Research forms the core strength of the School's activity, which strengthens the other units of the School. The Approach of the School is - A combination of practitioner-driven action research with more academic rigorous research will advance the sector in terms of gauging and comparing performance of institutions, provide a base for policy dialogue and advocacy and exposure visits with strong policy advocacy units will enhance this area.

• Practitioner-driven action research - focuses on organizational action-learning partnerships to push innovations in the sector
  
• Academic rigorous research - to provide broader and deeper analysis of poverty and livelihood issues

The School works with organizations in the field on live issues confronting the CBFIs/MFIs and come out with innovative solutions tailored to meet unique requirements giving feedback of work into trainings.

The work is documented and published for wider dissemination and knowledge sharing. The School also collaborates with institutions involved in action research programmes to enhance learning and exchange of experiences

The School undertakes pure research in appropriate areas to keep the thinking in the sector alive and sharp and to build strong understanding of the sector and poverty related issues

The School gives emphasis to its various publications which are essentially to help the mF sector develop into a full fledged discipline and to help other organizations to learn from others experiences.

The School offers consultancy to various organizations (MFIs, CBFIs, NGOs, Govt. Depts. etc.) in the mF sector

The School designs and provides consulting services,

• for efficient delivery of services
• facilitating better resource flow to the clients
• helping these agencies to optimally use their scarce resources