Why Study at Palli Samgathana Vibhaga (Institute of Rural Reconstruction)?
Palli Samgathana Vibhaga, or the Institute of Rural Reconstruction, at Visva-Bharati University’s Sriniketan campus, is ideal for students passionate about rural development. Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, it focuses on uplifting villages through education, agriculture, and crafts. With hands-on fieldwork and a peaceful campus, it offers a unique chance to learn and contribute to rural India’s growth.
History and Establishment
Established in 1922 by Tagore at Sriniketan, Palli Samgathana Vibhaga was created to revive rural life. Tagore saw villages as India’s heart and started this institute to empower them with skills and knowledge. Students in the past worked with farmers and artisans, learning and teaching farming, weaving, and community organization. Today, it remains a hub for rural development studies, blending tradition with modern approaches.
Courses Available
The institute offers:
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Bachelor’s in Rural Studies (BRS): 3-year course on rural development, agriculture, and social work.
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Master’s in Rural Studies (MRS): 2-year programme on advanced rural development, policy, and management.
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M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Rural Development: For research in rural issues.
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Certificate Courses at Silpa Sadan: 2 years (1 year training + 1 year practice) in crafts like leatherwork, bookbinding, and handmade packaging. Courses include fieldwork in villages, preparing students for careers in NGOs, rural policy, or community projects.
Admission Time
Admissions open in April–May for the session starting in July–August. Check the Visva-Bharati website (www.visvabharati.ac.in) for exact dates and notifications.
Admission Procedure
To join, follow these steps:
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Check Eligibility: For BRS, pass Higher Secondary (10+2) with 60% marks (54% for OBC) in any stream. For MRS, a relevant bachelor’s degree is needed. M.Phil./Ph.D. requires a master’s degree.
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Apply Online: Fill the application form on www.vbadmission.in or www.visvabharati.ac.in, selecting Palli Samgathana Vibhaga.
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Entrance Test: Clear the entrance exam testing rural issues, general awareness, and aptitude. Some courses may include an interview.
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Submit Documents: Provide mark sheets, certificates, and ID proof. Shortlisted candidates attend counselling.
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Check Merit List: Provisional merit list is published on the admission portal. Raise concerns via email (admissionhelpdesk@visva-bharati.ac.in) within a few days.
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Final Admission: Pay fees and complete formalities as per the university’s schedule.
Age Limit
Undergraduate courses require candidates to be below 21 years at admission time. Postgraduate, M.Phil., Ph.D., and certificate courses usually have no strict age limit, but verify on the university website.
Why Choose Palli Samgathana Vibhaga?
This institute is perfect for students who want to work for rural India. With expert faculty, real-world fieldwork, and Tagore’s inspiring vision, you’ll gain skills for NGOs, rural policy, or community projects. The serene Sriniketan campus adds to the unique learning experience, making it a great choice for meaningful education.