Bachelor of Rural Studies & Its Scope in India

Did you know that a degree in rural studies might make you a better member of society?

A Bachelor's degree in Rural Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that provides students with the information and skills needed to address the issues confronting rural areas. The program covers rural economy, statistics, cooperation, panchayat, animal husbandry, agriculture, horticulture, research work, political science, and entrepreneurship. It comes under the stream of humanities and social science.

Origin of Bachelor of Rural Studies
Before designing the course, Pt. Sri Ram Sharma Acharya was suitably considered before conceptualising the course. The proposed curriculum was given to the Board of Studies meeting with the goal of creating a live model that may lead to a village becoming self-sufficient for all reasons. Such a model was established at the University and is regarded as a focal element of the course. The academic council eventually approved the draft curriculum.

Objective of Bachelor of Rural Studies
The course aims to train graduates to promote rural development by raising awareness, mobilising communities, and implementing policies. The course was introduced to the Indian Academy to recognise rural
economy’s contribution to the country's overall economy.

BRS Degree Highlights:

BRS (Bachelor of Rural Studies) Eligibility
Candidates must have completed class 12 from a recognised board.
To get admission, they must have scored at least 45%.

Importance of B.R.S.?
India is the world’s youngest nation. More than 65% of the population is under the age of 35. This youth population is a valuable resource for India, particularly among rural Indian kids, who make up 75 per cent of the population. Rural India is continually facing socioeconomic and political issues. Because of these obstacles, rural India's growth continues to suffer, and millions of people are denied access to education, food, and health care. Bachelor of Rural Studies provides numerous opportunities for Indian youth to contribute to rural development.

Bachelor of Rural Studies Syllabus - BRS Course Syllabus
The BRS course syllabus covers a wide range of topics linked to rural development. It focuses on agriculture and horticulture, animal husbandry, rural industry, human resource development, NGO management, livelihood, water management, and agricultural challenges. The BRS syllabus covers the following topics:

Rural Development:

• Rural economy & rural social problems of India.
• Rural development: concept and dimension
• Communication skills for rural development
• Voluntary sector and rural development

Agriculture & Horticulture:

• Introduction to agriculture
• Production technology of medicinal & aromatic plants
• Crop management & their production technology
• Integrated disease & pest management
• Organic farming, soil and soil fertility management
• Rainwater conservation & watershed management
• Introduction to horticulture
• Gardening & nursery development

Animal Husbandry:

• Fundamentals of Cattle husbandry & farm management
• Dairy management

Rural Industry:

• Rural entrepreneurship development & small business management
• Rural marketing
• Marketing management
• Rural credit, Self-help groups & women empowerment
• Accounting & financial management

Other useful subjects:

• Common property resource management & livelihood
• Rural energy
• Rural health, hygiene, sanitation & yoga
• Human resource development & management
• Organisational behaviour and organisational development
• NGOs management

Bachelor in Rural Studies(BRS) Admission Process
Students can apply for admission to a Bachelor's degree in Rural Studies via the university or college's official website. They may also have to appear for an entrance exam if the university requires it.

Bachelor of Rural Studies Application Form and Process
The application form for a Bachelor's degree in Rural Studies can be obtained from the university or college's official website. Students must complete the application form and submit it with the needed documents, which include 12th-grade mark sheets, passport-sized pictures, and identity evidence.

Scope of Bachelor of Rural Studies (BRS)
BRS degree holders have good employment possibilities in rural areas, particularly in the public sector. Under the "Skill India" initiative, the central and state governments have launched a number of rural development projects in education, health care, cottage industries, animal husbandry, agriculture, horticulture, and entrepreneurship. One might also plan for further education following B.R.S. Following BRS, students can pursue a Master of Rural Studies (MRS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Master of Social Welfare (MSW).

• Central and State Government jobs (Field officer, documentation officer, programme officer, etc)

BRS degree holders have numerous options to work in rural areas. In rural India, the central and state governments have launched a number of initiatives through various departments. These projects focus on education, health care, cottage industries, animal husbandry, agriculture, horticulture, and entrepreneurship.

• Jobs at national and international NGOs

Many national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) work in rural development and require volunteers to monitor, execute, and run various initiatives. B.R.S. degree holders have numerous options to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

• Establish own NGO

Because the Government of India and international NGOs fund local NGOs and collaborate with them on implementation, B.R.S. degree holders have the opportunity to start their own NGO in areas such as education, health, and entrepreneurship, as well as other areas aimed at empowering villages.

• Entrepreneur

The Indian government promotes entrepreneurship in rural India. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is taking the lead in entrepreneurship development. Holders of a B.R.S. degree can start their own businesses in their chosen fields.

• Project Coordinator

To help the Indian economy thrive, the Government of India (GOI) is collaborating with other international organisations such as UNICEF, WHO, and DFID to conduct a variety of programs in health, skill development, education, women's and child welfare. To carry out this initiative, these organisations require individuals who are well knowledgeable of the area's socioeconomic background and who are enthusiastic and passionate about the work of rural sustainable development. BRS graduates are ideal candidates for the post of project coordinator in a certain area. As a project coordinator, you are in charge of putting the project's goals into action.

• Marketing & Sales Manager

Rural industries are flourishing in the age of Made in India. Rural industries are fostered by state and federal governments since they are a valuable source of revenue. The industries provide work for locals and help to improve the area. Industries require someone with sales, marketing, supply chain management, and managerial abilities. BRS graduates can pursue employment in rural marketing and contribute to the rural economy.

• Business Development Manager

Companies require qualified personnel to run their business divisions at the village level. The role of the business development officer is to provide resources and labour at a low cost. BRS graduates can apply for this position and become business development managers. They bear a great deal of responsibility for surviving in a new nation. As a Business Development Officer, one can communicate with villages while simultaneously managing the unit to which they belong.

• Documentation Officer

Documentation is an essential responsibility in any institute or business. B.R.S. degree holders are qualified for this position since they possess degree-level reporting and documentation skills. With little instruction from the organisation and institute, applicants can readily acquire the abilities of Hindi and English documentation in various offices of the public and commercial sectors.

• Agronomist 

The main role of an agronomist is to increase soil production. They also want to improve the seed quality and nutritional value of crops. To produce and improve crops, they conduct various experiments. Agronomy is a unique career path to pursue after a Bachelor of Rural Studies degree.

• Area Executive

The job of the Area Executive in rural destinations will be to generate net income for camps and activities while ensuring enough financial support for programs. They also identify, train, recruit, advise, and motivate others to participate in youth initiatives. It is a lucrative career after completing the rural studies course.

• Teacher

After earning a Bachelor of Rural Studies degree and passing the UGC-NET test, you can pursue a career in teaching.

Higher Studies After  Bachelor of Rural Studies
The BRS degree opens up numerous opportunities for further education. After completing BRS, students can pursue a Master of Rural Studies (MRS), MBA, or MSW.

FAQs
1. What is BRS?
BRS stands for Bachelor of Rural Studies. It is a three-year undergraduate-level course.

2. What is the eligibility requirement for BRS?
Candidates need to have passed class 12th from a recognised education society, board, or university.

3. Does Rural Studies have a mandatory major project or internship?
No. However, you will gain on-ground experience by working in rural areas in India. As a research officer and trainer, you will also develop leadership and communication skills.

4. Is Rural Studies a Practical or Theory-oriented Degree?
Bachelor of Rural Studies covers both theoretical and practical knowledge.

5. Which are the subjects covered under BRS?
The degree covers topics like the rural economy, statistics, cooperation, panchayat, animal husbandry, agriculture, horticulture, research work, political science, and entrepreneurship.