Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management or PGDRM for short is a two year long postgraduate course. The course is taught full-time, distance and online means.
PGDRM syllabus covers the rural environment and how to manage agriculture and other aspects to improve development. Students also learn how to bring about sustainable changes to the socio-economic scene in rural environments without causing any damage. MBA Admission 2023
Aspirants interested in pursuing PGDRM, have to meet the college’s eligibility criteria. All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any stream or the same specialisation. Additionally, one must have at least 50% aggregate score, 45% for reserved category students. Colleges who are still waiting for their results can take an entrance test and apply for admission.
Admissions to Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management, is on both merit basis and through entrance examinations. Nationally conducted entrance tests like CAT, MAT, SNAP, XAT etc are accepted. Candidates have to score more than the cutoff marks, to get eligible. MBA Full Form
There are approximately 40 PGDRM colleges in India. The top among them are S.P. Mandali’s WE School Welingkar Education, Mumbai, Institute of Rural Management, Gujarat, Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi. The average course fee ranges from INR 3,300 to INR 8,00,000. Check MBA Jobs
Graduates of PGDRM get hired into several industries like FMCG, Finance, Telecommunications, Sales etc. The popular job positions are Researcher, Rural Manager, Agronomist, Program Officer, Rural Development Officer, Business Development Manager, Sales Officer. Read MBA Specialization
Recruiters wise, individuals have been hired in Amul, ICICI Group, NABARD, Tata Group, Dabur India Ltd., HDFC Bank, Britannia Industries Ltd., Nestle India Pvt. Ltd. The average salary range is INR 2,40,000 to INR 9,00,000 LPA.
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PGDRM Course Highlights
| Course type | Post Graduate Diploma |
| Course Duration | 2 years |
| Course Examination Type | Semester System |
| Course Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree |
| Course Admission process | Merit basis and entrance test |
| Course Fee | INR 3,300 to INR 8,00,000 |
| Course Average Salary | INR 2,40,000 to INR 8,40,000 LPA |
| Top Recruiting companies | Amul, ICICI Group, NABARD, Tata Group, Dabur India Ltd., HDFC Bank, Britannia Industries Ltd., Nestle India Pvt. Ltd., Seva Mandir, Naandi Foundation, ITC Ltd., Agro Tech Foods |
| Job Position | Researcher, Rural Manager, Agronomist, Program Officer, Rural Development Officer, Business Development Manager, Sales Officer |
About the PGDRM Course
PGDRM is a postgraduate level intensive programme. The programme deals with learning different ways of improving lives in rural areas. The course deals with improving agriculture, dairy and poultry production, finance, irrigation, water conservation etc. Rural Management is an important department in FMCG, Finance, Telecommunications, NGOs, research organizations.
The course curriculum is a mix of theory classes taught on-campus and on-field classes. Completing the on-field subjects is a must in order to graduate. Students get to learn first hand about working with people, what problems to expect and how to communicate effectively to solve said problems.
Why Study PGDRM?
There are several reasons why anyone should study a postgraduate diploma in Rural Management. Elaborated below are ways in which one could benefit from studying this course.
- Rural Management is a great way to learn about agriculture. India is an agriculture majority society and more and more people must know how to keep this way of life alive. Rural Management teaches about ways of sustainable agriculture, harvesting best techniques etc.
- Rural Management teaches about microfinance and other forms of finance. Most rural managers work in financial institutes and work towards extending finance towards farmers. They will help provide funds to farmers to buy seeds, equipment, farming etc.
- The village system in India has several management bodies like Panchayats, Block Development bodies etc. Rural Management courses teach about these bodies and their functioning. Understanding these bodies will help Rural Managers perform their duties better while navigating around them.
- Rural Management boosts local production of crops, dairy and poultry. Rural Managers will look up ways to increase production without causing damage to the ecosystem. They are well-versed in the knowledge of soil, irrigation, harvesting and more.
- The opportunity for career growth is immense in this field. Individuals, after much experience, can progress to senior positions in CSR.
PGDRM Admission Process
Admissions to the PGDRM course is done on both merit basis and through entrance examinations. Institutes accept national and state-level management entrance tests like CAT, MAT, XAT. Merit-based admissions take place on the basis of cut-off lists of aggregate scores lists released by the institute. The full step by step process for admission is as below.
Step I - Prepare for and take an entrance test. Depending on the college and course of choice, accepted test scores or could conduct their own written test.
Step II - After the results of the test, apply online for admission. For merit-based admissions, this is the only step needed after cut-off lists are released.
Step - III Register and create a student profile. Fill out the application form, upload documents in the correct format. Pay the application fee online. Payment can be made using a credit card or debit card and other payment modes. Submit the application.
Once shortlisted by college, attend further admission rounds. Attend personal interviews and/or group discussions on-campus. Final selection of the candidates will be based on candidates’ performance in this round.
PGDRM Eligibility
Students who wish to pursue PGDRM must meet certain eligibility criteria. The final eligibility criteria differs from institute to institute.
- All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in the same specialisation or any other specialisation.
- The minimum aggregate score one must have is 50% and above for admission. For reserved category applicants, there is a 5% relaxation on the aggregate score.
- All students who are in their final year and waiting for their results can also apply for the PGDRM course.
- Students must also possess a national or state level entrance test score.
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PGDRM Admissions 2023
- The admissions process for PGDRM is currently under process. Students interested in the programme can register and take an entrance test.
- CAT examination has its registration window open from August 3th to September 14th 2023. Also, the examination is said to take place on November 27 2023.
- MAT is also accepting applications for its annual exam. The registration window is between August 25 to September 9 2023. The examination dates are from August 28th to September 12, 2023.
- IRMASAT has already concluded its annual examination. The 2023 cycle took place between February 18 to 19 2023.
- Applications for admission and to take the test are to be done online. Some tests are being held at home due to the pandemic while others are taking place like they usually do.
PGDRM Entrance Exams
All Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management applicants needs to take a management entrance test. National level tests like CAT, MAT, SNAP are accepted at most institutes. Institute level tests like the IRMASAT is also popular. Details regarding the top entrance tests are as below.
| Exam Name | Exam Details |
|---|---|
| CAT | Check Here |
| MAT | Check Here |
| SNAP | Check Here |
| IIFT | Check Here |
| IBSAT | Check Here |
| CMAT | Check Here |
| MAH CET | Check Here |
| NMAT | Check Here |
| ATMA | Check Here |
| XAT | Check Here |
| TISSNET | Check Here |
| TANCET | Check Here |
PGDRM Syllabus
The PGDRM syllabus is taught over 2 years. The subjects include general management subjects and rural management. Also, students have to compulsorily have to complete an internship in a rural area. Project work also must be prepared and submitted in order to graduate. Check MBA Syllabus
PGDRM Subjects
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Rural Society | Rural Development Institutions and Entrepreneurship |
| Rural Development in India | Rural Resource Management |
| Rural Social Problems | Rural Development in Odisha |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Soft Skill Development | Project Management |
| ICT and Geoinformatics for Rural Development | Strategic Management |
| Communication and Extension in Rural Development | Managing Collective |
| - | Electives |
| - | Project Work |
Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management Top Colleges
| College Name | Average Fees(INR) |
|---|---|
| Odisha State Open University, Orissa | 7,500 |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University | 2,000 |
| Gram Swaraj | NA |
| Dr. C.V. Raman University |
Top Colleges in India
Several colleges and universities in India that have Management degrees offer the PGDRM program. From Welingkar’s in Mumbai to the Institute of Rural Management in Jaipur and Ranchi. The average course fees range from INR 3,300 to INR 8,00,000. The table below lists the top PGDRM colleges in India.
| College Name | Average Annual fees(INR) |
|---|---|
| S.P. Mandali’s WE School Welingkar Education, Mumbai | 5,50,000 |
| Institute of Rural Management, Gujarat | 7,50,502 |
| Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi | 8,00,000 |
| Institute of Rural Management, Jaipur | 3,70,000 |
| National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad | 10,500 |
| Xavier Institute of Development Action and Studies, Jabalpur | 2,57,050 |
| Shivalik Institute of Management Education and Research Durg | 90,000 |
| Mumbai University | 55,000 |
| Bangalore University | 3,370 |
| Indian Statistical Institute Giridih | NA |
| Odisha State Open University, Orissa | 7,500 |
| Terna Global Business School, Mumbai | 4,50,000 |
PGDRM Top Colleges Abroad
Internationally, universities offer full-time bachelor, master and doctoral level programmes in Rural Development. Admissions differ country-wise but require applicants to submit several different documents and test scores. Check out the various PGDRM colleges, with eligibility and admission process, below.
- Applicants must have completed and possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized institute.
- International applicants should be fluent in English and French, for Canada. Language proficiency test scores like TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge test scores must be submitted during admissions.
- Test scores like GMAT and GRE are also necessary. These tests will judge the knowledge level of the candidates.
- Documents must be in order to make sure applications are not submitted. Necessary documents are transcripts, test scores, statement of purpose, letters of recommendations from previous employer or professor, proof of availability of funds etc.
- Certain masters level courses require candidates to have previous work experience. Accordingly, to prove this work experience, a resume, letters of recommendation from the employer is a must.
- Once applications are submitted, universities will judge the applications. Once approved, a letter of admission offer is given to the candidate. This letter can be used to apply for a student visa.
| College Name | Average Annual Fees(INR) |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 9,64,373 |
| University College London | 9,35,427 |
| University of Pennsylvania | NA |
| The University of Edinburgh | 25,08,692 |
| Peking University | NA |
| Cornell University | 44,56,092 |
| Hong Kong University | NA |
| The University of Tokyo | 3,58,469 |
| University of Toronto | 21,32,171 |
| McGill University | 45,318 per credit |
PGDRM Distance Education
Distance mode education is available for PGDRM. Several open universities provide a flexible way of earning a degree. As opposed to a regular full-time programme, a distance mode programme holds classes occasionally for doubt clearing.
Also, admissions are done on merit basis of bachelors level aggregate score. Detailed below is the admission process and the top colleges in India that offer the PGDRM course.
Admission Process
The admission process for distance mode PGDRM is mainly through merit basis. The eligibility criteria for admission is the same as for regular programmes. Namely, one must have a bachelor's degree beforehand with at least a 50% aggregate score.
Admission can be taken on the basis of cut-off lists released by the institute. The step by step process for admission to the distance mode programme is as follows.
Step I - Take note of cut-off lists of aggregate scores released by shortlisted colleges.
Step II - Start to apply online from the official college website. Register and create a student profile. Use an active email id and phone number.
Step III - Login and start filling out the application form. Scan and upload necessary documents including photographs. Take note of the recommended file size and format. Pay the application fee online using credit, debit card and/or internet banking. Download payment receipt. Review and submit the application.
PGDRM Jobs
Rural Development is an industry that offers several job opportunities. Individuals can expect to work with public and also private organizations towards Rural Management. In India, Rural Management graduates work as Researchers, Rural Manager, Sales officers, Business Development Officer etc. The average salary range for all job profiles is INR 2,46,000 to INR 8,40,000 LPA. Check out the top PGDRM job profiles below.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary(INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Researcher | A Researcher conducts fresh research on a given topic or uses existing research to solve a problem. They will collect data, analyse it, look for patterns and create forecasts out of it. Reports are then generated to be used for further decisions. | 6,94,850 |
| Rural Manager | A Rural Manager looks out for opportunities to implement projects for rural development. They are knowledgeable in Finance, Operations, Marketing, Resource Development etc. Their work is done to address specific issues. | 6,00,000 |
| Agronomist | An Agronomist is an expert in the different kinds of soils and crops. They look for ways to grow crops without harming the plant or the soil while making sure there is the maximum output. | 5,52,000 |
| Program Officer | A Program Officer is an individual in charge of programmes. They oversee the planning, preparation, implementation and wrapping up of the programme. They need to make sure everyone is working at full capacity and efficiency. | 8,68,617 |
| Rural Development Officer | Rural Development Officers work with Central and State Governments. They are tasked with implementing a Rural Development programme. The programme aims at launching products and services in rural areas to promote development. | 4,39,329 |
| Business Development Manager | The main responsibility of a Business Development Manager is to look for opportunities for growth. They aim to increase brand awareness, company’s finances and move up in the market. All of these duties are done within a set budget and goals of the organization. | 5,98,131 |
| Sales Officer | The Sales Officers are hired to increase sales for a company’s products and services. They take care of the budget and adopt a strategy to achieve sales targets. Another duty of a Sales Officer is to improve brand presence. | 2,46,49757 |
Top Recruiters
For Rural Management, recruiters are found in both private and public sector organizations. The top recruiters in India are as below.
| Amul | ICICI Group |
| NABARD | Tata Group |
| Dabur India Ltd. | HDFC Bank |
| Britannia Industries Ltd. | Nestle India Pvt. Ltd. |
| Seva Mandir | Naandi Foundation |
| ITC Ltd. | Agro Tech Foods |
PGDRM Scope
There is a good scope of the candidates who complete the PGDRM program. After completing PGDRM, there are two options for graduates. Firstly, students can either opt for higher education or start working in their chosen field. Work-wise, graduates can work as Researcher, Rural Manager, Agronomist, Program Officer, Rural Development Officer, Business Development Manager, Sales Officer etc.
Some popular recruiters are Britannia Industries Ltd., Nestle India Pvt. Ltd., Seva Mandir, Naandi Foundation, ITC Ltd., Agro Tech Foods etc. The average salary one can earn is between INR 2,50,000 to INR 9,00,000 LPA. Education-wise, there are regular masters degrees, MA in Rural Management and MBA in Rural Management. Doctoral studies degrees that are available are PhD and M.Phil degrees.
MA in Rural Management
- A Master of Arts in Rural Management is a two year long postgraduate degree.
- The programme focuses on learning how to improve the quality of life in rural areas.
- Admissions are done on both merit basis and entrance test basis.
- Popularly accepted written tests are TISS NET, JNUEE etc.
MBA Rural Management
- MBA in Rural Management is a two year long postgraduate programme.
- Students who have completed their bachelors’ in any stream can apply.
- One must also have an entrance examination score like CAT, MAT, XAT etc.
- Applicants must have at least a 50% minimum aggregate score. There is a 5% relaxation for reserved category applicants.
- Also, applicants must attend a personal interview and a group discussion session.
PhD Rural Management
- A PhD in Rural Management is the highest degree level one can earn in India.
- One can either conduct new research on a chosen topic or use existing research to solve a real-world problem.
- Admissions are done through written tests like GATE or university level tests.
- After qualifying for the written test, a personal interview takes place with the department head.
- Applicants must also prepare and submit a research proposal for admissions.
PGDRM FAQs
Ques. What is Rural Management?
Ans. Rural Management is the practice of planning, organizing and controlling rural areas. Rural Managers apply managerial principles to agriculture in rural areas to boost production in a sustained way.
Ques. What is the scope of the PG Diploma in Rural Management?
Ans. There is immense scope for a Rural Manager in India. Several top organizations in India hire Rural Managers annually. Also, over time, with experience, Rural Managers are able to work in Corporate Social Responsibility in management.
Ques. What is taught in Rural Management?
Ans. The courses and subjects in Rural Management are different depending on the focus area. Generally, one learns about microfinance, rural production, rural technology, CSR management, natural resource management etc.
Ques. What are some good institutes for Rural Management?
Ans. There are various top-ranking institutes in India that offer Rural Management. The top five are Institute of Rural Management Anand, KIIT School of Rural Management, Welingkar Mumbai, Xavier Institute of Social Services and National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad.
Ques. What are the career scopes for a Rural Management graduate?
Ans. A Rural Management graduate can expect to work in Insurance and banking companies, food, telecommunications, consultancy, research and development organizations. By earning INR 2,50,000 to INR 9,00,000 LPA, graduates can work in various capacities like Rural Manager, Sales Officer, Business Development Officer, Researcher, Consultant etc.
Ques. Is it beneficial to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management from IRMA?
Ans. Whether a course is beneficial or not will depend on the individual’s career goals. IRMA’s courses are highly regarded in the industry and students will greatly benefit from the degree to succeed in the industry.
Ques. How is IRMA Jaipur for PGDRM?
Ans. IRMA is one of the top institutes in the country for Rural Management. It has several campuses across India and has been ranked highly in several ranking agencies. Graduates secure jobs in high paying job profiles.
Ques. What is the average package for the PGDRM course?
Ans. The average salary a PGDRM graduate can earn is between INR 2,40,000 to INR 9,00,000 LPA.
Ques. Is PGDRM in demand?
Ans. Yes. Judging by the placement track record of the course in top schools, the course is very much in demand.
Ques. What are some job profiles one can work with PGDRM?
Ans. PGRM graduates can work as Researcher, Rural Manager, Agronomist, Program Officer, Rural Development Officer, Business Development Manager, Sales Officer.
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