MA Rural Development Distance Education: The Rural development degree is about how we can develop rural areas with sustainability. This course can offer students a new perspective about rural areas. Master’s degree in rural development deals with the challenges and complexities of rural areas. MA in rural development will give the chance to students to work with government departments, NGOs and rural communities to learn about the topics practically.
Pursuing an MA Rural Development degree in distance learning will provide students flexibility, convenience and freedom of their time. It is the best course for those who are preparing for UPSC, SSC or any other civil services. This course can guide them in the preparation and give them a holistic knowledge to understand the rural areas. Working professionals who want to make their career in the government sector and want to work for the development of rural areas can go for this course too.
The duration for MA Rural Development is a minimum of 2-year and a maximum of 4 years for the degree programme. This course is delivered to those students who have successfully completed their bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, and the average fee for this course is INR 10,000 to 15,000 for Indian students. The course is offered in two sessions for distance education. The admission process for distance MA Rural Development course are ongoing till 31 May 2025.
The course is offered by top universities such as IGNOU, Kakatiya University and Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, etc. A course in rural development has a bright career scope in government and public sectors. Career scopes in government sectors are rural development officer, project manager or programme manager and career scopes in private sectors, such as agribusiness manager, rural finance manager, project coordinator, researcher, field executive and so on.
MA Rural Development Distance Education Course Overview
Rural development is a specialised course in distance education and is offered for 2-years with a semester system by the universities. The main topics in MA Rural Development are economics and sociology in rural areas, rural development programmes in India, agricultural development in India, civil society in India, principles of rural governance, social security and rural development etc. Some universities give dissertation and research work too. The dissertation work can give them a wholesome understanding of the course in ODL mode.
From this course, you can develop theoretical and practical skills such as project planning, implementation, evaluation, analytical problem-solving, communication, strong leadership skills and many more. MA Rural Development Distance Education course is best for the students and working professionals who have a plan to build their career in the field of society development and want to work as a government official. Master’s degree in distance education can offer you flexible timing and your own pace of studying.
ODL MA Rural Development degree is the most favourable for those candidates who belong to remote areas. Because they have a better understanding of problems related to their area and they can solve their problems efficiently with the help of sustainability. It is easier for them to implement government policies related to rural development. It is going to be beneficial for both the student and society in rural areas.
Eligibility Criteria for MA Rural Development Distance Education
Candidates who are interested in the field of rural development need to have some basic educational qualification to get entry into the top colleges for Masters in rural development. The important details are as follows:
- Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or its equivalent.
- Some universities ask for a graduation degree in commerce/business administration/finance/management/rural development.
- Secured 45 to 50 per cent marks at graduation level.
ODL MA Rural Development Admission 2025 Update
The admission process are open for MA Rural Development Distance Education course at private institutions such as Subharti University, Mangalayatan and more. These universities are accepting the applications for this course under the July 2025 academic cycle. Students seeking admission to this course can apply from the official website on their desired institution.
On the other hand, the public universities such as IGNOU, Mahatma Gandhi Chtrakoot, Kakatiya, etc will begin their admission soon in the month of May 2025. The selection of the applicants in most of the institution will be merit based or first cum first serve which means no entrance test.
Generally, the admissions for this course open in two session in India: January and July. The important details related to the July session are given below:
- Subharti University accepting the applications for distance ma courses and students can apply till 31 May 2025.
- The opening date for IGNOU admissions is 12th May 2025 for the July session.
Top Universities For MA Rural Development Distance Education in India
There are 3 top open universities available that can offer a master’s degree in rural development. The universities needed to take the validation from UGC (University Grants Commission) to recognise their degree around the world. IGNOU, Kakatiya University and Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya are the top public universities that are eligible to offer MA Rural Development course in Distance Education mode learning. The detailed information related to the course or university is here:
1. IGNOU MA Rural Development
Indira Gandhi National Open University offers MA rural development (MARD) for 2-years in distance education. Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university are eligible for this course. IGNOU MARD fee for one year is Rs 14,000. The admissions for the July session are going to open on 12th May. Interested candidates should ready their documents beforehand and visit the official website of ignou https://www.ignou.ac.in/ to stay updated.
2. MA Rural Development Distance Education From Kakatiya University
Kakatiya University is a public university that offers course in open education. MA rural development is a 2-year course which is divided into 4 semesters. This course is offered to those students who have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and the total fee for the course is around 6000 rupees per year. It is advised to the students to visit the official portal https://www.sdlceku.co.in/ for more details.
Read About: Kakatiya University Distance Education
3. ODL MA Rural Development From Chitrakoot University
Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya offers Master of Arts Rural Development courses in ODL mode of education. It is a 2-year course in MGCGV for distance education students. Candidates should have a graduation degree in business administration/commerce/finance/management or its equivalent from a recognised university. You can visit the official website https://gramodayachitrakoot.ac.in/distance-learning/ for more details related to MA rural development programme.
Learn About: Chitrakoot University Distance Education
Career Opportunities After MA Rural Development Distance Education
There are multiple golden opportunities available for students after a successful completion of MA Rural Development course. The door will open in the fields like government, private or NGOs, and students will get a chance to work as a leader in different job roles. The work roles could be village development officer, community development specialist, research scientist, policy analyst, rural development executive, social entrepreneur and many more. These job roles will offer you a powerful post with a high salary package that can be about INR 4 to 10 LPA as a fresher.
Candidates can go for different courses after the completion of MA rural development to upscale themselves. Candidates can do a PhD degree in rural development, agricultural economics or public policy. There is a great option available for students: a certificate course in rural development to upgrade their skills and knowledge in a limited time. It is always important to stay updated, and these are the best options for making a career in rural development by balancing career and profession both at the same time.
FAQs Related To MA Rural Development Distance Education
Ques: Who is eligible for MA Rural Development Distance Education course?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for MA rural development is to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
Ques: What is the fees for MA rural development course in Ignou?
Ans. IGNOU MARD fee is INR 14,000 for per year.
Ques: What is the salary of Distance MA in rural development graduates?
Ans. Expected salary can be around 4 to 10 LPA after MA in rural development.
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