Collecting accurate and meaningful data lies at the heart of effective program design, implementation, and policymaking. Make Measurement Matter: Designing Surveys For Better Evidence (MMM2026) is a three-day, in-person course to equip development professionals with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools to design robust surveys to drive data-use and evidence-based decisions. 

Applications close on January 6, 2026. Apply now>>>

Early-bird discount: Applicants who apply before 14-Dec-2025 will receive a 10% discount.

About the Course

MMM2026 marks an evolution of CLEAR/J-PAL South Asia’s long-running Measurement and Survey Design Course (MSDC). 

While MSDC focused on introducing foundational measurement theory and quantitative survey design—emphasizing abstract concepts, SMART indicators, piloting protocols, and field management basics— MMM 2026 offers a broader and more applied orientation, expanding the scope to focus more directly on how organisations can use data and evidence to strengthen real-world program decisions. 

While the core strengths of MSDC remain—rigorous measurement concepts, systematic survey design, and J-PAL’s field-based expertise—the 2026 chapter places greater emphasis on practical applicability, decision relevance, and integrating measurement into day-to-day program cycles, making it a distinct new edition within the same learning tradition.

Course Focus: 

The course blends conceptual clarity with practical exposure across the entire data lifecycle, featuring essential concepts in measurement theory and quantitative survey design strategies. 

MMM2026 incorporates brand new modules on data use, visualization, impact communication, and practical field trade-offs, alongside hands-on “think-through” exercises that help participants design tools grounded in their operational contexts, training participants in designing surveys that directly improve evidence use and decision-making within organizations. 

Participants will learn to:

• Identify when and why to collect data for program design and evaluation
• Develop robust theories of change and select SMART indicators
• Design accurate and reliable survey instruments
• Ensure measurement quality and minimize bias
• Pilot, digitize, and manage survey tools effectively
• Analyze, synthesize, and communicate findings for decision-making
• Navigate field challenges and balance rigor with feasibility
• Build internal capacity for evidence use and knowledge transfer within organizations

View the tentative agenda of MMM2026 for more information on the course structure. Please note that the agenda is subject to change.

Who Should Attend: 

The course is designed for professionals involved in data collection, analysis, and use—whether for implementation, research, or evaluation. It will be especially relevant for:

• Practitioners from implementing organizations and NGOs
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) professionals and researchers
• Donor organizations, philanthropic foundations, and multilaterals supporting evidence-based programs
• Students and early- to mid-career professionals seeking to strengthen quantitative and field research skills

Important Dates

*Applicants who apply before 14-Dec-2025 will receive a 10% discount

Informational Webinar + Q&A Session

Join our virtual information session on 12 December, 2025, between 04:00pm - 06:00pm IST to learn more about:

• Course content and structure
• Suitability and selection criteria
• Application process and deadlines

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the course team before submitting applications.

Register now>>>

Fee Structure

*Country categories are defined by the World Bank Income Group classification. Participants must identify their category based on where their organization’s headquarters are located. For staff based outside of their organization’s headquarter location, we will consider their base location, as mentioned on their company profile or declared by their Finance department.

Cancellation Policy

• Before 18 January 2026: No penalty
• After 18 January 2026: Full course fees will be charged

For further information or assistance, please contact: Bhakti Bhowmik at bhakti.bhowmik@ifmr.ac.in