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LJ University (Lok Jagruti Kendra University), Ahmedabad, offers a full-time Master of Science in Development Management (MSDM) through the LJ Institute of Development Studies and Management (LJIDSM). This unique 2-year, 4-semester programme is designed to develop well-rounded professionals with strong knowledge, skills, and attitudes for leadership roles in the development sector, including NGOs, CSR organisations, social enterprises, and government programmes. The programme spans 1,500 hours of inputs, significantly more than the standard 1,250 hours in most PG programmes, giving it equivalence with Master's degrees from reputed foreign universities in the US and Europe. The total programme fee is Rs. 3,00,000 (Rs. 75,000 per semester), which includes tuition, course material, studios, summer placement, and sports. Admission is based on the LJU written test and interview, with candidates scoring above the 80th percentile in CAT/MAT/GMAT/XAT exempted from the written test. The programme has a restricted intake of 30 students per batch, ensuring a focused and personalised learning experience.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open at LJ University. The application process is ongoing and candidates can apply online through the official admissions portal. Based on past cycles, the admission process typically runs from March to June. Candidates are advised to monitor the official website (ljku.edu.in) for the 2026 admission notification and exact dates.

Key Points

The programme is built on the KSA (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) model, covering social development, development theories, global development scenarios, community-driven development, governance, and environmental sustainability.
Intake is restricted to a maximum of 30 students per batch, ensuring personalised mentorship and focused learning.
The 1,500-hour curriculum is equivalent to Master's degrees from reputed foreign universities in the US and Europe.
Graduates are eligible for prestigious fellowships including Prime Minister Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF), LAMP Fellowship, Gandhi Fellowship, CM Fellowship (Maharashtra), and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
LJ University houses a Social Incubator with strong linkages to investors, providing MSDM students with opportunities to set up innovative social ventures.
The programme includes a summer placement component, providing real-world exposure to the development sector.
Strong linkages with NGOs, Micro Finance Institutions, and CSR organisations ensure placement opportunities for graduates.

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FAQs

LJU MSDM Fees

The M.Sc. (Development Studies and Management) programme at LJ University charges a tuition fee of Rs. 75,000 per semester, totalling Rs. 3,00,000 for the entire 4-semester programme. This fee is inclusive of tuition, course material, studios, summer placement, and sports, making it a comprehensive package. The application fee is Rs. 1,000 (non-refundable). The university does not have on-campus hostel facilities but facilitates PG accommodation near the campus.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Application Fee (Non-Refundable)	1,000
Tuition Fee Per Semester	75,000
Total Fee (4 Semesters)	3,00,000

The total fee of Rs. 3,00,000 includes tuition fees, course material, studios, summer placement, and sports.
Application fee of Rs. 1,000 is non-refundable and payable online.
The university does not have on-campus hostel facilities.
PG accommodation near the campus is facilitated by the university at additional cost.
Fees are payable semester-wise via NEFT/IMPS to the university's bank account (Indian Overseas Bank, Vastrapur branch, Account No. 104201000009569, IFSC: IOBA0001042).

LJU MSDM Admission 2026

Admissions to the M.Sc. (Development Studies and Management) programme at LJ University are based on a written test and personal interview conducted by the university. Candidates with a score above the 80th percentile in national tests like CAT, MAT, GMAT, or XAT are exempted from the written test and need to appear only for the viva-voce. The intake is restricted to 30 students per batch. For 2026, admissions are currently open and candidates can apply online through the official portal.

LJ University MSDM Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date (2026)
Application Process Open	Ongoing (March-June 2026, Tentative)
Last Date to Apply	June 2026 (Tentative)
Written Test / Interview	June-July 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement	July-August 2026 (Tentative)

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
XAT 2026	Registration	July 10 - December 5, 2025
XAT 2026	Exam Date	January 4, 2026
XAT 2026	Result	January 16, 2026
CAT 2025	Registration	August 1 - September 20, 2025
CAT 2025	Exam Date	November 30, 2025
CAT 2025	Result	December 24, 2025
MAT 2026 (Feb Session)	Exam Date (PBT)	March 1, 2026
MAT 2026 (Feb Session)	Exam Date (CBT)	March 8, 2026
MAT 2026 (Feb Session)	Result (PBT)	March 14, 2026

Candidates scoring above the 80th percentile in CAT/MAT/GMAT/XAT are exempted from the LJU written test and need to appear only for the viva-voce. GMAT dates are not listed in the knowledge source; candidates should check the official GMAT website (mba.com) for current test dates.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline (Agriculture, Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, IT, Medical, Architecture, etc.) with a minimum of 50% marks.
Professional degree holders such as CA, CS, etc. are also eligible.
Candidates who have appeared in their final year examinations can also apply; admission will be granted subject to clearing the final examination.
Some work experience of 1-2 years is an added advantage (not mandatory).

Admission Process

Download and submit the application form online from the university website; pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1,000.
Candidates with CAT/MAT/GMAT/XAT scores above the 80th percentile are exempted from the written test and need to appear only for the viva-voce.
Other candidates must appear for the LJU written test followed by a personal interview.
Final selection is based on merit in the written test and interview.
Admitted students must pay the semester fee within the stipulated deadline to confirm their seat.

LJU MSDM Scholarships 2026

LJ University offers government scholarships to eligible students pursuing the MSDM programme. Additionally, graduates of the programme are eligible for prestigious national fellowships that provide financial support and career opportunities in the development sector. The university's Social Incubator also provides funding support for students who wish to set up social ventures.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
Digital Gujarat Scholarship	SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students (Gujarat domicile)	As per government norms; applied through Digital Gujarat portal
Prime Minister Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF)	MSDM graduates	Monthly stipend + field exposure in rural development
Gandhi Fellowship	MSDM graduates	Monthly stipend + mentorship in rural education and development
LAMP Fellowship (Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament)	MSDM graduates	Monthly stipend + policy research experience
CM Fellowship (Maharashtra)	MSDM graduates	Monthly stipend + governance exposure
LJU Social Incubator Grant	Students with innovative social venture ideas	Funding support + mentorship from senior development sector leaders

Government scholarships (Digital Gujarat, etc.) are subject to state government norms and annual renewal.
National fellowships (PMRDF, Gandhi Fellowship, LAMP, etc.) are post-graduation opportunities; eligibility and selection criteria are as per the respective fellowship programmes.
The Social Incubator grant is subject to the merit of the proposed social venture and approval by the incubation committee.

LJU MSDM FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the MSDM at LJ University and a regular MBA? Why should I choose MSDM?

Ans. The MSDM (Master of Science in Development Management) at LJ University is specifically designed for the development sector, covering social development, community mobilisation, governance, environmental sustainability, and social entrepreneurship. Unlike a regular MBA which focuses on corporate management, MSDM prepares you for leadership roles in NGOs, CSR organisations, government programmes, and social enterprises. The 1,500-hour curriculum is equivalent to foreign university Master's degrees, and graduates are eligible for prestigious national fellowships like PMRDF, Gandhi Fellowship, and LAMP.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing the MSDM at LJ University?

Ans. MSDM graduates can pursue careers in NGOs, Micro Finance Institutions, CSR organisations, social enterprises, and government development programmes. They are also eligible for prestigious fellowships including Prime Minister Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF), Gandhi Fellowship, LAMP Fellowship, CM Fellowship (Maharashtra), and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). LJ University's Social Incubator also supports graduates who wish to set up innovative social ventures.

Ques. Is work experience mandatory for admission to the MSDM programme at LJ University?

Ans. No, work experience is not mandatory for admission to the MSDM programme. However, 1-2 years of work experience is considered an added advantage during the selection process. Fresh graduates who have appeared in their final year examinations can also apply, with admission granted subject to clearing the final examination.

Ques. If I have a CAT score, do I still need to appear for the LJU written test for MSDM admission?

Ans. If your CAT score is above the 80th percentile, you are exempted from the LJU written test and need to appear only for the viva-voce. The same exemption applies for MAT, GMAT, and XAT scores above the 80th percentile. Candidates without qualifying national test scores must appear for both the written test and the personal interview.

Ques. Does LJ University provide hostel facilities for MSDM students?

Ans. LJ University does not have on-campus hostel facilities for MSDM students. However, the university has tie-ups with a large number of paying-guest (PG) accommodations near the campus and will facilitate such arrangements for students who need accommodation. Students should factor in PG accommodation costs (approximately Rs. 72,000 to Rs. 1,44,000 per year) in addition to the programme fees.

Ques. What is the intake for the MSDM programme at LJ University, and how competitive is the admission process?

Ans. The intake for the MSDM programme is restricted to a maximum of 30 students per batch. This small cohort size ensures personalised mentorship and a focused learning environment. The admission process involves a written test and personal interview (or just a viva-voce for candidates with high national test scores). Given the limited seats and the unique nature of the programme, candidates with relevant work experience, strong academic background, and a genuine interest in the development sector have a competitive advantage.

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LJ University M.Sc Development Studies and Management: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Table of Contents

LJU MSDM Fees

Fee Components

LJU MSDM Admission 2026

LJ University MSDM Admission Dates

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

Eligibility Criteria

Admission Process

LJU MSDM Scholarships 2026

Scholarships and Fellowships

LJU MSDM FAQs

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