IIT Mandi Announces Admissions for MA in Development Studies with Specialization in the Himalayan Region

Mandi, March 26, 2025; IIT Mandi has announced applications for its M.A. in Development Studies, a novel two-year program under the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of IIT Mandi. This specialized program gives students an up-close insight into the opportunities and challenges of the Himalayan region, mixing theoretical perspectives with practical research and fieldwork.
The program, with 80-credit coursework, promotes local, regional, and international issues associated with development, sustainability, and empowerment in the Himalayan belt. Moreover, selected students can opt for the M.A+ Ph.D. Dual Degree, which further refines their research skills in the subject.
Apart from intellectual education, the School of Humanities and Social Science of IIT Mandi plays an active role in empowering local communities within the Kamand area, adjoining the campus area, by organizing different training programs to make people self-sufficient.
Dr. Surya Prakash Upadhyay, Chairperson, the School of Humanities & Social Science, IIT Mandi, said, “MA in Development Studies is a unique program, designed with a special focus on the Himalayan region. This two-year program provides an opportunity for students to conduct research on various aspects of the Himalayan region while providing developmental and practical work along with actual studies in the Himalayan regions, which have both local, regional and global relevance. Additionally, the course also offers candidates an option to apply for an M.A.+ Ph.D. Dual Degree at IIT Mandi, which offers a seamless transition into advanced research." 
He further said, "The MA Development Studies at IIT Mandi aims to create a pool of development practitioners and/or academics, who will be well equipped to participate in the process of informed decision making."
Eligibility:
•    Students applying for the course must have a graduation degree from a recognized institute with a percentage of 55 marks or CGPA of 6.0 out of 10 in the graduation degree.
•    SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwD candidates are given relaxation of 50 percent marks and 5.5 CGPA out of 10.
Admission Process:
•    Online application followed by written test and/or interview
•    List of selected candidates will be uploaded on IIT Mandi website.
Key information:
•    Course duration: 2 years
•    Course fee: Rs 30,000/- per semester (average)
•    Last date for submission of online applications: 11 April 2025 (05:30 PM)
•    List of shortlisted candidates will be published: 15 April 2025
•    Date of online written test (tentative): 21 to 25 April 2025
•    Date of online interview (tentative): 26 to 29 April 2025
•    For more information, you can email shssoffice@iitmandi.ac.in 
•    Can be contacted via telephone on 01905-267719
•    Tuition fees for SC/ST/PwD students is 100%
Note: The dates mentioned above are tentative and are subject to change.