Fees
Fees at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University for the Bachelor of Computer Applications [BCA] program are structured on an annual basis, with variations depending on the source. The annual tuition fee ranges from 48,000 to 55,000 INR. The total tuition fees for the three-year course range from 97,500 to 150,000 INR. Additional charges include application and registration fees, with some mentions of a 500 INR registration charge. Scholarships, notably the UP government scholarship, are available and can cover between 18,000 to 27,000 INR annually, based on eligibility.
Hostel fees, which are separate from tuition, are reported at approximately 75,000 INR per annum. Financial aid plays a significant role, as scholarships may significantly reduce the net fee burden for eligible students. Instalment payment plans are available to ease fee payments over the academic period.
About Master of Rural Development
Master of Rural Development (officially titled Master of Rural Management and Extension - MERD) is a 2-year, full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur. The programme spans 4 semesters and is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills in rural development, community extension, social welfare, adult education, and grassroots management. With 60 seats and an annual fee of Rs. 10,656 (including library fee), it is one of the most affordable postgraduate programmes at CSJMU. The course is popular among students aspiring to work with NGOs, government rural development agencies, and social sector organisations. Admission is direct and merit-based, requiring graduation in any stream with a minimum of 40% marks.
Admissions for the 2026-27 session are upcoming. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, applications typically open in April-May and close by June, with the academic session commencing in July-August. The CSJMU admissions portal (csjmu.ac.in/admissions202627) shows the 2026-27 admission process as "Coming Up." Students are advised to regularly check the official CSJMU website for the exact schedule.
Key Points
- The programme is officially named Master of Rural Management and Extension (MERD) at CSJMU, under the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension, established in 1988 with UGC support.
- The curriculum covers rural development theory, community extension, social welfare, adult education, women empowerment, human rights, and environmental education.
- The department actively conducts research on contemporary social challenges including gender inequality, psychological issues, and rural community development.
- The programme prepares students for careers in NGOs, government rural development departments (like DRDA, NRLM), social enterprises, and international development organisations.
- With only 60 seats and direct merit-based admission, the process is straightforward with no entrance exam required.
CSJMU MERD Fees
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (Per Year) | Total (2 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Rs. 10,456 | Rs. 20,912 |
| Library Fee | Rs. 200 | Rs. 400 |
| Total Fees | Rs. 10,656 | Rs. 21,312 |
Hostel Fees (Optional, not mandatory)
| Hostel | Room Type | Annual Fee (2025-26) |
|---|---|---|
| Shivaji Boys Hostel | Shared Room | Rs. 28,180 |
| Swarn Jayanti Boys Hostel | Shared Room | Rs. 36,370 |
| Girls Hostels (Kaveri/Triveni/Saraswati - Attached) | Attached Room | Rs. 30,700 |
| Girls Hostels (Non-Attached) | Non-Attached Room | Rs. 28,180 |
| Ganga Girls Hostel (EWS) | Shared Room | Rs. 20,620 |
- Hostel accommodation is optional and subject to availability on the CSJMU campus.
- The total tuition fee for the 2-year MERD programme is Rs. 20,912, plus Rs. 400 library fee, totalling Rs. 21,312 for the full programme.
- No EMI options are officially available; fees are paid annually.
- Fees are subject to revision by the university from time to time.
CSJMU MERD Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | 2025-26 (Reference) | 2026-27 (Upcoming/Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Registration Opens | April 2025 | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply | June 2025 | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Merit List Declaration | June-July 2025 | June-July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Counselling / Document Verification | July 2025 | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Academic Session Commencement | July-August 2025 | July-August 2026 (Tentative) |
- MERD admission is direct and merit-based.
- No entrance exam is required.
- Candidates must register on the CSJMU Admission Portal at admission.csjmu.ac.in.
- The 2026-27 admission schedule is yet to be announced; check csjmu.ac.in/admissions202627 for updates.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a graduation degree (any stream) from a recognised university with a minimum of 40% marks in aggregate.
- A relaxation of 5% in the minimum marks is applicable for SC/ST category candidates (i.e., 35% marks required).
- Candidates who have appeared in their final year graduation examination are also eligible to apply provisionally, subject to submission of final marksheets at the time of admission.
Admission Process
- Register on the CSJMU Admission Portal at admission.csjmu.ac.in (WRN Direct Registration).
- Select the MERD programme under the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension.
- Upload required documents and submit the application form online.
- Merit list is prepared based on marks in the qualifying graduation examination.
- Shortlisted candidates must report to the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension on the notified counselling date with original documents for verification.
- Pay the prescribed fees and complete the admission formalities at the department.
CSJMU MERD Scholarships 2026
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSJMU Merit-Based Scholarship | Minimum 60% aggregate or CPI 6.5/10 in qualifying exam | Partial fee waiver (varies) | Awarded by the University Scholarship Committee annually |
| CSJMU Need-Based (Poor Student Fund) Scholarship | Low annual parental income (income certificate from Tehsildar/Magistrate required) | 25-50% of annual fee | Funded by alumni and philanthropic institutions |
| UP Government Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) | SC/ST/OBC/EWS students enrolled in recognised PG courses | Varies (covers tuition and maintenance allowance) | Apply at scholarship.up.gov.in; deadline typically October-November each year |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes | As per individual scheme eligibility | Varies | Central government scholarships available at scholarships.gov.in |
| PM-USP (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan) Yojana | SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum | Full fee reimbursement for eligible students | Available for SC/ST students in higher education |
- UP Government Post-Matric Scholarship applications are typically open from July to November each year at scholarship.up.gov.in.
- Students must apply within the deadline to avail the benefit.
- CSJMU internal scholarships are finalised by the University Scholarship Committee; students must apply through the university portal after admission.
- Given the very low annual fee of Rs. 10,656, the financial burden for this programme is minimal, making it accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.
CSJMU MERD FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between "Master of Rural Development" and "Master of Rural Management and Extension (MERD)" at CSJMU?
Ans. These are the same programme. The course is officially titled "Master of Rural Management and Extension (MERD)" at CSJMU's Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension. It may be referred to as "Master of Rural Development" on some platforms and aggregator websites. The programme covers rural development, community extension, social welfare, adult education, and related disciplines. Students should note the official name when filling application forms or referring to their degree certificate.
Ques. Is there any entrance exam for admission to MERD at CSJMU, or is it purely merit-based?
Ans. Admission to MERD at CSJMU is entirely direct and merit-based. There is no entrance examination. Candidates are selected based on their marks in the qualifying graduation examination. The process involves online registration on the CSJMU Admission Portal, followed by merit list declaration and document verification at the department. This makes it one of the more accessible PG programmes at CSJMU, especially for students who may not have appeared in competitive entrance exams.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing MERD from CSJMU?
Ans. Graduates of MERD can pursue careers in a wide range of sectors. Government opportunities include positions in rural development departments such as DRDA (District Rural Development Agency), NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission), MGNREGS, and Panchayati Raj institutions. In the non-government sector, graduates can work with NGOs, international development organisations (like UN agencies, World Bank-funded projects), and social enterprises focused on rural livelihoods, women empowerment, and community health. Some graduates also pursue PhD programmes in social work, rural development, or extension education.
Ques. What is the syllabus and teaching approach of the MERD programme at CSJMU?
Ans. The MERD programme at CSJMU follows a 4-semester structure covering subjects such as rural development theories and policies, community extension methods, adult and non-formal education, social welfare administration, women empowerment, human rights, environmental education, and research methodology. The department uses a mix of classroom teaching, field visits, workshops, and seminars. The department also conducts interdisciplinary research on themes like gender inequality, psychological issues, and contemporary social challenges, giving students exposure to applied research alongside theoretical learning.
Ques. Can students from science or commerce backgrounds apply for MERD at CSJMU?
Ans. Yes, MERD at CSJMU is open to graduates from any stream, including Science, Commerce, Arts, and professional courses. The only requirement is a minimum of 40% marks in graduation (35% for SC/ST candidates). This interdisciplinary eligibility makes the programme accessible to a wide range of students. Students from backgrounds in social sciences, humanities, agriculture, and even engineering or management who wish to transition into the development sector can apply.
Ques. How does CSJMU's MERD programme compare to similar programmes at other universities in UP?
Ans. CSJMU's MERD is one of the most affordable rural development postgraduate programmes in Uttar Pradesh, with an annual fee of just Rs. 10,656. The programme benefits from CSJMU's NAAC A++ accreditation and its status as a UGC Category-I university, lending credibility to the degree. The Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension has been active since 1988 and has established community linkages in the Kanpur region. Compared to similar programmes at other state universities in UP, CSJMU's MERD offers a good balance of academic rigour, affordability, and institutional reputation, particularly for students seeking careers in the social development sector in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states.