IGNOU
- Fees: ₹ 3600
What is Development Studies
Development studies is a multi-disciplinary part of social sciences which is mostly based on economic, social, and political changes in society. This sub-discipline of social sciences deals with different aspects and problems faced in policy making and development. In this course, students get to learn about the importance of development. They study different development projects in-depth and also learn about ways in which progress and development can be brought about in backward areas. Those who are very much interested in public policymaking, removing social injustices, bringing about an equal distribution of resources and understanding social exclusion in the Indian economy and policy would be apt for the course.
The growing poverty, social and economic injustices and backwardness of many societies in India have made this course very relevant, especially for those who are willing to make a change. Development studies are very popular as a master’s course that is offered in various colleges across the country. Undergraduate level studies also opt but that is not very common in India. PhD in Development Studies is also a common option these days among students.
Development Studies Course Highlights
Parameters | Undergraduate Level | Post-graduate Level | Doctoral Program |
Popular Courses on Development Studies | B.A in Development Studies | M.A. in Development Studies M. Sc in Development Studies M. Phil in Development Studies Postgraduate Diploma Program in Development Studies | PhD in Development Studies |
Minimum Duration | 3 Years | 1 Year | 3 Years |
Maximum Duration | 3 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years |
Eligibility Criteria for Admission | Must have passed 10+2 level with at least 50 percent marks | Must have graduated with at least 55 percent aggregate marks | Minimum 55 percent required in P.G. level exam in the related discipline |
Minimum Fees | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 20,000 |
Maximum Fees | Rs. 1,00,000 | Rs. 1,20,000 | Rs. 1,50,000 |
Minimum Salary | Rs. 180000 p.a. | Rs. 2,40,000 p.a. | Rs. 2,50,000 p.a. |
Maximum Salary | No upper limit for salary | No upper limit for salary | No upper limit for salary |
Expected Jobs | Teacher, Researcher, Policy Advisor, Social Worker | Public Consultant, Lecturer, Social Worker, Policy Advisor, Policy Analyst | Associate Professor, Researcher, Social Worker, Policy Analyst, Public Consultant, Policy Advisor |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Development Studies
Students seeking admission into development studies courses at UG/ PG/ Doctoral level must qualify eligibility criteria set by different colleges/ institutes across the country –
Eligibility Criteria for U.G. Courses:
- The student must have passed 10+2 level with not less than 50 per cent in aggregate or equivalent score from a recognised board in India. SC/ ST category students must have at least 40 per cent marks in total.
- If respective colleges/ institutes conduct entrance examinations, then students will have to clear entrance examinations as well.
Eligibility Criteria for P.G. Courses:
- The student must have passed the graduation level exam with not less than 55 percent aggregate marks or an equivalent score from a recognised college or university in India. SC/ST category students must have at least 45 per cent aggregate marks.
- If respective colleges/ institutes conduct entrance examinations, then students will have to clear entrance examinations as well.
Eligibility for Doctoral Program:
- The student must have passed the post-graduation level examination in the related discipline with at least 55% or equivalent from a recognised college or university in India. Students belonging to SC/ST category must have scored at least 45 per cent in total.
- If respective colleges/ institutes conduct entrance examinations, then students will have to clear entrance examinations as well.
Development Studies Entrance Examination
Some colleges/ institutes conduct entrance examinations for assessing required skills of aspiring candidates. Some of the most popular entrance examinations taken by students for development studies are –
Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test (TISS NET): This is an all-India examination that is held for students seeking admission into master programs offered by TATA Institute of Social Sciences across India. The exam has MCQ questions, and the total paper carries 100 marks.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination (JNUEE): This is conducted by JNU for candidates seeking admission into various master’s courses in the university. The exam is conducted online, and the total duration is 3 hours. Syllabus and exam pattern are available on the official website of JNU.
Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Examination: Jamia Millia Islamia offers P.G. and doctoral courses in Development Studies. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of this written test and interview.
Ambedkar University Delhi Entrance Examination: Ambedkar University, Delhi conducts entrance examination for candidates seeking admission into M.A. in Development Studies. Instruction and other details of the examination are available on the official website of the university.
Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati/ Hyderabad/ Mandi Entrance Examination: IIT Guwahati, Hyderabad, Mandi are also very popular choices for M.A. programs in Development Studies. The institutes conduct their own written tests and interview rounds for aspirants.
Scope of Development Studies in India and Abroad
Development Studies opens the horizons of students in relation to various developmental projects and public policy schemes. It helps students in getting a critical perspective towards different paradigms of development. From big companies and small NGOs to international organisations like the U.N. and its development programme under UNDP recruit development studies students as a policy advisor, policy analysts, social workers and community service officers.
The initial salary is substantial, and career options are very roomy. Some colleges even have campus recruitments which make the task of job finding much easier. The best part about development studies is that it is more social than professional. Students are trying to bring about social, political and economic change. That is why students who successfully complete this course have an array of options in economic, social and political fields.
Course Fees Development Studies
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
49.37 K
B.M.S in Development Studies at J Watumull Sadhubella Girls College, Thane
|
13.26 K
Dual Degree in Development Studies at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat
|
6.30 Lakhs
B.Sc. in Development Studies at XIM University, Bhubaneswar
|
2.00 Lakhs
BS in Development Studies at DSEU Pusa Campus II, New Delhi
|
| PG |
---
Data not available
|
2.60 K
M.Sc. in Development Studies at University of Allahabad Allahabad
|
7.00 Lakhs
MBA in Development Studies at IIHMR University, Jaipur
|
3.90 Lakhs
M.A. in Development Studies at Gurugram University, Gurugram
|
| DOCTORAL |
1.80 Lakhs
Ph.D in Development Studies at School of Doctoral Research and Innovation, GLS University, Ahmedabad
|
16.80 K
Ph.D in Development Studies at Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
|
14.40 Lakhs
Ph.D in Development Studies at Mahatma Gandhi University, Tura
|
1.46 Lakhs
Ph.D in Development Studies at University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, Delhi
|
| DIPLOMA |
24.00 K
Diploma in Development Studies at Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, Jaipur
|
3.60 K
Diploma in Development Studies at Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
|
95.30 K
Diploma in Development Studies at Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong
|
11.82 K
Diploma in Development Studies at Jiwaji University, Gwalior
|
Course Subjects
These subjects are vast and very interesting if a candidate has a keen thirst for learning. They cover several aspects of economics and social sciences, thus making them extremely innovative. Listed below are the core subjects in the course –
- Public Laws and Policy Making
- Consumer Behaviour
- Quantitative Techniques
- Sustainable Development
- Research Methodology
- Economic Growth and Development
- Gender and Social Development
- Role of Education in Development
- Disaster Management
- Organisational Behaviour
- Human Development
- Social Work Research
- Environmental Economy
- Micro Financing
- Rural and Urban Development
Careers in Development Studies
A career in development studies is very promising. An increasing number of development projects and the introduction of innumerable public policies and programs have widened the scope of development studies. From corporate organisations to government’s PSUs, everyone is in need of policy consultants, policy analysts, and customer service officers to make their programs and policies more people-friendly and development-oriented. In addition to that, non-profit organisations are also hiring social workers with a good development studies background, so they are properly community-oriented and have strong interdisciplinary lenses. This job is the kind of work that helps innumerable people to have a better lifestyle and is definitely noble work. A career in this field is thus, highly reputed and respected.
Upcoming trends
With growing environmental issues hampering developmental processes in societies, there are several topics that have struck the limelight and need immediate attention in the field. Listed below are the most relevant issues and topics trending now –
· Sustainable Development and Environment Management
· Social injustices
· Economic Inequalities
· Relevance of Gender Roles in development
Workings of NGOs and other non-profit organisations aimed at bringing about social, political and economic development are also studied intensively in the course. Other than that, efficient research work and devising holistic public policies are also prioritised.
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Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Job Profiles
Development studies, as a course, has seen incredible growth in the last few years. The demand for the course has increased more so after the growth prospects of career options in project management and public policy. Some of the job profiles related to development studies are –
S.No. | Job Profile | Job Description |
1. | Public Policy Consultant | One can work as a government agent or a private consultant. One has to monitor and form strategic public policies on behalf of the organisation and also give advice. |
2. | Policy Analyst | One will be responsible for scrutinising and analysing public policies that are being introduced by governmental or private organisations before its implementation. |
3. | Lecturer | As a lecturer, one has to teach Development Studies in universities and other institutions. |
4. | A social worker has to work under a non-profit organisation as a social worker towards the benefits of society. | |
5. | Customer Service Officer | One will have to analyse customer behaviour and study demands of customers. Researching customer behaviour through surveys and interviews will help the organisation in making its business policies and marketing strategies. |
Top Recruiters:
There are several companies, both private and government-owned that grab such development studies graduates for jobs. Listed below are some of the highest paying companies and recruiters in the field -
1. NGOs
2. Government Agencies
3. Consultancy Groups
4. Corporate Houses
5. Academic Institutions
6. Research Centres
Average Salary
With a course such as development studies, there Is a need for graduates in both the private and public sectors. Thus, there is never a shortage of job requirements for such a graduate. The amount of pay usually received just heightens with experience. If candidates are capable of good work that speaks for itself, then they are guaranteed a high paying job. Listed below are some of the most popular jobs along with their pay -
S.No. | Job Profile | Annual Salary (Approx.) |
Public Policy Consultant | Rs. 4,00,000 – Rs. 9,50,000 | |
Policy Analyst | Rs. 3,00,000 – Rs. 5,00,000 | |
Lecturer | Rs. 3,00,000 – Rs. 8,00,000 | |
Social Worker | Rs. 2,00,000 – Rs. 3,50,000 | |
Customer Service Officer | Rs. 1,80,000 – Rs. 3,40,000 |
**The salary figures mentioned anywhere in this article is just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Development Studies
The course of Development Studies comes with a specific set of skills that every candidate must possess. These skills will make them competent and provide them with a wide range of career options and other opportunities.
Strong Social Skills: Development studies has a lot to do with intercultural interactions and establishing communication with people living in different parts of society. Moreover, excellent communication skills also help in striking coordination with fellow workers and employees and in discussing problems at length.
Leadership Qualities: In order to lead those working under in carrying out development projects and guiding those who are new, leadership qualities are of utmost importance.
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Skills: Development studies involve large data management, its evaluation and processing. Deducing data and coming to conclusions require research skills.
Welfare Outlook: Students must have a holistic outlook towards society in which social interests are prioritised than self-interests. One must have the desire to work for the development of society as a whole.
Project Management: Handling developmental projects requires the proper organisation of human resources, efficient planning, analysing root problems that are challenging the development processes in a particular area and dealing with the problems.
Course Curriculum for Development Studies
The curriculum of development studies has been sketched by bringing about a synthesis of political science, economics, and social sciences dealing with public policies and developmental processes, including social and economic development in societies. The curriculum empowers students with a social outlook and research qualities. In order to strike the perfect balance of different disciplines in this multidisciplinary course, a wide range of subjects and topics have been included in the curriculum of most of the colleges across the country.
Popular Development Studies Entrance Exams in India
Popular Development Studies Colleges in India VIEW ALL
Christ University
- Fees: ₹ 54000
BHU Varanasi
- Fees: ₹ 5514
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Can a student from Commerce stream in 12th standard apply for B.A in Development Studies?
Answer :
Yes, any student with a commerce stream in higher secondary level can apply for B.A in Development Studies. Other eligibility criteria must be met –
- The student must have passed 10+2 level with not less than 50 per cent in aggregate or equivalent score from a recognised board in India. SC/ ST category students must have at least 40 per cent marks in total.
- If respective colleges/ institutes conduct entrance examinations, then students will have to clear entrance examinations as well.
Question: What are development studies courses offered at Christ University?
Answer :
Christ University offers an M.Sc. in Development Studies course.
Question: Which colleges are best for pursuing B.A. in Development Studies?
Answer :
For studying B.A. in Development Studies, popular choices are – Lady Shri Ram, Delhi; Ambedkar University, Delhi; Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Question: What are the M.Sc. courses in development studies offered in Tata Institute of Social Sciences?
Answer :
M.Sc. courses in development studies offered in TISS are – M.Sc. in Development Policy Planning and Practice; M.Sc. Sustainable Livelihoods and Natural Resources Governance; P.G. Diploma in Water Sanitation and Hygiene.
Question: What are the fees and duration of P.G. Diploma Courses in IGNOU?
Answer :
The minimum duration of P.G. Diploma Course in IGNOU is 1 year, and the maximum duration is 3 years. The total course fee is around Rs. 5500. For further details, one can visit the official IGNOU website.
Questions related to Development Studies
Showing 13 out of 13 Questions
198 Views
What are the type of essay questions asked for Azim Premji PG entrance ( Ma in Development studies)
30th Jan, 2022
Hi,
Hope you are doing great.
The descriptive paper of MA in Developmental Science contains essays related to history, literature, poem wherein candidates need to read the passage and answer the questions based on the passage accordingly. The word limit of these essays is from 500-750.
Hope this helps.
Answer later 56 Views
is development studies is economics or not???
3rd Dec, 2021
Hi aspirant,
Development Studies as a subject has incorporated various ideas from Economics. But it is not solely dependent on economic aspects. Development Studies is a multi-disciplinary subject that involves various aspects and ideas from subjects such as Economics, Sociology, Politics, Anthropology, Geography etc.
Development Studies is one of the major programmes of post graduation in the humanities field now. It is both theoretical and practical and demands creative interference from the learner. As it comprises a variety of issues, the learning of the course provides a very comprehensive understanding of the society.
The major institutes that provide courses on Development Studies are listed below:
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences
- Delhi University
- Christ University
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- IIT Madras
- Madras Institute for Development Studies
Hope this helps!
146 Views
What kind of questions are asked in the interview of MA Development studies in Ambedkar University??
29th Nov, 2021
The interview will be on the basis of the knowledge you have gained from your previous education and general knowledge you have on development. moreover reasons for choosing this studies and your level of interest in development is also asked. be prepared with the general questions related to your previous education that will be more enough to crack this interview.
141 Views
What is the syllabus for entrance exam of MA Development Studies under Integrated Program of Calicut University - 2021?
2nd Oct, 2021
Hii
Mama Development Studies is a 2-year postgraduate program that goes under the Arts stream. The point of this course is to furnish understudies with the recorded changes in the design of the state, social establishments, and common society and their expanding results on creating social orders, like India.
55 Views
What is the student intake in SAU for MA Development Studies
14th Feb, 2022
Hi,
Hope you are fine.
The student intake in SAU for MA development studies is 30.
Thanks.
