Nagaland University has launched a new postgraduate programme in Rural Development and Management to strengthen rural leadership and address developmental challenges across the state and the Northeast region. The programme, approved in the university’s 40th Academic Council meeting, will be offered under the Department of Rural Development and Planning. Applications are open until 20 July 2025.
The two-year MA programme is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the rural economy, governance, social structures, natural resource management, and the planning and implementation of development schemes. It will admit 20 students in its first batch, with the entrance test for non-CUET candidates scheduled for 28 July 2025.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik stated, “This programme is a significant step towards our commitment to fostering academic excellence and addressing the developmental needs of rural and tribal communities. It aims to create a dedicated cadre of professionals who can contribute meaningfully to rural transformation.”
Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of the Department, said the programme is a strategic step toward building local leadership and skilled professionals. He also acknowledged the support and efforts of faculty members Dr. Deepa Thangjam, Dr. Merensangla Longkumer, and Dr. Guneshori Maisnam.
The programme offers an interdisciplinary curriculum combining theory with field-based learning, focusing on planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of rural development initiatives. Graduates will find career opportunities in government departments, NGOs, academia, and entrepreneurship, especially in sectors focusing on tribal and rural development.
Eligibility criteria include a bachelor’s degree in B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., or BBA (excluding language subjects) with at least 50% marks. Relaxation is provided for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates. Students from Nagaland University-affiliated colleges will receive a 10% bonus weightage during admission.
Pro-Vice Chancellor of Medziphema Campus Prof. Dipak Sinha assured full support for the programme, while Dean of the School of Social Science Prof. B. Kilangla Jamir congratulated the department on the launch.
Nagaland University, established under the Nagaland University Act 1989, is the only Central University in the state. It operates from three campuses in Lumami, Kohima (Meriema), and Medziphema, offering a wide range of academic programmes through 43 departments and 76 affiliated colleges.
More information is available at: www.nagalanduniversity.ac.in
