PhD in Rural Development Eligibility Admission Syllabus Colleges Fees Career Scope | Updates | Search Shiksha
PhD in Rural Development Eligibility Admission Syllabus Colleges Fees Career Scope

PhD in Rural Development Eligibility Admission Syllabus Colleges Fees Career Scope

Category: Admission Updates
15Nov, 2025

A PHD in R.D is a study that you do that is about the work on improving how people live in the country. This course teaches you about rural planning, farm work, town how people make money, village rules, healthy ways of living, schools, hospitals, social work, and work in the town. R.D is one of the top jobs in India because more than half the people still live in the country. This makes many jobs for people who want to study and work about bettering the country. A PHD in R.D is best for people who want to work for the law, work for the nonprofits, do studies, work for social work and schools.

What is PhD in Rural Development?

The PhD in Rural Development is a research 3 to 8 year course where students learn about rural life, farming, nature, rural businesses, panchayats, sustainable technologies and villagers economic growth The main reason for this course is to train students to find problems, analyze research, make policies and manage rural places Students make field surveys, talk to villagers, study government schemes and write research solutions.

Why Choose PhD in Rural Development

So many reasons why students like this program.

Growing demand

Government, ngo, aid agencies and think tanks require skilled workers.

Opportunity to improve society

Students may work directly for the good of country, school, heal and wealth.

Strong career stability

Their jobs in the rural development department, agriculture boards and government schemes are permanent and reliable.

High research value

Experts can help with rules for farms water schooling women power skill.

Good academic opportunities

Students can become professors, lecturers and researchers in universities.

Eligibility for PhD in Rural Development

They wants to take admission in this program students must have:

A Masters in Rural Development, Sociology, Economics, Social Work, Public Administration, Agriculture or others.

At least 50 55 in post-graduation.

A good score in entrance test like UGC net or university entrance test.

A strong research proposal based on rural issues

Certain colleges also hold interviews to see if you are interested in research.

Entrance Exams for PhD in Rural Development

admission is often entrance based here are some common exams

UGC NET

Most colleges take UGC NET for PhD.

For the test, paper 1 checks teaching and research skills and paper 2 is for the subject.

University Entrance Exams

Most privet and state university do their own writin test.
These tests test research skills, subject knowledge and thinking skills.

Institute Level Tests

Certain schools host interview and project showings.

 

PhD in Rural Development Admission Process

The admission procedure includes:

1. Choose University

Choose collages that do agriculture, rural management, and study of people or development.

2. Check Eligibility

Make sure you have the required marks and subject background.

3. Apply Online or Offline

Send all papers like mark sheets, ID proof, research plan, certificates and entrance exam marks.

4. Entrance Test

Appear for UGC NET or university level entrance examination.

5. Interview

Shortlisted students have an interview where they tell about their research idea, interest and experience.

6. Final Selection

Applicants are judged on their entrance exam score, interview, and transcripts.

7. Enrollment

Pay money then say yes to join and start school or research.

Syllabus of PhD in Rural Development

The syllabus may vary but the core subjects include:

Core Subjects

Rural Society and Culture

Agriculture Development

Panchayati Raj Institutions

Rural Economics and Policies

Rural Industrialization

Environment and Sustainable Development

Social Welfare Programs

Research Subjects

Research Methodology

Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Data Analysis

Dissertation Work

Seminars and Field Work

Elective Areas

Women Empowerment

Rural Marketing

Skill Development

Rural Entrepreneurship

Water and Sanitation

Public Health in Rural Areas

Students also do surveys, fielstudys, and community projects.

Top Colleges for PhD in Rural Development

Here are some reputed institutions:

  1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai
  2. Gandhigram Rural Institute Tamil Nadu
  3. University of Hyderabad
  4. Mahatma Gandhi University Kerala
  5. Visva Bharati University Santiniketan
  6. Banaras Hindu University Varanasi
  7. Indira Gandhi National Open University New Delhi

These institutions offer strong faculty support and research opportunities.

Job Roles after PhD in Rural Development

Graduates can work in various organizations and departments such as:

  • Rural Development Officer
  • Social Welfare Officer
  • Project Coordinator
  • Research Scientist
  • Development Consultant
  • Program Manager in NGOs
  • Agriculture Research Officer
  • Policy Advisor
  • University Professor
  • CSR Project Manager

These jobs involve planning, training, monitoring and implementing rural programs.

Top Recruiters

  • Ministry of Rural Development
  • National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
  • UNICEF
  • UNDP
  • World Bank Projects
  • Government Agriculture Departments
  • Rural NGOs
  • CSR Departments of Companies
  • Research Foundations
Salary after PhD in Rural Development

The salary depends on job role and organization:

Job Profile

Expected Salary

Rural Development Officer

₹6 LPA to ₹12 LPA

Social Welfare Manager

₹5 LPA to ₹10 LPA

Research Scientist

₹7 LPA to ₹15 LPA

Development Consultant

₹8 LPA to ₹20 LPA

Professor or Lecturer

₹6 LPA to ₹14 LPA

International organizations offer higher packages.

Career Scope of PhD in Rural Development

The future scope is very strong because rural transformation is a major priority in India. Graduates can work in:

  • Rural development projects
  • Agriculture development programs
  • Government schemes and missions
  • Environmental and community programs
  • Research organizations
  • International development agencies

Students with a PhD can also become professors and guide research scholars.

FAQs

Q. What is the duration of PhD in Rural Development
A. The duration is usually three to eight years.

Q. What is the eligibility for PhD in Rural Development
A. A Master’s degree with 50 to 55 percent marks and a valid entrance exam score.

Q. What is the scope of PhD in Rural Development
A. Students can work in government departments, NGOs, research institutions and universities.

Q. What is the average fee for this program
A. The fee is usually between three lakh and five lakh.

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