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Online MA in Rural Development

Indira Gandhi National Open University

NAAC A++ Accredited University
NAAC A++ Accredited University
Ranked 1st Among Open Universities
Ranked 1st Among Open Universities
NIRF Ranked
NIRF Ranked
UGC Recognised
UGC Recognised

IGNOU offers an Online MA in Rural Development (MARDOL) that covers rural society, rural development, planning, health, research, entrepreneurship, and other areas related to rural development.

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2 YearsMinimum Duration
4 YearsMaximum Duration
INR 16,000Total Program Fee
Bachelor's DegreeEligibility
EnglishLearning Medium
66 CreditsProgram Structure

IGNOU (Open) Online MA in Rural Development Recognition

IGNOU is a NAAC A++ accredited university and was ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2025. Its degrees are recognised by UGC, and its degrees, diplomas, and certificates are also recognised by AIU member universities.

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Is This Course Right For You?

IGNOU's Online MA in Rural Development is a postgraduate program for students who want to learn about rural areas and their development. The course covers rural society, rural planning, rural health, research, entrepreneurship, communication, and other areas related to rural development. The program has a minimum duration of 2 years and can be completed in up to 4 years. This gives students more time to study while managing work or other daily responsibilities.

This Program May Be Right For You If

  • You want to learn about villages, rural areas, and rural development.
  • You want to learn about rural planning, health, research, and rural business.
  • You want to study an Online MA in Rural Development from IGNOU while learning from home.
  • You want more time to finish your degree, as you can complete the program in up to 4 years.

This Program May Not Be Right For You If

  • You want only regular classroom learning.
  • You are not interested in rural areas, village development, or social development.
  • You want a program mainly about business, computers, science, or technical subjects.

What Sets IGNOU's Online MA Apart?

Learn about rural areas, planning, health, research, and development through flexible online learning with IGNOU.

Study From Home

Study Rural Development online and manage your studies with work or other daily tasks.

Rural Development

Learn about villages, rural areas, rural society, health, planning, and development.

Flexible Completion

Complete the degree in 2 years or take up to 4 years to finish the program.

Recognised Degree

Earn an Online MA in Rural Development from IGNOU, a UGC-recognised university.

Learn from IGNOU

Study at IGNOU, a national open university started in 1985.

Affordable Fees

Study with a fee of INR 8,000 per year. (Excluding examination fees.)

Online Study Support

Use online study material and learning resources during your course.

Career Skills

Build skills useful for rural development, research, planning, social work, and related jobs.

Who Is This For

Who Should Apply?

A good choice for graduates who want to learn about rural areas, planning, health, research, and development online.

Graduates who want to learn about villages, rural areas, and rural development.

People who want to study an Online MA in Rural Development while working.

Students who want to study rural development from home through online learning.

People who want to learn about rural society, health, planning, and development.

Students who want to build a career in rural development, research, planning, social work, or related areas.

IGNOU Online MA in Rural Development students
Program Benefits

Why Choose IGNOU's Online MA in Rural Development?

Rural Society and Development Studies

Rural Society

Understand Rural Areas

  • •Rural society
  • •Village life
  • •Rural development
Why It Matters

Learn about rural society, village life, and the main needs of people in rural areas.

Rural Development Planning and Management

Rural Planning

Learn About Development

  • •Rural planning
  • •Development plans
  • •Project management
Why It Matters

Learn how rural development plans are made and how development work can be managed.

Rural Health Studies

Rural Health

Understand Health Needs

  • •Rural health
  • •Health services
  • •Health needs
Why It Matters

Learn about health care in rural areas and the health needs of rural communities.

Rural Communication and Extension Studies

Communication & Extension

Work With Communities

  • •Communication
  • •Rural education
  • •Community work
Why It Matters

Learn how communication and extension work can help share ideas and support rural communities.

Rural Entrepreneurship and Research Studies

Business & Research

Build Useful Skills

  • •Rural business
  • •Research methods
  • •Rural projects
Why It Matters

Learn about rural entrepreneurship and research methods that can help in rural development work.

Curriculum

Learn with a Rural Development-Focused Curriculum

Type|SubjectsCredits
Core|Rural Development: Indian Context6
Core|Rural Development Programmes6
Core|Rural Development Planning and Management6
Core|Research Methods in Rural Development6
Core|Dissertation12
Total Credits36

Skills You'll Learn

Rural Development PlanningResearch MethodsRural HealthRural SocietyCommunity DevelopmentRural CommunicationRural EntrepreneurshipDevelopment Management

Learning Experience

Online Learning
Digital Study Materials
Learning Management System
Research-Based Learning
Rural Development Studies
Dissertation Work

Learn Rural Development Online

Study rural development, planning, research, health, communication, entrepreneurship, and related areas through IGNOU's Online MA in Rural Development.

Online MA in Rural Development from IGNOU: Program Overview

Explore IGNOU’s Online MA in Rural Development, including its learning experience, benefits, eligibility, fees, admission details, skills, and career areas.

The Online MA in Rural Development from IGNOU is a postgraduate degree. It is for students who want to learn about villages, rural areas, and their development.

Students learn about:

  • Rural society
  • Rural health
  • Rural planning
  • Rural development
  • Research
  • Rural business

The minimum time to complete the program is 2 years. Students can take up to 4 years to finish it.

Career Outcomes

Career Paths You Can Explore After Online MA in Rural Development

Explore career opportunities in rural development, research, social work, CSR, community projects, and development programs.

Rural Development Officer

Work on rural development plans and help improve services and projects in rural areas.

INR 3.9 LPA - 4.8 LPA

Avg Salary

Research Assistant

Help with research by collecting information, studying data, and working on rural development projects.

INR 4 LPA - 4.4 LPA

Avg Salary

Project Coordinator

Help plan and manage development projects and make sure the work is completed on time.

INR 5.3 LPA - 5.8 LPA

Avg Salary

Program Coordinator

Help run development programs, work with teams, and make sure program activities are carried out properly.

INR 4.1 LPA - 4.5 LPA

Avg Salary

CSR Executive

Work on company projects that support communities, education, health, and rural development.

INR 3.3 LPA - 3.7 LPA

Avg Salary

Social Worker

Work with people and communities and help them get support through social development programs.

INR 3 LPA - 3.3 LPA

Avg Salary

Field Officer

Visit project areas, meet people, collect information, and check how development work is going.

INR 3.1 LPA - 3.4 LPA

Avg Salary

Community Development Officer

Work with local communities and help plan activities that can improve their living and work conditions.

INR 4.5 LPA - 5.2 LPA

Avg Salary

WHY CHOOSE IGNOU

Why IGNOU's Online MA in Rural Development Stands Out?

Compare key features of IGNOU's Online MA in Rural Development, including fees, duration, subjects, learning support, and recognition.

45Online Academic Programs
2,000+Learner Support Centres
69+Regional Centres
25Overseas Study Centres
325Programs
1985Year Established
Feature
IGNOU's Online MA in Rural Development
Other Online MA Rural Development Programs
Degree RecognitionUGC-recognised degreeRecognition depends on the university and program
University AccreditationNAAC A++Accreditation status can be NAAC A+ or A++
NIRF RankingNo. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2025NIRF ranking is different for universities
Program FeeINR 8,000 per yearFee structures can vary by university and program
Program Duration2 years minimum, up to 4 yearsSome programs may have a fixed 2-year duration
Course Structure66 creditsCredit requirements can vary by program
Rural Development StudiesRural society, rural health, rural planning, and rural developmentSubjects may include social work, public policy, or development studies
Research & DevelopmentResearch methods, land reforms, communication, and extensionCourse focus may include different development topics
Rural EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship and rural developmentBusiness and development topics may vary by program
EligibilityBachelor's Degree in any subjectEligibility requirements may vary
Fees

IGNOU's Online MA in Rural Development Fees

PER YEAR

Annual Fee

INR 8,000

Inclusions

Tuition fee of INR 8,000 per year

Exam fee is not included in the annual fee

Exam fee is charged separately as decided by the University

2 YEARS

Fee for 2 Years

INR 16,000

Inclusions

Tuition fee of INR 16,000 for two years

Exam fee is not included in the program fee

Exam fee is charged separately as decided by the University

Admission Process

Simple & Easy Admissions

01

Create Your Account

Register on the IGNOU Online admission portal with your email and mobile number.

02

Choose Your Program

Select the Online MA in Rural Development (MARDOL) from the list of online programs.

03

Fill in Your Details

Enter your personal and education details in the online admission form.

04

Upload Your Documents

Upload the required documents and check your details before you submit the form.

05

Pay and Submit

Pay the required fee online and submit your admission form.

Eligibility Criteria

Graduates from any subject can apply for the program.

The degree should be from a recognised university.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about IGNOU’s Online MA in Rural Development, including recognition, competitive exams, higher studies, research, entrepreneurship, and career-related questions.

Yes. The degree is offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University. IGNOU is a national open university established by an Act of Parliament in 1985.

  • IGNOU is recognised by the UGC.
  • IGNOU is NAAC A++ accredited.
  • IGNOU was ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2025.

Students can consider the degree for suitable jobs or further studies, based on the requirements of the organisation or institution.

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