PGDRM: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

Roumik Roy

PGDRM is a two year postgraduate program that deals with gaining knowledge of innovative and creative approaches to rural development. PGDRM course aims to provide comprehensive knowledge of financial management, rural development, and rural infrastructure, among other topics, that are deeply embedded in the curriculum. PGDRM jobs after graduation include business development manager, rural development officer, research officer, etc.

About PGDRM Course 

PGDRM full form is a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management, which combines a theoretical and practical understanding of rural administration. PGDRM duration is of two years. The PGDRM course is designed to provide students with the intricate and advanced knowledge required in rural development and develop a sustainable approach in the rural sector.

After completing the course, the PGDRM job scope for candidates is across various roles such as rural development officer, research officer, sales officer, etc. This course falls under the umbrella of Postgraduate Diploma.

PGDRM Eligibility Criteria

PGDRM eligibility requires a degree in any discipline from an approved university and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 50% or higher. Along with meeting the prerequisites for PGDRM, applicants must pass the common entrance exams. There is no maximum age for participation in this program.

Who Should Pursue a PGDRM Course? 

PGDRM course is an option for those who want to branch out into a field with a wide range of specialties and career options. Students who are actively engaged in new techniques for the development of the rural sector, research, etc., and who want to succeed in the profession are the ideal prospects for the field.

When To Do a PGDRM Course?

In order to be considered for admission to this program, candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with an emphasis on their field prior to enrolling in the PGDRM program.

How To Get Admission to a PGDRM? 

Several universities and colleges have their own admission exams to select the candidates who will be enrolled. Candidates must obtain a minimum cumulative grade of 50% on their bachelor's exams to be eligible for this program. Both in-person and online applications are accepted for admission to the PGDRM.

How to Apply?

Students must go to the official websites of the colleges they intend to attend in order to begin the application process. By visiting the college admission office and submitting their application along with any relevant papers, students can also enroll offline.

Selection Process

The selection process for PGDRM admission programs can be done either via merit-based or entrance-based methods. Based on their academic performance, having graduated with at least 50% in any field from an accredited institution. 

Students must take an entrance exam such as the CAT, XAT, MAT, GMAT, etc. to be considered for selection. Following that, applicants are eligible for the next round of admission.

Types of PGDRM Courses

Both full-time and part-time options are available to aspirants for the course. The several PGDRM course types are detailed below:

Full-Time PGDRM

Full-Time PGDRM is a two-year postgraduate diploma course divided into four semesters. In this subject, practical exposure is aligned with academic content. Students are required to participate in regular classroom instruction and have the benefit of allowing students to enhance their learning curve and receive considerably more exposure and experience.

Distance PGDRM

PGDRM distance education in India is a two-year postgraduate correspondence program in rural management. For those who cannot attend regular sessions, the distance PGDRM program is one of the preferred alternatives. PGDRM distance education in India is offered by a number of colleges and universities, such as IGNOU.

Popular Entrance Exams for PGDRM

For admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Management program, several institutes in India have entrance exams. The entrance exams can be divided into three levels: national, state, and individual institutes. Some of the most popular tests for PGDRM are listed below:

A Quick Glance at the PGDRM Entrance Exams

The admission procedure for a PGDRM can be conducted on the basis of entrance exams or merit. The following key points are listed to provide a quick overview of the structure of entrance exams:

• The question paper will contain 100 questions divided into three sections.
• The test formats include portions on verbal ability and literary comprehension, data interpretation & logical thinking, and quantitative aptitude.
• The exam will be conducted either offline, online, or on paper with OMR sheets for a duration of 3 hours. 
• The syllabus, examination process, and question format may change according to the required demand as per the university.

Top 10 PGDRM Colleges in India 

A postgraduate diploma in rural management is an emerging course in India. There are various colleges that provide courses in rural management, such as the IRMA PGDRM course, which is one of the most compelling rural development and management course. The following is a list of the top 10 best colleges for PGDRM in India: 

Top PGDRM Private Colleges

There has been a significant rise in the number of reputed private colleges offering PGDRM courses in India. The following is a list of private colleges that provide PGDRM:

Top PGDRM Government Colleges 

In India, there are various government colleges that offer postgraduate diploma in rural management. The colleges are listed below:

Fee Structure for PGDRM

The PGDRM course's fee varies and is based on a number of factors. A few of the factors that affect the PGDRM costs are location, faculty, demand, infrastructure, and the amenities that are available to the students. A PGDRM fee is between INR 50,000 to 4 LPA in India.

Syllabus and Subjects for PGDRM Course 

The two-year PGDRM program is divided into four semesters. The PGDRM syllabus is created in a way that supports students in advancing their learning curve and achieving professional success. The following are some of the topics that students enrolling in this course learn and have practical exposure to:

• Financial Management
• Management of Sustainable Agriculture
• Rural Markets and Marketing Management
• Business law
• Environment and Natural Resource Management

Read More: PGDRM Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose PGDRM Course? 

Your career will be shaped by the field of study you select for college. It's crucial to comprehend a few factors in each topic of study before choosing it, such as “What is a PGDRM?"  What is the future scope after a PGDRM? etc. The brief explanations that will help students develop a thorough comprehension of the course are provided below.

What is PGDRM All About?

PGDRM is divided into four semesters that enhances the understanding of creative and innovative approaches to rural development. The course provides information on a variety of sales, vendor development, banking, research, etc. concepts with an emphasis on their practical use in the rural sector.

What Does a PGDRM Graduate Do?

With a PGDRM, there are several professions where building a successful career offers good opportunities. Students are hired in a number of areas, where they are required to manage finance, marketing, and operations activities, among other aspects of the company's processes, critically and logically.

Rural Development Officer: Rural Development Officers assist the Senior Program Manager in overseeing activities related to the Rural Development Program, such as monitoring the organization, the board of arrangements and agreements, etc.

Reasons Why a PGDRM Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

Students can gauge the intrinsic worth of a PGDRM course because it offers a wide variety of employment opportunities, from business development manager, and research officer to rural development officer. The PGDRM scope is combined with good opportunities and increasing potential.

Career Growth: Graduates with a PGDRM degree can choose from a variety of positions, such as sales manager, research officer, rural manager, rural development officer, etc. After learning and enhancing rural management expertise, candidates can excel in their careers.

Read More: PGDRM Jobs & Scope

PGDRM Course Comparison

The PGDRM is an abbreviation for Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management, and it is typically geared toward students who are interested in the development of the rural sector and bringing substantial change. Below is a comparison of the PGDRM course with other courses:

PGDRM vs MA Rural Development

The table below showcases the differences between the PGDRM and MA Rural Development:

Read More: MA Rural Management

Preparation Tips for PGDRM Course

Students should take into account a number of important considerations before deciding whether to pursue a PGDRM. By putting this crucial study advice into practice, students can excel in their coursework and ace their exams:

• Completion of the syllabus: Students are expected to fully comprehend the course syllabus. This crucial first step marks the start of the preparation procedure.
• Exam Format: Be familiar with the format of the test and the typical types of questions. Multiple-choice questions are rather likely to be presented to the students.
• Revision of Vital Subjects: Students should focus more on these topics because they are more commonly tested on them. As you read the chapters, keep these elements in mind.
• Have Intrinsic Knowledge and Interest in Subjects: Having intrinsic knowledge about the subject and having the same interest will keep the student motivated to learn more than what's in the syllabus.

Scope of PGDRM for Higher Education 

PGDRM program has a broad range of scope, allowing graduates to continue their education. Some courses for higher education after PGDRM include

• M.Phil
• Ph.D

Salary of PGDRM Graduate 

The salary for graduates with a postgraduate diploma in rural management can vary depending on the industry or profession that applicants choose to pursue. Along with experience, location, and the field in which they work, there are a number of additional variables that might affect PGDRM pay in India.

With an increase in practical exposure and experience, candidates have the potential to move to higher positions and increase their salary slabs. For graduates, the average PGDRM job salary is around INR 2-8 LPA. [Source: PayScale].

Read More: PGDRM Salary

Career Options After PGDRM Graduation 

A Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management graduate has access to a number of employment opportunities in many fields. Roles in the workforce differ depending on the region or industry chosen. There are several work options with significant pay packages for PGDRM graduates in the following job profiles:

• Area Executive
• Rural Manager
• Senior Program Officer
• Research Head

Skills That Make You The Best PGDRM Graduate 

For a PGDRM graduate to be successful, a variety of skills must be incorporated in the ongoing management environment. These abilities will help enhance the individual management curve and promote a practical approach to problem-solving.

• Analytical and Problem-Solving skills
• Communication skills 
• Networking skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills