Mumbai : The Azim Premji University announces admissions to its Masters’ Programmes in Education and in Development. The University has invited applications from fresh graduates and working professionals. The last date for receiving completed applications is February 7, 2014. Selection is based on a national entrance test which will be held at 34 centres across India on Sunday, February 16, 2014 followed by personal interviews, to be held in 15 centres in March 2014.

Azim Premji University has an explicit social purpose; to enable the development of motivated and competent professionals who can significantly contribute to the Indian education and development sectors.

Both M.A. in Education and M.A in Development programmes provide a strong grounding in foundational areas, build a deep understanding of the Indian context and develop capacity in practice, policy and research. Students have a choice to pursue a balanced General Programme or specialise in the areas mentioned below:

Education: Curriculum & Pedagogy, Early Childhood Education, and School Leadership & Management.

Development: Health & Nutrition, Law & Governance, Livelihoods, Public Policy and Sustainability.

Mr. S. Giridhar, Registrar and Chief Operating Officer, Azim Premji University said “Azim Premji University was established by the Azim Premji Foundation, in 2010. The University plays a critical role in developing new talent, building capacity in existing functionaries and creating domain knowledge through research in the fields of education and in development”

Azim Premji University was established as a not-for-profit, private, autonomous university under the Azim Premji University Act 2010. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recognized and endorsed these degree programmes under Section 22F.

Admissions are announced for the fourth batch of students at the University. Over the previous three batches, the University has had a diverse student body of over 500 students. The University believes that student diversity is integral to learning and creating an environment of academic excellence and equity. Mr. Giridhar said that the University student profile reflects its commitment to social diversity, where 50% of students come from rural and small towns and 50% of students are women. Students come from a variety of educational backgrounds as well; social sciences, science, engineering and commerce.

The tuition fee structure has been kept at Rs.53000 per annum which is only a fraction of what premier privately owned institutions charge. The University enables all deserving students to pursue higher education irrespective of financial constraints, through providing extensive scholarships. Full or part scholarships are offered, based on family income, to cover fees and living expenses.  Additional monthly financial assistance is considered for applicants with a minimum of 3 years of work experience. Educational loans are facilitated for students who are interested. Over 50% of the students have been provided these scholarships, enabling them to access high quality post graduate education at nominal cost.

Career Opportunities & campus placement

India’s focus on inclusive development and improvement in school education requires thousands of people with specialized talent. This is driven by large scale government programmes, increasing civil society efforts, NGO and corporate participation. The campus placement cell works with several organizations to create fulfilling career opportunities for students. Last year all our students were placed through campus offers. Azim Premji Foundation also recruits directly for many field based positions. Candidates with at least 2 years experience will be considered for employment at the time of admission and if selected, can join the Foundation on successful programme completion.

Application procedure- Apply online at http://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/admissions/apply-now, download a form from the website or send in a request for an Application form, accompanied by a self-addressed envelope affixed with postage stamps for Rs.50, to the University address below.

Address: Azim Premji University, Pixel Park, B Block, PES Institute of Technology Campus, Electronic City, Hosur Road (Beside NICE Road), Bangalore 560100

Source : Moushmi Kishore