Nagaland University has announced the introduction of a new postgraduate programme, MA in Rural Development and Management, under its Department of Rural Development and Planning. This programme is aimed at preparing professionals to address rural challenges in Nagaland and the wider North Eastern Region.
With over 70% of Nagaland’s population residing in rural areas, the course is designed to support planned rural transformation through a relevant curriculum. The programme will cover key areas such as rural economy, governance, natural resource management, social dynamics, and the planning and execution of development schemes.
Approved during the 40th Academic Council meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, the programme will have an initial intake capacity of 20 students. It offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with field-based learning. Emphasis will be placed on planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of rural development initiatives.
Admission process and eligibility
Applications for the programme are open until July 20. An entrance test for non-CUET candidates will be conducted on July 28. Further details and application procedures are available on the university’s official website — nagalanduniversity.ac.in.
Graduates with a degree in BA, BSc., BCom, or BBA (excluding language subjects) and a minimum of 50% aggregate marks are eligible to apply. Relaxation in minimum marks will be provided to candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and PWD categories. Applicants from colleges affiliated with Nagaland University will receive an additional 10% weightage.
Nagaland University, the only Central University in the state, was established on September 6, 1994, and has jurisdiction over the entire state. It operates from three campuses: the headquarters at Lumami (Zunheboto district), the Kohima campus at Meriema, and the School of Agricultural Sciences at Medziphema (Dimapur district).
The introduction of this postgraduate course aligns with the University’s commitment to developing regional capacity through academic programmes that address local socio-economic needs.
