Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The MA (Conflict Management and Development) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research (MCPR) under the Faculty of Social Sciences at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The programme is a specialised interdisciplinary course that equips students with theoretical and practical skills in conflict analysis, peacebuilding, and development. It integrates traditional Indian knowledge systems with contemporary global discourses in peace and conflict studies, offering a unique academic experience. The course spans 4 semesters with a total intake of 59 seats, and is offered in on-campus mode. Total tuition fees for the 2-year programme are Rs. 36,000 (Rs. 9,000 per semester), with total course fees of Rs. 55,500. Admission is based on CUET PG scores followed by a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI), making it a competitive and selective programme.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are upcoming. CUET PG 2026 is currently ongoing (March 13 - April 1, 2026), and BHU PG counselling including GD/PI for this course is expected to begin tentatively in June-July 2026 based on the previous year's schedule. Students who have registered for CUET PG 2026 and opted for BHU should monitor the official BHU admission portal (admission.bhu.ac.in) for GD/PI schedule and counselling dates.

Key Points

The programme is offered by the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research (MCPR), one of the few dedicated centres for peace and conflict studies in India, named after BHU's founder Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
The curriculum integrates traditional Indian knowledge systems with contemporary global discourses in peace and conflict studies, offering a unique interdisciplinary perspective.
Students gain direct exposure to real-world conflict situations through fieldwork, workshops, seminars, and lectures by distinguished experts from academia and industry.
The programme is a Special Course, meaning it has a higher fee structure compared to regular BHU MA programmes, reflecting its specialised and resource-intensive nature.
Admission involves a two-stage process: CUET PG score followed by Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI), ensuring selection of motivated and capable students.
Graduates are equipped for careers in NGOs, international organisations, government agencies, think tanks, and academic research in peace and conflict studies.

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BHU MA (Conflict Management and Development) Fees

The MA (Conflict Management and Development) is a Special Course at BHU with a higher fee structure compared to regular MA programmes. The total tuition fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 36,000 (Rs. 9,000 per semester), and the total course fee including other university charges is Rs. 55,500. Hostel accommodation is available separately and is not mandatory.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (per semester)	9,000
Tuition Fee (Total - 4 semesters)	36,000
Other University Charges (Registration, Development, Caution, etc.)	~19,500
Total Course Fees	55,500
Hostel Fee - Male (per year, optional)	5,375

Caution money/security deposit is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
Hostel fees do not include mess/food charges, which are charged separately.
Students from Uttar Pradesh may be eligible for UP Government Post-Matric Scholarship, which can cover a significant portion of fees and hostel charges.
Education loans are available through the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme (pmvidyalaxmi.co.in) for eligible students.

BHU MA (Conflict Management and Development) Admission 2026

BHU MA (Conflict Management and Development) admissions for 2026-27 are based on CUET PG 2026 scores followed by a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) conducted by the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research. The CUET PG exam is currently ongoing, and the GD/PI is expected to be conducted in June-July 2026 based on the 2025 admission cycle. Candidates must register separately on the BHU admission portal after CUET PG results are declared and must appear for the GD/PI to be considered for admission.

Admission Important Dates

Event	Tentative Date (2026)
CUET PG 2026 Exam	March 13 - April 1, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Result	May 6, 2026 (Tentative)
BHU CAP-PG Registration Opens	May 2026 (Tentative)
GD/PI Candidate List Published	June 2026 (Tentative)
GD/PI Conducted at BHU	June/July 2026 (Tentative)
Seat Allotment / Round 1	July 2026 (Tentative)
Fee Payment after Allotment	July 2026 (Tentative)
Physical Reporting / Document Verification	August 2026 (Tentative)
Commencement of Classes	August/September 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Event	Date
CUET PG 2026 Registration	December 14, 2025 - January 23, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Form Correction Window	January 28 - January 30, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Admit Card	March 9, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Exam	March 13 - April 1, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Result	May 6, 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's degree in any discipline under the 10+2+3 system with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for OBC/PwBD candidates; no minimum percentage required for SC/ST candidates, only passing required).
Candidates must have appeared in CUET PG 2026 and opted for Banaras Hindu University (BHU) at the time of filling the NTA form.
Candidates must appear for the GD/PI conducted by the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research at BHU campus.

Admission Process

Appear in CUET PG 2026 conducted by NTA and select BHU as a preferred university.
After CUET PG result declaration, register on the BHU CAP-PG admission portal (admission.bhu.ac.in) by paying the registration fee.
Shortlisted candidates based on CUET PG scores will be called for Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) at BHU campus.
Final merit list is prepared based on CUET PG score and GD/PI performance.
After seat allotment, pay the course fee online within the stipulated deadline.
Report physically to the university with original documents for verification and complete the admission formalities.

BHU MA (Conflict Management and Development) Scholarships 2026

BHU offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to students. For MA (Conflict Management and Development) students, government scholarships and BHU institutional scholarships are available. Students from Uttar Pradesh can benefit from the UP Government Post-Matric Scholarship, while national-level scholarships are available for students from other states. The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme also provides collateral-free education loans for eligible students.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
UP Government Post-Matric Scholarship	UP domicile students; family income below Rs. 2 lakh (General/OBC) or Rs. 2.5 lakh (SC/ST)	Fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance (varies by category and course)
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - Post-Matric	SC/ST/OBC/Minority students; family income as per government norms	Up to Rs. 1,200/month (hosteller), Rs. 550/month (day scholar)
BHU Merit Scholarship	1st rank holder in university examination	Rs. 4,000 (one-time)
BHU Merit Scholarship	2nd rank holder in university examination	Rs. 3,000 (one-time)
BHU Scholarship for Economically Weak Students	Family income below Rs. 1 lakh per annum; good academic record and 75% attendance	Free meals (lunch and dinner) for 7 months; Rs. 2,000 annually (for 100 students)
PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme	All students admitted to BHU	Collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans from multiple banks

Students already receiving any other scholarship are not eligible for BHU institutional scholarships.
Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory to remain eligible for BHU scholarships.
UP Scholarship applications are typically submitted online through the UP Scholarship portal (scholarship.up.gov.in) at the beginning of each academic year.
NSP scholarships are applied through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).

BHU MA (Conflict Management and Development) FAQs

Ques. What is the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research (MCPR) at BHU?

Ans. The Malaviya Centre for Peace Research (MCPR) is a dedicated interdisciplinary research and teaching centre at BHU, named after the university's founder Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. It is one of the few centres in India focused exclusively on peace and conflict studies. The centre offers the MA in Conflict Management and Development, a PG Diploma, and PhD programmes, and is known for its distinguished faculty of internationally recognised scholars and its integration of Indian and global perspectives on peace and conflict.

Ques. What is the GD/PI process for admission to MA Conflict Management and Development at BHU?

Ans. After CUET PG results are declared, shortlisted candidates are called for a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) conducted at the BHU campus by the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research. The GD typically involves discussion on current affairs, social issues, and topics related to conflict and development. The PI assesses the candidate's motivation, academic background, and suitability for the programme. The final merit list is prepared based on a combination of CUET PG score and GD/PI performance.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after MA Conflict Management and Development from BHU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in NGOs and civil society organisations working in conflict zones, international organisations (UN agencies, UNDP, UNHCR, etc.), government agencies dealing with conflict resolution and development, think tanks and policy research institutes, academic research and teaching (PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies), and journalism and media covering conflict and development issues. The programme's interdisciplinary nature makes graduates versatile and sought after across multiple sectors.

Ques. Is this programme suitable for students from non-social science backgrounds?

Ans. Yes, the MA Conflict Management and Development at BHU is open to graduates from any discipline, making it accessible to students from science, engineering, commerce, and humanities backgrounds. The programme's interdisciplinary approach means that students from diverse academic backgrounds bring unique perspectives to the study of conflict and development. However, a strong interest in social issues, current affairs, and peace and conflict studies is essential.

Ques. What is the difference between the MA and the PG Diploma in Conflict Management and Development at BHU?

Ans. The MA is a 2-year full-time programme that provides a comprehensive academic grounding in conflict management and development, leading to a postgraduate degree. The PG Diploma is a 1-year programme that offers a shorter, more focused introduction to the subject. The MA is more suitable for students seeking a deeper academic engagement and career in research or policy, while the PG Diploma is suitable for working professionals seeking to upskill in conflict management.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for MA Conflict Management and Development students at BHU?

Ans. Hostel accommodation at BHU is available but not guaranteed, and is allotted on a first-come, first-served basis subject to availability. BHU has separate hostels for male and female students. The hostel fee for male students is approximately Rs. 5,375 per year (excluding mess charges). Students are advised to apply for hostel accommodation immediately after securing admission.