A new Post Graduate (MA) course in Rural Development and Management has been initiated by Nagaland University, taking rural society to a higher order of emancipation and solving development problems of the region. The move is a testament to the University’s unflinching commitment towards creating a trained pool of professionals who can most appropriately tackle opportunities and challenges in the rural economy, specifically in Nagaland and the wider North Eastern region.

Given that more than 70% of the population in Nagaland resides in rural regions, there has never been a greater imperative for concerted and structured rural development. In this direction, Nagaland University, the sole Central University in Nagaland, has made an effort to establish an interdisciplinary program that is weighted towards both theory and field-based practice and research. The program not only seeks to equip students with skills for academic and policy-focused careers, but as active social changemakers in their respective communities.

The new MA program will find accommodation under the Department of Rural Development and Planning. The program was properly approved in the 40th Academic Council meeting presided over by Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik. The program will enroll 20 students in its inaugural batch. Applications are now open, and the deadline is 20th July 2025. For candidates who have not appeared in CUET, an entrance test is conducted on 28th July 2025. Further information is also stated on the university website — www.nagalanduniversity.ac.in. 

Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of the University, also referred to the significance and vision involved with the inception of this program. This programme is a major milestone in the journey of our quest to promote academic excellence and serve the required development requirements of the rural and tribal society,” he further stated. “By blending theory and practice, the course aims at putting up a committed batch of professionals and change agents who would be equipped to significantly contribute towards rural development, governance, and sustainable livelihood programmes, not only in Nagaland but also across places.”.

He also wished all stakeholders, students, and staff members of the initiative his warmest wishes with hopes that the programme would become a point of reference in molding future leaders rooted deep in grassroot realities.

Seconding the same views, Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of Department, Rural Development and Planning, said the program is a strategic move to develop local leadership and professional competencies in rural development. “It is a strategic move to build local leadership and talented professionals in rural development. It not only improves academic and employment prospects, but it also makes young minds change makers for their society,” he added.

Prof. Choudhury also recognized the team effort that had been put into the development of curriculae and personally thanked Dr. Deepa Thangjam, Dr. Merensangla Longkumer, and Dr. Guneshori Maisnam — all Assistant Professors of the department — for their scholarly work.

The initiative has been widely supported by all sections of the university. Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Medziphema Campus of Nagaland University, pledged to the department all institutional support conceivable for hassle-free implementation of the programme. Prof. B. Kilangla Jamir, Dean of School of Social Sciences, in her felicitation message to the Department of Rural Development and Planning, extended a warm welcome to the initiation as a timely and worthwhile contribution to the curriculum of the University.

MA in Rural Development and Management course curriculum is challenging and pragmatic, combining inter-disciplinary theory with field exposure and practice training. The students are provided with comprehensive information of the focal areas like the rural economy, governance, social structure, natural resource management, and development planning. Particular stress is laid on planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of rural development programs.

There are strong and varied career opportunities for graduates of programme. Possibilities can be expected in government ministries, NGOs, schools, policy think tanks, and entrepreneurship ventures, particularly those on facilitating sustainable livelihoods in rural areas and community development.

Eligibility conditions for this two-year postgraduate course are a degree in Arts, Science, Commerce, or Business Administration (other than language courses) with at least 50% marks. The qualifying marks would be waived in the case of SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates. In addition to this, students from institutions affiliated with Nagaland University will get additional 10% weightage in admission — an initiative that aims to boost the availability of indigenous talent as well as capability building within the state.

In a wider perspective, this new academic endeavor is a significant step towards regional development objectives being integrated with higher education. With its focus on rural realities and linkages of academic instruction to grassroot work, Nagaland University hopes to directly contribute towards socio-economic development and overall sustainability of the state.