Nagaland University Introduces New MA Program in Rural Development and Management for 2025
In a significant academic development for the Northeast region of India, Nagaland University has launched a new Master of Arts (MA) program in Rural Development and Management, aimed at equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to address rural challenges through sustainable planning and inclusive development.
The new postgraduate program will be offered by the Department of Rural Development and Planning and is now open for applications for the academic year 2025–26. This initiative is a timely and much-needed step, particularly given that over 70% of Nagaland’s population resides in rural areas and continues to face complex development challenges.
Course Focus: Sustainable and Inclusive Rural Development
Approved during the 40th Academic Council meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, the MA program aims to empower students to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate rural development projects with a context-specific understanding.
The curriculum will cover:
- Rural Economy and Livelihoods
- Governance and Policy Implementation
- Social Structures and Dynamics
- Natural Resource Management
- Planning and Execution of Development Programs
With a blend of field-based learning and theoretical grounding, this interdisciplinary course is tailored to nurture rural development professionals who can contribute meaningfully to both the state of Nagaland and the broader Northeastern region.
Admissions: Apply by July 20, 2025
Students interested in the program must apply by July 20, 2025 through the university’s official website: nagalanduniversity.ac.in.
An entrance test will be held on July 28, 2025, for candidates who have not appeared for CUET. Admission will be based on academic performance and entrance exam scores.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the MA in Rural Development and Management:
- Candidates must hold a BA, BSc, BCom, or BBA degree (excluding language specialisations)
- A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required
- Relaxations in eligibility are available for candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and PWD categories
- Candidates from Nagaland University-affiliated colleges will receive an additional 10% weightage during the selection process
This inclusive admissions policy ensures that students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue higher education tailored to the needs of their communities.
Limited Intake for Focused Learning
In the first academic year, the program will admit only 20 students, ensuring a low student-to-faculty ratio that allows for personalised mentoring and deeper academic engagement.
The course is not only designed to produce academically sound graduates but also to build practical competencies through real-life case studies, participatory fieldwork, and exposure to rural institutions and planning mechanisms.
Supporting Regional Needs and Building Local Capacity
The launch of this postgraduate course aligns with Nagaland University’s mission to build capacity in the region by offering academic programs that are relevant to the socioeconomic and developmental needs of the local population.
Established on September 6, 1994, Nagaland University is the only Central University in the state, with jurisdiction over the entire state. It operates across three campuses:
- Lumami (Zunheboto district) – Headquarters
- Meriema (Kohima) – Arts and Social Sciences
- Medziphema (Dimapur) – School of Agricultural Sciences
Over the years, the university has expanded its academic offerings to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the region. The MA in Rural Development and Management is a reflection of its commitment to create locally grounded, socially aware, and development-focused professionals.
Why This Program Matters
Nagaland and the broader Northeast region stand at the cusp of transformation. However, development must be sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven. This new MA program is a forward-thinking response to that call — preparing students not just to understand rural issues, but to lead rural change.
If you’re passionate about creating positive change in rural communities, this program provides the right mix of academic depth, practical training, and policy insight to launch your career in development.
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