Masters in Rural Studies ( Masters in Rural Studies)

Masters in Rural Studies 

A Masters in Rural Studies is a postgraduate program that focuses on various aspects of rural development, including agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, rural management, and rural development policies. Here are some of the highlights of the program: 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.

Masters in Rural Studies Eligibility Criteria

Students who have completed their undergraduate studies in any stream are eligible for the program. Some universities may also require students to have a minimum percentage or CGPA in their undergraduate studies. The minimum eligibility criteria to pursue an MA Rural Development Studies course from an Indian university are given below:The candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.

Masters in Rural Studies Course Duration

• The program generally takes two years to complete.

Masters in Rural Studies Selection Criteria

Universities and colleges offering the program may conduct an entrance exam, followed by a personal interview or group discussion. The selection criteria may also include academic performance and work experience. The selection criteria for a Master's in Rural Studies program may vary depending on the specific requirements and priorities of each university or institution offering the program. However, here are some common selection criteria that are often considered during the admissions process:Academic Background: Most programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. While specific undergraduate majors may not be required, applicants with academic backgrounds in fields such as rural development, agriculture, sociology, geography, environmental studies, economics, or public policy may be preferred.Transcripts: Applicants are typically required to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Strong academic performance, demonstrated through a competitive GPA, may enhance an applicant's chances of admission.Letters of Recommendation: Programs may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from academic advisors, professors, employers, or other individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities, professional skills, work ethic, and potential for success in graduate studies.

Masters in Rural Studies How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply for the program by filling out an application form available on the university's website or in person at the university. 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.

Masters in Rural Studies Application Process

The application process generally involves filling out the application form, submitting necessary documents such as mark sheets, and paying the application fee. Masters in Rural Studies 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 Masters in Rural Studies 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.

Masters in Rural Studies Fee

• The fee for the program varies depending on the university or college offering the program.

Syllabus of Masters in Rural Studies 

The syllabus for the program may include courses such as rural entrepreneurship, rural marketing, rural development policies, agricultural economics, and rural management.

Masters in Rural Studies Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can find employment opportunities in various sectors such as rural development agencies, NGOs, government agencies, and private companies working in the rural sector. Some of the job profiles available to graduates include Rural Development Officer, Rural Marketing Manager, Rural Entrepreneurship Development Officer, and Agriculture Extension Officer.

• Rural Development Specialist
• Community Organizer/Advocate
• Rural Planner
• Agricultural Extension Officer
• Natural Resource Manager
• Rural Health Administrator
• Rural Educator
• Policy Analyst/Researcher
• Non-profit Program Manager
• International Development Specialist

Job Role After Completed Masters in Rural Studies 

• Rural Development
• Agriculture & Horticulture
• Animal husbandry
• Rural Industry
• Common Property Resource Management & Livelihood
• Rural Energy
• Rural health, hygiene, sanitation &Yoga