Ideal Fit
Social Work Graduates
Aspiring to enter the CSR, ESG, or development sector with formal knowledge of law, frameworks, and reporting standards.
Affiliated to RTMNU | Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University · Dept. of Lifelong Learning & Extension
Certificate Course on
CSR, ESG
& Sustainability
An 11-week, field-integrated professional certificate bridging India's CSR legal mandate with ESG frameworks, BRSR reporting, SDG mapping, and social impact measurement.
3
Credits
11
Weeks
6
Modules
3
Field Visits
Get Your Free Course Brochure
Our counsellor will respond within 24 hours
🌱
Thank you — you're registered.
Our counsellor will contact you within 24 hours with the full course brochure and batch details.
CSR Law & Policy
Companies Act 2013, Section 135, Schedule VII, CSR Rules 2021
ESG & BRSR Reporting
GRI, SASB, BRSR — draft a real sustainability report as part of the course
3 Field Visits
NGO, corporate CSR office, and community project — structured, not passive
Portfolio Deliverables
Field reports, CSR concept note with logframe, and BRSR report draft
Industry Guest Lectures
Special sessions by active Industry Experts & Corporate CSR Leaders — a flagship programme highlight
Who Is This For
For Professionals Ready to Lead Responsible Business
Whether you are entering the CSR sector, upskilling within it, or switching careers — this certificate gives you the legal, technical, and practical foundation to work confidently in CSR and ESG roles.
Corporate Employees
Working in or transitioning to CSR, sustainability, or compliance roles who need structured grounding in ESG and BRSR.
NGO Professionals
Seeking formal grounding in ESG, social impact reporting, and CSR project design to enhance credibility and donor engagement.
Consultants & Researchers
Academicians and development professionals seeking applied knowledge in CSR project management and impact measurement.
Course Highlights
3 Credits. 60 Hours. Real CSR Sites.
30h
Theory Instruction
6 modules covering CSR evolution, ESG pillars, SDGs, project management, case studies, and Indian CSR law.
30h
Field & Practical Work
Three field visits to NGOs, corporate CSR departments, and community project sites — each followed by a structured analytical report.
1
CSR Project Concept Note
A complete project proposal with logframe, budget, and SDG mapping matrix — drafted and peer-reviewed in workshops.
1
BRSR/GRI Report Draft
A draft sustainability report for an assigned company profile, mapped to BRSR indicators and a minimum of 5 GRI standards.
Ready to build CSR & ESG skills that employers recognise?
Download the free brochure — our counsellor will reach out within 24 hours.
Get the Brochure →"CSR and ESG competence cannot be built in a classroom alone. Learners must engage directly with organisations and communities to understand the gap between policy and implementation."
YK
Dr. Yogesh Kumbhalkar Foundation
Practical Manual — Certificate Course on CSR, ESG & Sustainability
Curriculum
What You Will Study
Six theory modules over 10 weeks, paired with structured field and workshop sessions every Saturday. Every module connects to a practical deliverable.
M1Introduction to CSR & Sustainability4h · Week 1▼
- 1.1Evolution of CSR — global perspectives and the Indian context
- 1.2Conceptual frameworks: Carroll's Pyramid, Stakeholder Theory, Triple Bottom Line
- 1.3Companies Act 2013: Section 135, Schedule VII, and CSR Rules
- 1.4Corporate sustainability — definitions, dimensions, and relevance
Assessment link: Theory Exam — Section A MCQs and Section B short notes on M1 concepts.
M2ESG Frameworks6h · Weeks 2–3▼
- 2.1Introduction to ESG: concept, origins, and significance
- 2.2Environmental pillar: climate risk, carbon footprint, water stewardship
- 2.3Social pillar: labour practices, community impact, human rights
- 2.4Governance pillar: board structure, ethics, anti-corruption
- 2.5Reporting standards: GRI, SASB, and BRSR
- 2.6ESG ratings: methodology, major agencies, and investor relevance
Assessment link: Directly assessed in P3 BRSR/GRI Reporting Exercise and Theory Exam Section C.
M3Sustainability and the SDGs5h · Weeks 3–4▼
- 3.1The UN 2030 Agenda: origins, structure, and significance
- 3.2Overview of the 17 SDGs: targets, indicators, and interlinkages
- 3.3Climate change and the business sector: risks and responses
- 3.4Circular economy, green finance, and sustainable supply chains
- 3.5Mapping CSR/ESG activities to SDGs: frameworks and examples
Assessment link: SDG mapping matrix forms part of P2 CSR Project Concept Note.
M4CSR Project Management5h · Weeks 4–5▼
- 4.1Need assessment and stakeholder consultation methods
- 4.2Designing CSR projects: objectives, activities, outcomes, and outputs
- 4.3Logical Framework Approach (LFA) and Theory of Change
- 4.4Monitoring and Evaluation: tools, indicators, and frequency
- 4.5Impact measurement frameworks: SROI, outcomes mapping
Assessment link: Core of P2 CSR Concept Note. Also assessed in Theory Exam Section C long answer.
M5Case Studies & Best Practices5h · Weeks 6–7▼
- 5.1CSR models in India: Tata Trusts, Infosys Foundation, Reliance Foundation
- 5.2Global best practices: Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, Patagonia, IKEA
- 5.3CSR failures and greenwashing: causes, consequences, and lessons
- 5.4Social innovation and social entrepreneurship as CSR strategies
- 5.5Ethical dilemmas in CSR and ESG: case-discussion approach
Assessment link: Applied in P1 field analysis reports and P4 viva. Theory Exam Section B and C.
M6Policy, Law & Ethics in CSR/ESG5h · Weeks 7–8▼
- 6.1Companies Act 2013: Section 135 in detail — applicability, thresholds, obligations
- 6.2CSR Rules 2014 and amendments (2021, 2022)
- 6.3Schedule VII: permitted CSR activities — interpretation and application
- 6.4SEBI's BRSR mandate and National Action Plan on Climate Change
- 6.5Ethics in CSR and ESG: accountability, transparency, participation
Assessment link: Core of Theory Exam Section B and C. Applied in P3 BRSR drafting exercise.
P1 — Field Visit & Analysis
10h · 8 marksThree structured visits: NGO site, corporate CSR office, and community-level CSR project
Pre-visit briefing and observation checklist preparation each Thursday before the visit
Field Analysis Report (3 pages) submitted within 48 hours of each visit
Evaluated on observation depth, concept application, critical reflection, and writing quality
P2 — CSR Project Design Workshop
10h · 10 marksThree workshops: problem analysis and Theory of Change; logframe and budget; peer review
Complete CSR concept note — maximum 8 pages — with logframe, budget, and SDG mapping
Draft due end of Week 6; final submission end of Week 8
Evaluated on project design rigour, logframe quality, and SDG alignment
P3 — CSR/ESG Reporting Exercise
6h · 7 marksThree workshops: BRSR structure; GRI indicator selection; report review and finalisation
Draft sustainability report (max 12 pages) for an assigned company profile
Mapped to BRSR indicators and minimum 5 GRI standards
Submission due end of Week 9
P4 — Presentation & Viva
4h · 5 marksPresent CSR Project Concept Note (P2) to a faculty panel — 8 to 10 minutes per learner
Individual Q&A with panel on project rationale, design choices, and CSR/ESG knowledge
Slides (6–10 pages) submitted 24 hours before viva date
Evaluated on communication clarity and depth of knowledge demonstrated
Approved Field Visit Settings
🌿 NGO or Civil Society Organisation
🏢 Corporate CSR Department or Foundation
🏘️ Community-Level CSR Project
🏛️ Government CSR Coordination Cell
11 weeks. 3 field visits. One career-ready certificate.
Seats are limited to 30 per batch. Apply now to secure your place.
Apply Now →
Weekly Schedule
11 Weeks to a Career-Ready Certificate
Week 1
Orientation & M1
CSR evolution, legal framework, pre-visit briefing
Weeks 2–5
M2–M4 Theory
ESG pillars, SDGs, project management. Field visits 1 & 2. P2 workshops begin
Weeks 6–8
M5–M6 & Reporting
Case studies, law & ethics. Field visit 3. P3 BRSR/GRI workshops. P2 concept note due
Weeks 9–10
Revision & Viva
P3 report finalised. Guest lecture. P4 presentations and viva. All records submitted
Week 11
Examination & Certificate
Theory paper (2.5 hrs, 50 marks). Results in 3 weeks. Certificate in 6 weeks
Week 1 — Orientation
M1: CSR Introduction & Pre-Visit Briefing
CSR evolution, Section 135, conceptual frameworks. Observation checklist preparation for first field visit.
Weeks 2–5 — Core Theory
M2–M4: ESG, SDGs & Project Management
ESG pillars, BRSR overview, SDG mapping. Field visits 1 and 2. P2 project design workshops begin.
Weeks 6–8 — Specialisation
M5–M6: Case Studies, Law & BRSR Reporting
CSR case analysis, Indian law, BRSR/GRI workshops. Field visit 3. P2 concept note final submission.
Weeks 9–10 — Presentation
Revision, P3 Report & P4 Viva
P3 ESG report finalised. Guest lecture from a CSR professional. All learners present and attend viva.
Week 11 — Examination
Theory Paper & Certificate
Written exam (2.5 hours, 50 marks). Results in 3 weeks. Certificate distribution in 6 weeks.
Assessment
Sustained Engagement, Not Just a Final Exam
The framework rewards practical output and continuous participation. Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory to sit the final examination.
50%
Theory Examination
Written paper — 2.5 hours, 50 marks. MCQs (10), short notes (5 of 7), and long answers (2 of 3) covering all 6 modules
30%
Practical Assignments
P1 field reports (8 marks) + P2 concept note (10) + P3 ESG report (7) + P4 viva (5). Total: 30 marks
20%
Attendance & Participation
Continuous assessment of session attendance, class participation, and weekly journal entries
Speak with our admissions counsellor.
Get batch dates, fee details, and eligibility confirmation — within 24 hours.
Request a Callback →
Career Pathways
Where This Certificate Takes You
SEBI's BRSR mandate and India's growing CSR ecosystem have created sustained demand for ESG and CSR professionals across corporate, NGO, and consulting sectors.
| Job Role | Typical Employer | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| CSR Executive / Officer | Corporates with Section 135 obligations | Implement, monitor, and report CSR projects |
| ESG Analyst (Junior) | Rating agencies, consulting firms, banks | Data collection and ESG report preparation |
| Sustainability Coordinator | Corporates, industrial units, ports | Track sustainability KPIs; BRSR compilation |
| Project Associate | NGOs, CSR foundations, bilateral agencies | Field implementation, M&E, beneficiary engagement |
| CSR Compliance Associate | CA/CS firms, corporate legal departments | Ensure regulatory compliance; prepare CAR filings |
| Programme Assistant — NGO | NGOs receiving CSR funding | Proposal writing, donor reporting, field coordination |
Further Education After This Certificate
🎓 Diploma in Applied Social Work & Development Management — ISID (28 credits, 6 months)
🏛️ IICA Certificate in CSR — Ministry of Corporate Affairs
🌍 GRI Certified Sustainability Professional
🎓 MSW with CSR / Development Specialisation
📋 MBA in Sustainability / Social Innovation — IIMs, XIMB, TISS
From Our Learners
Voices from the Field
★★★★★
"The BRSR drafting exercise in Week 9 was the most practical thing I have done in any training. I used the same framework to prepare our company's first BRSR submission three months later."
MK
Manish Kulkarni
Sustainability Coordinator, Manufacturing Firm, Nagpur
★★★★★
"I was working in an NGO that receives CSR funding but had no idea how the corporate side works. This course gave me the vocabulary, the frameworks, and the confidence to engage with our donors as equals."
SR
Sunita Ramteke
Programme Associate, NGO, Wardha
★★★★★
"The field visit to the corporate CSR foundation was a turning point. Seeing how they measure impact — and the gaps between their reports and the ground reality — made Section 135 suddenly very real."
AJ
Aditya Joshi
CSR Executive, FMCG Company, Pune
Faculty & Teaching Team
Learn from Academics with Field Experience
Our faculty combine strong academic credentials with real-world knowledge of the CSR and social development sector.
Course Coordinator
Dr. Sanjay Fulkar
Professor | Sustainable Farming, Climate Adaptation & Youth Entrepreneurship
A seasoned social work academic with over 22 years of experience in teaching, research, and community development — recognised for contributions to sustainable business management, eco-tourism, and social marketing initiatives.
MSWPh.D in Social WorkNET Qualified
Dr. Vijay Shingnapure
Criminology, Labour Welfare & Social Research
A distinguished social work academic with 31 years of teaching and leadership experience, recognised for pioneering research on tribal development, women empowerment, and child welfare.
Dr. Chandu Popatkar
Social Work Theory, Methods & Institutional Leadership
A distinguished social work academic with over 26 years of experience in teaching, research, and institutional leadership at Kumbhalkar College of Social Work, Wardha.
Dr. Rupesh Kawale
Rural Management & Development Practice
A distinguished academic in Rural Management with over 26 years of experience in teaching, research, and development practice, with deep expertise in livelihood promotion and policy formulation.
Dr. Vilas Baile
Social Inclusion & Sustainable Livelihoods
A distinguished social development professional with over two decades of experience in research, teaching, and grassroots community empowerment.
Dr. Abhay Shende
Social Policy, Planning & Community Development
An accomplished academic and researcher specialising in social policy and planning, committed to advancing sustainable social change through research and practice.
Mr. Laxmikant Shinde
WASH & Community Health Training
A dedicated trainer and development professional with expertise in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, focused on capacity building and behavioural change communication.
Programme Highlight
Special Guest Lectures by Industry Experts & Corporates
Every batch benefits from exclusive guest sessions delivered by active CSR heads, ESG practitioners, and corporate sustainability leaders — bringing live industry insights directly into the classroom. This is one of the most valued aspects of the programme.
Affiliated to
Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University
Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension, Nagpur
UGC Credit-Bearing Programme
University Recognised Certificate
Offered by ISID — Dr. YK Foundation, Nagpur
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Apply
A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Working professionals with relevant industry experience may be admitted at the Director's discretion. There is no upper age limit. Basic computer literacy is recommended.
Theory sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday (2 hours each, 10 AM–12 PM). Practical sessions are on Saturdays (variable hours, including field visits). The course runs for 10 weeks of instruction followed by 1 examination week — approximately 11 weeks in total.
50% theory examination (written, 2.5 hours, end of Week 11), 30% practical assignments (P1 field reports, P2 concept note, P3 ESG report, P4 viva), and 20% attendance and class participation. Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory to sit the examination. Minimum 40% in each component and 50% aggregate to pass.
Graduates who complete all requirements with a minimum B grade may opt for a 2–4 week supervised internship at a village-level CSR project or NGO partner site. This is non-credit but is acknowledged on the course completion certificate. It is strongly recommended for those seeking employment in the CSR sector.
You will be able to explain India's CSR legal framework, describe ESG reporting standards (BRSR, GRI, SASB), design a CSR project using the Logical Framework Approach, draft a basic sustainability report, map CSR activities to SDGs, and critically analyse CSR case studies. You will have three field analysis reports and a complete CSR concept note in your portfolio.
Yes. This certificate course provides a strong foundation for the Diploma in Applied Social Work and Development Management offered by ISID — a 6-month, 28-credit programme. The certificate can serve as a pathway or preparatory credential for the full diploma programme.