Some universities and institutes have started courses in disaster management. IGNOU was the first to offer a six-month certificate course in disaster management for plus two students. The programme is offered through distance mode and provides students with information on disasters - the causes and effects; factors, significance, disaster preparedness; prevention; mitigation; relief; reconstruction and rehabilitation. In addition, IGNOU also offers a comprehensive programme on community awareness in disaster preparedness.

The PRT Institute of Post Graduate Environmental Education and Research, Maidangarhi Marg, New Delhi, in association with Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, offers a two-year Master’s in Disaster Control to graduates or working professionals through distance learning. The institute is engaged in training, research and consultancy in the areas of disaster management, risk analysis, sustainable development, environmental impact assessment, pollution control and monitoring with the idea of optimal development of a global sustainable society. The institute, in association with the Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technological Sciences, Gangtok, also offers a Master’s in Disaster Mitigation for graduates in any discipline. Disaster mitigation includes activities that prevent a disaster and reduce the chance of a calamitous event, or lessen their damaging effects.