Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (IP University) has announced that the deadline for applications to its MBA program in Disaster Management has been extended to August 20. This gives candidates more time to secure a spot in this specialized and increasingly popular course.

According to university officials, the extension follows requests from interested students who needed extra time to complete their applications. The program takes place at the University’s Center of Excellence in Disaster Management on its Dwarka campus. It has a unique design and approach. The total intake for the upcoming academic session is 60 seats, with admissions based strictly on merit, determined by the marks obtained in the last qualifying exam.

The MBA (Disaster Management) is structured as a weekend program, with classes held on Saturdays and Sundays. This format fits well for working professionals who want to improve their qualifications without interrupting their current jobs. The course also provides a flexible exit route. Students who finish one year of study can opt to leave with a Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management. This option suits those looking for shorter yet impactful academic commitments.

Professor Amarjeet Kaur, Director of the Center of Excellence in Disaster Management, spoke about the program’s goals and growing relevance. She stated it aims to meet the urgent need for skilled professionals in the field. “The demand for trained experts in this sector has been steadily rising, both in India and globally. Our curriculum is designed to give students the knowledge, strategic thinking, and practical skills they need to respond effectively to emergencies and reduce risks,” she noted.

Professor Kaur emphasized that the course has attracted significant interest from individuals in the police, military, and paramilitary forces. These professionals often find themselves on the frontlines during natural disasters, industrial accidents, and other emergencies. “For them, the program not only improves their crisis management skills but also opens new career paths in government agencies, non-profits, international organizations, and corporate disaster preparedness divisions,” she added.

Disaster management has gained importance as an academic field over the last decade. This growth is due to the rising frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the increasing threat of climate change, and the challenges brought by urbanization and industrial expansion. India, being one of the most disaster-prone countries, has experienced various calamities, including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and industrial accidents. The need for a trained workforce in preventive measures, mitigation strategies, and post-disaster recovery has never been greater.

IP University’s program meets these needs by combining academic rigor with practical experience. Students will engage with real-world case studies, simulations, and fieldwork. This approach helps them understand disaster scenarios from both policy and operational perspectives. The weekend format also allows for guest lectures from industry experts, government officials, and international practitioners who share their firsthand experiences.

The university has made the application process fully online. This ensures easy access for candidates across the country. Interested applicants can apply through the official university website or its dedicated admissions portal. Detailed information about the course structure, faculty, and fee schedule is also available on these platforms. This allows prospective students to make informed choices.

The program is open to fresh graduates, but it is particularly suitable for mid-career professionals looking to specialize in disaster management. Graduates can explore career opportunities in disaster relief agencies, humanitarian organizations, corporate risk management, and policy-making institutions. With the growing emphasis on disaster risk reduction as part of sustainable development goals, trained disaster managers will likely be in high demand in the coming years.

University officials believe that by offering such specialized programs, IP University is responding to market needs and contributing to the broader goal of national and global resilience. “Disaster management is not just about responding to crises after they happen; it is about preparedness, prevention, and building systems that can withstand and adapt to changing conditions,” Professor Kaur remarked. She is confident that graduates will be well-prepared to lead efforts that protect lives, property, and the environment against both natural and human-made hazards.

As the extended deadline approaches, the university expects a surge in applications, especially from candidates who initially missed the earlier cut-off date. With only 60 seats available, competition will be strong, and admissions will be based solely on academic merit.

Those interested in applying should complete the process before August 20 to secure their chance for admission into what many in the academic and professional community view as one of the most relevant and career-oriented programs in disaster management today.