An MSc in Developmental Studies (Master of Science in Development Studies) is a two-year postgraduate course that focuses on the significant contribution to global and local development. The course focuses on the theory and practice of economic, social, political, and environmental development in the country and in the world.
Students eligible to pursue an MSc in Development Studies must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum aggregate score often ranging from 50-60%. And, the students are also required to appear for the entrance exams, like CUET PG and JSAT.
The colleges that offer an MSc in Development Studies include O.P. Jindal Global University, where the total course fee is INR 5,00,000. During the entire curriculum, the students are taught various topics and areas of study, which include Perspectives on Development, Poverty, Inequality, and Human Development, Political Economy of India, and Sustainable Development.
The course of an MSc in Developmental Studies is associated with various jobs and career profiles, such as Research Analyst, Associate Research Analyst, Documentation Specialist, Program Officer, Project Manager, Policy Analyst / Consultant. The average salary you can get after completing the MSc Development Studies ranges between INR 3 LPA – 6 LPA.
Table of Contents
- M Sc Development Studies Key Highlights
- What is an M Sc Development Studies?
- Why Study an M Sc Development Studies?
- Who should study for the M Sc Development Studies course?
- M Sc Development Studies Eligibility Criteria
- M Sc Development Studies Entrance Exams 2025
- M Sc Development Studies Colleges in India
- M Sc Development Studies Admission Process 2025
- M Sc Development Studies Syllabus
- M Sc Development Studies Job Opportunities in India
- M Sc Development Studies Vs MA in Public Policy Comparison
- M Sc Development Studies FAQs
M Sc Development Studies Key Highlights
Given below are some of the M Sc Development Studies key highlights:
What is an M Sc Development Studies?
An MSc in Developmental Studies (Master of Science in Development Studies) is a two-year postgraduate course that focuses on the contribution to global and local development. The course stresses the theory and practice of economic and environmental development in the country and in the world, by focusing on exploring the social, economic, political, and environmental challenges faced by various developing countries.
The course covers specific disciplines like Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Anthropology, and Public Policy, and prepares the students for critically evaluating development models, designing policies, and contributing to social change, particularly in the global context.
Why Study an M Sc Development Studies?
The M Sc Development Studies is a highly preferred program among students interested in contributing significantly towards global and local development; hence, it is offered in different colleges and universities in India. The reasons to opt for an M Sc Development Studies are given below:
- The course of an MSc in Developmental Studies is highly relevant in understanding global issues and challenges faced by countries and individuals in terms of development.
- The course of an MSc in Development Studies combines areas of study like economics, sociology, political science, environment, and public policy and offerd a holistic understanding of development in various contexts.
- The course of an MSc in Development Studies is associated with various career opportunities like woktking with NGOs, international development agencies (like UNDP, World Bank), research institutions, CSR, and policy think tanks in various organizations.
- After completing an MSc in Development Studies, the students can opt for higher studies, pursue research, and civil service examinations. The course offers a strong foundation for an M.Phil., PhD, or UPSC and state-level civil services.
- An MSc Development Studies course offers and lays an excellent foundation for research and analytical skills. The course enhances the ability of students to critically analyze social systems, evaluate policies, and helps conduct field-based and data-driven research.
Who should study for the M Sc Development Studies course?
Reasons, which include individuals who might be a good choice for pursuing an M Sc Development Studies in different colleges in India, are mentioned below:
- An MSc in Development Studies is suitable for those who are passionate about improving the lives of marginalized communities and transforming society through policy and grassroots action. Thus, those who want to bring a social change and make a societal impact should choose to study an MSc in developmental studies.
- An MSc in developmental studies is a unique blend of disciplines like sociology, economics, political science, anthropology, or related fields. Hence, the course is a perfect choice for those with a background in related fields.
- An MSc in developmental studies offers opportunity to the students to prepare and appear for civil service examinations. Students aspiring to become civil servants, where the knowledge of development, governance, and social issues is critical, should choose to pursue an MSc in developmental studies.
- The course of an MSc in developmental studies is also associated with a career in research and academics. Hence, the course is suitable for those interested in pursuing an academic career through M.Phil./PhD or research fellowships in development-related areas.
M Sc Development Studies Eligibility Criteria
To secure a seat in the top colleges and institutes in India for an M Sc Development Studies course, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria to be selected for further application and the admission process. The detailed eligibility criteria are mentioned below:
- A student must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum aggregate score often ranging from 50-60%.
- The student must appear for the entrance exam, like CUET PG/ JSAT, and apply for further counseling.
- Many colleges and universities may also conduct personal interview rounds as a part of the selection process.
- Students belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories are often given relaxation during the admission process.
M Sc Development Studies Entrance Exams 2025
To secure a seat in the top colleges in the country for an M Sc Development Studies, the student has to appear for various entrance examinations. The details about the entrance examination for pursuing an MSc in Developmental Studies have been listed in the table below:
M Sc Development Studies Colleges in India
An M Sc Development Studies is a two-year course opted for by students interested in the theory and practice of economic, social, political, and environmental development. Hence, it is offered by a few colleges and universities across India. Colleges offering this course are listed in the table below:
M Sc Development Studies Admission Process 2025
To secure a seat in the top colleges for the M Sc Development Studies in India, the student must follow a few steps first. Initially, the student must meet the eligibility criteria of the course and then fill out the application form. The detailed procedure for securing a seat in the O.P. Jindal Global University is given below:
Step 1- The students must appear for the required entrance exam for an MSc Development Studies course, which includes the CUET PG/JSAT entrance exam.
Step 2- Interested students have to apply online on the official website, and then proceed with the filling of their personal and academic details.
Step 3- The students then need to upload all the relevant documents and proceed with the payment of the application fee.
Step 4- The students have to check the dates of the entrance exam and appear for the exam on the specified date.
Step 5- Once the students have appeared for their exams, they must check the website again for their results. Once the results are announced, they have to keep the scorecard and save it for future reference.
Step 6- The selected students will be informed by the college through mail, and must appear for the personal interview round.
Step 7- The final selected students will be required to submit their original documents and get them verified by the college.
Step 8-. The selected students will be required to confirm their admission by paying the admission fee.
Documents Required:
- Graduation marksheet
- Identity proof such as an Aadhar card, PAN Card
- An entrance exam scorecard
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Bank details
M Sc Development Studies Syllabus
An M Sc Development Studies is a two-year full-time course offered across different colleges and universities in India. The papers taught during the entire course at O.P. Jindal Global University are mentioned below:
M Sc Development Studies Job Opportunities in India
Multiple job opportunities and careers are associated with an M Sc Development Studies in India, which are mentioned below in the table:
M Sc Development Studies Vs MA in Public Policy Comparison
Below is a detailed comparison between an M Sc Development Studies and an MA in Public Policy. Students who are unsure about which program to pursue can refer to the table to make an informed decision.
M Sc Development Studies FAQs
Can someone without having studied biology in their 12th grade choose to opt for an MSc Development Studies course?
Yes. Students without having studied biology in their 12th grade can choose to opt for an MSc Development Studies course. The program generally includes and is open to all graduates from the humanities and other streams like social sciences, economics, and related fields. Biology is usually not a prerequisite since the course heavily relies and focuses more on development theory, policy analysis, and social research.
Is it possible to land international jobs after completing an MSc Development Studies course?
Yes. It is possible to land international jobs after completing an MSc Development Studies course. The students and graduates work with global NGOs, development agencies like UNDP, World Bank, or international research organizations, where they may engage in roles like policy analysts, development consultants, or program coordinators.
What topics and areas are covered during the practical training and industrial exposure of an MSc Development Studies course?
The practical training and industrial exposure component of an MSc Development Studies course usually comprises internships, fieldwork, and project-based learning with NGOs, government bodies, or development firms. Some general topics that are commonly emphasized during real-world exposure include poverty alleviation, rural development, gender studies, and sustainable development.
What kind of skills and competencies do students develop, learn, and gain after pursuing an MSc Development Studies course?
The skills and competencies that the students develop, learn, and gain after pursuing an MSc Development Studies course include strong analytical, research, and policy evaluation skills. The students learn to critically assess social programs, understand development indicators, and engage with diverse communities. Other core competencies include communication, report writing, and data analysis skills.
What sort of specializations are available to the students while pursuing an MSc Development Studies course?
The sort of specializations available to the students while pursuing an MSc Development Studies course include Gender and Development, Environmental Sustainability, Public Policy, Urban and Rural Development, or Economic Development, allowing students to tailor their studies according to specific career paths and research interests.
