IRMA (Institute of Rural Management Anand) offers a comprehensive and specialized curriculum for its flagship Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Rural Management) [PGDM-RM]. It is designed to create professionals adept at managing rural development and cooperatives. The IRMA 2026 syllabus blends theoretical knowledge with practical insights into rural management, combining classroom learning, fieldwork, and internships.
The IRMA PGDM (RM) program is a two-year fully residential course structured into six terms. The curriculum offers core foundational courses in the first two terms, followed by specialized functional electives in subsequent terms. The IRMA syllabus integrates management principles with a strong emphasis on rural development, social issues, and sustainability.
Management principles rooted in collectivism, cooperation, and conscious capitalism.
Subjects include: Economics for Managers, Organization Behaviour and Human Resource Management, Quantitative Techniques, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Rural Development Policies, and Social Environment.
Focus on understanding rural challenges and management techniques suited for rural contexts.
Specializations available in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, IT & Systems, Organizational Behaviour, Production & Operations, Quantitative Techniques, Social Sciences, and Strategic Management.
31.5 credit points of electives allow students to choose courses aligning with their career goals in rural or development sectors.
Village Fieldwork Segment (VFS): Approximately 8 weeks of immersive rural fieldwork after Term I. Includes exploratory village studies, theme paper writing on socio-economic issues, and a Rural Action Component (RAC) implementing practical solutions.
Summer Internship Segment (SIS): A 10-week internship post-Term III, offering hands-on experience in rural organizations, NGOs, cooperatives, or development projects, evaluated by faculty and host organizations.
IRMA employs interactive lectures, case studies, simulations, group discussions, in-class exercises, and experiential learning methods to equip students with conceptual understanding and practical insights. The program is designed to develop not only management competencies but also empathy and understanding of rural socio-economic systems.
Q1. What are the core focus areas of the IRMA PGDM (Rural Management) syllabus?
Ans. The syllabus emphasizes rural development, management principles, social issues, and development economics, complemented by electives in finance, marketing, HR, IT, and strategic management.
Q2. Does the IRMA syllabus include practical fieldwork?
Ans. Yes, IRMA mandates an 8-week Village Fieldwork Segment and a 10-week Summer Internship Segment to provide hands-on experience in rural settings and organizations.
Q3. Are there specialization options in the IRMA curriculum?
Ans. From Term III onwards, students can select electives in various functional areas such as Finance, Marketing, Operations, Social Sciences, and IT to develop domain expertise along with rural management skills.
Q4. How is the syllabus designed to develop rural sector-specific skills?
Ans. The IRMA syllabus integrates experiential learning, case studies focused on rural issues, and practical exposure through fieldwork and internships, ensuring students gain insights into rural economies and communities.
Q5. What teaching methods are used to deliver the IRMA syllabus?
Ans. IRMA uses a mix of interactive lectures, case discussions, simulations, and field-based learning to foster analytical thinking, communication, and leadership skills relevant for rural management.
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