Colleges Offering MA Programs in Development Studies, Society and Culture, and Related Fields for 2025
If you're planning to pursue an MA in Development Studies, Society and Culture, or related fields in 2025, several prestigious institutes in India are offering such programs. These programs, which combine theoretical knowledge with practical insights, are designed to equip students with the skills required for policy analysis, social research, and development work. Below is a list of top colleges offering MA programs in these fields, along with their admission processes:
| College/Institute | Program Offered | Admission Process |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | M.A. in Development Studies | CUET for 2025-26 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati | M.A. in Development Studies | Entrance Exam |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras | M.A. in Development Studies | GATE score + Interview |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi | M.A. in Development Studies | Entrance Exam + Interview |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad | M.A. in Development Studies, MA in Health, Gender and Society | Interview |
| Azim Premji University, Bengaluru | M.A. in Development Studies | Entrance Exam + Interview |
| Ambedkar University, Delhi | M.A. in Development Studies | CUET for 2025-26 |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela | M.A. in Development Studies | Entrance Exam + Interview |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT) Durgapur | M.A. in Social Work | Entrance Exam + Interview |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | M.A. in Development and Labour Studies | CUET for 2025-26 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi | M.A. in Society and Culture | Entrance Exam + Interview |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar | M.A. in Society and Culture | Entrance Exam + Interview |
Detailed Insights on the Programs
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati
- Program: M.A. in Development Studies
- Admission Process: IIT Guwahati offers an entrance exam for admission into their M.A. program in Development Studies. This is ideal for students who want to explore the interdisciplinary field of development with a technical perspective.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
- Program: M.A. in Development Studies
- Admission Process: IIT Madras accepts GATE scores (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) combined with an interview. This process ensures that students have a strong foundation in technical subjects along with their passion for development studies.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi
- Program: M.A. in Development Studies
- Admission Process: IIT Mandi conducts an entrance exam followed by an interview. This method ensures that only the most dedicated and capable candidates are selected for the program.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad
- Program: M.A. in Development Studies, M.A. in Health, Gender, and Society
- Admission Process: The admission process at IIT Hyderabad involves a personal interview. This program focuses on contemporary issues in health, gender, and social development.
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela
- Program: M.A. in Development Studies
- Admission Process: NIT Rourkela conducts an entrance exam followed by an interview for its M.A. in Development Studies program, which focuses on creating leaders in development and policy research.
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Durgapur
- Program: M.A. in Social Work
- Admission Process: NIT Durgapur’s M.A. program in Social Work has an entrance exam followed by an interview, focusing on social welfare, policy analysis, and human development.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
- Program: M.A. in Society and Culture
- Admission Process: IIT Delhi requires candidates to pass an entrance exam and interview to assess their readiness for the interdisciplinary study of society and culture.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar
- Program: M.A. in Society and Culture
- Admission Process: IIT Gandhinagar’s admission process includes an entrance exam followed by an interview, ensuring that students are thoroughly vetted for their academic potential and passion for the field.
With the growing demand for interdisciplinary education in social sciences, IITs, NITs, and other prestigious institutes are expanding their offerings in Development Studies, Society and Culture, and related fields. Each program offers unique admission processes tailored to assess the skills and knowledge necessary for students to succeed in these dynamic fields. As you prepare for MA admissions in 2025, keep these institutes and their programs in mind for a fulfilling academic journey that combines theory and practice for social and economic development.
