MA Rural Development is a 2-year master’s degree program that provides the students with a true perspective of the rural way of life and the various socio-economic problems that affect the rural economy. Through this course, one also comes up with measures that can be undertaken to uplift the rural economy and lift people from poverty and deprivation. The program helps address issues that have been hindering development and progress in the villages for a long time.
MA Rural Development program focuses on the aspects such as rural development theories, policies and planning for rural development, issues with agriculture, issues with rural industrialization, development of fisheries, horticulture, and other aspects of improving the income of rural households. Since close to two-third of the population of India lives in villages, it is all the more important to strengthen the rural economy, as it will in turn strengthen the Indian economy. Students can also opt for MBA courses after pursuing MA Rural Development as it will provide candidates a better understanding of the organizational structure globally.
For applying for this postgraduate program, the candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Admission to the program is done based on entrance exams as well as on merit. Checkout: Top Colleges/Institutes offering MA course.
The tuition fees for enrolling for a MA Rural Development course varies from college to college. The average annual course fee ranges from INR 2,850 – 30,200. The course is available in both regular and distance mode of education. The course unlocks prospects in various areas of work. The average packages at the starting of career soon after completing this course is around INR 237,600 - 600,000.
MA Rural Development postgraduates can get jobs in numerous sectors such as NGOs, government organizations, academic institutions, welfare organizations, rural industries, welfare ministry, and the teaching field. Some of the job profiles are Panchayat Officer, Village Development Officer, Rural Manager, Rural Development Officer, Lecturer, Professor, etc.
| Course Level | Post Graduate |
| Full-Form | Master of Arts in Rural Development |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination type | Semester wise |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized college or university |
| Admission Process | Merit-based / Entrance Exams |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 2,850 – 30,200 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 237,600 - 600,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | NGOs, Rural Cooperative Sectors, Agri-businesses, Agro Products, Agricultural Management, Colleges, Universities, UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, UNDP, NABARD, NIRD, Nandi Foundation, CARE, SEWA, PRADHAN, Rural Banks, etc. |
| Job Positions | Panchayat Officer, Village Development Officer, Rural Manager, Rural Development Officer, Gram Sevak, Panchayat Secretary, Block Development Officer, Welfare Officer, Project Coordinator, Lecturer, Professor, etc. |
Read here to know what the program MA Rural Development is all about:
- Rural development is the process of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in relatively isolated and sparsely populated localities.
- M.A. Rural Development integrates the disciples of geography, sociology, political science, economics, business administration, and psychology.
- The course prepares students to design and train eligible professionals to assist villagers in their process of development, to bring progress and prosperity across the nation.
- It focuses on the key aspects of rural development factors and studies and applies the same in several real-life scenarios which helps in the development of rural areas.
- This course makes the students aware of the various development initiatives that are being taken to uplift the rural economy and they get to understand the socio-economic condition of the rural masses and the measures that can be taken to address issues concerning rural development..
Why Should You Study MA Rural Development?
India is a country of farmers, lands & villages, where more than 60% of population lives in rural areas. MA Rural Development provides education in rural development & management. Below given are some more points that the students should opt for MA Rural Development.
- Undertaking this program can lead you to work in a variety of job settings in the private and public domain. You may work in fields such as teaching, the Ministry of Rural Development, NGOs, Panchayati Raj institutions, welfare organizations, etc.
- There are also numerous opportunities for higher learning in the field like MPhil and PhD in subjects related to rural development.
- By undertaking MA Rural Development, a student gets to learn about what ails the rural economy and how these issues can be addressed.
- By working in the field of rural development, the student gets the opportunity to play an important part in bringing positive changes to the rural scenario.
- MA Rural Development curriculum will provide the students with exposure to the rural way of life and thus develop an affinity and compassion for the people who reside in the most backward of places.
What is the Admission Process for MA Rural Development?
MA Rural Development Admission Process varies from college to college depending upon the rules and regulations of their respective universities. Most colleges and universities grant admission based on merit. However, some of the top Indian colleges grant admissions based on entrance exams conducted by them or by a central authority.
Given below, find the general admission procedures followed by Indian universities for admission to the MA Rural Development course.
Merit-based admission
Through the merit-based admission procedure, students are offered admission by the respective college based on the marks obtained by them in graduation.
Entrance-Based Admission
The procedure for entrance exam-based admission is as follows:
- Students have to visit the website of the respective entrance exam and register themselves by providing their email address and mobile number.
- On registration, a login ID and password is created that are sent by mail or SMS. Login to the application portal with the help of the login credentials.
- Fill up the online application form with the required details without leaving anything blank.
- Upload the necessary documents, photograph and signature.
- Submit the application and pay the requisite application fee online.
- Based on the details submitted by the candidates, the admit cards are uploaded on the website.
- Candidates download the admit cards and as per the exam dates released by the conducting bodies, they are to appear for the same and qualify above a certain cut-off.
- Qualified candidates are then offered admission by the respective colleges.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Admission to MA Rural Development?
The minimum eligibility criteria to pursue an MA Rural Development course from an Indian university are given below:
-
The candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.
Are there Any Entrance Exams for Admission to MA Rural Development course?
Some of the premier universities in India conduct entrance exams for admission to their MA Rural Development course. A few of these sought-after entrance examinations are listed below:
- JNUEE: (JNU) Entrance Examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to its various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the JNU. JNUEE is a 3 hours test that is conducted in English. Those who qualify for the test are called for an interview.
- TISS-NET: TISS National Entrance Test is a common screening test conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for admission to its various postgraduate programs across all its campuses. Based on the programs, TISS further conducts aptitude tests, group discussions, and personal interviews in the second stage of the selection process. It is a one-hour forty-minute test that tests English proficiency, mathematical ability, and general awareness.
The important dates of these exams are given below:
| Exam name | Registration Date | Exam date |
|---|---|---|
| PUBDET | February 2024 – March 2024 (Tentative) | To be Announced |
| APU UG NET |
January 01, 2024 – March 06, 2024 (Round 2) |
National Entrance Test For Round 2 – April 07, 2024 |
| CUET | First week of February 2024 – March 2024 |
May 15 to May 31, 2024 |
How to Prepare for MA Rural Development entrance exams?
To prepare and score well in the entrance exams, the candidates are advised to refer to the following points:
- Research the syllabus: Go through the syllabus of the entrance exam and chalk out a strategy to complete the entire syllabus within time.
- Gain strong command of the subject matter: Go through the basics of the subjects that you have studied in graduation and have a strong command on the subject matter. This will help if the entrance exam is followed by an interview.
- Practice: Practice previous year question papers to keep in touch with the exam pattern and for improving speed and accuracy.
- Revise: Revise the portions for the test again and again.
How to get Admission in a Good MA Rural Development College?
Candidates may consider the following points to get admission in a good college for MA Rural Development:-
- Look for various colleges in the area that offer the MA Rural Development program and do proper research on them. List out the best ones as per preference and filter out the rest.
- Through networking channels and alumni network find out more about the college, its fee structure, and the placement pattern
- If feasible, visit the college and get to see its infrastructure and facilities and Find out about the admission details from the college office.
- Prepare well for the entrance exams by Improving your conversation skills for the personal interview.
What are the Subjects Covered in MA Rural Development Syllabus?
The Syllabus of the MA Rural Development program is a comprehensive one that includes both theoretical and practical aspects of study spread across four semesters. A semester-wise breakup of the syllabus, in general, is given below.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Rural Development Theories | Significant Issues in Agriculture |
| Rural Development: Policy, Planning, Program and Administration | Rural Industrialization |
| Introduction to Rural Sociology | Rural Finance & Self Help Groups in Rural India |
| Introduction to Social Work | Management of Voluntary Sector Organizations in Rural Areas |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Research Methodology For Rural Development | Research project with dissertation |
| Development of Fishery | Development of Communication Skill |
| Horticulture and Rural Development | Disaster Management |
| Rural Resource Management | Leadership Development Skills |
| Strategies for Sustainable Development of Rural India | Human Rights and Vulnerable Groups |
Which books can I study for my MA Rural Development course?
Following are some of the important books for the MA Rural Development program:
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Rural Development: Issues & Problems | Vasant Desai |
| Rural Development in India, Poverty, and Development | Venkata Reddy |
| Rural Development, Principles, Policies and Management | Katar Singh |
| Rural Elite Entrepreneurship and Social charges | RS Singhi |
| Rural Industrialization in India | SN Battacharya |
Which are the Top Colleges for Studying MA Rural Development?
A number of colleges and universities in India offer the MA Rural Development course. Some of the well-known colleges among them are given in the below table:
| Name of the College/ University | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Mysore | INR 19,360 |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences | INR 25,000 |
| Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur | INR 17,200 |
| Sri Venkateshwara Tirupathi University, | INR 8,290 |
| Mumbai University | INR 3,600 |
| Bangalore University | INR 10,070 |
| Kalyani University | INR 12,000 |
| Annamalai University | INR 6,385 |
| Ranchi University | INR 2,850 |
| Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi | INR 30,210 |
MA Rural Development College Comparison
In the table given below, a comparative study of the three top colleges and universities in India offering MA Rural Development courses has been given.
| Parameter | Mysore University | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | Mumbai University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | MU is a public university in the city of Mysore, Karnataka that has been providing quality education for more than a century. Other than its main campus, it has three other campuses. It has 226 colleges and various other research centers and training centers associated with it. | With its main campus at Mumbai, TISS has several other campuses, one among them being situated at Tuljapur, Maharashtra. The institution has always been at the forefront offering various professional social work-related courses. | Mumbai University is a premier university in Mumbai that provides a number of courses ranging from bachelors to PhD in a range of streams. It is also one of the oldest universities in India with 2 main campuses, 2 sub-campuses, 781 affiliated colleges, and 56 departments. |
| Location | Mysore | Tuljapur | Mumbai |
| NIRF Ranking 2020 | 27 | 57 | 65 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Any graduate degree | Any graduate degree | Any graduate degree |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam-based | Entrance Exam-based | Merit-based |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 19,360 | INR 25,000 | INR 3,600 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 384,000 | INR 600,000 | INR 435,000 |
| Top Recruiting Sectors | NGOs, Rural Cooperative Sectors, Agri-businesses, Agro Products, Agricultural Management, Colleges, Universities, UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, UNDP | NGOs, Rural Cooperative Sectors, Agri-businesses, Agro Products, Agricultural Management, Colleges, Universities, UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, UNDP | NGOs, Rural Cooperative Sectors, Agri-businesses, Agro Products, Agricultural Management, Colleges, Universities, UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, UNDP |
| Research Opportunities/ Postgraduate Programs | PhD Rural Development | MA Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship | M.Phil Rural Development |
MA Rural Development Distance Learning
MA Rural Development courses can opt through distance learning programs of various colleges and universities. These programs are especially useful for those who are not able to undertake a regular program due to reasons like remoteness, jobs, etc. Some of the important points regarding these distance-learning courses are given below.
- Students should hold a bachelor's degree in any of the streams from a recognized university.
- The minimum duration of MA Rural Course courses is 2 years and the maximum 5 years.
- Admission to the programs is done mostly based on the candidate’s marks obtained in graduation.
- The average fee for the course ranges from INR 4,400 to INR 9,000 annually.
Some of the popular colleges offering MA Rural Development programs through distance learning are as follows:
| Name of the College University | Admission Process | Duration | Average Course Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | Merit based | 2 – 5 years | INR 9,000 |
| Nalanda Open University, Patna | Merit based | 2 years | INR 4,400 |
MA Rural Development Course Comparison
MA Rural Development vs MA Development and Labour Studies
MA Rural Development and MA Development and Labour Studies are two similar postgraduate programs that focus on development studies.
A comparative study is presented between the two courses as given below:
| Parameters | MA Rural Development | MA Development and Labour Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Master of Arts in Rural Development | Master of Arts in Development and Labour Studies |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree in any field from a recognized university | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks |
| Course Overview | The course familiarizes students with the socio-economic conditions prevalent in most rural areas in India. Through this program, the students come with solutions for the upliftment of the rural economy through various income-generating initiatives. | The course covers topics on labor processes and their role in development. It speaks about topics such as the economics of labor, development, and displacement of labor, capital, and labor, etc. |
| Admission Process | Entrance/ Merit-based | Entrance Exam-based |
| Average Annual Fee | INR 2,850 – 30,200 | INR 1,536 – 12,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 237,600 - 600,000 | INR 400,000 - 7,99,000 |
| Recruitment Sectors | Education, Welfare Ministry, NGOs, Industries, Cooperative Societies, Corporate Sector, International Organizations like UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, WHO | Education, Welfare Ministry, NGOs, Industries, Corporate Sector, Labour Ministry, Cooperative Societies, UNESCO, UNDP, WHO |
| Top Job Profiles | Panchayat Officer, Village Development Officer, Rural Manager, Rural Development Officer, Gram Sevak, Panchayat Secretary, BDO, Lecturer, Professor | Labour Officer, HR Manager, Labour Commissioner, Labour Inspector, HR Associate |
What are the Career Options and Job Profiles Available after Completing MA Rural Development?
There are a number of career options and jobs to look for after undertaking a course in MA Rural Development, as given below:
- MA Rural Development graduates can work with various non-government organisations (NGOs), who work in the field of rural development. Some of these NGOs are SEWA, PRADAN, RATAN, etc.
- Government institutions such as the welfare ministry, NABARD, NIRD and CSWB provide enough scope and job opportunities to work in this area. There are various rural banks to work with.
- The rural industry and the corporate sector that are involved in augmenting efforts for rural industrialization provide enough scope for employment for MA Rural Development graduates.
Some of the popular jobs available to candidates with MA Rural Development degree along with corresponding salaries are provided in the table given below:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Manager | They work for various schemes and projects that are run by NGOs and many government agencies for rural development. They manage the work and the people working under them for such projects. | INR 4,00,000 |
| Panchayat Secretary | The job of a Panchayat Secretary is to keep a recording of the details of all those members who attend a Gram Sabha meeting. They also help in the smooth conduct of such meetings and deliberations. | INR 3,00,000 |
| Rural Development Officer | A Rural Development Officer looks after the development activities that are carried in the rural areas. With experience they get promoted to Block Development Officer. | INR 2,42,000 |
| Gram Sevak | He or she is the person who advises villagers in many matters related to the development of the village. They also help with welfare measures related to the community. | INR 2,76,000 |
| Professor / Research Associate | He or She is a PhD student who works as a Professor at a college or university and by working as an associate professor. | INR 3,50,000 |
What is the Future Scope after Completing a MA Rural Development Course?
The future scope of MA Rural Development course is quite good as seen from the details given below:
- Students can opt for higher education after completing the MA Rural Development course. Some of the programs that are available for higher studies are:
- MA Rural Development graduates can undertake an M.Phil or double Master of Philosophy program in rural development. This will help them gain a better understanding of the various issues related to the field. It will also provide them with better job opportunities.
- Enrolling for a PhD or Doctor of Philosophy program in rural development or a related discipline is also what a student may opt for after their MA degree. Undertaking this program will enhance the research skills of the job and will result in better jobs as well as research opportunities with higher pay-scales.
- MA Rural Development students may also appear for various competitive exams for various civil service jobs, through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), state PSCs and Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
- Appearing for NTA-UGC NET-JRF is also one option that students may opt for gaining eligibility for employment as Assistant Professor in Indian colleges and universities. Many research avenues get open for the candidates with such fellowships.
MA Rural Development FAQs
Some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to MA Rural Development course are as follows:
Ques. What is the minimum duration to complete the MA Rural Development course?
Ans. The minimum duration for a regular course is 2 years. Distance education and correspondence courses are to be completed within 5 years from the date of enrolment.
Ques. Are there any entrance tests for the MA Rural Development course?
Ans. There are entrance exams for selection to the above course. However, most of the colleges and universities grant admission based on merit.
Ques. What is the minimum qualification required for applying for the MA Rural Development course?
Ans. The minimum criterion for applying for the course is a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized college or university.
Ques. Are there any distance-learning programs for the MA Rural Development course?
Ans. There are many distance-learning courses for MA Rural Development. Some of the most popular ones are offered by IGNOU and Annamalai University.
Ques. What are the average fees for pursuing an MA Rural Development course?
Ans. The average fee for this course ranges from INR 2,850 – 30,200 depending upon the college or university.
Ques. Which are the sectors, where one can seek jobs after doing an MA Rural Development course?
Ans. After doing the MA Rural Development course, one can seek jobs in the government sector in the welfare ministry. One may join NGOs, who work for the empowerment of the poor people in the rural areas. One may join international organizations that work for the rights of people. Joining the rural industry, the Panchayati Raj system or a teaching career is also, what one may opt for.
Ques. What are the opportunities for higher education after completing the MA Rural Development course?
Ans. There are opportunities for undertaking an M.Phil or PhD program after completion of the above course.
Ques. What are the average salary packages offered after completion of the MA Rural Development course?
Ans. The average salaries offered soon after completion of this course range from INR 237,600 to INR 600,000 depending upon the job and its location.
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