Yes, Azim Premji University (APU) is a good option for MA in Development studies. It is one of eminent social science universities in Bangalore. Development studies courses are purely Economics based in most institutes. However the course curriculum is quite different at APU, it is a fusion of multiple disciplines including Sociology, Economics, Ecology, Politics, etc. The institute has a group of highly qualified faculty, most of the faculty are alumni of Ivy League schools.

Given below is a brief insight to the program.

Every year more than 90 organizations visit the campus for the recruitment of the students from various NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, CSR units, corporate bodies, etc.

Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) offers M.H.A, PGD, MA, B.Ed courses. Azim Premji University offers BA, MA, L.L.M, B.Sc. courses. A friend of mine recommended M.A in Education from Azim Premji University(APU) as it is better, considering various aspects: 

• Faculty: Azim Premji University includes faculty from all over the world. Eminent educationists like Aman Madan, ex faculty of TISS and Rohit Dhankar are now part of the renowned faculty of APU.

• Infrastructure: Both the universities are well known for their state of the art infrastructure, with the APU campus being a marvel in progress and will have an even more of a competitive edge against other universities.

• Diversity: The geographic diversity among students is well matched in both TISS and APU, with their campuses being colloquially dubbed as “Mini India”. On one hand, TISS focuses more on reservation and representation from each state and a majority of the urban student population. On the other hand, APU encompasses an urban to rural student population ratio of 50:50.

• Field Connection: The Field experience in both institutes are considered exemplary. TISS is known for giving the field exposure of working in various NGOs, experience of working in rural areas and slums whereas APU gives field experience at NGOs as well as at Azim Premji Foundation, an umbrella body for all NGOs.

• Financial Support: At TISS, financial assistance is provided on the basis of reservation and APU provides financial assistance on the basis of economic status. Economic status is confirmed through a field visit by a team of APU to the student’s home to confirm their candidature for financial support. At APU, all students in need of financial support can avail scholarships and also many students take up side jobs to earn extra money while pursuing studies. 

In conclusion, TISS is known for its legacy of many famous social workers, but APU is favoured now by those who are education oriented.

EFLU Hyderabad is one of the best central universities in India, providing English and foreign language courses. At the same time, HCU has 'The Institution of Eminence status,' which recognizes UoH’s standing and potential to be esteemed in the world’s best institutions.

Both the institutes require students seeking admission for MA English to have a graduation in English and the course fee at HCU and EFLU Hyderabad is respectively INR 6,070 and INR 12,820.

Special recognition and MoUs:

• In 2019, HCU was regarded as the 4th best university in India by NIRF 3rd rank for Mass Communication by India Today. It is also tagged as the center of digital learning, resources, and distance learning.

• EFLU, Hyderabad is known to be one of the pioneer institutes with a NAAC grading of "A." It has global outreach with MoUs signed with various universities in the world. The university has seven schools and 26 departments with 11 foreign languages taught over here.

Faculty:

HCU University:

• The course curriculum offered by the faculty members at HCU is of wholesome quality.

• The professors at the university are excellent with their knowledge and expertise.

EFLU Hyderabad:

• The faculty members at EFLU Hyderabad hold esteemed degrees like a doctorate in English and foreign languages.

• The course curriculum built by them is, according to UGC guidelines.

• Apart from theoretical knowledge, the teachers also make efforts for extracurricular activity participation and training.

Infrastructure:

HCU University:

• HCU university campus offers all new-age facilities like Wi-Fi, a seminar hall, and classroom projectors.

• The university has an auditorium for conducting conferences and functions for the students.

• Also, the hostel and medical facilities available within the campus are appreciative of quality.

EFLU Hyderabad:

• The Hyderabad campus of EFLU has facilities, including language labs and spacious high-tech classrooms to teach and learn languages.

• The campus hosts have an indoor games room and a badminton court where competitions are conducted throughout the year.

• Besides this canteen and cafeteria area provides food at subsidized rates.

Placements:

HCU University:

• At HCU's MA literature, students get offers in profiles of technical content writing, teaching, and editing. The top-notch recruiters offering handsome salaries are Deloitte and Paper True.

• The average salary packages equal to Rs. 5 LPA, with the highest one being Rs. 9.5 LPA.

EFLU Hyderabad:

• The top recruiters for English graduates are Amazon and Oracle, which offered high packages last semester.

• The placement selection rate is 50%, with the highest salary offered as Rs. 50,000 per month.

HCU is known for having some deficiencies in its curriculum but has a robust placement system. On the other hand, EFLU Hyderabad is not exhaustive in outreach; however, it is known to be the country's pioneer institute for linguistics study.