IIT Mandi Opens Applications for MA in Development Studies

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has now started online application for its two-year Master's of Arts (MA) programme in Development Studies from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Additionally, the dual-degree option is also available in the form of an MA-PhD. Applications close on April 11 at 5:30 pm. The fee per semester stands at about ₹30,000.

The programme, as per IIT Mandi, offers a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the Himalayan region through a synthesis of theoretical knowledge and hands-on fieldwork and research.

With an 80-credit curriculum, the course explores themes of development, sustainability, and empowerment, particularly in the Himalayan belt. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Mandi is also actively involved in community development in the Kamand region, offering training programmes to support local self-sufficiency.

Dr Surya Prakash Upadhyay, Chairperson, School of Humanities & Social Sciences, emphasised that the programme is specially crafted to deal with problems unique to the Himalayan region. It allows students to work on conducting research as well as practical development, providing perspectives that are important at local, regional, and international levels.

Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with minimum marks of 55 per cent or a CGPA of 6.0 on a scale of 10. SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and PwD category candidates are permitted a relaxation to 50 per cent marks or a CGPA of 5.5 on a scale of 10.

The process of selection comprises a written examination and an interview. The list of shortlisted candidates will be released on April 15. The online written test is proposed to be conducted between April 21 and 25, and online interviews will be conducted between April  26 and 29.