MA Public Policy is a 2-year postgraduate program that prepares students to analyze, design and evaluate the effects of public policies. From economic reform to inclusive healthcare delivery, smart environmental planning to innovative governance, this course establishes the groundwork for the change-makers who will learn to operate at the intersection of people and policy.
The MA in Public Policy eligibility criteria is that the candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree (BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, etc.) from a recognized university. Most institutes accept a minimum of 50% aggregate marks as eligibility, some of them conduct their own entrance test or accept CUET PG or institute-specific entrance test scores.
The MA Public Policy fees can vary from INR 1,20,000 – INR 8,00,000 for the complete duration. Some of the top institutions include NLSIU Bengaluru, IIT Delhi, TISS Mumbai, India., Kautilya School of Public Policy, and Jindal Global University.
Policy analysts, researchers, civil servants, CSR managers, and consultants are all potential career paths for the next generation of leaders. Entry-level salaries start at INR 6–8 LPA and can reach INR 15–20 LPA with experience and global exposure.
Table of Contents
- MA Public Policy Key Highlights
- What is MA Public Policy?
- Why Study MA Public Policy?
- Who Should Study MA Public Policy?
- MA Public Policy Eligibility Criteria
- MA Public Policy Entrance Exams 2025
- MA Public Policy Colleges in India
- MA Public Policy Admission Process 2025
- MA Public Policy Syllabus (Sample from NLSIU)
- MA Public Policy Job Opportunities in India
- MA Public Policy FAQs
MA Public Policy Key Highlights
Here are some of the basic key highlights for the MA Public Policy course:
What is MA Public Policy?
MA Public Policy (or Master of Public Policy - MPP) is designed to equip students with analytical skills, economic reasoning, policy research tools, and leadership abilities to work in the domain of public affairs and governance.
Most programs include policy labs, internships, capstone projects, and case-based learning. Many students get exposure to real-life policy-making via fellowships or research assistantships.
Why Study MA Public Policy?
If you want a career that lets you do meaningful work and create real change, this course might be a great fit. Here's why:
- There are so many different avenues you can take with the degree. You can work with, think tanks, IGOs, or even in the private sector. Good policy thinkers are required in every corner of the country.
- It’s not all theories. Through projects, and research, and case studies that start to get into the realities of how things work on the ground.
- You’ll get direct insight into how systems work around the world and how countries as varied as Egypt, India, and Colombia are tackling massive challenges including poverty, climate, and education.
- The course teaches you how to build your own confidence and leadership. It shows you how to communicate effectively, work with others and think strategically.
Who Should Study MA Public Policy?
Given below are some of the points on who should pursue the Master of Arts in Public Policy:
- Want to work in governance, development, social impact, or policy design
- Are graduates from any stream (arts, science, commerce, engineering, law, etc.)
- Have a strong interest in public affairs, research, and social problem-solving
- Aspire to join think tanks, civil services, advocacy, or international organizations
MA Public Policy Eligibility Criteria
Given below is the detailed MA Public Policy eligibility criteria for the students. The students must meet the criteria in order to pursue the course:
- A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Final-year undergraduate students can also apply.
- Some colleges may require entrance exams or conduct interviews.
MA Public Policy Entrance Exams 2025
To get into an MA Public Policy program, most colleges require you to clear an entrance exam, though some also accept students based on merit. Here are a few common entrance exams for this course:
MA Public Policy Colleges in India
Here are some of the best colleges in India, along with where they're located and how much the course typically costs:
MA Public Policy Admission Process 2025
Almost every college follows a similar process with different entrance exams. Here’s a simple breakdown of how you can get into the MA Public Policy program at NLSIU, explained step by step.
Step 1: Register for the entrance exam (NLSAT-MPP) by visiting the official application portal. Fill out your personal and academic details, upload documents like your photo and degree marksheets, and pay the application fee online.
Step 2: Appear for the NLSAT-MPP entrance test. The exam includes multiple-choice questions to test your comprehension, reasoning, and general knowledge, along with a written essay to assess your analytical and writing skills.
Step 3: If shortlisted, take part in the second round which may include a personal interview and evaluation of your Statement of Purpose (SOP). This helps assess your motivation and fit for the program.
Step 4: Refer to final merit list on the official website. If your name appears, you’ll receive an offer of admission with further instructions.
Step 5: Complete Payment of Admission Fee and Final Document Upload—such as your degree certificate, proof of identity and category certificate, if applicable.
Documents Required:
- UG Marksheet and Degree Certificate
- Government-issued ID
- Passport-size photos
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Caste/Disability Certificate (if applicable)
MA Public Policy Syllabus (Sample from NLSIU)
The syllabus for MA in Public Policy may slightly differ across colleges. NLSIU's syllabus is outlined below for your reference:
MA Public Policy Job Opportunities in India
There are various high-profile jobs that MA in Public Policy can lead you to. Here are a few with their top recruiters.
MA Public Policy FAQs
Can I pursue MA Public Policy while working full-time?
Many of these programs are only available full-time, though some have flexible or weekend options, particularly in private institutions. The reality is that even the majority of full-time courses do not allow for remote classroom attendance and engagement in remote internships or fieldwork. If you are gainfully employed, look at the many options of part-time or executive education programs available at some of the aforementioned institutes.
What’s the difference between MA Public Policy and Development Studies?
MA Public Policy emphasizes governance frameworks, policy analysis and implementation, across sectors. Development Studies focuses on bottom-up transformation, socio-economic development and community empowerment. While there’s certainly both overlap and interchangeability between the two, the ethos, methods, and professional trajectories are a world apart.
Do I need a background in political science or economics to apply?
Not necessarily. MA Public Policy programs are interdisciplinary. While some exposure to economics or political science is helpful, it’s not mandatory. Institutes such as NLSIU, IIT Delhi and JGU attract students from diverse academic streams – engineering, sciences, humanities, social sciences, commerce and law.
Can I do this course after engineering or science?
Yes. In fact, many tech or science graduates are now transitioning into policy roles in climate change, data governance, innovation, or education technology. IIT Delhi’s MPP program is especially structured for such intersections.
Is it better to go for MA Public Policy in India or abroad?
Both are entirely appropriate depending on what you’re trying to achieve. The opportunity to research in India is economically accessible and extremely timely for students intending to work within Indian public systems. If you are seeking a global career within UN bodies or international development, an international degree (Harvard Kennedy School, LSE, Sciences Po) could be beneficial. Or, better yet, do both—complete your MA here but apply for fellowships or short-term study programs to go abroad.
