Which is the best option among these; an MBA at Christ, development studies at TISS, an MBA at ICFAI Hyderabad, or rural management at XIMB?

First of all, I don’t deem it right for you to compare an MBA with Development studies as both are vastly different. Even comparing a General MBA with that in Rural Management is unjustified. The choice of the program depends on what your inclinations and interests are and what you want to do with your degree.

The points below will help you know the right choice for some general preferences.

• Rural Management: If you want to be in the new markets and provide forward linkages to rural enterprises or backward linkages to large-scale industries, then Rural Management is best for you.
• Development Studies: If you are willing to work in the policy sector, with an understanding of the development and public policy, and want to become an expert in project management, development, and implementation works in both rural and urban development, in a human and spatial context, then Development Studies is perfect for you.
• For Money: If money is your primary goal then look for a good MBA college as the ones you mentioned are just average.

It is essential to know what exactly a course offers and what you are after only then you can make an informed decision