ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) courses in India are gaining importance as more companies and investors focus on sustainability and ethical governance. These courses equip students and professionals with the skills to evaluate business performance beyond profits, looking at environmental responsibility, social impact, and corporate governance. As ESG compliance becomes a key part of corporate strategy, ESG courses in India are essential for anyone pursuing careers in finance, sustainability, CSR, risk management, and corporate leadership. Such courses provide practical implementation of ESG principles in finance, risk, and corporate decisions. Many of the leading institutes in India now confer certification in ESG for students and professionals to build careers in fields like ESG analysis, sustainability consulting, and impact investing. Such certifications will enhance employment avenues and fulfil the growing needs of industries such as banking, capital market accommodation, and corporate governance, increasingly requiring personnel trained in ESG.
What is ESG and Why Does it Matter?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These are three of the numerous key performance indicators used to track the sustainability of a business. Let us understand each part:
- Environmental: Climate change, pollution, energy consumption and waste all fall under this category.
- Social: It examines labor rights, community impact, diversity and safety.
- Governance: This pertains to business ethics, transparency, compliance and leadership.
ESG scores for companies are based on these areas today. A strong ESG score makes it easier for a company to receive higher investments, establish trust and comply with global regulations. No wonder many Indian companies are looking to have ESG-trained employees.
Online ESG Courses
Online ESG courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace while gaining industry-relevant skills. These are ideal for beginners and working professionals who want to upskill or pivot into ESG roles.
Online ESG courses in India offer flexible and accessible learning options for students and professionals. These courses help build strong foundational knowledge in sustainability, ESG risks, and corporate responsibility.
1. IIM Bangalore – Implementing ESG and Sustainability in Business (SWAYAM MOOC)
This free online course by IIM Bangalore is a flagship ESG education initiative under India’s SWAYAM platform. Developed by experienced faculty and industry experts, the course focuses on both global ESG frameworks and practical Indian business use cases.
Course Highlights
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Mode: 100% online via SWAYAM (free)
- Languages Offered: English and Hindi
- Assessment: Weekly quizzes, interactive discussion forums, optional final exam for a certificate
What You Will Learn
- Understanding of ESG frameworks like UN PRI, TCFD, and SASB
- Alignment of ESG with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) under SEBI norms
- Analysis of Indian companies and case studies in ESG performance
- Role of corporate governance and social accountability in long-term strategy
Best Suited For
- MBA and commerce students
- Public policy aspirants
- Junior professionals in ESG, sustainability, or CSR
Why Choose This Course
- Taught by IIM Bangalore faculty, known for research in sustainability
- Backed by the Ministry of Education
- Provides both conceptual and applied understanding of ESG
- No course fee, making it highly accessible to students and early professionals
Pro Tip:
Upon completing the course, you can register for a proctored exam to receive a verified certificate, which is useful for LinkedIn or resume visibility.
2. NISM & CRISIL – Certified ESG Risk Analyst (NCCERA)
This course is jointly offered by National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), a SEBI initiative, and CRISIL, a leading Indian rating agency. It is designed to train finance professionals in ESG integration, risk assessment, and BRSR implementation.
Course Highlights
- Duration: Self-paced (30+ hours)
- Fees: ~₹14,000 + GST
- Format: Online with modular flexibility
- Certification: Jointly issued by NISM and CRISIL
What You Will Learn
- ESG integration into investment decision-making
- ESG disclosure frameworks, such as BRSR and GRI
- Risk assessment tools for environmental and governance issues
- Understanding ESG rating models used by investors and agencies
- Sector-specific ESG factors in industries like energy, banking, FMCG
Best Suited For
- Financial analysts and investment advisors
- ESG consultants and portfolio managers
- Students preparing for roles in ESG or responsible finance
Why Choose This Course
- Co-developed by SEBI-regulated and industry-backed institutions
- Strong alignment with Indian ESG regulatory requirements
- Offers actionable insights for careers in ESG ratings and risk advisory
- Recognized by employers in financial services, asset management, and consulting
Bonus:
Completing this course also grants you a digital badge via Credly, which boosts credibility on platforms like LinkedIn and Naukri.
3. CFA Institute – Sustainable Investing Certificate
Formerly known as the Certificate in ESG Investing, this course by CFA Institute is now renamed the Sustainable Investing Certificate, reflecting its broader sustainability scope. It is globally recognized and helps professionals develop a strategic edge in ESG analysis and ethical investing.
Course Highlights
- Duration: ~100 to 130 hours (self-paced)
- Exam Format: 100 MCQs, proctored online or at test centers
- Exam Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Fee: USD 890 (~₹74,000)
What You Will Learn
- ESG trends and their impact on capital markets
- Materiality and stakeholder analysis frameworks
- Portfolio construction using ESG principles
- Climate risk integration into investment strategies
- Global standards like UN PRI, TCFD, GRI, and EU Taxonomy
Best Suited For
- CFA, CA, and ACCA aspirants
- Fund managers and asset allocators
- ESG analysts in rating firms and research agencies
Why Choose This Course
- Globally respected by firms like BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Fidelity
- Strong focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical tools
- Enhances job profile in ESG investing, green finance, and responsible advisory
- Flexible format suitable for working professionals
Career Tip:
This certificate is highly regarded for roles in sustainable finance, ESG funds, and climate-focused investment firms, especially in India’s growing ESG market.
4. NSE Academy – ESG Awareness Certification
The NSE Academy ESG course is a concise yet effective option for students and new professionals. It provides an overview of ESG principles, ratings, and disclosures in an Indian market context.
Course Highlights
- Duration: ~3.6 hours
- Mode: Online and self-paced
- Certification Validity: 5 years
- Platform: NSE Academy’s learning portal
What You Will Learn
- Core definitions and importance of ESG
- Overview of ESG scores and what they mean
- Introduction to BRSR and sustainability disclosures in India
- How ESG impacts investor perception and brand value
Best Suited For
- Undergraduate and BBA/B.Com students
- Aspiring financial advisors
- Entry-level professionals exploring sustainability
Why Choose This Course
- Short duration and low barrier to entry
- Certificate from a trusted financial institution
- Great first step into the world of ESG and ethical business
Add-on Suggestion:
Pair this course with Coursera or edX’s free ESG courses to expand your global ESG exposure.
5. XLRI Jamshedpur – Sustainability and ESG Leadership (MDP)
XLRI Jamshedpur, one of India’s oldest and most ethical B-schools, offers a Management Development Program focused on ESG strategy and corporate sustainability.
Course Highlights
- Mode: Short-term, MDP format (can be in-person or online)
- Audience: Mid to senior-level executives
- Focus Areas: ESG frameworks, stakeholder capitalism, CSR policy
What You Will Learn
- How to design ESG strategy for long-term corporate value
- Leading and managing sustainability transitions
- Application of GRI standards and Integrated Reporting (IR)
- Ethical governance and inclusive stakeholder engagement
Best Suited For
- CSR and ESG heads in companies
- Sustainability consultants
- Policy and compliance leaders
Why Choose This Course
- Rooted in XLRI’s mission of ethics and sustainability
- Designed for professionals leading ESG initiatives in large firms
- Case-based pedagogy and peer learning with corporate leaders
Corporate Value:
This course is ideal for professionals in companies seeking to comply with SEBI’s BRSR mandate or those aiming for ESG certification like B-Corp or DJSI.
Certificate Programs
These programs are longer than MOOCs and are issued by universities or certified institutions. They are perfect for learners seeking a deeper foundation and academic recognition.
ESG Certificate Courses in India
ESG certificate courses in India provide structured, in-depth training on sustainability and governance practices. These programs are ideal for learners seeking academic recognition and career advancement in the ESG domain.
GD Goenka University
- Program: 6-month Certificate in ESG and Sustainability.
- Curriculum:
- Environmental laws in India.
- CSR compliance.
- Governance frameworks.
- Recognition: University-issued certificate is useful for the Indian job market.
IGMPI (Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India)
- Program: Certificate in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).
- Audience: Professionals from the pharmaceuticals, food, and biotech sectors.
- Key Modules:
- ESG reporting standards.
- Supply chain compliance.
NISM & Crisil Certified ESG Risk Analyst
- Nature: Specialized program focusing on ESG risk assessment and application.
- Offered by: National Institute of Securities Markets and CRISIL.
- Focus:
- Quantitative ESG risk metrics.
- ESG impact on financial modeling.
- Job Fit: Ideal for finance professionals, investment analysts, and risk consultants
EFFAS (European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies)
- Program: Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA).
- International Acceptance: Widely respected in the finance sector.
- Best For: Investment professionals and fund managers looking to master ESG investing.
Professional Certifications in ESG
For those aiming at senior roles or global careers in ESG, professional certifications offer credibility and in-depth knowledge.
ESG Professional Certifications in India
ESG professional certifications in India are designed for individuals aiming for leadership roles in sustainability and corporate governance. These credentials offer global recognition and advanced expertise in ESG strategies and reporting.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards
- Focus: ESG sustainability reporting.
- Modules:
- GRI framework.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Job Fit: Reporting professionals and compliance officers.
FSA® Credential by IFRS Foundation
- Certification: Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting.
- Global Benchmark: Used by top financial institutions.
- Key Subjects:
- ESG materiality mapping.
- Sustainability in financial disclosures.
IICA Certified ESG Professional: Impact Leader Programme
- Offered by: Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
- Comprehensive Training:
- Policy-level ESG decision-making.
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) law compliance.
- Target Group: ESG leaders, public sector officers, and CSR heads.
ESG Certification and Career Prospectus
ESG certification provides you with the skills to do ESG-related jobs. These jobs are growing rapidly, especially in finance, consulting and sustainability roles. Firms hiring such ESG-certified executives are Tata, Infosys, HDFC, Deloitte, and PwC. You can also work for global companies and ESG rating agencies. If you plan a career in green finance, carbon trading, CSR or policy, then getting ESG certification is a good idea.
Benefits of ESG Certification
- Shows you know international ESG standards
- Makes you the stand-out applicant for the job
- Boosts your resume
- Unlocks more careers for you in the best companies
- Pays well and job security is offered
Best Career Positions Following ESG Certification
- ESG Analyst
- Sustainability Consultant
- ESG Risk Manager
- ESG Reporting Specialist
- ESG Investment Advisor
ESG Course – Fees, Duration, and Eligibility in India
ESG course fees and duration in India are based on the type of course, the institute and the level of the program. You may apply if you are a student or if you work in finance, HR or CSR. There are many ESG courses online that can be studied at one’s own pace. This benefits working people or students in college. Options range from short online courses to executive programs.
| Course Type | Duration | Course Fees |
| Online Certificate (Coursera) | 4-6 weeks | Subscription-based |
| Executive Programs (IIM, XLRI) | 2-5 months | INR 81,000 to INR 1,05,000, excluding GST |
| Diploma / PG courses | 6-12 months | ₹75,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
Eligibility for ESG Certification Courses
- For the maximum number of online courses: 12th or graduation.
- For the executive programs: Graduation + Work Experience
- For PG Diploma: Graduation in any discipline
How to Become an ESG Analyst in India?
One of the best jobs in this space is that of the ESG analyst. This job is the target of a lot of graduates and professionals because of its high salary and global demand. You can also work your way into this field with a good ESG certification course. These programs provide you with the technical and soft skills necessary for this field.
What Does an ESG Analyst Do?
- Collect and analyze ESG data.
- Monitor Company ESG Compliance
- Write ESG and sustainability reports
- Collaborate with finance and strategy teams
- Assist in lowering the carbon footprint & social risk
Skills Needed for ESG Analyst Position
- Excellent knowledge of ESG frameworks (GRI, SASB, BRSR)
- Financial analysis skills
- Ability to write reports and make presentations
- Pre-level Language of the Bicycle / Basic data analysis (Excel, Power BI)
ESG Analyst Salary in India
- Entry Level: ₹6–8 LPA
- Mid Level: ₹10–15 LPA
- Senior Positions: Over ₹20 LPA
How to Choose the Best ESG Course for You?
The right ESG course for you will depend on your background, goals, and budget. If you’re a newcomer, begin with discounted ESG online courses. If you’re working, look at executive programs that accommodate your schedule. Here’s how to select one:
Information to Confirm Before Applying
- Course Content: Does It Include ESG Frameworks and Tools?
- Certification: Find out whether you would receive a certificate of completion
- Faculty: Explore the teachers and their backgrounds.
- Type: Live classes or self-paced formats available.
- Tuition: For different platforms
- Professional Development: Seek job or placement support
ESG Courses in India FAQs
1. What are ESG courses and why are they important?
ESG courses teach sustainable business practices covering Environment, Social, and Governance aspects. They are crucial as Indian companies align with global sustainability standards.
2. Who should enroll in ESG courses?
Students, finance professionals, CSR executives, and sustainability enthusiasts can benefit. These courses help in gaining expertise in responsible business practices.
3. Are ESG courses available online in India?
Yes, many institutions like IIMs, NSE Academy, and platforms like Coursera offer online ESG certifications suitable for Indian learners.
4. What is the duration of ESG courses in India?
Courses can range from a few weeks to 6 months. Duration depends on the course type—introductory, professional, or executive level.
5. What are the career options after ESG certification?
You can work as an ESG Analyst, Compliance Officer, or Sustainability Consultant in corporations, banks, and consulting firms. Demand is growing rapidly in India.
