Master of Public Policy: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Careers

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a 2-year postgraduate course that develops students' analytical, administrative, and decision-making skills necessary to develop and implement public policies. The course incorporates economics, law, statistics, governance, ethics, and policy evaluations. The students are prepared with evidence-based recommendations, practical governance strategies, and best practices to deal with complex social issues.

To be eligible for MPP, candidates should be graduates in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50 - 55% aggregate. MPP is provided as a course by some universities as part of a master's program, while some universities take the entrance test, and others consider the score of the university entrance exams, such as TISSNET, IPMAT, CAT, GRE, etc. Usually, a written test is followed by a personal interview or round of group discussions.

The course fee for MPP ranges from INR 100,000 to 650,000, depending on the college or university. The best colleges and universities offering the degree for MPP are Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai; National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore; Jindal School of Government and Public Policy; MIT World Peace University (MIT - WPU), Pune; and IIPA, New Delhi.

After having the MPP degree, students can work as Policy Analysts, Public Affairs Managers, Government Consultants, Program Officers, and Research Associates. They work in Government departments, think tanks, etc.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) Highlights

Given below are the basic key highlights for the Master of Public Policy (MPP):

What is the Master of Public Policy (MPP)?

Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a professional 2-year postgraduate course offered by Universities to those persons who have the ambition of entering into policy analysis, public administration, and governance, either nationally or internationally. It is also appropriate for graduates of different academic disciplines who are interested in the design, analysis, and application of social, economic, and political influence on the policies of governments.

This course is also about getting ahead as a critical thinker, a leader, and an analytical thinker in solving complex problems of the population. Students get to learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of policies, how to learn the institutional frameworks of a place, and how to be able to use evidence-based approaches in their decisions. MPP program graduates are equipped to operate in government agencies, international policy institutes, non-governmental organizations, or research firms that are interested in public welfare, regulations, and development.

Why Study Master of Public Policy (MPP?

Economic development, social equity, and governance largely depend on quality public policy. Master of Public Policy (MPP) provides the one holding it with the ability and ability to analyze, create, and test policy that influences national and global citizenry. This is the reason why the implementation of this program is a satisfying project with students who wanted to spearhead change in sport governance:

• Solving Public Challenges through Policy Action: It is the aim of MPP to provide the student with the means of handling complex societal challenges using data-driven policy formulations, implementation, and evaluation. It is a relevant degree to pursue later in life as a policy maker because the students are well-equipped to influence the general decision-making in areas such as education, health, the environment, and the economy.
• Critical Thinking & Public Sector Strategy: Students will find a robust foundation in the areas of governance, economy, political thought, and ethics, and be able to critically evaluate a governmental program and develop effective measures through this program. It educates people to be analytical minds and ethical leaders in the field of service delivery.
• Career Pathways in Policy & Governance: MPP presents gateways to numerous high-impact opportunities in government ministries, international organizations, civil society, and social responsibility departments in the corporate world. Policy Analysts, Research Associates, Public Affairs Officers, and Program Managers are some of the careers that the graduates can handle.
• Applied Learning and Research Opportunities: The practicum expands the policy labs, think tanks, and development organizations that students have the opportunity to work on through real-world case studies, internships, and capstone projects. The program promotes good analytical skills, presentation skills, and negotiating skills that can be used in effective leadership in society.
• Vital Role in National & Global Reforms: In poverty alleviation efforts, environmental regulation, and the reform of education, the graduates of the MPP play a significant role in coming up with the solutions to serve the people in the developed and developing nations that uphold inclusive governance.

Who Should Study for a Master of Public Policy (MPP)?

Here are the ideal profiles of students who should consider enrolling in the Master of Public Policy (MPP):

• Graduates from disciplines such as economics, political science, sociology, law, or public administration who want to work in policy formulation, governance, or government consulting roles.
• Aspirants with a passion for social development, sustainable governance, and public welfare who aim to work with national governments, NGOs, or international bodies like the UN, World Bank, or development think tanks.
• Individuals interested in addressing complex societal issues such as poverty, healthcare, education, climate change, or digital policy through research-based and data-driven policy analysis.
• Professionals looking to transition into public service, policy analysis, or CSR leadership positions in corporations, non-profits, or multilateral development organizations.
• Students planning to pursue a PhD in public policy, development studies, economics, or political governance, and who want foundational knowledge in public systems and policymaking.
• Candidates who wish to become future policy leaders, legislative researchers, or advisors to government ministries, and who want to influence public decisions and reforms at scale.

MPP (Master of Public Policy) Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility requirements for pursuing an MPP degree are listed below. These may differ slightly depending on the university:

• Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Degrees in economics, political science, sociology, public administration, or law are often preferred but not mandatory.
• It generally requires a minimum aggregate mark of 50-55 percent (in corresponding CGPA) at the qualifying degree. Cut-offs of some of the best institutions might be higher.
• Most institutions offer admission through entrance exams such as TISSNET, IPMAT, or accept scores from tests like CAT or GRE, followed by a personal interview or group discussion.
• It does not require any work experience, although it might be preferred or even necessary for some institutions with an executive MPP or mid-career program.
• Final-year undergraduate students can also apply provisionally, provided they submit proof of graduation before the start of the academic session.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) Entrance Exams

Admission to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is generally through national-level entrance exams or university-specific tests. Below are the key exams:

Master of Public Policy (MPP) Colleges in India

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is offered by several premier institutes in India known for their academic excellence in governance, policy, and development studies.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) Admission Process 2025

Admission to the Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP) at National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is highly competitive and is conducted through a dedicated Policy Aptitude Test (PAT) followed by a personal interview. The residential program, which lasts 2 years and is full-time, is dedicated to students who have strong interests in evidence-based policymaking, governance, and public affairs.

Step 1: Visit the official NLSIU MPP admissions page during the application window (typically January to March). Carefully read the eligibility criteria—a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).

Step 2: Go to the online application addition link and fill out the web-based application and submit the necessary documents with a non-refundable application fee (approximately INR 2,000, INR 1,500 for SC/ST). You will need to apply to the Policy Aptitude Test (PAT), which is an analytical skills aptitude/policy awareness/logical reasoning test.

Step 3: Take the Policy Aptitude Test (PAT), which is typically taken in April or May. The candidates shortlisted on the basis of their PAT results will be invited to a personal interview either via the internet or to attend one physically at NLSIU.

Step 4: A Merit list of the final selection is made on a scored and combined total of PAT (70%) and Interview (30%). The shortlisted candidates are provided with provisional admission offers, but these are subject to verification of documents.

Step 5: On getting the admission offer, the first-year tuition fee is to be paid (INR 295,000 approx.). This money is made to secure your seat in the college. Verification of complete documents and report to campus in Jul-Aug to undergo orientation and start the academic year.

Required Documents:

• Bachelor’s degree mark sheet and certificate (any stream)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Transfer/Migration Certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of PAT registration and fee payment

Master of Public Policy (MPP) Syllabus

The syllabus followed at National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is given below:

Master of Public Policy (MPP) Job Opportunities in India

After completing the Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP) program, students can pursue various Job Profiles. Given below are some of the famous Job Roles you can pursue after completing the course.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) FAQs