Top MBA Colleges in Rural Management in India 25-2026 - Fees, Admissions, Placements, Career Scope

What is MBA in Rural Management ?

An MBA in Rural Management is a postgraduate course that lasts two years. The focus of the MBA in Rural Management is on management and development, specifically rural management and development. In contrast to a regular MBA, an MBA in Rural Management considers the unique needs of farmers, rural enterprises and rural communities.

Fieldwork is a significant aspect of the  MBA Rural Management Syllabus. Students visit rural areas to evaluate problems and think about different ways to solve problems. Students are also educated in other areas of Rural Management, such as rural marketing, agriculture, rural development projects, and programs that assist village development.

After earning an MBA in Rural Management, students may work on or for government implementation projects, NGOs, rural banks, cooperatives, and rural corporate firms, focusing on rural development.

Why to choose MBA in Rural Management?

Here are the key reasons to choose MBA in Rural Management.

1. High career growth in the rural development sector: There is a high demand for professionals who are able to manage rural projects and government schemes.
2. Career opportunities with the Government Organizations and NGOs: This program allows applicants to find jobs with International NGOs, Indian NGOs, government organizations (at state and national levels) and CSR departments of corporations.
3. A chance to contribute to building a nation: Help rural communities to grow and develop sustainability.
4. Best Job offers: There are diverse job Opportunities in rural marketing, agribusiness, micro finance, project management, and social entrepreneurship.
5. Increasing need and growth in agriculture and rural marketing: Agriculture is one of India's largest enterprises. There is a huge demand for skilled rural managers.
6. Significant field experience: Real experience is obtained through field visits and rural internships.
7. Attractive salaries: Salary packages are significantly better than other business programs. Both employment and impact organizations offer rapid growth potential.
8. Unique MBA specialisation: With this specialized degree, you stand out from the crowd.

MBA in Rural Management Eligibility Criteria 2025

Students looking for admission to the Rural Management MBA Programme must satisfy certain eligibility requirements as defined by the institute.

• Educational Criteria: Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science or Management) from a recognized institution. Usually, at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) are required.
• MBA Entrance Exam 2025- Admission is granted on the basis of national-level entrance exams for MBA, such as the CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT or university-specific entrance exam (like IRMASAT for IRMA).
• Final Year Students are also eligible: Candidates in their final graduation year may also apply for admission; however, proof of having qualified for their graduation before the start of the course is required.
• Work Experience (Optional): Candidates are not required to show experience; however, it could be an advantage to have experience in rural development, an NGO, or social work.

MBA in Rural Management Admission Process 2025

The Admission Process for the MBA in Rural Management starts with candidates registering based on a national-level MBA Entrance Exam that is CAT, XAT, CMAT or an entrance exam conducted by their chosen university/institution, i.e. IRMASAT. Once they have successfully taken the exam, the institute will announce the selected candidates who have made it to the next step, which involves one or more rounds of the selection process, usually consisting of a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Some institutes may even conduct a Written Ability Test (WAT).

Students who are in their final year can also apply based on their provisional certificates. Institutes such as IRMA, Welingkar follow a similar admission process. The final selection process will be based on overall performance in the entrance exam, previous academic record, GD-PI, as well as previous work experience (if applicable).

Top MBA colleges for Rural Management in India 2025: NIRF Ranking

Selecting the Best MBA Rural Management Colleges in India represents one of the most critical decisions for any student. Students who are interested in MBA Rural Management should look for an MBA college with a high NIRF rank. NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework), released by the Government of India. The ranking is assessed in categories of teaching quality, placement, research output, and general satisfaction among students. A high NIRF ranking indicates that a college offers quality faculty, strong industry contacts, and research, and will therefore offer the opportunity for quality placement.

You can be assured that these institutions have a solid academic program, will have experience in rural applications, and will have placement activities associated with rural management. Selecting an MBA college with a NIRF ranking signifies that the degree will be valued. Here, we have provided NIRF-ranked MBA Rural Management Colleges in India.

MBA Rural Management Fees Structure in India 2025

When considering MBA college for the Rural Management Course, it is important to check the fee structure that suits your budget.  The fees associated with this course will differ based on the college and its location, reputation, and infrastructural facilities. Beyond 2025, many colleges will offer excellent quality education in Rural Management.

Some of the Best Rural Management MBA Colleges include IRMA Anand and XIMB Bhubaneswar, the fees is around INR 9 to 10 Lakhs. These colleges have excellent placement records. Other colleges, such as Welingkar Mumbai and GIBS Business School, are also reputable, while being fees are around INR 5 to 7 Lakhs.

For students looking for MBA Colleges for Rural Management under 4 Lakhs, consider choosing XISS Ranchi, Chitkara University, and Calcutta Business School.  For individuals seeking the cheapest MBA Colleges in India for Rural Management, consider   BBAU Lucknow and Parul Institute of Management.

Top Private MBA Colleges for Rural Management in India 2025

Many of the top private MBA colleges in India have begun offering  Rural Management Specialization with practical exposure, modern pedagogy and placement support. These colleges will prepare students to work in NGOs, public sector projects, micro-finance companies and rural-based industries.  Best private MBA Rural Management colleges include IRMA Anand at a fee of INR 10 lakhs, XIMB Bhubaneswar at INR 9 lakhs, Welingkar Mumbai at INR 7 lakhs, and GIBS Business School at ?5.5 lakhs.

If you are looking for Private MBA Colleges with low fees, then consider choosing ICFAI University, Parul Institute of Management and Lucknow Institute of Technology. With the right private college that has a good Rural Management program, students can acquire valuable learning, exposure to rural practices and opportunities for job placement.

Top Government MBA Colleges for Rural Management in India 2025

If you're searching for value for money in quality education, then selecting the Best government MBA Rural Management Colleges in India is the right move. Top government universities for Rural MBA offer low fees and are suitable for students from various backgrounds. These colleges emphasise rural development, sustainable agriculture, public policy, and social entrepreneurship, which is ideal for individuals who wish to work in the rural development sector.

Some of the best options include BBAU Lucknow for 19,000 and Annamalai University for 6,385. Other options include Veer Narmad South Gujarat University,  Periyar University, KSRDPRU, Bangalore University and Pondicherry University.

These best government MBA colleges also offer quality education at low fees along with well-qualified faculty, an academic support team, and good placement support. Students seeking an affordable MBA Rural Management Colleges should consider these.

MBA Rural Management Colleges with Low Fees 2025

If you are keen on doing an MBA in Rural Management at a low cost, in India, several colleges offer affordable education. These colleges are likely to facilitate learning and education in specific areas related to rural development, agriculture management, public policy, and social entrepreneurship. Students in the year 2025 and beyond will have a range of options for qualified low fee MBA Rural Management colleges.

Some of the colleges include Annamalai University, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, BBAU Lucknow, Periyar University, and KSRDPRU Bangalore. Private institutes that offer comparatively low fees to students include Parul Institute of Management and Lucknow Institute of Technology. These low MBA fee colleges are perfect because they provide good infrastructure, teaching and placement support to build a successful career in the area of development.

MBA Rural Management Colleges with High Placement 2025

When considering an MBA in Rural Management, the placement factor is very important. Good placement performance ensures that you will not only be afforded strong career opportunities immediately after graduation, but it is also a reflection of quality education, strong industry partnerships and the reputation of the institution itself. As of 2025, numerous colleges are offering high placement in India for MBA Rural Management students.

For example, some of the Rural MBA Colleges with high placement are Chitkara University, Welingkar Mumbai, IRMA Anand, and XIMB Bhubaneswar. MBA Rural Management Average Package in India might range from 5-10LPA. 

Choosing a college with a high MBA Rural Management placement rate will not only provide you a higher salary to offer, but it will also connect you with top recruiters in sectors such as rural development, FMCG, agribusiness and various Non-Government Organisations.

Career Scope and Jobs after MBA in Rural Management in India 2025

In 2025 and beyond, an MBA in Rural Management is one of the most valuable and beneficial management programs in India, due to the increasing need for skilled professionals in rural development. Government, private sector, NGOs and global organizations are emphasising more on rural development projects; as a result, the Career Scope after MBA in Rural Management is rewarding.

Jobs after MBA in Rural Management

Here we have provided the best job roles for MBA Rural Management Graduates:

• Agribusiness Manager
• Rural Development Manager
• Microfinance Manager
• Project Manager
• Social Entrepreneur
• Rural Marketing Manager
• Policy Analyst

Salary after MBA in Rural Management

Salary after pursuing your MBA in Rural Management depends on the job profile, professional experience, and the organization. Freshers can earn around INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA. Once the individual gains some experience, they could earn between INR 10 LPA to INR 30+ LPA, especially in the top private firms, CSR projects, or UN/INGO organizations. Institutes like IRMA, XIMB, and Welingkar provide significant salary packages during the placement drive. Additionally, agribusiness, microfinance, and rural development are trending job profiles in today’s world with ample career progression opportunities.

Top recruiters for  MBA in Rural Management Graduates

Organizations that are known for hiring MBA Rural Management graduates in India are:

• IRMA, PRADAN, SEWA, BAIF (Reputable NGOs)
• NABARD, NDDB, Ministry of Rural Development (Government Organizations)
• ITC, Amul, Tata Trusts, Reliance Foundation (Corporate Sector & CSR)
• Grameen Bank, SKS Microfinance, Bandhan Bank (Microfinance Sector)
• There are also international organizations such as the UNDP, UNICEF, the World Bank that hire professionals for rural management.

List of Top 68 MBA Colleges Rural Management in India

National Institute Of Bank Management

Pune, Maharashtra

Established : 1969 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE

>> Master of Business Administration

Fees : Rs. 700000

• National Institute of Bank Management Cutoff 2025

NIBM Pune CAT Cutoff 2025 is expected to be above 75 percentile.

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Xavier University

Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Ratings:

Established : 1987 | Accredited/Approved : UGC

>> Master of Business Administration

Fees : Rs. 1940000

• Xavier University MBA admission requirements

The student shall attempt the national-level MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, NMAT, GMAT, or ATMA. Furthermore, students who have completed their bachelor’s degree w

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Welingkar Institute of Management

Bangalore, Karnataka | Ratings:

Established : 2008 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE / NBA

• I want to take admission this year. Is there any chance?

Welingkar Institute of Management Admission 2025 is open. The last date to apply for Welingkar Bangalore is 15 Jan 2025. To be eligible for admission, you shall have a valid score in any of th

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Welingkar Institute of Management Studies

Mumbai, Maharashtra | Ratings:

Established : 1977 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE / NBA

• Welingkar Institute Of Management Studies MBA Fees

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Welingkar Institute of Management Development

Mumbai, Maharashtra | Ratings:

Established : 1977 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE

• I have scored 64 percentile in CMAT And got 2national certificate .Is it possible to get admission.

Hi, Admission at this institute will be based on score obtained by the students in graduation and entrance examination. Candidates can apply for the course through counseling based on the

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Pratibha Institute of Business Management

Pune, Maharashtra

Established : 2008 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE

>> Master of Business Administration

Fees : Rs. 175010

• Please Send Me The Fee Structure Of MBA..

Hi Aniket Baban Aware, Fee structure for MBA/PGDM: Fee details for the complete course is approximately INR 175000/-  Fee structure for 1 year is approximately

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Modern Institute of Business Management

Pune, Maharashtra

Established : 2010 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE

>> Master of Business Administration

Fees : Rs. 140000

• What is the eligibility for the MBA program in this institute?

The eligibility requirement for MBA in MIBM is to have completed their UG degree in any stream and attempted any national level exams like CAT, MAT, XAT or CMAT etc.  

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Jayawantrao Sawant Institute Of Management & Research

Pune, Maharashtra

Established : 2007 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE

>> Master of Business Administration

Fees : Rs. 221322

• Admission

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Suryadatta Institute Of Business Management & Technology

Pune, Maharashtra | Ratings:

Established : 1999 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE

>> Master of Business Administration

Fees : Rs. 350000

• What are the selection criteria for the MBA program at SIBMT?

SIBMT accepts graduation with MAHCET scores to qualify for the MBA program. The accepted cut-off score in MAHCET is 24.5. 

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Jansons School Of Business

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | Ratings:

Established : 2002 | Accredited/Approved : AICTE, NBA

>> Master of Business Administration

Fees : Rs. 400000

• Hi I want to know the admission process for mba program

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FAQs
 

1. What is the difference between MBA Rural and Agri Business Management?

The MBA in Rural Management program will prepare you for managing rural development programs, social impact programs, rural marketing, and community development projects. An MBA in Agri-Business Management program will prepare you for responsibility for agricultural supply chains, food processing, farm management, agri-marketing, and working with agro-industries. While both are related, Rural Management is broader, and Agribusiness specifically refers to agriculture.

2. What is the scope of MBA in Rural Management?

The scope of MBA Rural 2025 is immense and growing. Graduates will be hired for various job roles in NGOs, Government Programs, CSR-based programs, micro-finance institutions, rural marketing, or development consultancies. Due to the focus on rural development in India, there is a growing demand from both public and private sectors for trained and effective Rural Managers.

3. Who is eligible for MBA in Rural Management?

To qualify for the MBA in Rural Management, applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution. Achieve a minimum of 50% marks (45% for the reserved category). Complete an entrance examination such as the CAT, XAT, CMAT, or an exam of the institution. Candidates in their final year of study may also apply.

4. What is the salary of MBA in Rural Management?

Average salary after pursuing MBA in Rural Management may range from INR 4 LPA  to INR 10 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum) based on job role and organisation. Job roles in rural marketing, agricultural business, or CSR projects offer competitive starting salaries.

5. Which are the best Colleges for MBA in Rural Management?

Some of the Top 5 MBA Colleges for Rural Management are XIMB , KIIT School of Rural Management, IRMA, Welingkar, XISS Ranchi.

6. Is an MBA in Rural Management worth it ?

It is absolutely worth the money if you are interested in creating a social impact, work for sustainable development, and uplifting rural communities. As a graduate of Rural MBA, you get a lot of career opportunities, a good salary and will be making a real difference in rural areas.

7. What is the rank of Indian Institute of Rural Management?

Indian Institute of Rural Management (IRMA ), Anand NIRF Ranking 2025 is 54 for MBA