MBA in Rural Management

MBA in Rural Management

The MBA in Rural Management is a specialised program that equips students to serve in the rural sector and help develop rural communities. It specialises in managing agribusiness, rural development and rural industries. This course is ideal for students who wish to help rural communities positively while at the same time enriching their careers.

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The coursework comprises modules such as rural marketing, rural finance, supply chain management, microfinance, agribusiness management, social entrepreneurship and development policy. It equips students with the skills to manage projects, run rural enterprises and work together with NGOs, government departments and rural businesses.

Theoretical and practical knowledge gained by the applicants in this program. The curriculum includes fieldwork, village outings, internships and practical projects to help students understand the opportunities and challenges that are found in rural areas. They learn communication, problem-solving, project management and leadership skills all of which come in handy when working with various rural communities.

An MBA in Rural Management also educates students on how to create and implement solutions that enhance rural livelihoods, bring about sustainable development and sustain rural enterprises. It shows how to overcome the gap between city industry and rural markets.

Once they complete this course, students can find employment with NGOs, government organisations, microfinance organisations, rural banks, agribusiness units and CSR divisions of big companies. A few may even establish their own companies for rural development.


MBA in Rural Management

MBA in Rural Management Course Highlights

The programme highlights, such as course level, course duration, fees and average package of the students enrolled for the program in rural management, are mentioned in the table below. Students can refer to this table as it the important features of the program are mentioned. 

Particulars 

Details 

Course Level 

Postgraduate 

Duration 

2 years

Eligibility 

UG Degree with at least 50% aggregate marks

Admission  Process 

Entrance-based 

Course Fees

₹3.50 Lakhs to ₹15.70 Lakhs

MBA in Rural Management salary in India

₹ 9.0 - ₹ 14.14 Lakhs per annum

Top reliable recruiting companies 

Amul, Godrej Industrial Limited, Nestle India Pvt. Ltd, Britannia Industries Ltd, ITC Limited, Parle Products Pvt. Ltd, Agro Tech Foods, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Naandi Foundation, PRADHAN, CARE, SEWA, BAIF, Seva Mandir, and many more. 

Most available recruiting areas

Insurance firms, educational institutions, Tata Teleservices, financial institutions, Amul Shriram Group, ICICI Bank, financing for rural and agricultural areas, etc.

Most available Job Positions 

Among them are managers of sales and business development, rural development, research, senior program officers, trainers, consultants, research, purchase/vendor development managers, sales officers, and national sales development managers.

Rural Management Key Points

  1. Applicants become confident in the application of management and development theory, through which they are able to resolve numerous rural business challenges.  Still, they encourage economic, social and political advancement in rural areas.

  1.  Inspire critical and analytical thinking in people so that when the applicant makes judgements regarding rural matters, they are fact-supported and evidence-based.

  1. Establish a values-based leadership capacity to serve rural communities.

  1.  Ability and ease with comprehending, analysing, and conveying the international, economic, legal, and ethical aspects of rural business and development.

  1.  Candidates who have undertaken a course in rural management should have the ability to effectively contribute to the atmosphere of a rural environment as well as lead themselves and others towards attaining organisational objectives.

  1. Able to organise, sponsor and develop innovative social and business ventures in rural regions.

  1. Ability to design, execute, oversee and analyse strategic projects, plans and regulations for rural development.

MBA in Rural Management Scope 

An MBA in Rural Management education improves people's employability, resulting in better career possibilities in the agricultural sector. The goal of the MBA in Rural Management program is to equip students with the information and case studies they need to run a business.  This training offers a career boost, including higher income packages and good networks in the agriculture business.

Projects, assignments and case studies are also a part of MBA programs in rural management, which enable students to practise and solve real-world business challenges while pursuing their degree.

MBA in Rural Management Distance Education

MBA in Rural Management through Distance Education is an adaptive course formulated for students and working executives who want to help in rural development. This program focuses on management and the knowledge of rural markets, agriculture and social development. The course educates the students about how to manage issues of poverty, education and healthcare in rural communities. The distance learning mode allows students to learn at home at their own pace. It is appropriate for individuals who cannot attend normal lessons because of work or personal circumstances. Upon completing this course, students can find employment with NGOs, government agencies, rural banks and development institutions. It is a great option for individuals who want to help build up rural communities.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Educational Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in any field from a recognised university.

  • Minimum Score: 50% is required for graduation (45% for reserved categories).

  • Entrance Test: Valid marks of CAT, XAT, CMAT or institute-specific tests.

  • Final-year students: Students who are graduating in their last year may also apply, as long as they finish their coursework before being admitted.

  • Work Experience: Experience in development, rural economies or NGOs is preferred but not necessary.

  • Indian and foreign nationals can apply (subject to the institute limitations for candidates from abroad).

  • Additional Requirement:  Some institutes might require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or proof of interest in rural development.

MBA in Rural Management: Admission Process

  • Complete the application form provided on the selected institute's official website.

  • Appear for national-level exams like CAT, XAT and CMAT and institute-level exams (e.g., IRMASAT).

  • Students are shortlisted by institutes based on entrance exam performance and academic achievements.

  • Certain institutions conduct a written test to evaluate communication and analytical skills.

  • Take part in GD rounds to test your teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills.

  • Take part in an interview to test motivation, communication skills and interest in rural development.

  •  The final selection is made based on overall performance in admission tests, WAT, GD, PI, work experience (if any) and academic record.

  • Chosen applicants get admission offers and pay fees to claim their places.

Subjects

The planning, organisation and management of cooperatives and allied agricultural groups and the study of advanced courses in the application of management principles to the rural sector are all covered in MBA in Rural Management Syllabus. Students can acquire the leadership abilities required to support underdeveloped rural communities through courses including Microeconomic Analysis, Rural Production and Livelihoods, Rural Society and Polity, Rural Finance and Commercial Banking and many more.

Subjects 

Micro Economic Analysis

Rural Production and Livelihoods

Rural Society and Polity

Development Research Methods


Macro Economic Analysis

Natural Resource

Development Theory and Practice

Policy and Programme Interventions for Rural Development

Rural Finance and Commercial Banking

Management of Co-operatives & FPOs

Human Resource Development

ICTs for Development

MBA  Rural Management: Career Prospects

A Master of Business Administration in Rural Management offers a very good career opportunity for individuals who want to pursue rural development. They can get employment with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government departments, microfinance institutions, rural banks and agribusiness enterprises. They can serve as project manager, rural development officer, CSR manager, operations manager or consultant. Large corporations also employ them for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in rural areas. Others start their own businesses to serve rural communities. This career not only offers the prospect for advancement, but it is also a positive social force.

Job Positions 

Position Details

Rural Development Officer

Candidates with this job role help the Senior Program Manager to look after activities of work under the Rural Development Program, which includes checking venture implementation progress, administration and management of agreements and contracts.


Research officer

The main job role of the person sitting in this position is to direct research ventures at every stage from early to last and also to coordinate and ensure that all ventures and errands are going as planned. 

Sales Officer

This job role offers retail items, merchandise and services to clients. 

National Sales Development Manager

He or she is in charge of developing effective marketing and promotion strategies while working with various company executives.

Agri-Entrepreneur

Candidates who are planning to start and manage their agribusiness venture are primarily focused on new innovative, unique solutions to handle the rural agricultural challenges.

Rural Management Consultant 

The main job role of this position is to guide government agencies, NGOs and private companies regarding rural development initiatives 

Policy Analyst 

Evaluate issues on rural development, make policy suggestions, and help create successful solutions for rural areas.

Farm Manager

Effectively and efficiently look after agricultural fields, maximising output and profitability via the use of contemporary methods and sustainable practices.

MBA in Rural Management Colleges/Specialised PGDM/MBA in Rural Management- Fees

The following are some of the colleges in India that provide an MBA in Rural Management.  Information about the fee structure of various colleges is provided for better advice. The best college is XIM University. The course lasts two years and costs ₹15.70 lakhs annually.  Students interested in enrolling in a Rural Management program should review the information provided on the course's duration and fee structure.

College Name 

Program Name

Duration 

Fees 

Chitkara Business School, Rajpura-Patiala

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

₹ 7.0 Lakhs

KIIT School of Rural Management

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

₹12.90 Lakhs

Institute of Rural Management Anand

PGDM-RM 

2 Years

₹ 13.6 lakh

XIM University 

MBA-RM

2 Years

₹15.70 Lakhs

The Neotia University

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

₹3.89 Lakhs

S. B. PATIL INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, PUNE

MBA

2 Years

₹3.50 Lakhs

Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

₹1.06 Lakhs

Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai

PGDM in Rural Management


2 Years

₹14.00 Lakhs

Colleges with specialisations in Rural Management/ Specialised MBA/PGDM in Rural Management: Average Package 

The growth of rural areas is a primary focus of a specialised MBA program in rural management. Planning rural projects, microfinance, developing governmental policies and marketing rural areas are all included in this.  Students who are interested in this course can find more information about these colleges by looking through the table.  Below is also a list of the costs for each college.

College Name 

Program Name

Duration 

Average Package 

Chitkara Business School, Rajpura-Patiala

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

-

KIIT School of Rural Management

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

₹ 9.0 Lakhs per annum

Institute of Rural Management Anand

PGDM- RM 

2 Years

₹ 14.14 Lakhs per annum

XIM University 

MBA-RM

2 Years

-

The Neotia University

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

-

S. B. PATIL INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, PUNE

MBA

2 Years

-

Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University  Gadag

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

-

Seacom Skill University

MBA in Rural Management

2 Years

-

Prin L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai

PGDM in Rural Management


2 Years

₹ 12.14 Lakhs per annum

MBA in Rural Management: Future Scope 

Students who wish to enhance their career in the same field can avail of postgraduate education, i.e., a Ph.D. in any field of interest, after an MBA in Rural Management. To qualify for this, the candidate must have undergone a two-year postgraduate course and have passed the GATE or UGC-NET exams.

To boost their prospects of getting accepted, Ph.D. candidates are required to provide a research proposal, recommendation letter and work experience. Indian PhD courses take three to five years to complete, while in other nations it takes four to seven years.

An MBA in Rural Management could be the most fulfilling career prospect for any graduate, especially in India. The course instructs students on the challenges and opportunities in the Indian rural economy. This course equips students with relevant skills and knowledge for the agricultural industry. Students can visit with farmers and villagers, learn their needs and challenges and generate innovative ideas that enhance their existing position.  Rural development has long been the worry of the Indian government after India gained its independence and it is now up to professionals to plan and manage this sector.   

Even now, the corporate world is interested in the development of the rural sector and is always on the lookout for professionals with experience in rural management. Some of the most important considerations for rural management in the future involve procuring smooth data on financing, financial assistance, procurement and disbursal of monies to rural citizens. Procuring knowledge of different rural processes and activities and providing skills and knowledge of contemporary cultivation methods and special agricultural processes and embracing successful approaches that bring wealth to rural areas.

Conclusion

The knowledge and skills that an MBA in Rural Management provides can be utilised to solve rural business problems and bring social, political and economic development to rural regions. Furthermore, the course assists students in developing critical and analytical thinking skills for evidence-based or data-driven decision-making regarding rural matters.  Students obtaining this degree will be more capable of leading rural communities by values.

This qualification allows individuals to manage themselves and others to meet organisational objectives and contribute positively to a team in a rural setting.

FAQs

Yes. There is a growing need for MBA graduates in India as well, and many prestigious firms worldwide are seeking Indian graduates with an MBA in rural management. Numerous polls and estimates indicate that the demand for MBA degrees will increase by 12% following the COVID-19 pandemic

Poverty, lack of access to healthcare and education, and environmental degradation are some of the issues that rural communities frequently confront. Through the creation and application of policies that support social welfare, economic expansion, and environmental preservation, rural managers play a critical role in resolving these problems.

The chance to truly impact people's lives is among the biggest advantages of choosing a career in rural management. Lack of access to healthcare, fewer economic possibilities, and poor infrastructure are just a few of the particular difficulties that rural communities frequently confront.