Nagaland University launches MA in Rural Development to empower next-gen changemakers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 14, 2025

Nagaland University has announced the launch of a new postgraduate programme in Rural Development and Management, aimed at building a dedicated pool of professionals equipped to tackle the unique challenges facing rural communities in Nagaland and the northeastern region.

The programme, offered under the Department of Rural Development and Planning, was approved during the university’s 40th Academic Council meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik. With an intake capacity of 20 students, the MA programme is designed to blend academic theory with field-based practice, focusing on rural governance, social dynamics, natural resource management, and the planning and execution of development initiatives.

Applications for the programme are open until July 20, 2025. The entrance test for non-CUET candidates will be held on July 28, 2025. Interested applicants can find more information on the university’s official website at www.nagalanduniversity.ac.in.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Patnaik said the programme represents a major step toward strengthening the university’s commitment to academic excellence and grassroots development. “This initiative is a response to the critical need for trained professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the development of rural and tribal communities,” he said. “By combining classroom learning with real-world application, we aim to create a new generation of changemakers.”

Nagaland, where more than 70 per cent of the population resides in rural areas, faces ongoing challenges in sustainable development, infrastructure, and livelihood creation. The new programme seeks to address these issues by fostering local leadership and building capacity across sectors.

Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, described the launch as a strategic move to equip young professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for rural transformation. He acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Deepa Thangjam, Dr. Merensangla Longkumer, and Dr. Guneshori Maisnam, Assistant Professors in the department, in shaping the programme.

The initiative has received support from senior university officials. Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Medziphema Campus, assured full institutional support for the smooth implementation of the programme. Prof. B. Kilangla Jamir, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, congratulated the department and welcomed the move as a step forward in strengthening the university’s social science offerings.

Eligible candidates for the programme include graduates in B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., and B.B.A. (excluding language subjects) with a minimum grade of 50%. A relaxation in the eligibility criteria is available for candidates from the SC, ST, OBC, and PWD categories. Additionally, students from colleges affiliated with Nagaland University will receive a 10% bonus weightage during the selection process.

The university hopes the programme will not only enhance academic and employment prospects but also directly contribute to the long-term development of rural and tribal communities in the region.