The Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD) is a specialized course designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address rural development challenges. The course aims to build a comprehensive understanding of rural socio-economic issues, sustainable development practices, and the role of various government and non-governmental organizations in rural upliftment. It blends theoretical learning with practical exposure to rural realities, empowering students to design, implement, and evaluate development projects in rural areas. The curriculum includes topics such as rural economics, agriculture, community development, rural health, and environmental sustainability. The PGDRD program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and prepares students for roles in rural development agencies, NGOs, and governmental institutions working in rural settings.
Post Graduate Diploma In Rural Development (PGDRD) Eligibility
A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. This means graduates from fields such as arts, science, commerce, management, or any other stream are eligible to apply.
There is no age limit for admission, and the course is open to both fresh graduates and working professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in the area of rural development. Some institutions may give preference to candidates with experience in the development sector, but it is not mandatory.
Post Graduate Diploma In Rural Development (PGDRD) Syllabus
The Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD) syllabus is structured to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of rural development. While specific details may vary slightly by university (e.g., IGNOU is a common provider), the core syllabus generally includes the following key areas across various modules or courses:
- Rural Development – Indian Context
- Rural Development Programmes
- Rural Social Development
- Research And Project Report
- Communication and Extension in Rural Development
- Planning and Management of Rural Development
- Rural Health Care
- Rural Society, Polity and Institutions
- Rural Resources, Production Systems and Livelihoods
- Rural Marketing and Agri-Business Development
- NGOs and Rural Development
Here, Some university syllabus which you can access directly
| UNIVERSITY | SYLLABUS LINK |
| 1.      Indira Gandhi National Open University – New Delhi | Click Here |
| 2.      Odisha State Open University – Sambalpur Odisha | Click Here |
| 3.      ISBM University – Chhattisgarh | Click Here |
| 4.      Institute Of Rural Management Anand – Gujarat | Click Here |
| 5.      Dr. C V Raman University – Bilaspur Chhattisgarh | Click Here |
| 6.      National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj – Hyderabad | Click Here |
| 7.      University Of Mysore – Manasagangotri, Mysore | Click Here |
| 8.      Asian International University – Manipur | Click Here |
| 9.      AISECT University – Hazaribagh Jharkhand | Click Here |
| 10.  Pondicherry University – Kalapet, Pondicherry | Click Here |
Post Graduate Diploma In Rural Development (PGDRD) University List
Here is a list of notable universities and institutions across India that offer the Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University – New Delhi
- Odisha State Open University – Sambalpur Odisha
- ISBM University – Chhattisgarh
- Institute Of Rural Management Anand – Gujarat
- Dr. C V Raman University – Bilaspur Chhattisgarh
- National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj – Hyderabad
- University Of Mysore – Manasagangotri, Mysore
- Asian International University – Manipur
- AISECT University – Hazaribagh Jharkhand
- Pondicherry University – Kalapet, Pondicherry
- Ranchi University – Ranchi Jharkhand
Post Graduate Diploma In Rural Development (PGDRD) Fee University Wise
| UNIVERSITY | Fee Per Year/Sem |
| 1.      Indira Gandhi National Open University – New Delhi | ₹2,900 |
| 2.      Odisha State Open University – Sambalpur Odisha | ₹6,000 |
| 3.      ISBM University – Chhattisgarh | ₹30,000 |
| 4.      Institute Of Rural Management Anand – Gujarat | ₹9,40,000 |
| 5.      Dr. C V Raman University – Bilaspur Chhattisgarh | ₹16,000 |
| 6.      National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj – Hyderabad | ₹2,31,000 |
| 7.      University Of Mysore – Manasagangotri, Mysore | ₹7,800 |
| 8.      Asian International University – Manipur | ₹17,000 |
| 9.      AISECT University – Hazaribagh Jharkhand | ₹18,000 |
| 10.  Pondicherry University – Kalapet, Pondicherry | ₹20,600 |
Post Graduate Diploma In Rural Development (PGDRD) Admission 2025
Here’s a brief overview of the admission process for the Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD) and related programs for the 2025 academic session at the university and the institution. You can find the application link and the last date also in the list below mentioned list
| UNIVERSITY | LAST DATE | LINK |
| 1.      Indira Gandhi National Open University – New Delhi | 30 May 2025 | Click |
| 2.      Odisha State Open University – Sambalpur, Odisha | Not Start Yet | Click |
| 3.      ISBM University – Chhattisgarh | 30 June 2025 | Click |
| 4.      Institute Of Rural Management, Anand – Gujarat | 20 Jan 2025 | Click |
| 5.      Dr. C V Raman University – Bilaspur Chhattisgarh | 15 June 2025 | Click |
| 6.      National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj – Hyderabad |
15 June 2025 |
Click |
| 7.      University Of Mysore – Manasagangotri, Mysore | 30 May 2025 | Click |
| 8.      Asian International University – Manipur | 15 July 2025 | Click |
| 9.      AISECT University – Hazaribagh, Jharkhand | 15 July 2025 | Click |
| 10.  Pondicherry University – Kalapet, Pondicherry | Through CUET PG | Click |
Conclusions:
Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD) is a valuable academic program designed for individuals who aspire to contribute to the sustainable development of rural India. Offered by reputed institutions such as IGNOU, NIRDPR, OSOU, and others, the program equips learners with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address rural challenges. With flexible learning options, affordable fees, and wide eligibility criteria, it caters to both fresh graduates and working professionals. As admissions for 2025 open, this is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about grassroots development, policy implementation, and social change to build a meaningful career in the rural development sector.