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TERI School of Advanced Studies

Plot No. 10, Sankar Road, Vasant Kunj, Institutional Area, New Delhi, Delhi, India - 110070

The genesis of the TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS) in 1998 represents a seminal moment in the history of Indian higher education, signaling a decisive shift toward specialized, interdisciplinary research aimed at solving the most pressing challenges of the Anthropocene. Originally established as the TERI School of Advanced Studies by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a globally renowned not-for-profit research organization, the institution was granted "Deemed to be University" status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1999. This close connection with a leading research organization has given the university a special identity, allowing for a smooth blend of academic study and practical application. The university's mission centers on building capacity across diverse themes of sustainable development, utilizing research-based evidence to inform a curriculum that remains at the forefront of global sustainability discourse.

The institutional evolution reached a significant milestone in 2008 with the inauguration of its modern green campus in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, by the then President of India. This campus serves as more than just an administrative headquarters; it is a living laboratory designed to demonstrate the feasibility of the very energy and water efficiency principles taught in its classrooms. As the global community moves toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), TERI SAS has positioned itself as a critical hub for nurturing "Thought Leadership," producing a cadre of professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of environmental law, climate science, resource economics, and biotechnology.

Institutional Philosophy and Alignment with the National Education Policy 2020

The pedagogical framework of TERI SAS has recently undergone a strategic realignment to synchronize with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This transition reflects an understanding that sustainability challenges require non-linear, flexible learning pathways. The university has introduced Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP) and Five-Year Integrated Postgraduate Programmes (FYIPP), which incorporate multiple entry and exit points. This flexibility is mapped directly to employability opportunities, allowing students to pivot between academic study and professional practice as their careers evolve.

Under this new framework, the university has integrated AI and machine learning electives across diverse disciplines, including climate science and environmental studies, acknowledging the role of digital transformation in modern sustainability management. Furthermore, one-year Master’s programs for students who have completed four-year honors degrees align the institution with international postgraduate standards and facilitate greater global mobility for its graduates. The commitment to NEP 2020 is not merely structural but reflects a deeper intent to foster experiential learning through real-world case studies and industry-embedded projects.

Departmental Architecture and Specialized Academic Centers

The academic rigor of TERI SAS is sustained by six distinct departments and two specialized centers, each acting as a node of expertise in a specific dimension of sustainability. This decentralized structure allows for deep domain specialization while the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum ensures that students from different departments frequently collaborate on complex research questions.

Department of Energy and Environment

The Department of Energy and Environment (DEE) is arguably the technical heart of the university, offering programs that address the mechanics of the global energy transition. Its mission involves the discovery and application of knowledge in renewable energy technology, energy efficiency, and climate modeling. The department is notable for its work on smart electrical grids, biomass gasification, and the socio-economic implications of energy scarcity. Research within the DEE often focuses on urban development and management, aiming to equip students with the skills to design resilient, low-carbon cities.

Department of Natural and Applied Sciences

This department focuses on the biological and physical sciences underpinning environmental health. It is the host of the prestigious UNESCO Chair program, which facilitates international collaboration in science and innovation. The department's research often explores natural-human systems, using geoinformatics to quantify ecosystem services and monitor the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and human well-being.

Department of Biotechnology

Specializing in the intersection of biology and resource management, the Department of Biotechnology addresses critical issues like food security and sustainable agriculture. National bodies like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) fund its faculty members' high-end research projects. A major thrust of the department is plant biotechnology and the development of bio-resources, examining how molecular biology can be leveraged to create therapeutic interventions for global diseases like malaria.

Coca-Cola Department of Regional Water Studies

This department represents a significant industry-academia collaboration, focusing on the holistic management of water resources. It addresses the entire spectrum of water governance, from hydrological modeling to the legal frameworks governing water use. The department is unique in its focus on regional water challenges, particularly the socio-economic impacts of water scarcity and the technical requirements for water reuse and recovery.

Department of Policy and Management Studies

The Department of Policy and Management Studies (DPMS) bridges the gap between scientific evidence and institutional governance. It prepares students to operate in the regulatory environments surrounding infrastructure and environmental protection. Research here focuses on environmental economics, sustainable development practice, and public policy, ensuring that the technical solutions developed in other departments are grounded in political and economic reality.

Department of Business and Sustainability

Recognizing the pivotal role of the private sector in achieving global sustainability, this department focuses on corporate governance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics, and sustainable business models. It offers the flagship MBA in Sustainability Management, which trains future executives to integrate sustainability into core corporate strategy rather than treating it as an auxiliary function.

Centre for Post Graduate Legal Studies

The center provides specialized legal education aimed at the natural resources and infrastructure sectors. Its LLM programs focus on the evolving landscape of environmental law and the legal complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects, preparing legal practitioners to navigate the conflicts between development and environmental preservation.

Comprehensive Academic Program Portfolio

The total academic offerings at TERI SAS have expanded significantly, now encompassing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across approximately 25 courses. The programs are designed to be multidisciplinary, often requiring students to take courses outside their primary department to gain a systemic view of sustainability problems.

Undergraduate and Integrated Programs

The undergraduate landscape has been redesigned as four-year honors programs, emphasizing foundational skills in data science and economics—the two languages increasingly essential for sustainability analytics.

Program Title

Duration

Core Focus and Orientation

Eligibility Overview

B.Sc. (Hons./Hons. Research) Data Science

4 Years

Quantitative analytics for sustainability metrics

10+2 with 50% aggregate

B.Sc. (Hons./Hons. Research) Economics

4 Years

Resource allocation and environmental economics

10+2 with 50% (Maths required)

B.Sc. (Hons./Hons. Research) Environmental Studies

4 Years

Interdisciplinary natural sciences and ecology

10+2 with 50% aggregate

BBA (Hons./Hons. Research)

4 Years

Sustainable business operations and CSR

10+2 with 50% aggregate

Integrated PG (FYIPP) Data Science (M.Sc.)

5 Years

Seamless transition from foundational to advanced analytics

10+2 with 50% aggregate

Integrated PG (FYIPP) Environmental Studies (M.Sc.)

5 Years

Holistic ecological training from UG to Master's

10+2 with 50% aggregate

Postgraduate Masters Programs

The Master's portfolio is characterized by high levels of specialization, often being the first of its kind in India.

Degree and Specialization

Duration

Key Admission Exams

Eligibility Benchmark

M.Sc. Economics

2 Years

TERI Entrance Exam

50% in B.A./B.Sc. Economics

M.Sc. Climate Science and Policy

2 Years

TERI Entrance Exam

Bachelor's in Science/Engg/Eco

M.Sc. Geoinformatics

2 Years

TERI Entrance Exam

Bachelor's in Science/Engg/B.Arch

M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology

2 Years

TERI Entrance Exam

Bachelor's in Sciences/Engg/Tech

M.Sc. Environmental Studies and Resource Management

2 Years

TERI Entrance Exam

Bachelor's in Science/Engg/Eco/Maths

M.Tech Renewable Energy Engineering and Management

2 Years

GATE / TERI Exam

B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc. Physics/Maths

M.Tech Water Resources Engineering and Management

2 Years

GATE / TERI Exam

B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc.

MBA Sustainability Management

2 Years

CAT/MAT/GMAT/XAT

Bachelor's in any discipline (50%)

LLM (Environment/Infrastructure Law)

1 Year

CLAT-PG / TERI Exam

LLB / B.L. Degree

MA Public Policy and Sustainable Development

2 Years

Interview/Nomination

Undergraduate degree + Group A Service

Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program is the university's research engine, with nearly 200 scholars currently enrolled across seven thematic areas. The program is designed for deep theoretical inquiry and rigorous methodological training in areas like Business Sustainability, Water Science, and Policy Studies. Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field with at least 55% marks and must undergo a written test followed by a comprehensive interview.

Admission Mechanics and Filtering Rigor

The admission process at TERI SAS is a multi-stage filter designed to ensure that candidates possess the intellectual agility required for interdisciplinary study. For the academic session 2026-2027, the university has adopted a standardized approach integrated with major national examinations.

Selection Framework for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs

Undergraduate admissions are primarily driven by the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG), JEE Main, or NEET scores, supplemented by personal interviews and counseling rounds. For postgraduate students, the process is more specialized:

  1. Standardized Testing: Candidates for the MBA program must provide valid scores from CAT, MAT, GMAT, CMAT, or XAT. M.Tech applicants are selected based on GATE scores or the internal TERI SAS Common Entrance Test.

  2. Internal Online Entrance Test: For programs like M.Sc. and LLM, the university conducts its own one-hour online test comprising 100 multiple-choice questions. This test evaluates English proficiency, analytical reasoning, and quantitative ability.

  3. Qualitative Evaluation: Shortlisted candidates are invited for a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). This stage is critical for assessing a candidate's alignment with the university's mission and their capacity for systemic thinking.

  4. Experience Exemptions: Professionals with more than two years of relevant work experience may be exempted from certain entrance test requirements at the discretion of the selection committee, recognizing the value of practical industry knowledge.

Essential Documentation for Admission

Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive portfolio during the admission process, which serves as the basis for verification during counseling.

Document Category

Requirements

Educational Records

10th & 12th Marksheets, Graduation Degree/Certificate

Identity Proof

Aadhaar Card or valid ID

Examination Scores

Valid Scorecards (CAT, CUET, GATE, CLAT, etc.)

Certificates

Caste Certificate (if applicable), Migration and Transfer Certificates

Professional Evidence

Experience certificates for working professionals

Research Architecture and Funded Projects

The research output of TERI SAS is a direct reflection of its interdisciplinary mission. Research is not viewed as a siloed activity but as a continuous cycle of inquiry that informs the curriculum and contributes to national and global policy discourse. Faculty members are prioritized for grants and are encouraged to procure funding from both national and international agencies.

Strategic Research Themes

The university categorizes its research into two broad thematic clusters: Resource Use and Management, and Natural-Human Systems.

  1. Resource Use and Management: This theme focuses on the technical and economic aspects of energy and water efficiency. Research includes solar technologies, biomass gasification, integrated watershed management, and the development of smart electrical grids. The Vasant Kunj campus itself serves as a site for pilot applications of these technologies.

  2. Natural-Human Systems: This cluster explores the complex interactions between ecological health and human prosperity. Using geoinformatics and time-series analysis, researchers quantify the impacts of forest fires, urbanization, and land-use changes on poverty, health, and climate stability.

Major Funded Research Initiatives (2024-2025)

The university's current research portfolio includes significant grants from agencies like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Project Title

Principal Investigator

Funding Agency

Budget/Value

Focus Area

Moonlighting function of PfPGM1 in malaria parasite

Prof. Suman Kumar Dhar

ICMR

INR 1.33 \text{ Crores}

Parasite biology and therapeutic potential

Understanding role of PCNA2 in P. falciparum

Dr. Chaithanya

ANRF

INR 99.6 \text{ Lakhs}

Molecular biology and adaptation

Mapping floating population impacts for Maha Kumbh 2025

NA

IPSA

NA

Infrastructure and sanitation

Carbon Footprint Evaluation of India's Dairy Chain

TERI & NDDB

NDDB

NA

Agriculture and GHG emissions

Innovations for Green Economy in Assam

CSDRL

CSDRL

NA

Green budgeting and procurement

The Green School Project 2.0

Tata Steel & TERI

Tata Steel Foundation

NA

Environmental education for youth

These projects underscore the university's transition into high-end biotechnology and large-scale systemic footprinting, moving beyond traditional environmental science into the realms of public health and industrial decarbonization.

Institution Innovation Council (IIC) and Incubation Ecosystem

Launched by the Ministry of Education (MoE) through its Innovation Cell (MIC) and AICTE, the Institution Innovation Council (IIC) at TERI SAS is the focal point for fostering a culture of "Green Entrepreneurship". The council acts as an incubator for ideas that address sustainability challenges through market-based solutions.

Council Composition and Functional Mandate

The IIC is a multidisciplinary body comprising faculty, industry experts, and student representatives. Its mandate includes:

  • Skill Development: Conducting workshops on Design Thinking, IPR (Intellectual Property Rights), and Project Management.

  • Entrepreneurial Mentorship: Inviting startup founders and industry veterans to share their "Greenpreneur" journeys.

  • Ideation Competitions: Hosting events like "SUSTAINOVATION," a business challenge for students to pitch sustainable innovation ideas.

  • Curriculum Integration: Offering elective courses in 'Entrepreneurship' and 'Design Thinking' to students across all programs.

Entrepreneurship Success Stories and Alumni Ventures

The effectiveness of the IIC is demonstrated by the number of students who have transitioned from being "job-seekers" to "job-creators" in the sustainability sector.

Founder/Alumnus

Venture Name

Domain of Innovation

Kamran Ahmed

Cleanytic India / Envofix

Waste management and environmental tech

Heeta Lakhani

ClimAct Foundation

Youth-led climate education and advocacy

Lucky Aggarwal

SolarTech Saarthi

Solar energy consulting and project management

Alok Raj Gupta

ENVECOLOGIC

Environmental economics and sustainability consulting

रोहित Sadaphal

ECKONIRMITEE

Green building and construction innovation

Palak Aggarwal

BATTIGHAR Foundation

Energy access and rural empowerment

The IIC also maintains links with professionals from organizations like Tata Cleantech to provide finance and project management expertise to burgeoning student ventures.

International Linkages and Global Academic Footprint

TERI SAS operates as a globally connected institution, recognizing that sustainability challenges are transboundary and require international collaborative efforts. Its international linkages are categorized into three major streams: university partnerships, the UNESCO Chair program, and international visiting faculty.

Strategic University Collaborations and MoUs

The university has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with world-class institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe to facilitate student and faculty exchange, joint research, and curriculum development.

  • USA: Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Michigan State University, Brandeis University, and the University of Rhode Island.

  • UK: University of Nottingham, University of Leeds, and University of East Anglia.

  • Australia: University of New South Wales (UNSW), Deakin University, and University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

  • Canada: University of Saskatchewan and Simon Fraser University.

  • Europe: Freie University Berlin (Germany), University of Iceland, University of Pavia (Italy), and Linnaeus University (Sweden).

These partnerships have allowed students from programs like M.Sc. Economics and M.Tech Urban Development to participate in exchange programs at institutions like the University of Graz (Austria) and the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France).

The UNESCO Chair and Global Networks

The university hosts a UNESCO Chair dedicated to climate action and innovation in science and education, primarily managed by the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences. Additionally, TERI SAS is a core member of the Promotion of Sustainability in Postgraduate Education and Research initiative, a network of leading higher education institutions in Asia and the Pacific coordinated by the UNU-Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS).

Impact of International Visiting Faculty

The presence of foreign visiting faculty is an essential component of the global education standard at TERI SAS. Experts from institutions such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, North Carolina State University, and the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (Norway) regularly deliver lectures and collaborate on research, providing students with exposure to international trends and diverse academic cultures.

Employability, Placements, and Sector-Specific Trajectories

The employability of TERI SAS graduates is exceptionally high, driven by the specialized and industry-relevant nature of the curriculum. The university’s placement cell acts as a hub for industry engagement, organizing pre-placement talks (PPTs) and facilitating internships that often lead to full-time roles.

Placement Statistics and Salary Metrics

According to NIRF 2025 reports, the placement trajectory of the 2-year PG programs has shown steady growth in both volume and value.

Parameter

2022 Statistics

2023 Statistics

2024 Statistics

Total Eligible Students

207

230

254

Students Placed

129

170

210

Median Package (LPA)

INR 7.0

INR 8.4

INR 8.7

Placement Rate

~62.3%

~73.9%

~82.7%

Individual program performance is even more robust, with programs like M.Sc. Geoinformatics, M.Sc. Economics, M.A. Sustainable Development Practice, and M.Tech Renewable Energy frequently achieving 100% placement for their graduating cohorts.

Sector-Wise Placement Distribution

The distribution of placements reflects the versatility of the degrees, which are applicable across the corporate, developmental, and research sectors.

  • Corporate & Consulting (46%): Students are hired by top firms like KPMG, Deloitte, Infosys, and HCL Technologies for ESG consulting, sustainability reporting, and corporate strategy roles.

  • Academic & Research (29%): A significant portion of the graduates pursues research roles in think tanks, government bodies, or doctoral programs.

  • NGOs & Development Agencies (19%): Graduates find positions in international organizations like UNDP, GIZ, and WWF, working on grassroots development and policy advocacy.

  • Others (6%): This includes government services, legal practice, and media roles.

Top Recruiters and Industry Partnerships

The university's recruiter base is an impressive mix of multinational conglomerates, specialized energy firms, and global development banks.

Sector

Major Recruiting Organizations

Consulting/Audit

KPMG, Deloitte, TCS, Infosys, HCL, E&Y

Energy/Power

Tata Power, Reliance Industries, Azure Power, Manikaran Power

Infrastructure

L&T, Schneider Electric, Galytix, Louis Berger

Financial/Policy

RBI, Center for Regional Trade, Tata Cleantech

International Orgs

UNDP, UNESCO, GIZ, European Investment Bank (EIB)

Industry/Conglomerates

Aditya Birla Group, Vedanta, Ultratech Cement, Dalmia Bharat

Industry feedback from representatives at GE India and TATA BP Solar highlights that TERI SAS graduates are highly valued for their unique multidisciplinary training and their ability to translate theoretical concepts into grounded, professional skill-building.

Alumni Network and Global Influence

The TERI SAS alumni base, now exceeding 2000 professionals, constitutes a global network of "Sustainability Ambassadors". The TERI Alumni Association (TAA) is a registered society that fosters lifelong connections between the alumni and the institution.

Notable Alumni and Professional Legacies

Alumni of the institution have made significant contributions to national regulations and global climate initiatives.

  • Policy & Regulation: Dr. Shirish Sinha (2004 grad) has led clean air initiatives and influenced national environmental regulations. Dr. Malini Balakrishnan has shaped urban waste management policies in India.

  • International Advocacy: David Michael Terungwa and Sristi Kamal have represented global conservation organizations like Defenders of Wildlife and have spoken at UN Civil Society Conferences.

  • Innovation & Science: Rajesh Kumar has founded solar tech firms that serve over 100 communities. Dr. Sameer Maithel is recognized for pioneering emissions reductions in the brick kiln sector across South Asia.

  • Civil Services & Leadership: Alumna Ninika Dhawan received the Smt Kaushalya Narayanan Memorial Medal as the best lady officer trainee in the Indian Revenue Service.

The alumni network's reach extends to global organizations like King's College London, GIZ, and SensorSuite Inc. (Canada), providing current students with a vast resource for mentorship and career opportunities.

Financial Support and Institutional Funding

Understanding that specialized postgraduate education can be expensive, TERI SAS has created a financial aid system that offers both rewards for good grades and help for those in need.

University Scholarships and Merit-Means Framework

Scholarships are awarded based on a weighted evaluation of academic performance and financial necessity.

Evaluation Parameter

Weightage

Description

Gross Household Income

40%

Assessment of financial need (means)

Undergraduate Performance

20%

Academic record in the qualifying degree

Entrance Exam Scores

20%

Percentile in NET/GATE/CAT/MAT/GMAT

Interview Performance

20%

Score out of 100 in the selection interview

Doctoral Stipends and External Funding

Ph.D. students receive specialized support through university-funded doctoral scholarships, which include a monthly stipend of up to INR 12,000, supplemented by research incentives. Additionally, students can access:

  • GATE Scholarship (AICTE Stipend): For GATE-qualified students in eligible M.Tech programs.

  • External Fellowships: These include the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP), the Hemendra Kothari Fellowship, and the RK Bawa Scholarship.

  • Maneesh Manjunath Scholarship: An alumni-funded scholarship demonstrating the network’s commitment to the alma mater.

The university also manages a "Sustainability Fund" that seeks contributions for Endowed Faculty Chairs, creation of Centers of Excellence, and library development, ensuring the institution's long-term financial resilience.

Infrastructure: A Physical Manifestation of Sustainability

The Vasant Kunj campus, inaugurated in 2008, is a technological masterpiece of energy and water efficiency. Occupying a compact two-acre site, the campus serves as a prototype for modern sustainable habitat design in a tropical climate.

Engineering the Green Campus

Innovative architectural engineering drives the campus's energy efficiency.

  • Earth Air Tunnel (EAT): This system utilizes the earth's stable subsurface temperature to condition ambient air before it enters the building, reducing the load on conventional air conditioning.

  • Thermal Mass Storage: High thermal mass construction materials are used to absorb and release heat slowly, regulating internal temperatures naturally.

  • Solar Integration: The campus uses both passive solar design and photovoltaic arrays for power generation.

  • Water Management: Through rainwater harvesting and reuse systems, the campus has achieved a 25% reduction in water consumption compared to standard institutions.

Academic and Technical Facilities

The infrastructure is specifically tailored to support intensive research and interdisciplinary learning.

  • Research Laboratories: The university provides high-end labs for biotechnology, geoinformatics, and environmental science, including specialized equipment for parasite biology and water quality modeling.

  • Library and Digital Resources: The library offers South Asia’s most exhaustive collection of resources on energy, environment, and development, including remote access to dozens of academic journals and databases.

  • Information Technology: The entire campus is Wi-Fi enabled, with unique access credentials for all students and faculty to facilitate seamless internal data sharing.

  • Student Amenities: Despite the technical focus, the campus offers a range of social and recreational spaces, including a dormitory, badminton court, and table tennis area.

Standing and Standings in the Educational Landscape

The institutional reputation of TERI SAS is reflected in its consistent performance in national and international rankings, which validate its specialized focus and research excellence.

Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025

The IIRF ranks institutions across multiple parameters, including Placement Performance (PP), Research (Volume, Income, and Reputation), and Industry Integration.

  • IIRF Rank (Deemed University): Rank 39 in India for 2025.

  • IIRF Rank (Overall Category): Rank 12 in 2025, particularly recognized for Arts, Science, and Research.

  • Specific Scores: The university achieved a Placement Performance (PP) score of 232.7 and high marks for Teaching Learning Resources & Pedagogy (TLRP).

International Rankings and Accreditations

TERI SAS is increasingly recognized on the global stage for its specialized contributions to sustainability education.

  • QS World University Rankings (Asia) 2026: Ranked in the #851-900 band globally.

  • QS World University Rankings (Southern Asia) 2026: Ranked #274.

  • NAAC Accreditation: The institution holds an "A" Grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.

Strategic Outlook

The TERI School of Advanced Studies is a unique educational model that inextricably links scientific rigor with environmental ethics and policy reform. By operating at the nexus of technology, governance, and economics, the university has created a pedagogical ecosystem that is uniquely suited to the challenges of the 21st century. The link between its specialized curriculum and high job placement rates highlights the need for professionals who understand sustainability.

Expansion—both through the introduction of NEP-aligned undergraduate programs and the development of a second campus in Hyderabad—marks the institution's future trajectory. As climate change continues to reshape global economic and social structures, TERI SAS is positioned not just as a university, but as a critical institutional guardian of the knowledge systems required to navigate the transition to a sustainable future. Its legacy, embodied in its influential alumni and its groundbreaking research, serves as a benchmark for how higher education can evolve into a powerful catalyst for global environmental stewardship.


FAQs


1. When was TERI SAS established?  


   The university was established in 1998 by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).


2. What is the official status of the university?  


   It is a "Deemed to be University" as recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).


3. Where is the university located?  


   The main campus is located in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.


4. Is the university accredited?  


   Yes, it is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an "A" Grade.


5. What is the university's primary focus?  


   It specializes in the field of sustainable development, environmental studies, and research-led education.


6. Does the university have other campuses? 


   It has started work on developing a second campus in Hyderabad, Telangana.


7. What makes its curriculum unique?  


   The curriculum is multidisciplinary and focuses on "Thought Leadership," integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into 70–75% of its courses.


8. Is the university co-educational?  


   Yes, it is a co-ed institution with a student population that is approximately 68% female and 32% male.


9. How many departments are there?  


   The academic structure consists of six departments and two specialized centers.


10. What are the key thematic areas of research?  


    Key areas include Biotechnology, Business Sustainability, Energy and Environment, Natural Resources, Policy Studies, and Water Science.


11. Does TERI SAS offer undergraduate programs?  


    Yes, it offers Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP) in B.Sc. (Data Science, Economics, Environmental Studies) and BBA.


12. Are there any integrated postgraduate programs?  


    Yes, it offers 5-year Integrated PG programs (FYIPP) in Data Science, Environmental Studies, and Biotechnology.


13. What MBA programs are offered?  


    The flagship program is the MBA in Sustainability Management.


14. What are the M.Tech specializations available?  


    M.Tech programs include Renewable Energy Engineering & Management, Water Resources Engineering & Management, and Urban Development & Management.


15. Does the university offer Law programs?  


    Yes, the Centre for Postgraduate Legal Studies offers a one-year LLM in Environment and Natural Resources Law, as well as Infrastructure and Business Law.


16. Are there 1-year Master’s programs?  


    Yes, following NEP 2020 guidelines, 1-year Master’s programs are available for students who have completed a 4-year honors degree.


17. What M.Sc. specializations are available?  


    M.Sc. degrees are offered in Economics, Climate Science and Policy, Geoinformatics, Plant Biotechnology, and Environmental Studies.


18. Does it offer public policy programs?  


    Yes, it offers an M.A. in Public Policy and Sustainable Development, primarily for working professionals and government officers.


19. What doctoral programs (Ph.D.) are available?  


    Ph.D. programs are offered in seven thematic areas including Business Sustainability, Water Science, and Bioresources.


20. Does it offer any diploma or certificate courses?  


    Yes, it offers PG Diplomas and certificate courses in Water Science and Governance, and other sustainability-related fields.


21. How do I apply for admission?  


    Applications must be submitted online through the official university website.


22. What entrance exams are accepted for MBA?  


    The university accepts scores from CAT, MAT, GMAT, CMAT, or XAT.


23. What is the eligibility for B.Sc. programs?  


    Candidates need a 10+2 qualification with at least 50% marks in aggregate.


24. Which exams are used for M.Tech admissions?  


    Admissions are based on GATE scores or the internal TERI SAS Common Entrance Test.


25. Is there an internal entrance test for M.Sc. programs?  


    Yes, the university conducts a one-hour online test covering English proficiency, analytical reasoning, and quantitative ability.


26. What is the eligibility for Ph.D. programs?  


    Applicants must have a Master's degree in a relevant field with at least 55% marks and must pass a written test and interview.


27. Can work experience lead to exam exemptions?  


    Candidates with more than 2 years of relevant professional experience may be exempted from certain entrance test requirements for some programs.


28. What entrance exams are accepted for UG programs?  


    The university accepts scores from CUET-UG, JEE Main, and NEET, depending on the program.


29. What is the application fee?  


    The application fee varies by program, typically starting around INR 1,500.


30. What documents are required for the application process?  


    Essential documents include 10th and 12th marksheets, graduation degrees, entrance exam scorecards, ID proof, and migration/transfer certificates.


31. What is the tuition fee for the MBA program?  


    The total tuition fee for the MBA in Sustainability Management is approximately INR 11.9 Lakhs.


32. What is the tuition fee range for B.Sc. programs?  


    Tuition fees for undergraduate programs range between INR 10.54 Lakhs and INR 16.23 Lakhs.


33. Are there any scholarships available?  


    Yes, the university offers merit-cum-means scholarships based on academic performance and household income.


34. How are scholarships evaluated?  


    Weightage is given to gross annual household income (40%), undergraduate marks (20%), entrance exam scores (20%), and interview performance (20%).


35. Do PhD students receive a stipend?  


    Yes, university-funded doctoral scholarships provide a stipend of up to $\text{INR } 12,000$ per month.


36. Are there external fellowships?  


    Students can access external funding such as the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP), Hemendra Kothari Fellowship, and the alumni-funded Maneesh Manjunath Scholarship.


37. Can GATE-qualified students get additional support?  


    GATE-qualified students admitted to eligible programs are eligible for a stipend from AICTE.


38. What is the average placement rate?  


    Campus recruitment typically places approximately 80–82.7% of students from the 2-year PG programs.


39. What is the median salary for PG graduates?  


    According to 2024 reports, the median package for 2-year PG graduates stood at INR 8.7 LPA.


40. Who are the top recruiters?  


    Prominent recruiters include KPMG, Deloitte, TATA, Infosys, HCL, Reliance, UNDP, and GIZ.


41. In which sectors do most students find jobs?  


    46% of placements occur in the Corporate and Consulting sector, while 29% are in Research and Academics.


42. Are internships part of the curriculum?  


    Yes, students undertake major projects/internships in their fourth semester, which serve as a critical bridge to final placements.


43. Does the university host any Innovation Councils?  


    Yes, it has an Institution Innovation Council (IIC) launched by the Ministry of Education to foster a startup ecosystem.


44. What is the UNESCO Chair at TERI SAS?  


    The university hosts a UNESCO Chair dedicated to climate action and innovation in science and education.


45. Which international universities have tie-ups with TERI SAS?  


    Collaborations exist with Yale, the University of Nottingham, University of New South Wales, Michigan State University, and Freie University Berlin, among others.


46. What is the IIRF ranking of the university?  


    In the 2025 IIRF rankings, the university was ranked 39th among Deemed Universities and 12th in the Overall category.


47. What is its QS World University Ranking?  


    It is ranked in the #851-900 band in the Asian University Rankings 2026 and #274 in Southern Asia.


48. What are the green features of the campus?  


    The "Green Campus" features Earth Air Tunnels (EAT), thermal mass storage, and rainwater harvesting, reducing energy use by 60%.


49. What is the size of the alumni base?  


    The university has a community of over 2,000 sustainable development practitioners worldwide.


50. Name a notable alumnus of TERI SAS.

  

    Dr. Shirish Sinha (Environmental Policy Leader) and David Michael Terungwa (Executive Director of GIFSEP) are prominent graduates.

Academic Excellence

In an age when sustainable development is buzz words, the TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS) holds the pride of place among higher education institutes specializing in the field of sustainable development in India. It enjoys the status as a Deemed to be University as   University Grants Commission (UGC).  The School started functioning from its green campus, located in Vasant-Kunj, New Delhi in 2008 and today offers fourteen Masters Programs and has nearly 200 Ph.D. students enrolled. It has started work on developing a new campus at Hyderabad, Telangana in southern India.

Research and Development

As a not-for-profit, independent research institute, it is recognized globally for its contribution to scientific and policy research in the realms of energy, environment, and sustainable development.

The objective of the TERI SAS is to build capacity around various themes of sustainable development adopting an inter-disciplinary approach and incorporating the most contemporary, research-based evidence into the curriculum. Since its inception, the TERI SAS has offered not just world-class education, but also an environment that enables its students to develop a fresh perspective in their subject areas.

TERI SAS imparts a world-class education with the help of six different departments and two centres:

  • Department of Natural Resources
  • Department of Energy and Environment
  • Department of Biotechnology
  • Coca-Cola Department of Regional Water Studies
  • Department of Policy Studies
  • Department of Business and Sustainability
  • Centre for Post Graduate Legal Studies
  • Centre for Distance Education

TERI SAS has bagged many prestigious awards for its interdisciplinary approach in providing a world-class education with the help of a multidisciplinary curriculum.

Ranking and Recognition

In the prestigious and widely acclaimed educational ranking of Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF-2025), TERI at 39th Rank in IIRF Deemed University Ranking 2025.

Courses

Engineering & Technology
  • General Engineering
Law
  • Law
Business & Economics
  • Economics

IIRF Ranking

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Key Stats

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Scholarship Availability

Excellent

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