The PGDRD is designed to build the capacity of the students in terms of improving their theoretical foundation of rural development, gathering practical experiences (learning by doing) and developing leadership qualities by facing real world challenges. The programme consists of four major components, namely, (a) classroom oriented teaching and interactive learning, (b) practical fieldwork, (c) organizational placement/internship, and (d) research work. The first component envisages exposure to attitudes, skills and knowledge relevant to the rural society, rural development philosophy and concepts, and rural development management theories and practices. The second one primarily focusing on learning-by-doing approach through practical experiences at the different agricultural units of RDA demonstration farm. This component also revolves around understanding the rural society, its people, and dynamics of interaction, institutions, relationships and livelihoods by way of intensive fieldwork. The third component seeks to equip the students with skills of managing organisations/enterprises through organisational internship for 'hands on learning and applications'. The last component intends to improve students’ skills to understand the real world problems in rural communities and identify and the research proposal, field data collection and analysis, and report writing skills.