The B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development program offered by the Jindal School of Environment & Sustainability (JSES) is an exciting and challenging discipline that opens the pathway for working in international and national arenas. The importance of environmental studies has grown exponentially in recent years and is set to become even more significant in the future. This is because businesses, governments, inter-governmental bodies, and organisations in India and worldwide are seeking ways to become more sustainable, energy efficient, and climate-appropriate and require experts in this field.

What is the Scope of this Course?

• A B.A. (Hons.) in Environment and Sustainable Development Course is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn about the natural world and its challenges, and how to protect and improve it. By studying this course, you will gain a broad and interdisciplinary perspective on environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, conservation, and sustainability. You will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and research skills that are essential for any career.

Benefits of the Course

• A B.A. (Hons.) in Environment and Sustainable Development Course can open up many opportunities for you in various sectors, such as government, non-governmental organisations, academia, industry, and media. You can work as an environmental scientist, environmental engineer, environmental consultant, environmental educator, environmental journalist, environmental lawyer, environmental planner, environmental activist, or environmental manager. You can also pursue higher studies or research in environmental studies or related fields.

What Makes It Different at JGU?

• The B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development programme at JSES is designed to prepare students for a challenging, complex, and exciting discipline that is rapidly gaining importance in the present day. The programme offers students an opportunity to gain knowledge of key areas in sustainable development and the sustainable management of natural resources. Students will receive interdisciplinary education and learn how to connect perspectives from several key disciplines, equipping them with the skills needed to address the challenges of environmental protection and sustainable development.

• At JSES, the curriculum is designed with a global perspective and taught by internationally trained faculty with a research-oriented approach. Students will have the opportunity to write a research thesis under faculty supervision, gaining a solid foundation to pursue higher studies or research.

• The program offers students the opportunity to gain knowledge of key areas in sustainable development and the sustainable management of natural resources. The programme is taught by internationally trained research-oriented faculty with a global perspective, and students will have the opportunity to write a research thesis under faculty supervision

The B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development programme at Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for an ever-growing job sector. With a wide range of courses available, students can expect to receive an interdisciplinary education that equips them with the knowledge and skills to address challenges related to environmental protection and sustainable development. The programme is designed to cater to the present and future demands of the industry, with a focus on providing students with practical knowledge and real-world experience.

The curriculum of the programme is divided into eight semesters over four years. In the first year, students are introduced to foundational courses that cover key areas such as climate change, planetary boundaries and sustainable development goals, ecology, ecosystems, wildlife, environmental law and governance, sociological perspectives on environment, academic and research writing, environmental ethics, pollution and community health, waste management, environmental data analysis and water science and policy. The second year focuses on more advanced courses such as energy and environment, environmental impact assessment, corporate environmental responsibility, natural hazards and disaster resilience, urban sustainability, sustainable consumption and production, natural resource economics. In the third and fourth years, students have the opportunity to pursue Minor and elective courses from 11 other schools. They can also opt for a semester abroad in international universities in 5th and 6th semesters, which is optional. In addition, students are required to complete a total of 4 credit-bearing internships and a final-year research dissertation/independent study modules. The internship provides students with practical experience and the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills professionally.

Duration - 4 Years

Course Structure

The eligibility requirement for the B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development program at Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability is a passing score in the 10+2 level of schooling or its equivalent. Candidates from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply.

The admission process for the program is based on a holistic approach, which includes a personal statement, supplemental question, Class X and XII marks, faculty interview, and a JSAT/SAT/ACT score. The selection is conducted over three rounds to ensure each application is evaluated in its unique context.

Tuition Fees*: 3,00,000 (INR per annum)

*The Tuition fee, accommodation charges and other allied service charges are subject to an annual increase of ten percent (10%).

**The security deposit will be fully refunded, subject to the completion of studies and/or receipt of a ‘No Dues Certificate’. The security deposit shall not carry any interest.

Internships

• Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability (JSES) has established partnerships with 20 renowned organisations to provide students enrolled in the B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development programme with research and internship opportunities. These collaborations provide JSES students with internships, which enable them to broaden their understanding of environmental and sustainability issues. Graduates of JSES will have ample opportunities for a diverse range of careers at national, international, regional, state, and local government institutions and agencies, NGOs, and private organisations. The private sector also requires expertise in developing projects that need environmental impact assessments.

• The partnerships include collaborations with organisations such as World Wildlife Fund, Pacific Environment, World Resources Institute, MC Mehta Foundation, Environment Support Group, Global Policy Insights, Toxics Links, Tagore Society for Rural Development, Navdanya Foundation, Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action, Delhi Greens, Envipol, Green Munia, Dhiway-Research, Uneako Centre for Science & Environment, Rajputana Society of Natural History, Future Group-CSR, Hyundai Electric, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, and Initiative for Climate Action.

• These partnerships will equip JSES students with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in various roles in environmental governance, sustainable development, and conservation. The collaboration with such prestigious organisations indicates the quality of education and opportunities offered by JSES. Graduates from this programme will have the capability to contribute to the global effort towards a sustainable future.

Career Opportunities

• The B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development program offers a vast array of opportunities for those who seek to become leaders in the field of sustainable development. Graduates can pursue career opportunities in various government ministries and departments as experts in sustainable development and conservation. With a deep understanding of the three pillars of sustainable development—environment, social, and economic—the degree equips students to work in governance and administration.

• Inter-governmental bodies, think tanks, research bodies, and non-governmental organisations also play a crucial role in the field of sustainable development. Graduates can aspire to be part of organisations such as the United Nations Environmental Program, United Nations Development Program, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), and others. A multi-disciplinary specialisation in Environmental Studies is a valuable asset in the corporate sector, where industries around the world seek advice on corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and environmentally sound policies.

• The B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development program also equips graduates with the skills to pursue careers in research, innovation, and conservation. Graduates can work in the field of environmental science and conservation, providing data and inputs that are the backbone of policy and governance at the national, regional, and international levels. Those who enjoy spending time in nature and have a passion for writing and journalism can become nature journalists, bringing to the forefront stories of nature and environmental concerns.

• The demand for graduates with a specialisation in Environmental Studies is set to increase rapidly, making them sought-after professionals at the international and national levels. Graduates can diversify into various sub-areas, such as climate, energy, wildlife and forests, sustainable development, and conservation, making the career opportunities limitless.

The B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development program offers a range of elective courses across all 12 schools of Jindal Global University. These interdisciplinary electives cover topics such as law, humanities, management, business and finance, international affairs, governance and public policy, environment, architecture, and more. Completing these electives successfully will earn credits based on the number of instructional hours.

The elective courses are indicative and change every semester, giving students the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics. The programme provides a well-rounded education that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the field of sustainable development and conservation. With a focus on sustainable management of natural resources, environmental policy, law, and social sciences, students are prepared for a diverse range of career opportunities.

Some of the indicative electives available for B.A. (Hons.) Environment and Sustainable Development students include Applied Econometrics, Brand Management, Emerging Technology: Impacts on Policy, Law & Business, Happiness at Workplace, Law & Practice in the United Nations, Negotiation, Mediation, and Arbitration, and more. The electives offer a diverse range of topics, and students can choose the ones that interest them the most. These courses provide students with the opportunity to earn additional credits and enhance their skills and knowledge in their areas of interest.

• O.P. Jindal Global University awards Merit cum Means Scholarships (MCM) every year. 

• The MCM Scholarship covers the tuition fee only.

• Scholarship applications will be opened by the University by April and awarded to eligible students in July. 

• The eligibility criteria includes annual family income, Graduation score, entrance examination results and faculty interview score. Weightage will also be given to curricular and non-curricular achievements.

• JGU has established tie-ups with AVANSE (ICICI), Dena Bank, Axis Bank and Credila (HDFC) to facilitate educational loans