MBA in Rural Management : Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Admission 2025, Colleges, Jobs, and Salary
MBA in Rural Management is a 2-year postgraduate program designed to prepare students for managerial roles in rural development, agriculture, social enterprises, and microfinance organizations. It focuses on understanding rural economies, sustainable development, and social entrepreneurship.
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 45–50% marks. Admission is typically through entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, or institute-specific exams, followed by group discussions and personal interviews.
Top colleges offering MBA in Rural Management include IRMA Anand, Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) Ranchi, IIFM Bhopal, IFMR Chennai, Xavier University Bhubaneswar, and Amity University.
The average course fee ranges from INR 3,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 depending on the institute.
Graduates can work in NGOs, Microfinance Institutions, Rural Development Organizations, FMCG rural divisions, and Agri-business firms. Popular roles include Rural Development Manager, Project Manager, Microfinance Officer, Social Entrepreneur, and Field Officer.
The average salary ranges from INR 4–12 LPA depending on the institute and experience.
MBA Rural Management Course Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | MBA in Rural Management |
| Level of Study | Postgraduation |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with 45–50% marks |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, IRMA Admission Test |
| Admission Process | Entrance-based / Merit-based with GD-PI |
| Course Fee | INR 3,00,000 – 15,00,000 |
| Colleges / Universities | IRMA Anand, XISS Ranchi, IIFM Bhopal, IFMR Chennai, Xavier University Bhubaneswar, Amity University |
| Average Salary | INR 4 – 12 LPA |
| Job Roles | Rural Development Manager, Project Manager, Microfinance Officer, Social Entrepreneur, Field Officer |
Why Pursue an MBA in Rural Management?
- Social Impact: Contribute to rural development, sustainability, and poverty alleviation programs.
- High Demand: Growing need for managers in NGOs, microfinance, agriculture, and social enterprises.
- Skill Development: Learn project management, rural marketing, finance for development, and community engagement.
- Diverse Opportunities: Work in government projects, NGOs, corporate social responsibility (CSR) divisions, and Agri-businesses.
- Competitive Salary: Attractive packages for top institutes and international NGOs.
MBA Rural Management Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Minimum Marks: Usually 45–50% (relaxation for reserved categories).
- Entrance Exams: CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, IRMA Admission Test.
- Work Experience: Optional; preferred by some institutes.
- Age Limit: No upper or lower age restrictions.
Top MBA Rural Management Colleges and Fees
| College | Total Course Fee | Accepted Entrance Exams |
|---|---|---|
| IRMA Anand | INR 12,00,000 | IRMA Admission Test |
| Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi | INR 8,00,000 | CAT / XAT / XISS Entrance |
| Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal | INR 10,00,000 | CAT / XAT |
| IFMR Chennai | INR 9,50,000 | CAT / XAT / MAT |
| Xavier University, Bhubaneswar | INR 8,50,000 | CAT / XAT / MAT |
| Amity University | INR 7,00,000 | CAT / MAT / XAT / NMAT |
MBA Rural Management Syllabus
The MBA Rural Management curriculum focuses on rural development, social entrepreneurship, and management practices. Sample semester-wise structure:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Principles of Management | Rural Marketing |
| Managerial Economics | Project Management |
| Financial Accounting & Management | Microfinance & Credit Management |
| Business Communication | Rural Development Programs & Policies |
| Quantitative Techniques | Social Entrepreneurship |
| Field Immersion / Rural Internship | Electives / Industry Certifications |
MBA Rural Management Jobs & Salary
Graduates can work in NGOs, government projects, CSR, Agri-business, and rural banking. Sample roles and salaries:
| Job Title | Top Recruiters | Experience Level | Average Salary (per annum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Development Manager | IRMA, NGO Sector, CSR Divisions | 0–3 years | INR 4–7 LPA |
| Project Manager | Government, NGOs, UNDP | 3–6 years | INR 6–10 LPA |
| Microfinance Officer | Bandhan Bank, SKS Microfinance | 0–4 years | INR 4–8 LPA |
| Social Entrepreneur | Startup Ecosystem, NGOs | 2–5 years | Varies (based on projects) |
| Field Officer | NGOs, Rural Development Agencies | 0–3 years | INR 3–5 LPA |
FAQs
Yes, it allows you to contribute to social development while securing managerial roles in rural sectors.
Yes, graduates from any discipline can pursue this program if interested in rural development and social entrepreneurship.
Yes, field immersion and rural internships are essential to gain practical experience in rural management.
Fresh graduates can expect INR 4–7 LPA depending on institute and role.
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