MBA in Rural Management: Highlights, Syllabus, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Career Paths

Updated on 20th February 2024 | 2:46 pm | #MBAinRuralManagement

The MBA in Rural Management is a postgraduate program that focuses on developing management expertise specifically designed for rural areas' distinctive challenges and opportunities.

It's a 2-year program with four semesters covering core subjects, electives, and internships. Students need a minimum of 50% aggregate in their undergraduate degree to be eligible. Admissions are through entrance exams like CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT, SNAP, etc. Graduates can pursue careers as Rural Development Officers, Research Officers, Managers, and more.

MBA in Rural Management: Highlights

Here's a table summarizing the key highlights of an MBA in Rural Management:

Feature

Description

Course Type

Post Graduation

Duration

2 years (full-time)

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree in any discipline with 50% marks (varies)

Entrance Exams

CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT, SNAP etc

Average Fee in India

INR 1.5 lakhs - INR 10 lakhs (varies)

Top Colleges

Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)

Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS)

KIIT School of Rural Management

Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM)

Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research

Top Recruiters

ITC Limited

ICICI

Godrej

Mahindra & Mahindra

Tata Group

Job Opportunities

High demand in various sectors like agribusiness, rural finance, social entrepreneurship, development consulting

Salary Range

INR 3 lakhs - INR 18 lakhs per year (varies based on experience and sector)

MBA in Rural Management: Benefits

There are many benefits to pursuing an MBA in Rural Management, including:

Eligibility for MBA Rural Management

Admissions depend on the combination of a group discussion and a personal interview following the entrance exam. The purpose of the GD/PI is to evaluate qualities in candidates beyond academic and exam scores.

MBA Rural Management: Syllabus

This program blends core management subjects like marketing, finance, and human resources with rural-specific topics like agricultural economics, microfinance, and rural entrepreneurship.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Micro Economic Analysis

Macro Economic Analysis

Policy and Programme Interventions for Rural Development

Human Resource Development

Accounting for Managers

Finance for Managers

Development Theory and Practice

ICTs for Development

Rural Production and Livelihoods

Marketing Research

Rural Finance and Commercial Banking

Sustainable Development

Quantitative Techniques

Organizational Behavior

Management of Co-operatives & FPOs

Strategic Management

Rural Society and Polity

Management Information Systems

Project Management

Legal Environment and Business Ethics

Development Research Methods and Perspectives

Strategic Marketing

Agri-Business Management

Innovation in Rural Development and Enterprises

Managerial Analysis and Communication

Natural Resource Management and Climate Change

 

 

Marketing Management

 

 

 

MBA in Rural Management: Top Colleges

Here's a table summarizing the top 10 private colleges for MBA in Rural Management in India

College Name

Location

Key Features

Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS)

Ranchi

Focus on social development and tribal welfare, strong industry connect

Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)

Anand

Pioneer in rural management education, extensive alumni network, strong research focus

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

Mumbai

Offers MSW with specialization in Rural Development, focus on field work and social entrepreneurship

Symbiosis School of Rural Management

Pune

Part of Symbiosis International University, focus on CSR and sustainable development

Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research

Mumbai

Offers MBA with specialization in Agri-Business Management, strong focus on business skills and market knowledge

Institute of Rural Management

Gwalior

Focus on rural marketing, microfinance, and livelihood development

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT)

Bhubaneswar

Offers MBA with specialization in Rural Management, emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship

Rural Management Cell, IFHE Bhopal

Bhopal

Focus on sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, practical learning, affordable fees

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)

Aligarh

Offers MBA with specialization in Rural Development & Cooperative Management, focus on social justice

Institute of Public Enterprise Management (IPEM)

Hyderabad

Offers MBA with specialization in Rural Management & Public Policy, focus on government and public sector projects

Here's a list of some of the top government colleges offering MBA in Rural Management in India, along with their key features:

College Name

Location

Key Features

National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) Hyderabad

Hyderabad

A premier institute for rural development studies, with a strong focus on policy research and government initiatives.

Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi (FMS DU) Delhi

Delhi

Offers PG Diploma in Rural Management, excellent academic reputation, strong alumni network.

Indian Institute of Rural Management (IIMRM) Jamuvihilipuram

Andhra Pradesh

Focus on rural livelihood development, strong collaboration with NGOs and government agencies.

Institute of Rural Management, Jaipur (FMS-IRM)

Jaipur

Focus on agri-business management, practical learning through field projects and case studies.

Xavier Institute of Rural Management (XIRM) Odisha

Bhubaneswar

Strong foundation in social sciences and rural development, emphasis on indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices.

Central Institute of Rural Management (CIRM) Patna

Patna

Focus on rural infrastructure development and disaster management, active collaboration with state government.

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Institute of Rural Development (SPMIRDM) Vadodara

Vadodara

Focus on rural entrepreneurship and skill development, strong association with industry partners.

Institute of Rural Management, Ranchi (IRMR)

Ranchi

Emphasis on tribal development and cultural preservation, active community engagement projects.

G.B. Pant National Institute of Rural Development (GBPNIRD) Dehradun

Dehradun

Focus on mountain development and disaster risk reduction, collaboration with international organizations.

National Institute of Rural Management (NIRMA) Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad

Strong academic curriculum with case studies and simulations, focus on rural marketing and communication.

MBA in Rural Management: Career Paths

MBA in Rural Management opens doors to impactful career paths across various sectors. Here are some of the exciting job profiles you can pursue after completing your MBA in Rural Management. The table below provides a general overview of some common job profiles.

Job Title

Description

Rural Development Officer

Plays a crucial role in implementing government development programs, managing rural projects, and facilitating community development.

Project Manager

Leads and manages rural development projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation, timely execution, and successful outcomes.

Microfinance Specialist

Designs and implements microfinance programs, providing financial services and empowering rural communities through access to credit.

Agri-Entrepreneur

Starts and manages their own agribusiness venture, focusing on innovative solutions for rural agricultural challenges.

Farm Manager

Manages agricultural farms efficiently, utilizing modern techniques and sustainable practices to maximize productivity and profitability.

Rural Management Consultant

Provides expert advice and support to government agencies, NGOs, and private companies on rural development initiatives.

National Sales Development Manager

They are tasked with developing effective strategies for promotion and marketing and collaborating with various executives within the organization.

Research Analyst

Conducts research on rural issues, analyzes data, and develops evidence-based solutions for informed policymaking and program implementation.

Managerial Positions in Public Sector Banks

Manages branch operations in rural areas, promotes financial inclusion, and provides banking services to rural communities.

Policy Analyst

Analyzes rural development policies, provides policy recommendations, and contributes to shaping effective interventions for rural communities.

MBA in Rural Management: Top Recruiters

 Vedanta CSR

Amul

NABARD

 ADM Agro Industries

 MuthootFincorp

LIC

Mother Dairy

SIDBI

IDFC Bank Ltd

IndusInd Bank

ITC

ICICI Foundation

Godrej Agrovet

Mahindra & Mahindra

Tata Group

SBI Microfinance

FAQs

Yes, an MBA in Rural Management is worthwhile as it empowers individuals with skills to address unique challenges in rural development, offering fulfilling career opportunities and societal impact.

Rural Management provides vast opportunities in sectors like agribusiness, rural finance, and sustainable development. Graduates can contribute to community upliftment, making a meaningful impact in rural areas.

Salaries for MBA Rural Management graduates in India vary based on experience and role. On average, starting salaries range from INR 5 LPA to INR 9 LPA, with potential for growth.

Rural Management programs cover subjects like micro and macroeconomics, finance, marketing, sustainable development, and policy interventions. Emphasis is placed on skills relevant to rural development and management.

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