MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Admission, Syllabus, Eligibility, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Jul 12, 2025, by Rajnandini Malladeb

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development is a master’s 2 years course. It emphasises providing information about core business principles, specialized agricultural topics, and rural development strategies. It blends agricultural, rural, and business aspects into one course. Certainly, it is a unique choice.

 

To be eligible for this program, candidates must have completed their UG program from a recognized university, with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. Moreover, they are required to sit for entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, etc, and obtain a valid score in these exams. After which, there will be a group discussion and a personal interview round. Having work experience is also preferred in certain universities.

 

After completing an MBA in Agri Business and Rural Development, students can find employment opportunities in the public and private sectors. They can work in agribusiness, finance, marketing, and rural development sectors. Students study subjects like agri‑marketing, food processing, supply chain management, rural finance, and policy planning, with real‑world exposure through case studies, internships, and field visits.

 

Students are prepared for a top position in the corporate world. They can take up job profiles such as agribusiness manager, rural development consultant, agricultural economist, supply chain manager, or policy advisor. The starting salary for a fresher in this field ranges from INR 4-6 LPA, which will increase depending on the work experience.

 

Table of Contents
  1. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Highlights Table
  2. What is MBA Agri Business and Rural Development?
  3. Why Study MBA Agri Business and Rural Development?
  4. Who should study MBA Agri Business and Rural Development?
  5. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Eligibility Criteria
  6. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Entrance Exams 2025
  7. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Colleges in India
  8. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Admission Process 2025
  9. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Syllabus
  10. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Job Opportunities in India
  11. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Vs MBA Agribusiness
  12. MBA Agri Business and Rural Development FAQs

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Highlights Table

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development focuses on core business principles, agricultural economics, and rural marketing. It blends academic rigour and practical training. The table below discusses its various details:

Details

Particulars

Course Name

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development

Course Level

Postgraduate/Masters

Duration

2 Years

Course Type

Full Time

Admission Process

Entrance-Exam: CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, etc. and Personal Interview

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's Degree with 50% Mark+ Entrance Score, Work Experience preferred

Course Fees

INR 5,00,000- INR 15,00,000 (varies by institute)

Top Colleges

Banaras Hindu University, University of Lucknow, IIM A (FABM), IIM L (ABM), IRMA Anand, MANAGE Hyderabad, XSRM, SIBM Pune, KIIT-SRM, University of Lucknow, Neotia University

Job Profiles

Agribusiness manager, rural development consultant, agricultural economist, supply chain manager, or policy advisor

Top Recruiters

ITC, Amul, Godrej Agrovet, Bayer, Syngenta, Nestlé, Cargill, NABARD, ICICI, Ninjacart, Reliance, Government agri-agencies and organizations

Average Salary in India

INR 4-LPA (Fresher)

 

What is MBA Agri Business and Rural Development?

An MBA in Agri Business and Rural Development is a two-year management degree program. It is academically rigorous and trains students to be experts in agri-business and rural development. Students gain information through descriptive and practical learning. At the end of the course, they have to submit a project report. Moreover, there is a summer internship that is mandatory for all students.

 

Students learn through practical experience in MBA Agri Business and Rural Development. There are Rural immersions in villages or FPOs, Summer internships with banks, NGOs, and agribusiness companies, etc.

 

During this course, students sharpen their analytical and reasoning skills. After completion of an MBA Agri Business and Rural Development, students can work as an Agribusiness manager, rural development consultant, agricultural economist, supply chain manager, or policy advisor. If a student wants to pursue higher education, they can opt for a PhD in a specialized area of knowledge.

 

Why Study MBA Agri Business and Rural Development?

Given below are a few facts on why to pursue an MBA in Agri Business and Rural Development:

  • MBA Agri Business and Rural Development is advantageous for students seeking a career boost in rural marketing and management, the agricultural sector, and a significant impact in their chosen field.
  • The MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Course is a wise choice among other MBA programs due to its exceptional job opportunities and competitive salaries.
  • Candidates will learn advanced technical tools and complex methodologies to tackle real-life challenges in agri business, rural marketing, and finance, enabling them to solve complex problems effectively.
  • This profession offers numerous global career opportunities, with financial experts potentially working for international corporations.
  • Students can land a job in a top leadership position across sectors. Students can also consider an MBA in Rural Development and Management.

 

Who should study MBA Agri Business and Rural Development?

Students who have an analytical mind and are interested in making a career in the agricultural and rural marketing sector will gain from this course. A few more candidates who will enjoy an MBA in Agri Business and Rural Development are as follows:

  • Students who have a solid background in commerce and finance.
  • Individuals who are interested in accelerating their career growth and occupying high-paying positions.
  • Students who have a family-owned agricultural business can opt for this course. It will enable them to carry ahead the family business with skills.
  • Students who enjoy solving mathematical and accounting problems and have an analytical mind.
  • Those interested in a stable career that provides them with financial independence.
  • Those planning to start their agri-business can pursue this course, as it will provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge.
  • Students who wish to land a high-paying job that provides them with financial independence.
  • Students who prefer practical-based and real-world learning over pure theoretical learning.

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Eligibility Criteria

The following MBA in Agri Business and Rural Development Management eligibility requirements must be fulfilled by students who want to enroll in this course.

  • Candidates must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in any relevant field.
  • To be qualified for this course, they must receive at least 50% of their graduation level in aggregate marks.
  • Candidates belonging to the reserved category will be provided with certain relaxations.
  • There is no particular bachelor’s compulsory discipline. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply.
  • A minimum of one year of work experience in the relevant sector is also required by several prestigious universities. Although it is not required, practically all colleges strongly encourage it.
  • A valid score on the CAT, MAT, SNAP, XAT, NMAT, GMAT, or other MBA entrance exams is required of the candidates.

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Entrance Exams 2025

To be eligible for admission, candidates must appear for the entrance examinations for MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Management. They must obtain a valid score and meet the cut-off as decided by the college. The list of entrance exams is mentioned in the table below:

Exam Name

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

CAT 2025

September 2025 onwards

November 30, 2025

INR 2,500 for General, EWS, and OBC/ INR 1,250 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates

XAT 2026

July- December 2025 (Tentative)

January 4, 2026

INR 2200

GMAT

All year round

All year round

INR 22,000-23,000

State-Level Entrance Exams

Entrance Exams

State

Date of Registration

Exam Schedule

Registration Fees

MAH-CET 2025

Maharashtra

25 Dec 2024-25 Feb 2025

1,2,3 Apr 2025

INR 1000 (MS)

 

INR 1200 (OMS)

TANCET 2026

Tamil Nadu

24 Jan- 26 Feb 2026 (Tentative)

22 Mar 2026 (Tentative)

INR 1000 (UR)

 

INR 500 (Res)

KMAT 2026

Kerala

1-14 Feb 2026 (Tentative)

23 Feb 2026 (Tentative)

INR 1000 (UR)

 

INR 500 (Res)

AP ICET 2025

Andra Pardesh

Mar-Apr 2025

7 May 2025

INR 650 (Gen)

 

INR 600 (OBC)

 

INR 550 (SC/ST)

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Colleges in India

The colleges offering MBA Agri Business and Rural Development in India accept admission based on an entrance exam and a personal interview. Few colleges prefer work experience, too. The list of these colleges is mentioned below:

College Name

Location

Fees (Approx.)

NIRF Ranking

Admission Process

Banaras Hindu University

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

INR 2,20,00

5

Entrance Exam

University of Lucknow

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

INR 9,20,000

97

Entrance Exam

KIIT School of Rural Management

Bhubhaneshwar, Odisha

INR 8, 28,000

Not Ranked

Entrance Exam

The Neotia University

Kolkata, West Bengal

Not Available

Not Ranked

Entrance Exam

Indian School of Business (ISB)

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

INR 49,79,540

#5

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI)

Jamshedpur

INR 14,70,000 to 30,60,00

#9

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

Indian Institute of Management

Bangalore, Karnataka

INR 26,50,000

#2

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

Indian Institute of Management

Calcutta, West Bengal

INR 17,00,000- 27,00,000

#5

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

Indian Institute of Management

Ahmedabad, Gujrat

INR 26,50,000

#1

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

Management Development Institute (MDI)

Gurgaon

INR 24,99,400

#11

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Mumbai, Maharashtra

INR 25,00,000

#21

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

SPJIMR

Mumbai, Maharashtra

INR 24,90,000

#20

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management

Mumbai, Maharashtra

INR 29,12,600

#13

Entrance-test based+Personal Interview

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Admission Process 2025

Admission into the MBA Agri Business and Rural Development program is based on national-level entrance examinations like CAT, XAT, GMAT, etc, followed by a personal interview and group discussion round. Candidates must check the eligibility criteria before proceeding with admission. The admission process usually includes the following stages:

Admission Stages

Process

Online Application

The interested candidates will have to fill out the online application form through the official website of the institute and provide all the required details and their exam scores.

 

The application fee is usually INR 2000. The payment must be through debit card, credit card, online mode: UPI, or netbanking.

Shortlisting

The candidates will be shortlisted based on their exam scores. Some institutes may also consider the academic background and work experience while shortlisting.

Personal Interview

The shortlisted candidates will be called for the personal interview and group discussion round.

Final Selection

The final selection will be based on various factors like exam scores, PI scores, work experience, academic performance, etc.

Admission Offer

The selected candidates will receive a provisional offer for admission that needs to be accepted within the given deadline by paying the first installment fee.

 

Documents Required:

  • Mark sheets: 10th, 12, and semester-wise.
  • Identity proof: Aadhar Card/ PAN card/ VOTER ID
  • Entrance exam admit card and scorecard
  • Birth certificate
  • EWS certificate (if applicable)
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Passport Size Photos
  • Signature photos
  • Work Experience Letter
  • Letter from Past Employer
  • Updated Resume
  • Bank Statement (if working)

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Syllabus

There are electives on finance, marketing, human resources management, and operations. The program is spread across six semesters. The syllabus of Banaras Hindu University for its program on MBA Agri Business is given below.

Semester I

Semester II

Principles and Practices of Management

Study on Organizational Behaviour

Managerial Economics Course

Business Research Methods

Environment and Management Theory

Operations Research Course

Statistical Methods for Decision Making

Management Accounting and Control

Accounting and Financial Analysis

Financial Management Course

Marketing Management Course

Operations Management Course

Human Resource Management

Management Information Systems

Business Communication

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

-

Minor Project Work

-

Term End Viva –Voce

Semester III

Semester IV

Entrepreneurship Development and Project Management

Agribusiness and Rural Development

Strategic Management Course

Dissertation Submission

Legal Aspects of Business Course

Elective V(Open )

Agricultural Input Marketing Course

Elective VI(Open )

Elective I (Core)

Comprehensive Viva-Voce

Elective II (Core)

-

Elective III (Core)

-

Elective III (Core)

-

Elective IV (Open )

-

Summer Internship (Mandatory)

-

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Job Opportunities in India

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development jobs are available across sectors, public and private. The job profile, experience, and average salary are discussed in the table below:

Job Profile

Experience

Top Recruiters

Average Salary (INR)

Agricultural Consultant / Economist

2-3 years

Cargill, ADM, Bayer, Syngenta, ICAR, Government banks, policy think-tanks

INR 5-14 LPA

Supply Chain / Agribusiness Manager

3-5 years

ITC, AgroStar, Ninjacart, Mahindra Agribusiness, StarAgri

INR 6-15 LPA

Marketing Manager (Agri‑Products)

2-3 years

Godrej Agrovet, Reliance Fresh, PepsiCo, Nestlé

INR 5-12 LPA

Food Processing / Quality Manager

1-2 years

Nestlé, Amul, ITC, food‑processing units

INR 7-10 LPA

Agri‑Finance / Rural Banking Manager

1-2 years

NABARD, SBI, ICICI, and regional rural banks

INR 6-10 LPA

Entrepreneur / Agri‑Tech Startup Founder

Varies

Agri‑tech/FPO startups

Varies

Commodity Trader / Agri‑Tech Consultant

0-2 years

Cargill, Bunge, CropIn, StarAgri

5-10 LPA

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development Vs MBA Agribusiness

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development suits people who want to work in the field of rural upliftment, development projects, and social entrepreneurship by cross-training them in business and rural management. Whereas an MBA in Agribusiness suits applicants who like the commercial, marketing, and operational aspects of the agricultural sector. The comparison table will help in better understanding.

Aspect

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development

MBA in Agribusiness

Focus Area

Integrates business management with rural development, agro-based industries, and the rural economy

Specializes in the business and management of agricultural enterprises, the agri-food sector, and agri-trade

Duration

2 years

2 years

Eligibility

Graduation in any stream (usually 50%+)

Graduation in any stream (usually 50%+)

Career Roles

Rural development officer, operations manager, relationship manager, rural banker, project manager, NGO roles

Agribusiness manager, marketing manager, supply chain manager, commodity trader, agri-export manager

Employment Sectors

NGOs, government agencies, rural banks, microfinance, rural development projects, social enterprises

Agri-input firms, food processing, agri-export, retail, consulting, FMCG, agri-tech companies

Orientation

Social development, rural upliftment, sustainable livelihoods, community impact

Business growth, market efficiency, profitability, entrepreneurship, and agri-business innovation

Who Should Choose

Those interested in rural development, social impact, and managing rural resources

Those focused on agri-business, marketing, supply chain, and commercial aspects of agriculture

Growth Prospects

Strong in government, NGOs, rural projects, and the social sector; steady advancement

Rapid in the private sector, agribusiness firms, and with further specialization or entrepreneurship

 

MBA Agri Business and Rural Development FAQs

What are the government job opportunities in MBA Agri Business and Rural Development?

There are ample government job opportunities in MBA Agri Business and Rural Development. Candidates can apply for roles such as Agricultural Development Officer in NABARD, Policy Analyst positions at the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Supply Chain Manager at FCI, Dairy Development Officer at NDDB, and Research Associate roles in state agricultural universities and institutes

Is practical experience compulsory for MBA Agri Business and Rural Development?

No. Practical experience is not compulsory for an MBA in Agri Business and Rural Development. However, having work experience of 2-3 years is preferred by top institutes. It demonstrates advanced knowledge and commitment to working.

What skills are needed to succeed in an MBA in Agri Business and Rural Development?

Students need to have a curious and analytical mind. They must manage their time well, as the course is academically rigorous. Moreover, they should have good communication and language skills.

What practical exposure is provided through this MBA in Agri Business and Rural Development?

Students learn through practical experience in MBA Agri Business and Rural Development. There are Rural immersions in villages or FPOs, Summer internships with banks, NGOs, and agribusiness companies, Live projects connected to schemes like MUDRA or Atal Incubation. Case studies and rural-market analysis projects are also held

Can I start my own agricultural business after the MBA Agribusiness and Rural Development course? Will the government support it?

Yes. You can become an agricultural business owner after this degree. The government will support it. There are efforts such as Atal Incubation Centres, Startup India, Funding from MUDRA, Stand‑Up India, and PMEGP.

Exam Accepting

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ExamApr 2, 2025 - Apr 9, 2025
ResultApr 18, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
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ResultMar 19, 2025
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Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)|
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ExamNov 30, 2025
ResultDec 19, 2025
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National Testing Agency (NTA)|
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ExamMay 18, 2025
ResultJun 2, 2025
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PG|
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ExamJan 5, 2025
ResultJan 17, 2025
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UG|
Birla Institute of Technology and Science|
Engineering
ExamMay 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025
ResultJun 30, 2025
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PG|
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies|
Business & Management Studies
ExamNov 5, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025
ResultNov 5, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025
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UG|
National Testing Agency|
Design
ExamFeb 9, 2025
Result
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PG|
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ExamJun 15, 2025
ResultDec 12, 2024
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