Azim Premji University MA Development Studies: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Handenahalli, BangalorePrivate UniversityEstd 2010NAAC Grade A
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Content Curator | Updated on - Jun 17, 2026

The 2-year MA in Development Studies is offered at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, a private university established in 2010. The program focuses on development theory, political economy, research methodology, and field-based inquiry. It prepares graduates for research, policy, and leadership roles in the development sector. The total tuition fee for the entire course is INR 2,89,400.

📋 Admission Status: Applications for the MA in Development Studies at APU for the 2026–27 academic session are currently open. CUET PG 2026 scores are accepted for admission.

Azim Premji University MA Development Studies Fees 2026

Here are the year-wise fee details for APU MA Development Studies course:

Component Tuition Fees
Year 1 INR 1,40,500
Year 2 INR 1,48,900
Optional Hostel (per year) INR 80,000
Total Tuition Fees (Hostel charges separate) INR 2,89,400
  • The estimated monthly food cost is INR 5,000 to INR 6,000 per month.
  • No additional charges are levied for library, laboratory, IT facilities, examinations, or study materials.

Azim Premji University MA Development Studies Admission 2026

APU MA in Development Studies admission is offered through the university entrance test or CUET-PG, followed by a personal interview. Check the key admission dates and important details below:

Important Dates

CUET-PG 2026 Date
Registration Dec 14, 2025 - Jan 25, 2026
Exam Date Mar 06 - Mar 27, 2026
Result Date April 24, 2026
Personal Interview May 25 - May 29, 2026 
APU Counselling and Admission Offers  May to August 2026 (expected)
  • The interview round is available in both offline and online modes.
  • The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university; economics, sociology, political science, history, or allied social sciences backgrounds are preferred.
  • Admission requires a valid CUET PG 2026 score or performance in the APU Entrance Test.
  • Final selection is based on the entrance test/CUET-PG score and personal interview.
  • Work experience is preferred but not mandatory.
  • Final-year students may apply; admission is provisional until graduation is completed before program commencement.
  • Candidates must meet any additional eligibility conditions listed in the APU 2026-27 admission notification.

Admission Process

  • Register for CUET PG 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in and appear in the examination, OR apply for the APU own entrance test.
  • Submit the APU application form at azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in with academic documents and application fees of INR 500.
  • Appear in the APU written test and personal interview if shortlisted by the admissions committee.
  • Receive an admission offer from APU and pay the seat acceptance fee to confirm the seat.
  • Complete joining formalities, pay Year 1 tuition fee, and report to the Bangalore campus for orientation.

✓ Opt for this if

  • Graduates seeking research and policy careers in development sector
  • Students wanting interdisciplinary social science at liberal arts university
  • Those preparing for PhD in development economics or political sociology
  • Candidates targeting NGO, think tank, or government policy roles

✗ Skip if

  • Students seeking MBA or corporate management education
  • Those wanting engineering, technology, or private sector careers
  • Candidates needing strong campus placement in IT or finance sector
  • Students who need large metropolitan placement network

Azim Premji University MA Development Studies Scholarship 2026

Scholarship Coverage Eligibility
APU Need-based scholarship Tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and in exceptional cases, food expenses Annual family income below INR 8 lakh
Work experience based tuition fee waiver 50% Tuition fee waiver 3 year work experience + annual family income > INR 15 Lakhs
Education Loan (Nationalised Banks) As per bank policy All eligible candidates
  • Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee financial aid
  • Review of financial documents as per the University's Financial Aid Policy
  • Select the scholarship option while filling out the admission application form
  • Shortlisted candidates must submit a detailed scholarship form and supporting documents
  • Income of all earning family members, including salary, pension, rent, agriculture, business, investments, commissions, etc.
  • Late or incomplete scholarship applications are not considered
  • Final decision is made solely at the discretion of the University and is final and binding
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16 Studentsshown interest in the last 30 days

Table of Contents

Azim Premji University: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 6 Reviews

To apply for courses at Azim Premji University, candidates must pass the university's entrance test and an interview. The admission process runs from mid-December to early February. The university emphasizes practical work and offers substantial student support, with a faculty-student ratio of 1:25 and a mentor for every five students. Faculty members are accessible and often hold qualifications from prestigious institutions. The teaching approach is discussion-based, focusing on both academic and personal development.

The annual fee for the M.A. in Development program is approximately Rs 75,000, totaling Rs 1,50,000 over two years. Tuition for each semester costs Rs 42,000, while the annual hostel fee, excluding food, is Rs 84,000. Scholarships and financial aid are available, with allocations based on financial need and other criteria. Some students report receiving a 75% scholarship, reducing their semester costs to about Rs 21,000 for tuition and accommodation.

However, there is concern about fewer available scholarships and rising fees. Students have part-time job opportunities, like data entry, earning about Rs 4,000 monthly. Additionally, a student assistantship program provides earning options. The university offers a monthly scholarship of Rs 9,600. Placement packages range from 3.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs, with about 90% placement success, although external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic can impact rates. Recruiters include organizations from various sectors, such as Reliance Foundation and Azim Premji Foundation.

Students can participate in on-campus and off-campus internships, although options are limited to approved choices, offering chances for additional income.

...Read More
 By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

Azim Premji University MA Development Studies FAQs

Ques. What is the total fee for MA in Development Studies at APU Bangalore?

Ans. The total tuition fee for the 2-year MA in Development Studies at Azim Premji University, Bangalore, is INR 2,89,400, payable as INR 1,40,500 in Year 1 and INR 1,48,900 in Year 2. Hostel accommodation is available at INR 80,000 per year separately. APU offers need-based financial aid that can cover a significant portion of tuition for eligible students.

Ques. What is the eligibility for MA in Development Studies at APU Bangalore?

Ans. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks from a recognised university to apply for the 2-year MA in Development Studies at Azim Premji University. Backgrounds in economics, sociology, political science, history, or allied social sciences are preferred. Admission is through CUET PG 2026 or the APU own entrance test, followed by a statement of purpose review and personal interview conducted by the APU admissions committee.

Ques. What does the MA in Development Studies at APU cover?

Ans. The MA in Development Studies at Azim Premji University provides a multidisciplinary understanding of development through classroom learning, fieldwork, research projects, seminars, and dissertation work. Students also gain exposure to development practitioners, civil society organisations, and policy communities through guest lectures, field visits, and collaborative research.
Skills Gained

  • Development theory
  • Political economy
  • Social policy analysis
  • Poverty & inequality studies
  • Gender & development
  • Environmental development
  • Research methodology
  • Critical analysis
  • Evidence-based decision-making
  • Ethical development practice

Ques. What are career options after MA in Development Studies from APU Bangalore?

Ans. Graduates of the MA in Development Studies programme can build careers across the development, policy, research, and public sectors. The programme's strong research focus and industry networks help students access opportunities in leading organisations in India and abroad.

Career Roles Top Employment Sectors
Development Sector Researcher Multilateral Agencies
Policy Analyst Think Tanks
NGO Programme Lead Government Bodies
Government Consultant NGOs and Non-Profit Organisations
Academic and Research Associate Academic and Research Institutions

Ques. What entrance exams does APU accept for MA in Development Studies admission?

Ans. Azim Premji University accepts CUET PG 2026 scores for admission to the MA in Development Studies. APU also conducts its own written test and interview for shortlisted candidates. Registration for CUET PG is done at cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates who have not appeared in CUET PG may still apply via the APU own entrance route.

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