Centre for Development Studies: Admission 2025, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Thiruvananthapuram Campus Life

Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, is widely recognized as a distinguished autonomous social science research institute in India. Established on October 19, 1970, CDS has cultivated a strong legacy in development studies. Affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, its core mission revolves around rigorous research, teaching, and training in crucial economic development areas. The institution offers a two-year Master's Programme in Applied Economics, a four-year PhD Programme in Economics, and an Integrated M.Phil-Ph.D. These programs equip students with robust analytical and empirical methodologies for contemporary economic issues. Admissions for the MA program are primarily through CUET-PG, while PhD admissions involve a specific entrance test. CDS also supports academic diversity with scholarships, including those for students from SAARC countries. Located on a 10-acre campus in Prasanth Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, the institute's architecture, designed by Laurie Baker, emphasizes sustainability and provides an inspiring learning environment. The campus features an extensive library with over 170,000 titles and digital resources, comfortable hostels for men and women, a guesthouse, and a cafeteria, all contributing to a vibrant student experience. CDS places strong emphasis on career outcomes through its dedicated placement cell. This cell actively connects students with industries, providing training and grooming sessions, including mock interviews. Graduates secure positions with leading firms like KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and Cognizant. The Centre also participates in significant international collaborations, such as the GLOSTAR project involving various global universities, and offers a PhD Internship Abroad program, enhancing its research capabilities and providing invaluable global exposure in economic development.