What is the Jindal India Institute? What does it do?

The Jindal India Institute (JII) is the flagship initiative of the O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) aimed at spreading knowledge about India amongst the international community. Doing India Studies from an Indian perspective, JII undertakes a diverse set of initiatives such as training programmes for foreign diplomats, engagements with Indian diaspora youth, and hosting lectures, book discussions, and thematic weeks. It also conducts ground-breaking research projects and is set to offer a Master’s degree programme in India Studies. Bringing together experts from 15 schools and institutes within JGU, JII integrates disciplines like philosophy, art, history, law, business, international relations, public policy, journalism, environment, psychology, and public health to provide a holistic understanding of India’s rich heritage and its role in the world today.

Is O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) fully accredited?

Yes. O.P. Jindal Global University has been awarded the highest grade ‘A’ by India’s National Accreditation & Assessment Council (NAAC). In September 2019, O.P. Jindal Global University was selected as an 'Institution of Eminence' (IOE) by the Government of India, making O.P. Jindal Global University, one of only eight private universities in India to be awarded this status. JGU was also ranked in the top 700 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021 Edition), making it India’s No. 1 Private University, and India's No. 1 University dedicated to Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

What title appears on the degree certificate? Is it the same degree as the on-campus programme?

Students who complete the programme will earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) in India Studies, equivalent in academic weight to an on-campus degree (no mention of online in the degree title). While the degree title will not specify the online mode of learning, this detail will be noted on the back side of the certificate in accordance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission, Government of India.

What other benefits will learners receive upon registering for our online Master's programme?

Upon registering for our master's programme, learners will receive access to JGU's E-Library, research publications, and global networking opportunities through JGU's Alumni Connect, enhancing both their academic and professional development.

Are there scholarships available for the online M.A. in India Studies programme?

While the India Studies programme does not offer scholarships, O.P. Jindal Global University provides a flexible payment option for Indian students. Students can opt for the Jodo monthly payment plan, which allows fees to be paid in affordable installments with a low-cost EMI option.

What is the Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability (JSES)? What does it do?

The Jindal School of Environment & Sustainability (JSES), established in 2020, aims to be a global leader in sustainable solutions through innovative teaching, research, and practice-based learning. With growing environmental challenges, JSES bridges gaps in human resource development and research by integrating theory and practice in environment and sustainability studies. JSES equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills through a rigorous academic program, field trips, and internships. Committed to impactful research and industry collaboration, JSES prepares future leaders to drive positive environmental change.

Is O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) fully accredited?

Yes. O.P. Jindal Global University has been awarded the highest grade ‘A’ by India’s National Accreditation & Assessment Council (NAAC). In September 2019, O.P. Jindal Global University was selected as an 'Institution of Eminence' (IOE) by the Government of India, making O.P. Jindal Global University, one of only eight private universities in India to be awarded this status. JGU was also ranked in the top 700 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021 Edition), making it India’s No. 1 Private University, and India's No. 1 University dedicated to Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. Yes. O.P. Jindal Global University has been awarded the highest grade ‘A’ by India’s National Accreditation & Assessment Council (NAAC). In September 2019, O.P. Jindal Global University was selected as an 'Institution of Eminence' (IOE) by the Government of India, making O.P. Jindal Global University, one of only eight private universities in India to be awarded this status. JGU was also ranked in the top 700 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021 Edition), making it India’s No. 1 Private University, and India's No. 1 University dedicated to Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

What title appears on the degree certificate? Is it the same degree as the on-campus programme?

Students who complete the programme will earn a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Environmental Change & Sustainability, equivalent in academic weight to an on-campus degree (no mention of online in the degree title). While the degree title will not specify the online mode of learning, this detail will be noted on the back side of the certificate in accordance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission, Government of India.

What other benefits will learners receive upon registering for our online Master's programme?

Upon registering for our master's programme, learners will receive access to JGU's E-Library, research publications, and global networking opportunities through JGU's Alumni Connect, enhancing both their academic and professional development.

Are there scholarships available for the online M.Sc. in Environmental Change and Sustainability programme?

While the programme does not offer scholarships, O.P. Jindal Global University provides a flexible payment option for Indian students. Students can opt for the Jodo monthly payment plan, which allows fees to be paid in affordable installments with a low-cost EMI option.

M.Sc. in Development Studies

Admissions Open for December 2025

Transforming Futures through Interdisciplinary Learning

Empower changemakers, researchers, and practitioners to tackle global development challenges.
Learn from top academics, practitioners, and international advisors via class recordings and live sessions.
Experience digital immersion with grassroots organizations and NGOs through digital ethnographies.
Access exclusive IDEASx masterclasses and weekly webinars featuring global experts on development policy and practice.
Explore diverse perspectives through economics, political science, sociology, sustainability, and policy studies.
Build skills in research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, monitoring, evaluation, and project management.
Apply learning through projects or digital immersion to understand real-world impact.

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Duration

12 Months

Total of 3 Trimesters

Commitment

12-15 hours/ week

15 Courses

Commencement of Classes

December 2025

100% Online

About the Programme

The M.Sc. in Development Studies is a fully online, rigorous one-year programme designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and tools to address complex development challenges in a fast-evolving global context. The programme combines theoretical knowledge, applied research methods, and practical skills through a flexible and accessible online format ideal for working professionals and recent graduates. The online structure facilitates global participation, transcending geographical boundaries and offering a diverse, collaborative learning experience. The virtual classroom provides opportunities for interaction with renowned faculty, peers, and practitioners worldwide. The classes include recorded and some live sessions.

Why Choose Our M.Sc. in Development Studies?

JGU Ranked No. 1 in the world in the Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings 2024.

Learn from a world-class faculty.

100% online, interactive learning from anywhere in the world.

Join a global community of students from diverse backgrounds.

Access a rich repository of reference materials, including books, journals, and databases, all available online

Enjoy flexible learning options tailored to fit your schedule.

Receive instruction from the same JGU faculty who teach on campus.

Become a part of IDEAS Learning Ecosystem promoting interdisciplinary research and community engagement through initiatives like Solidarities, GAP, and IDEASx masterclasses

Apply your knowledge through supervised digital projects, collaborating with grassroots organizations and practitioners via IDEAS initiatives.

Comprehensive and
Cutting-Edge Curriculum

The M.Sc. in Development Studies is divided into three trimesters, with an optional second-year extension. The first year covers 15 courses (4 credits each), totaling 60 credits

Important Details
Course Structure

Master’s Degree Programme

Programme Offered by: Office of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDEAS) at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU)
Programme Fee: INR 2,50,000 (Equivalent amount for international learners in their local currency on payment day)
Duration: 12 months
Credits: 60 Credits
Delivery: 100% online
Flexibility: Hands-on learning from anywhere without travel requirements
Age Limit: No maximum age limit for applicants

Course Structure

Trimester 1

COURSES	Credit
Theoretical Perspectives on Development	4
Introduction to Quantitative Research	4
Introduction to Qualitative Research	4
Political Economy of India’s Development	4
Academic Writing	4
Total	20

Trimester 2

Courses	Credit
Poverty, Inequality, and Human Development	4
Research Design	4
Project Management and Evaluation	4
Indigenous knowledge and environmental justice	4
Indigenous knowledge and environmental justice	4
Total	20

Trimester 3

COURSE	Credit
State, Democracy, and Social Change	4
Data Analysis	4
Digital Immersive Learning	4
Global Value Chains and Labour Regimes	4
Gender in Development Practice: Politics and Policies	4
Total	20

Admission

Selection Criteria

Tuition & Financing

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university.
Govt. Issued ID Proof (Passport for International Applicants)

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be interviewed online

Tuition Fees

The programme offers affordable tuition fees to ensure accessibility for students worldwide. For Indian applicants, the total programme cost is INR 2,50,000. For international learners, the total tuition fee will be calculated as the local currency equivalent on the payment day.

Fee Structure

FEE	AMOUNT	DUE DATE
Block Amount	INR 50,000	Upon acceptance of the offer letter
Installment-I	INR 1,00,000	20 Days after the Programme begins
Installment-II	INR 1,00,000	Prior to the commencement of Term 3

Direct Payment Options꞉

Credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI and International payments.

Financing Option (For Indian Applicants )
O.P. Jindal Global University provides an opportunity to pay the fees in monthly installments at a nominal cost. Jodo monthly payment plan comes at a low-cost EMI option for the students to pay the fees and offers the following benefits for all students.
It encompasses all courses offered by JGU Online, requiring only a PAN number for initial registration and approval. A 24/7 helpline is available to assist you throughout your application process. The entire procedure is fully digital, taking approximately 15 minutes to complete all loan formalities, from the application to the signing of the loan agreement.

To register for Jodo Cred, visit : https://app.jodo.in/jgu
To speak with Jodo representatives, Call : +91- 99729 82193, +91- 96201 42953

FAQs

What is IDEAS at O.P. Jindal Global University?

IDEAS (Interdisciplinary Engagement Across Social Sciences) is an institutional platform at O.P. Jindal Global University that fosters interdisciplinary research, teaching, and community engagement. It brings together scholars, students, and practitioners to explore innovative solutions to complex social challenges through collaborative initiatives, action research, and pedagogical experiments. IDEAS offers this course.

2. What initiatives do IDEAS undertake?

Answer: IDEAS hosts several signature initiatives, including:

Solidarities: Collaborative partnerships with community organisations aimed at fostering peer learning and social justice.

Grassroots Action Programme (GAP): Community-anchored action research focusing on education, health, employment, and women’s empowerment.

Moulding Methods: A platform to critically explore and innovate research methodologies.

Haryana Ki Awaaz: Amplifying grassroots voices from Haryana, highlighting local resilience and transformation.

IDEASx: An online learning platform offering masterclasses and workshops by leading global scholars.

3. How does IDEAS support students in the M.Sc. in Development Studies programme?

IDEAS provides students with practical field immersion opportunities, access to interdisciplinary research constellations, and hands-on experience through initiatives like GAP and Solidarities. Students also benefit from IDEASx masterclasses, interactive events such as Nazariya, Samagana, and Swaroop, and mentorship from globally renowned scholars and practitioners.

4. What are the career prospects after completing this programme?

Graduates of the M.Sc. in Development Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in international development agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), policy and development consultancy, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) roles, corporate social responsibility (CSR), social entrepreneurship, and academic research. The programme equips students with transferable skills relevant across sectors.

5. Are there scholarships or financial aid options available?

Yes. Merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid are available for eligible candidates. O.P. Jindal Global University is committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds. For details on scholarships and financing options, applicants are encouraged to contact the admissions team at ideas@jgu.edu.in

A Private University Promoting Public Service

Transforming Futures through Interdisciplinary Learning

12 Months

12-15 hours/ week

December 2025

About the Programme

Why Choose Our M.Sc. in Development Studies?

JGU Ranked No. 1 in the world in the Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings 2024.

Learn from a world-class faculty.

100% online, interactive learning from anywhere in the world.

Join a global community of students from diverse backgrounds.

Access a rich repository of reference materials, including books, journals, and databases, all available online

Enjoy flexible learning options tailored to fit your schedule.

Receive instruction from the same JGU faculty who teach on campus.

Become a part of IDEAS Learning Ecosystem promoting interdisciplinary research and community engagement through initiatives like Solidarities, GAP, and IDEASx masterclasses

Apply your knowledge through supervised digital projects, collaborating with grassroots organizations and practitioners via IDEAS initiatives.

Comprehensive and Cutting-Edge Curriculum

Master’s Degree Programme

Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Trimester 3

Learn From The Best

Dr. Abhinita Mohanty

Assistant Professor, Office of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDEAS)

Dr. Gayatri Balu

Assistant Professor, Office of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDEAS)

Dr. Shamindra Nath Roy

Assistant Professor, Office of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDEAS)

Tahiba Banu

Lecturer, Office of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDEAS)

Prachy Hooda

Lecturer, Office of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDEAS)

Dr. Nayanjyoti

Lecturer, Office of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDEAS)

Admission

Eligibility

Selection Criteria

Tuition Fees

Fee Structure

Direct Payment Options꞉

FAQs

Register Here to Apply

Comprehensive and
Cutting-Edge Curriculum