Overview

• Official Name: Gandhigram Rural Institute – Deemed to be University (Gandhigram Rural University Distance Education Centre)
• Common Name: Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI), Gandhigram Rural University
• Type: Deemed to be University (State University category under MHRD), Distance Education Centre operates under the central campus
• Established: 1956
• Campus Location: Gandhigram, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
• Approvals & Affiliations:
  • UGC Recognized (under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956): UGC Official
  • Distance Education Bureau (DEB) Approved for Distance Education Programs: UGC-DEB
  • NAAC Accreditation: Grade 'A' awarded in 2022 (NAAC Dashboard)
• Official Website: https://www.ruraluniv.ac.in

Quick Facts

• Founder: Dr. T. S. Soundaram
• Chancellor: Governor of Tamil Nadu (ex-officio)
• Vice Chancellor: Prof. Dr. A. Arun Thambiraja (as of 2024)
• Student Population: Approximately 5,000 (Regular + Distance learners combined)
• Departments/Faculties: Over 15 departments including Rural Development, Social Work, Management, Science, Education, and Agriculture
• Contact:
  Phone: +91-451-2450300
  Email: registrar@ruraluniv.ac.in
  Address: Gandhigram, Dindigul - 624302, Tamil Nadu
• NAAC Grade: 'A' (2022 cycle)
• NIRF Ranking: No NIRF ranking available as of 2024-06

Courses & Programs

• Faculties: Rural Development, Social Work, Management, Arts, Science, Education, Agriculture
• Popular Programs:
  • UG: B.A. (Rural Development), B.Sc. (Agriculture), B.Com, B.Ed.
  • PG: M.A. (Rural Development & Sociology), M.Sc., M.Com, M.Ed., MBA (Rural Management)
  • PhD: Available in select departments like Social Work, Education, Agriculture
• Duration: UG - 3 years, PG - 2 years, PhD - variable (minimum 3 years)
• Mode: Regular & Distance learning mode available for many programs through Distance Education Centre
• Intake numbers are program-specific and available on the official website's admissions section

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Merit-based for regular programs, University entrance test or merit for some courses; Distance Education admissions mostly merit-based.
• Entrance Exams Accepted: For select courses, Tamil Nadu state CET and university entrance tests; no JEE/NEET accepted. For MBA, Tamil Nadu TANCET or university test.
• Admission Timeline: June-July for regular UG/PG programs; Distance Education admission announced periodically. Refer official admissions page: Admissions
• Application Process:
  1. Visit the official admission portal: Application Portal
  2. Fill online application form (available for both regular and distance education courses)
  3. Upload required documents and pay application fees online
  4. Submit form and download acknowledgment
  5. For offline admission (if applicable), visit the university admissions office
  6. Check merit lists or entrance test results on the official site

Eligibility Criteria

• UG Courses: 10+2 or equivalent from recognized board; minimum 50% marks (relaxation as per category)
• PG Courses: Relevant UG degree with minimum 50% aggregate marks
• PhD: Master’s degree in relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks; entrance test & interview as per university rules
• Distance Education: Minimum qualification varies with course, generally 10+2 for UG and UG degree for PG
• Documents Required:
  • Original and photocopies of mark sheets and degree certificates
  • Transfer/migration certificate
  • Proof of date of birth (birth certificate/10th certificate)
  • Category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
  • Passport size photographs
  • Medical fitness certificate (if applicable)

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees:
  • UG Programs: ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per annum (tuition fees vary by program)
  • PG Programs: ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 per annum
  • Additional Fees: Examination, hostel, and miscellaneous fees as applicable (hostel fees approx. ₹12,000 per semester)
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Government scholarships under central and Tamil Nadu state schemes
  • Institute merit-based scholarships for top-performing students
  • Reserved category benefits for SC/ST/OBC/EWS as per government rules
  • Details at Scholarships & Financial Assistance

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights: Placement assistance available primarily for Management and Social Work students
• Placement Percentage: Approx. 60–70% for regular campus programs (social work, rural management)
• Average CTC: ₹3.5 Lakhs per annum (varies by program and year)
• Top Recruiters: NGOs, Rural Development Agencies, Government Departments, FMCG companies
• Placement Cell Contact: Placement Office, Email: placement@ruraluniv.ac.in
• Internships: Mandatory internships for PG courses with active industry tie-ups

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: Separate hostels for men and women with mess facilities
• Sports: Grounds and courts for cricket, volleyball, basketball, indoor games
• Labs & Libraries: Well-equipped labs in sciences and agriculture; central library with extensive rural development resources
• Healthcare: On-campus medical facility, regular health camps
• Transport: Bus connectivity from Dindigul city and nearby towns
• Wi-Fi & IT: Campus-wide Wi-Fi access
• Research Centres: Rural Development Research, Social Work Practice, Agricultural Studies
• Student Activities: Multiple clubs including NSS, Eco Club, Music and Cultural, Annual Rural Fest

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Experienced professors with PhDs in rural development, education, and social sciences
• Research Centres: Centre for Rural Development Studies, Gandhian Studies, Women’s Studies
• Grants & Projects: Funded by UGC, ICSSR, Tamil Nadu state agencies
• MoUs: Collaboration with NGOs and government departments for research & fieldwork

Rankings & Reputation

• NAAC Accreditation: Grade A (2022), visible on official NAAC portal
• NIRF 2023/2024: Not listed in recent NIRF rankings
• India Today / Outlook: No recent ranking found on official listings

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results & Seat Allotments: Published on official university website under Examination/Admissions sections: Results Portal
• Cut-Off Ranges: Category-wise cut-offs vary annually, generally 50%+ aggregate for general category in merit-based admissions
• Specific seat matrix is course-dependent and available in the university prospectus downloadable from Prospectus Section

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport (approx. 70 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Dindigul Junction (Approx. 17 km), well connected by express and passenger trains
• City Connectivity: Regular buses and taxis from Dindigul town to Gandhigram campus
• Local Transit: Shared autos, buses, and private cabs available for commute within Dindigul and Gandhigram

FAQs

1. Q: How can I apply for distance education courses at Gandhigram Rural University?
   A: Apply online via the university’s Distance Education admission portal at Distance Education.
2. Q: What is the fee structure for MBA (Rural Management)?
   A: Approximate tuition fees are ₹40,000 per annum; exact details are available in the prospectus.
3. Q: Are there scholarships for SC/ST students?
   A: Yes, government scholarships and fee concessions are available as per Tamil Nadu Government and central guidelines.
4. Q: Does the university conduct entrance exams?
   A: For most courses, admission is merit-based; some PG courses use Tamil Nadu TANCET or university entrance tests.
5. Q: What is the duration of B.Ed. program?
   A: Two years for regular mode; distance mode available as per university notification.
6. Q: Is hostel facility available?
   A: Yes, separate hostels with mess facilities are provided for male and female students.
7. Q: When are admission notifications released?
   A: Usually from May to July; candidates should check Admissions Page regularly.
8. Q: Does the university have placement support?
   A: Yes, there is a dedicated placement cell providing training and career guidance.
9. Q: Is there Wi-Fi on campus?
   A: Yes, campus-wide Wi-Fi access is available for students and faculty.
10. Q: How can I contact the university for admissions queries?
    A: Phone: +91-451-2450300, Email: registrar@ruraluniv.ac.in