MA Development Studies IIT Guwahati
How to prepare for IIT Guwahati MA Development Studies entrance exam and interview
MA Development Studies Department
The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Guwahati has been the preferred destination for aspiring social scientists, technologists, bureaucrats from across the country since 2009, the year the multi disciplinary Masters programme in Development Studies was initiated.The Department consistently attracts the finest faculty and the best of students for its Masters Programme in Development Studies. Keeping in line with the tradition of the institution the department has a rich heritage of pursuing excellence and has continually reinvented itself in terms of academic programmes and research infrastructure. The course designed for the program draws upon many disciplines and constructs a balanced understanding of historical and contemporary processes, transcending the boundaries of conventional academic disciplines. The courses root student knowledge in the local and regional character of development trajectories and practices while also providing a strong foundation in theory and concepts. Students are trained in advanced statistical methods, computer assisted data analysis, survey design, field analysis, quantitative methods, approaches to research design to build upon their skills acquired in the program. I would also like to state here a point that the courses in the program are perpetually evolving to adapt to the changing scenario and new requirements worldwide. Besides their regular academic engagement, the department and the institute also offer them a host of opportunities to stretch their wings. The central library with access to over ten thousand online journals makes access to latest developments in their discipline very easy. They remain updated and plan their future with a sense of purpose. They have been frontrunners in the cultural and creative activities of the institute as they get an extra edge being a part of a dynamic program which teaches them to lead, to communicate, to dream, to guide the world. We consider it a privilege to welcome you. Prof. Sukanya Sharma Head, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences IIT Guwahati

The MA in Development Studies program at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati is an interdisciplinary course on the theory and practice of development in the world. Through its various courses and a dissertation component, the program engages students in key conceptual debates and theories of development. The historical and contemporary case studies of developmental practices is mapped by examining the public policies related to agriculture and industry, inequality, social justice, gender, international relations, labour markets, environment and ecology, science and technology. The course enables students to develop analytical skills and perspectives necessary to conduct development and applied research. The comparative case studies, research study and internships helps students critically understand a wide range of policy issues experienced in local, national and global sites. The students therefore expand their analytical horizon and skills in this duration of coursework. The present batch of MA in Development Studies (2019-21) comprises of 52 students with diverse disciplinary backgrounds. They have excellent academic and extracurricular track record. This pandemic year has been unusual for all given the multiple challenges it has brought along. One such shift has being the mode of education from physical classrooms to online learning. Despite many difficulties, the students have strived hard to learn and participate in these virtual discussions that testify to their academic commitments and sincerity. I believe this experience will facilitate their transition into the new work space evolving in the current situation. I invite you to visit our campus and interact with our curious and bright student community, ready to contribute as development professionals.
The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Guwahati is a centre for research and teaching composed of academics from eleven different disciplines: Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, History, Archaeology, Political Science, Geography, Development Studies. With its varied range of research interests and expertise, the department promotes interdisciplinary work in humanities and social sciences, offering projects, supervision and fellowships aimed to attract students and researchers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. Apart from its undergraduate B.Tech taught courses which include uniquely designed content offered by members of faculty, the department provides highly interdisciplinary areas of expertise and investigation in its MA and PhD programmes. The MA in Development Studies is a multi-disciplinary programme initiated in the year 2009 and is designed to provide an advanced understanding of the cultures, conflicts and discourses in issues involving development in ideological as well as real social situations, through innovative course work and supervised research. The PhD programme of the department promotes dialogues across different disciplines in humanities and social sciences, offering expert supervision in eight other areas of study as well as funded fellowships to selected full-time researchers. The department collaborates with related Indian as well as international institutions in projects and workshops to promote and produce cutting-edge work in humanities and social sciences. Placing a high premium on research output and outreach, the department consistently publishes academic articles, project reports and monographs which corroborate the quality of work undertaken by its faculty, fellows and researchers.
MA DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
The M. A. Programme in Development Studies is a multi-disciplinary programme initiated in the year 2009. The programme is designed to provide an understanding of various perspectives around development issues. Through rigorous course work based on analysing existing theoretical frameworks, scrutinising data and guided research, it aims to equip students coming from several disciplines to understand, analyse and critique the developmental concerns of our nation. Its ultimate aim is to guide students to construct pathways and build solutions towards a more inclusive world. The coursework is regularly updated to keep the pressing needs of local and international issues at the forefront. Students are endowed first with comprehensive knowledge about political, sociological, economic theories to consolidate their understanding of diverse perspectives to approach a problem.
Following which they are introduced to issues concerning several sectors, from sustainability and globalization to rural development, from health and gender equality to land and displacement. The program is a blend of research and practice with a meticulously followed dissertation component. Regular term papers and group presentations assist them to not only build knowledge but also construct a work ethic which would help them work collaboratively with agencies and NGOs. Our goal is to forge an empathetic personality enabled with the public spirit to work towards a just society and evolve capacities for action. A degree in Development Studies inculcates skills in development research, critical evaluation of pivotal development issues, analytical skills and interpretation of data and, a comprehensive understanding of different religions and cultures. This thorough understanding gives the students an edge over others in policy research and drafting solutions for crucial issues.
WHY DO WE NEED DEVELOPMENT STUDIES?
Development studies emerged as an academic discipline during the late 20th century amid growing concerns for third world economies struggling to establish themselves in the postcolonial era. Herewith is listed some of the core areas where Development Studies as a discipline contributes and engages with.
Multidisciplinary: Through examining the past, present, and the future, development studies finds causal linkages between cultural, social and political institutions in the lives of ordinary people all over the world. It helps to explain why a particular situation be it economic inequality or others, persists in a concerned nation. Students and graduates propose and enact practical, real-world solutions designed to build fairer societies in which we all have the chance to live dignified and meaningful lives.
Theory and Practice: Development studies programs combine rigorous academic study with practical skills. Students learn the importance of bridging the gap between policy and practice, where knowing how to write a persuasive proposal or budget plan is just as essential as understanding theoretical concepts such as the drivers of poverty, globalization, or economic sustainability. These skill sets further enable students to engage with many different stakeholders, ranging from international governments, local community leaders, academics, and the general public.
An eye for social inclusion: Students are encouraged to understand the social dynamics linked with the economic reality of an economy; thus taking measures to address issues of diversity and inclusion within a group setting. They learn to actively participate in creating an environment where people regardless of age, gender identity, disability, race, caste, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status, find themselves in a truly able position to thrive.
Intuitive mind to read and analyse date: The handiest skills which students learn throughout their coursework to be able to read and understand data, by using an intuitive mind coupled with social science methodology. Relevant software skills are also encouraged to be learnt. This brings out an overall equipped development professional.
Jobs after MA Development Studies IIT Guwahati
During the tenure of the course, through rigorous learning, projects, course work and research, students develop effective communication skills, problem solving, critical thinking and conceptual skills, creativity, multi disciplinary approach and self reflection. The skills developed, help them fit into the following sectors and profiles in:
- Capacity Building-Training Institutes
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Funding Organisation
- Government- Public Sector Advisory
- Human Resource/ Public Relations Marketing/ Consulting/ Sales/ Business Development
- Media & Communication
- National Resource Organisation
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Non-Profit Organisation
- Research Institutes
- Rural Livelihood Missions
- Sustainable Rural/Urban Development and Planning Organisations
- Think Tanks
- Trans-Governmental Organizations
DOWNLOAD MA DEVELOPMENT STUDIES Prospectus Here
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