Semester-wise Syllabus for M.Com in Rural Banking & Microfinance

Semester 1: Foundation Courses

1. Principles of Rural Banking

   • Introduction to rural banking

   • Role of rural banks in economic development

   • Regulatory framework (RBI, NABARD, etc.)

2. Microfinance: Concepts and Models

   • Definition, scope, and importance of microfinance

   • SHGs (Self-Help Groups), JLGs (Joint Liability Groups), and MFIs (Microfinance Institutions)

   • Grameen Bank model and other global models

3. Agricultural Finance

   • Credit needs of farmers

   • Kisan Credit Card (KCC), crop loans, and term loans

   • Role of NABARD and cooperative banks

4. Financial Accounting & Reporting

   • Basics of accounting in rural banking

   • Financial statements of rural banks and MFIs

5. Business Economics

   • Micro and macroeconomic principles

   • Rural economy and its challenges

Semester 2: Core Specialization

1. Rural Credit & Cooperative Banking

   • Structure of cooperative banks

   • Rural credit policies and schemes

   • Priority sector lending

2. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) & Regulations

   • Types of MFIs (NBFC-MFIs, NGOs, etc.)

   • RBI regulations for microfinance

   • Credit risk assessment in microfinance

3. Digital Banking & Financial Inclusion

   • Fintech in rural banking

   • PMJDY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana)

   • Mobile banking and UPI in rural areas

4. Risk Management in Rural Banking

   • Credit risk, operational risk, and fraud management

   • Loan recovery strategies

5. Research Methodology in Finance

   • Basics of research in rural finance

   • Data collection and analysis techniques

Semester 3: Advanced Topics

1. Rural Insurance & Pension Schemes

   • PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana)

   • Social security schemes for rural populations

2. International Microfinance & Development

   • Comparative study of microfinance models (Bangladesh, Latin America, Africa)

   • Role of World Bank and IMF in rural finance

3. Project Finance & Rural Entrepreneurship

   • Financing agri-business and MSMEs

   • Mudra Loan Scheme

4. Corporate Governance in Rural Banks

   • Ethical practices in rural banking

   • Transparency and accountability

5. Elective (Choose One)

   • Microfinance & Women Empowerment

   • Blockchain in Rural Banking

Semester 4: Practical & Research Work

1. Internship/Project Work

   • Field study in rural banks/MFIs

   • Case study analysis

2. Dissertation/Thesis Submission

   • Research on a rural banking/microfinance topic

   • Data analysis and report writing

3. Viva-Voce & Seminar Presentation

   • Defense of dissertation

   • Industry expert interactions

Key Skills Developed

• Understanding of rural financial systems

• Microfinance operations and regulations

• Risk assessment in rural lending

• Digital banking applications in rural areas

• Research and analytical skills