Overview

• Official Name: Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram
• Common Short Names: CDS Thiruvananthapuram
• Type: Autonomous Research Institute and Postgraduate Teaching Centre under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
• Year Established: 1970
• Campus Location: Prasanth Nagar, Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
• Approvals & Affiliations: University Grants Commission (UGC) recognized as a Centre of Excellence; accredited with NAAC Grade A (2022) [Official Website]
• Official Website: https://www.cdskerala.org/

Quick Facts

• Founder: Prof. K.N. Raj
• Chairperson/Director: Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-10 (Check Faculty & Staff)
• Approximate Student Population: ~150 postgraduate and doctoral students
• Departments/Faculties: Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics
• Contact: Phone: +91-471-2497409, Email: info@cds.ac.in, Address: Prasanth Nagar, Ulloor P.O, Thiruvananthapuram – 695011, Kerala
• NAAC Grade: A (2022) (NAAC Portal)
• Ranking: Featured among top research institutes in social sciences; Not formally ranked in NIRF as of 2024

Courses & Programs

• Faculties: Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics
• Popular Courses:
  • Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Development Studies (2 years, Regular)
  • Ph.D. Programs in Economics, Social Sciences and Statistics (Duration: 3-5 years, Regular)
• Mode: Regular (Full-time)
• Intake: Limited seats (Exact intake varies yearly; check official admissions page)

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Based on entrance test and interview conducted by CDS
• Accepted Entrance Exams: CDS conducts its own entrance examination; no direct acceptance of JEE/NEET/GATE etc.
• Admission Timeline:
  • Applications open: March-April
  • Entrance Exam & Interviews: May-June
  • Admission results: July
  Refer official Admissions Page for updated dates.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit the official website Admission Portal
  2. Download the application form or apply online (if available)
  3. Fill details and upload required documents
  4. Pay application fee online or via demand draft
  5. Submit and print confirmation receipt
  6. Prepare for entrance exam/interview as notified

Eligibility Criteria

• For MA/PG Diploma in Development Studies:
  • Graduate degree with minimum 50% marks in any discipline from a recognized university
  • Basic knowledge of economics and social sciences preferred
• For Ph.D. program:
  • Master’s degree in relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks
  • Cleared qualifying examination or NET/SLET as applicable
• Documents Required:
  • Mark sheets and certificates of qualifying exams
  • Entrance exam admit card (if applicable)
  • Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
  • Passport size photographs
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Migration certificate (for other university graduates)

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fee Ranges:
  • MA/PG Diploma: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per year (Tuition & Examination fees)
  • Ph.D.: Nominal registration and semester fees as per university norms
  • Hostel and mess charges: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per semester
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Central Government Scholarships (e.g., UGC scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
  • Institute Merit-based Scholarships (subject to availability)
  • Government of Kerala Scholarships for economically weaker sections
  More details at Scholarships Page.

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights: Primarily research and academic oriented; placement percentage varies; students often qualify for research fellowship and teaching positions
• Average & Highest CTC: Not officially published as focus is on doctoral research and academia
• Top Recruiters: Research institutes, government bodies, NGOs, academia
• Placement Cell: Contact via official website for details
• Internship Support: Available for select programs via research projects and partner institutions

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: Separate hostels for men and women with mess facilities
• Sports: Outdoor and indoor sports facilities available on campus
• Laboratories: Computer labs, social science research labs
• Library: Well-stocked with books, journals, and digital resources specialized in development studies
• Healthcare: On-campus medical aid and tie-up with local hospitals
• Transport: Accessible by local public transport; parking available
• Wi-Fi: Campus-wide Wi-Fi facility
• Research Centres: Multiple specialized centres focusing on economics, social policy, and development
• Student Clubs & Festivals: Cultural and academic clubs organizing seminars, workshops, and annual events

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Eminent economists and social scientists including former Directors Prof. K.N. Raj and Prof. C.T. Kurien
• Research Centres: Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development, Environmental Studies wing
• Major Grants: Funded by DST, ICSSR, and other government agencies
• Patents/MoUs: Collaborations with national and international development research bodies

Rankings & Reputation

• NAAC: Grade A (2022) (NAAC portal)
• NIRF: Not listed individually as of 2024
• Other Rankings: Recognized as a premier social science research institute in India by MoE and DST reports

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results Publication: Announced on official website under Admissions/Results Section
• Cut-Offs: Entrance exam cut-offs vary each year; typically high due to limited seats; category-wise cut-offs announced post exam
• Seat Matrix: ~30 seats for MA/PG Diploma, ~10-15 for Ph.D.; exact numbers yearly on admissions portal

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram), approx. 10 km from campus
• Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, approx. 8 km
• City Connectivity: Well connected by buses, taxis; campus located in Ulloor area
• Local Transit: Frequent city buses and autos available; proximity to major hospitals and educational hubs

FAQs

Q1: What is the eligibility criteria for MA in Development Studies at CDS?

A: Graduates with minimum 50% marks in any discipline are eligible to apply.

Q2: Does CDS accept national level entrance exams like JEE or GATE for admission?

A: No, admissions are based on the institute’s own entrance test and interview process.

Q3: What is the fee structure for postgraduate programs?

A: Approximate tuition fee ranges between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per year; hostel and mess charges extra.

Q4: Are scholarships available for economically weaker students?

A: Yes, government scholarships and institute merit scholarships are offered.

Q5: How do I apply online for programs at CDS?

A: Applications can be submitted via the official website’s admission page during the admission cycle.

Q6: What is the usual intake capacity for the MA program?

A: Approximately 30 seats are available annually, subject to change.

Q7: Does CDS provide hostel accommodation?

A: Yes, separate hostels for men and women with dining facilities are available.

Q8: How are placements managed at CDS?

A: The institute mainly supports research-oriented careers; placements are through referrals and academic networks.

Q9: Where can I check examination results?

A: Results are published on the official Admissions Results webpage.

Q10: What is the mode of instruction?

A: All courses are conducted in regular, full-time mode on the Thiruvananthapuram campus.