreditation from NAAC and is ranked 6th among deemed universities in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025. It offers postgraduate and doctoral programs primarily in Economics and Development Studies, with a strong emphasis on research in economics, energy, environment, and policy. The institute has a faculty strength of around 28 and hosts one of Asia's largest social sciences libraries.
Key Highlights
Admission Dates 2026
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) Mumbai offers admission primarily to M.Sc. Economics and Ph.D. Development Studies programs. Admission involves an online entrance examination (CUET PG for M.Sc.) followed by a personal interview. The application process is conducted online through the official IGIDR website.
Admission Process
Admission to Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) Mumbai is primarily through the CUET-PG entrance exam for the M.Sc. Economics program and a separate entrance test followed by an interview for the Ph.D. program. Candidates must apply online, appear for the entrance test, and participate in the interview and counselling process.
M.Sc. Economics Admission
Steps to Apply
- Register online on the IGIDR official website by filling out the application form for the M.Sc. Economics program after CUET-PG results are announced.
- Upload scanned photographs and signatures specifications.
- Pay the application fee online and take a printout of the e-receipt and application form.
- Appear for the CUET-PG entrance exam and await the merit list publication.
- If shortlisted, attend the online interview and counselling session as scheduled by IGIDR.
- Complete document verification by submitting attested copies of required documents.
- Pay the admission fee to confirm the seat and complete the admission process.
Ph.D. Admission
Steps to Apply
- Check eligibility and register online on the IGIDR website by filling the Ph.D. application form.
- Upload necessary documents and pay the application fee online.
- Appear for the IGIDR-conducted entrance test.
- Attend the interview/viva voce if shortlisted based on the entrance test score.
- Submit required documents for verification.
- Pay the admission fee to finalize enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria & Fees
Documents Required
- Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and mark sheets (for M.Sc. admission)
- Master’s degree certificate and mark sheets (for Ph.D. admission)
- CUET-PG scorecard (for M.Sc.) or IGIDR entrance test scorecard (for Ph.D.)
- Passport size photographs
- Migration certificate
- Transfer certificate
- Character certificate
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of identity (Aadhar card, passport, PAN, voter ID)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
Placements 2025
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai achieved a strong placement performance in 2025 with 20 students placed, a median salary of ₹20.2 LPA, and a highest package reaching ₹46.5 LPA. The institute maintains robust industry connections, especially in banking, finance, and research sectors, with top recruiters including American Express, Bank of America, and ICICI Bank.
Placement Statistics
Top Recruiters
IT: TCS, Accenture, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC
Consulting: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Boston Analytics
Core: American Express, Bank of America, ICICI Bank, IDBI First Bank, RBI, NABARD
Branch-wise Placement
Rankings & Accreditations
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, holds a strong position among Indian deemed universities, ranking 4th in the IIRF 2025 Deemed University category. It is also ranked within the #551-700 band globally by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, reflecting its recognized research and academic contributions in development studies and economics.
NIRF 2025
Other Rankings
Accreditations
- NAAC: Accredited (Grade and validity not specified)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) offers various scholarships and fellowships primarily for M.Phil, Ph.D., post-doctoral researchers, and visiting scholars, with stipends ranging from ₹17,000 to ₹43,750 per month. Additionally, IGIDR participates in specialized fellowship programs for select Asian countries and provides need-based financial aid for master's students. Government scholarships applicable through the National Scholarship Portal may also be accessible to eligible students.
Institute Scholarships
Government Scholarships
External Scholarships
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC): Funding support for IGIDR-IDRC fellowships targeting students and scholars from select Asian countries focusing on inclusive development and labor market policy.
Comparison
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) Mumbai is compared with Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai as all three are premier autonomous institutes in Mumbai specializing in social sciences, management, and development research, attracting students interested in economics, policy, and management studies.
Key Strengths
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research - [IGIDR] Mumbai: Focused on advanced research and education in economics and development studies with strong emphasis on policy-oriented research.
- Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai): Premier management institute with strong industry connections, high placement packages, and leadership in business education.
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai: Renowned for social sciences, social work, and public policy education with strong community engagement and social impact focus.
Campus & Infrastructure
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) is situated on a 14-acre hillside campus in Goregaon East, Mumbai. The campus architecture draws inspiration from the Elephanta and Jogeshwari caves and includes academic, residential, and recreational facilities designed to support research and student life.
Campus Details
Academic Facilities
- Library: Over 100,000 printed documents, 406+ national and international journals
- Labs: State-of-the-art Computer Centre with latest software and networking equipment
- Classrooms: 4 classrooms, 2 seminar rooms, 1 conference hall, 1 auditorium (500 seating capacity) equipped with projector, document camera, Wi-Fi, digital class, and video conferencing system
Hostel
Other Facilities
- Swimming pool (20 meters)
- Tennis court
- Indoor badminton court
- Table tennis room
- Jogging track
- Fully equipped gymnasium
- Children’s park
- Guest house with 50 rooms
- Cafeteria
- Free 24×7 internet service with 150 Mbps leased line and backup ISP
- Barrier-free access with ramps, lifts, and disabled-friendly facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process for the M.Sc. Economics program at IGIDR Mumbai?
Admission to the M.Sc. Economics program is based solely on the CUET-PG 2025 score. Candidates must register on the IGIDR website by May 23, 2025, and no interview is required. The program has 75 seats with reservation government norms.
What are the eligibility criteria for Ph.D. admissions at IGIDR?
Ph.D. applicants must hold a relevant master's degree with at least 55% marks in Economics or 60% in other disciplines and have studied Mathematics at higher secondary or above. Valid UGC-JRF/CSIR-JRF or equivalent scholarships are required for some categories.
How much is the application fee for IGIDR admissions?
The application fee is ₹500 for the general category and ₹100 for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS candidates, payable online during the application process on the IGIDR website.
What is the fee structure for the M.Sc. Economics program at IGIDR?
The tuition fee is charged annually, with detailed fee structure available on the official website. Additional costs include accommodation, meals, and study materials, which students must budget for separately.
Are scholarships or financial aid available at IGIDR?
IGIDR offers stipends and scholarships primarily for Ph.D. students based on merit and government guidelines. M.Sc. students may explore external scholarships, but institute-specific scholarships are limited.
What is the placement scenario for IGIDR graduates?
IGIDR graduates typically secure roles in research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. Placement rates are high for Ph.D. and M.Sc. Economics students, with competitive packages reflecting the research-oriented training.
Which companies or organizations recruit from IGIDR?
Recruiters include RBI, World Bank, IMF, government ministries, economic research institutes, and consulting firms, reflecting IGIDR’s focus on development economics and policy research.
How is the curriculum structured for the M.Sc. Economics program?
The two-year curriculum emphasizes quantitative economics, econometrics, and development studies, integrating rigorous coursework with research projects guided by experienced faculty.
What research areas does IGIDR specialize in?
IGIDR focuses on development economics, environmental economics, energy policy, climate change, and quantitative methods, supported by faculty with strong academic and policy backgrounds.
What are the hostel facilities like at IGIDR Mumbai?
IGIDR provides on-campus hostel accommodation with single and shared rooms, mess facilities, and Wi-Fi. Hostel admission is limited and allocated based on merit and availability.
How is the food quality in the IGIDR mess?
The mess offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals with a focus on hygiene and balanced nutrition. Feedback from students indicates satisfactory food quality with regular menu rotations.
What student clubs and extracurricular activities are available at IGIDR?
IGIDR hosts academic seminars, cultural events, and student-run clubs focusing on economics, environment, and social issues, fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating campus life.
Is IGIDR campus safe for students, especially for women?
The campus maintains strict security protocols including CCTV surveillance and security personnel. The institute promotes a safe environment with zero tolerance for harassment.
What is the daily commute like to IGIDR Mumbai?
IGIDR is located in Goregaon East, Mumbai, well-connected by local trains, buses, and auto-rickshaws. Many students prefer living in nearby suburbs for easier daily commute.
Are part-time jobs or internships available for IGIDR students?
While IGIDR encourages internships related to economics and development research, part-time jobs on campus are limited. Students often pursue internships during semester breaks.
Is there a dress code at IGIDR for students?
IGIDR does not enforce a formal dress code; however, students typically dress in smart casual attire suitable for academic and professional settings.
How does IGIDR compare with other economics research institutes in India?
IGIDR is highly regarded for its research focus and affiliation with RBI, offering specialized programs in development economics, making it competitive with institutes like IIMs and Delhi School of Economics.
What is the return on investment (ROI) for an M.Sc. Economics degree from IGIDR?
Given the institute’s strong placement record in research and policy roles, the ROI is favorable, with graduates securing well-paying jobs in reputed organizations within 6-12 months post-graduation.
How strong is the alumni network of IGIDR?
IGIDR has an active alumni network engaged in academia, government, and international organizations, facilitating mentorship, networking, and career opportunities for current students.
Gen. A. K. Vaidya Marg, Santosh Nagar, Goregaon (East), Mumbai – 400065, Maharashtra, India
Contact: +91-22-69096200, +91-22-28416200
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