Port Blair, May 14: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers Master of Arts in Rural Development (MARD). The discipline of Rural Development is of vital significance for understanding the development issues related to rural society. The syllabus of M.A. Programme in Rural Development is designed to include such diverse academic contents as are essential in the making of this discipline in the Indian context.

An essential component of this programme is dissertation based on empirical research in rural areas. The programme will be useful to personnel working in various Government Departments/ agencies, NGO’s, cooperative banks and other institutes engaged in rural transformation. It will also be beneficial for fresh graduates interested in pursuing career in the discipline of rural development. This programme is designed to provide extensive knowledge and information pertaining to various aspects of rural development in the Indian context. Apart from providing an integrated understanding of factors and issues associated with rural development, the programme also introduces the learner to research methods in rural development. Eligibility for MARD is Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized University.

Medium of instruction for this programme is English and Hindi. The duration of the programme is two years, However it can be completed in a maximum period of 5 years. For details, visit IGNOU Website- www.ignou.ac.in or contact IGNOU Regional Centre Port Blair or any of its Study Centres at Mayabunder, Hutbay, Car Nicobar, Nancowrie & Campbell Bay . Prospectus can be obtained from Regional Centre in person in Rs.200/-, or  by post by sending a DD of Rs.250/- in favour of IGNOU, New Delhi, to Registrar (Student Registration Division), Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-68.It can be downloaded from the university website www.ignou.ac.in. Last Date for receipt of Applications is 15th June 2013.