IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Admission 2025-26: Eligibility & Fees

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Admission 2025-26: PGDRD full form is Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development. It is a 1-year course that teaches students the essentials of rural development. To join, students need a bachelor’s degree and their 12th-grade marks. This program explores rural healthcare and social growth, equipping students with practical project skills. IGNOU Admission’s last date for applying is 31 July 2025. The fee is about INR 2,400, with a registration charge of INR 300/-. Students can apply online through IGNOU’s official website. Core subjects include Rural Development Policies and Programs, Research Methods in Rural Development, Rural Social Development, and Project Work. Graduates can pursue roles in rural development, social work, and public administration.

The course spans one year and requires a minimum of 50% marks in a bachelor’s degree for eligibility. The application process is fully online, with an approximate fee of ₹2,400. Students can apply through the IGNOU official website. 

The PGDRD curriculum is built to give students a solid understanding of rural areas’ unique challenges and opportunities. Topics cover healthcare and social services, plus essential skills in research and project management. The course typically takes a year, but students can complete it in up to three years if necessary. This flexibility makes it ideal for students balancing other responsibilities.

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Admission Latest Update 2025-26

• IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Assignments Submit Deadline is 31 May 2025 in both easy online or offline mode at the Regional centre.
• Enrolled students will have to pay a University Development fee of Rs. 200/-. This will be a 1 time payment to finalize your seat. However, exam fee payment will be per semester. For theory papers pay Rs. 200/- and practical exam fees are Rs. 300/-.
• For Admission in IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development DEB ID is Required for all the Students Online distance learning Students.
• UG and PG Students are now allowed to do an IGNOU RE evolution for rechecking the sheet and script read. The Fee is INR 750/-. at any regional centre of IGNOU.
•  June Term End Examination 2025 Dates are live, Students can get the exam date from the official portal. Students have to fill the IGNOU term end Examination forms before the exam begins. Students can check the official portal to submit the exam form or they can apply online.

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Admission 2025-26 (Quick Overview) 

• Eligibility: Students should have their bachelor’s level degree in the relevant field and must have their 12 mark sheet.
• Duration: This course is 1 year, 3 years in case of exam failure   
• How to Apply: Students who are interested can apply to this university By visiting their official website ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Here students need to pay an amount of rupee 300 for the registration process.
• Curriculum: there are a lot of subjects that are taught in this course like Rural social development and rural healthcare where students learn about the overall development of rural people.
• Fees: The fee for this course is around INR 2,400 which is quite low compared to others. 
  Support Services: Students who have any queries can call this given number 011-29571301 or 011-29571528 or can message on their official website csrc@ignou.ac.in.
• Career Opportunities: After completion of this course students can go into various fields like Researcher, rural executive, Rural manager, and many more.​

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Highlights

Why Choose IGNOU PGDRD?

The IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development from IGNOU is a special program that helps students learn about making villages better. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

• Flexible Learning: You can study from home and complete the course in 1-3 years, making it perfect if you have other responsibilities
• Affordable Education: The course costs only ₹2,400, which is much less than other universities, making quality education available to everyone
• Dual Language Option: You can choose to study in either Hindi or English, making learning easier in your preferred language
• Job Opportunities: After finishing, you can work as a rural manager, researcher, or development officer in government organizations and NGOs
• Practical Knowledge: The course includes real project work that teaches you how to solve actual village development problems
• Expert Support: IGNOU provides study materials and regular guidance from experienced teachers who help you understand rural development

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Eligibility Criteria

• Education: You must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks: You need at least 50% marks in your graduation.
• Age Limit: No age limit – anyone who has completed graduation can apply.
• Language Requirement: You should have a basic understanding of Hindi or English

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Fee Structure

• Total Course Fee: ₹2,400 for the complete program
• Registration Fee: One-time payment of ₹300
• Study Material Fee: Included in the total fee
• Exam Fee: Included in the total fee
• SC/ST Students: Special fee support available as per government rules

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Application Process

1. Visit Website: Go to IGNOU’s official website (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in)
2. Create Account: Make your account by entering basic information like name and email
3. Choose Program: Select “PG Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD)” from the course list
4. Fill Form: Enter your personal details, educational information, and course choice
5. Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of your graduation marks sheet and ID proof
6. Pay Fee: Complete the payment of ₹2,700 (course fee + registration) online
7. Submit: Review all information and submit your application

Required Documents:

• High school (10th) mark sheet
• 12th class marksheet
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• ID proof (Aadhaar card/voter ID)
• Passport size photograph
• Category certificate (if applicable)

Examination Pattern

IGNOU follows a simple and student-friendly examination system for PGDRD. Students need to complete both assignments and final exams for each subject. Assignments carry 30% marks and help students practice what they’ve learned throughout the year.

The final exam carries 70% marks and happens at exam centers. To pass, students need to score at least 40% marks in both assignments and exams. IGNOU provides many exam centers across India, making it convenient for students to appear for exams near their homes.

Counseling Support

IGNOU makes learning easy by providing helpful support to all PGDRD students. The university has special teachers called academic counselors who help students understand difficult topics. They organize regular online and face-to-face meetings where students can ask questions and learn better.

Students can also use IGNOU’s digital learning platform to watch video lectures and download study materials anytime. The counselors are available through phone, email, and video calls to solve any problems students might have with their studies. This makes learning comfortable even when studying from home.

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Learner Suggestions

• Create a Study Schedule: Make a weekly timetable to study regularly. Set aside 2-3 hours daily to read your study materials. Use mornings for difficult topics when your mind is fresh.
• Understand Credits System: The PGDRD has 30 total credits. Each credit means about 30 hours of study. Plan your time to cover all subjects properly. Focus more time on subjects with higher credits.
• Use IGNOU Resources: Watch video lectures on IGNOU’s website. Download and read study materials early. Join online discussion groups with other PGDRD students to share notes and ideas.
• Exam Preparation Tips: Start preparing for exams at least 2 months before. First understand the important topics from each subject. Practice writing answers by solving previous year question papers.

PGDRD Assignment Section

IGNOU Rural Development PG Diploma assignments are used for course practice. Students can download the PDF file of Rural development assignments from the IGNOU website. They can complete the assignments and submit the handwritten work using the offline student service cell or regional centre website.

• Assignment Purpose: Assignments help you learn better by practicing what you study. They carry 30% of your final marks in each subject. You must complete them to pass the course.
• How to Submit: Write assignments in your own words. Submit them to your study center before the last date. Keep a copy of submitted assignments for your records.
• Getting Good Marks: Read the questions carefully. Write clear, complete answers. Include examples from real village development projects. Submit assignments on time.
• Important Rules: Write assignments by hand on A4 paper. Put your enrollment number on every page. Submit separate assignments for each subject.

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Career Paths

1. Rural Development Officer: Work in government offices to plan and manage village development projects. Need good planning and leadership skills.
2. NGO Manager: Lead social development projects in villages. Must have strong communication and project management skills.
3. Research Analyst: Study rural problems and suggest solutions. Need good research and analysis skills.
4. Microfinance Executive: Help villagers with small loans and financial services. Requires understanding of rural economics and banking.
5. Community Development Coordinator: Work with village communities to improve their living standards. Need good people skills and knowledge of rural issues.

IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development Syllabus

Placement Information

• Rural Manager: ₹3-4 LPA in development organizations
• Project Coordinator: ₹4-5 LPA in NGOs
• Research Assistant: ₹2.5-3.5 LPA in research institutions
• Field Executive: ₹2-3 LPA in rural banking sector
• Development Officer: ₹3-4 LPA in government sector

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I complete IGNOU PG Diploma in Rural Development while working?
A: Yes, IGNOU’s flexible learning system lets you study while working. You get up to 3 years to complete the course.

Q: Is PG Diploma in Rural Development available online?
A: Study materials are available online, but some activities like project work require field visits.

Q: What job opportunities are available after PGDRD?
A: You can work in NGOs, government offices, banks, and research organizations focused on rural development.

Q: Are there regular classes?
A: No regular classes, but IGNOU provides counseling sessions and study materials for self-learning.

Q: How difficult is the course?
A: With regular study and completing assignments on time, most students find it manageable.