What is Public Policy: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Dec 26, 2024 01:49 IST
Muskan Chugh

Muskan ChughContent Writer

Public Policy courses focuses on teaching students about the set of rules, regulations and laws that have been established in our society to protect the rights of all individuals and communities. The Public Policy courses are offered at the UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate and PhD levels.

Public Policy Courses: Highlights 

Candidates can check the key points of the course below:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Public Policy Courses

Public Policy Courses Levels

Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral

Public Policy Courses Duration

Graduation: 3 Years

Post-graduation: 2 Years

Doctoral: 3 Years

Public Policy Courses Eligibility

Graduation: Should have passed class 12 from a recognized board and secured a minimum of 50%

Post Graduation: Should have graduated from a recognized board and secured a minimum of 45%

Doctoral: Should have completed Post-graduation from a recognized college and secured a minimum of 45%

Public Policy Entrance Exams

CUET, CUET PG, UGC NET

Public Policy Courses Top Colleges

St. Xavier's College, Amity University, University of Mumbai, MIT-WPU, IIT Bombay, etc.

Public Policy Courses Fees

INR 50,000 to INR 2 Lakh

Public Policy Courses Top Job Profiles

Policy Maker, Government Official, Journalist, Social Worker, Human Resources, etc.

Public Policy Courses Top Recruiting Industries

Government Services, Media Hourses, Universities, NGOs, Private Companies and MNCs.

Public Policy Courses Average Salary

INR 5.5 LPA to INR 9 LPA

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
 

Q:   What is Public Policy?
A:

To become professionals in the field of public affairs and public service delivery, candidates must have good communication skills as well as leadership qualities. Students of public policy learn how to argue for certain policies or changes in government programmes. This is especially important for anyone who wants to work with non-profit organisations, advocacy groups, or government bodies. 

AskShikshaGPT on App
Table of content
  • Why Pursue Public Policy Courses?
  • Public Policy Courses: Eligibility Criteria
  • Public Policy Courses: Admission 2025
  • Public Policy Courses: Entrance Exams 2025
  • Public Policy Courses Types
  • Public Policy Courses Syllabus
  • Public Policy Top Colleges
  • Popular Private Public Policy Colleges in India
  • Public Policy Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
  • Public Policy Courses Abroad for Indian Students
  • Public Policy FAQs: 2024
  • Popular Public Policy UG Courses
  • Popular Public Policy PG Courses
View More

Why Pursue Public Policy Courses?

Candidates can see the benefits of pursuing Public Policy courses below:

  • Understanding Governance
  • Fastest way to make social impact
  • Vast career opportunities 
  • Gain problem-solving skills
Q:   What are the benefits of Public Policy courses?
A:

 A degree in public policy can lead to positions in government, non-profit organisations, international organisations, research institutions, consulting firms, and other fields. After completing the course, students can earn an average salary starting from INR 5 Lacs at the start.

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   What is the scope of MA Public Policy?
A:

The scope of MBA in Public Policy is very broad as it open doors of many job and career opportunities. After completing MA in Public Policy courses from top college, it can leads to career paths in the government, private, and international sectors, mainly focussing on policy analysis, programme management, research and advocacy.

 

AskShikshaGPT on App

Public Policy Courses: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can see the general overview of the Public Policy eligibility below:

Public Policy Course

Eligibility Criteria

Public Policy UG Courses

The candidate should have completed their class 12 from a recognized board and secured a minimum of 50% marks.

Public Policy PG Courses

The candidate should have completed their graduation in any discipline and secured a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. It is preferable if students have completed their undergraduate in Public Policy or some other relevant course.

Public Policy PhD Courses

The candidate should have completed their postgraduate degree in Public Policy or a relevant field, from a recognized university, with at least a 50% aggregate.

Public Policy Certificate Courses

Students who have passed class 12th can also go for one-year certificate courses related to Public Policy courses

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Q:   Is there any age limit to pursue Public Policy courses?
A:

No, usually there is no minimum or maximum age limit to pursue Public Policy courses. You can study these courses at any age. Even CUET exam allows candidates without age barrier to appear for the exam.

AskShikshaGPT on App

Public Policy Courses: Admission 2025

Candidates can check a general overview of the Public Policy admission process below:

  • Make sure you meet the eligibility
  • Apply online by flling up the form
  • Take entrance exam
  • Wait for the merit list and result
  • If selected, attend the counselling session
  • Get the documents verified and pay the fee to secure the seat

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Q:   How can I get admission in Masters of Public Policy online course?
A:

There are many colleges that offer Masters of Public Policy online courses. Most colleges admit students through merit-basis. Online Public Policy courses are a great otion for students who wish to continue their studies. It allows them to pursue the degree at their own pace and study according to their convenience. 

Some institutes that offer Masters of Public Policy online courses have been listed below along with their fees:

Online Public Policy CoursesFees
Amity University OnlineINR 1.3 Lakh
Jain Deemed-to-be University - Online CampusINR 90,000
O.P. Jindal Global UniversityINR 2.5 Lakh
Profcyma Career SolutionsINR 1.3 Lakh
CourseraINR 4.5 Lakh

Hope this helped!

Q:   Are Public Policy courses expensive?
A:

Hello!

Public Policy coures are offered by fewer colleges. Since many of these are private colleges, it may appear to be more expensive than usual. Some colleges that offer Public Policy courses at afforadable fees have been mentioned in the table below:

Public Policy Course CollegesFees
University of MumbaiINR 68,800- INR 80,000
University of LucknowINR 54,400
University of MadrasINR 3,000
TISS - Tata Institute of Social Sciences, MumbaiINR 68,000
Central University of RajasthanINR 10,000

Hope this answer helps you!

Public Policy Courses: Entrance Exams 2025

Admission to various  Public Policy courses can be obtained through entrance examinations. Universities generally admit students based on their academic qualifications, rank and score in entrance exams, and sometimes, other additional criteria like Personal Interviews and Group Discussion rounds.

Students can get admission to Public Policy graduate programs through merit or through entrance exams like CUET. Students who wish to study the Public Policy Master's program (Masters of Public Policy) should opt for CUET PG entrance exam. 

Here is a quick overview of the popular entrance exams for Public Policy courses, their exam dates, and details:

Public Policy Courses Entrance Exams

Public Policy Courses Entrance Exam Dates

Public Policy Courses Entrance Exam Schedule

Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

May 2025 (Tentative)

CUET Schedule

Common University Entrance Exam- Postgraduate (CUET PG)

May 2025 (Tentative)

CUET PG Schedule

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

February 1- 16, 2025

GATE Schedule

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)

June 2025 (Tentative)

UGC NET Schedule

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Relevant Articles:

How to Prepare for GATE 2025 Exam

CUET Preparation Tips 2025: Study Plan, Strategy, Time Table & Best Books for CUET UG

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Notification

TENTATIVE

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Registration

TENTATIVE

Mar '26

CUET 2026 Application Process

TENTATIVE

May '26 - Jun '26

CUET 2026 Exam

TENTATIVE

Oct '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

14 Jul ' 25 - 31 Oct ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Counselling

31 Oct ' 25

Last Date for submitting Qualifying Exam result (...

Q:   What is the mode of the CUET PG exam?
A:

The CUET PG exam is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. This means that the exam is taken on a computer, and the questions and answers are displayed on the screen. Candidates use a mouse or keyboard to select their answers.

The CUET PG exam is held in multiple sessions throughout the day, and candidates are assigned to a specific session during registration. The exam is two hours long and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

Public Policy Courses Types

Candidates can check the types of Public Policy courses being offered in India below:

Types of Public Policy Courses Description of the various types of courses in Public Policy
Full-time Public Policy Courses In a full-time or regular Public Policy course the candidates are expected to attend regular college. It involves a classroom programme. Traditional and modern teaching methods equip students with a well-rounded personality.
Distance Public Policy Courses When Public Policy Courses are pursued in distance mode, the students do not have to attend regular college. However, they may have to attend seminars. They will be provided with the course materials and must study with limited guidance. The final exams will be conducted like that of regular courses.
Online Public Policy Courses Online Public Policy courses are considered to be one of the most convenient courses that students can pursue. These courses usually offer online lectures where students can learn at their convenience. 

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Online Public Policy Courses

Candidates can check the types of Online Public Policy courses being offered in India below:

Public Policy Online Courses Offered By Course Duration Average Fees (in INR)
Online M.A. in Public Policy and Public Administration  Sree Pashmi Institute of Management and Science 2 Years NA
MA in Public Policy and Governance  Jain Deemed-to-be University  24 months 90,000
Master of Public Policy  University of Auckland 36 months 51.40 Lakh
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Public Policy and Management) - PGDM (PPM)  MDI Gurgaon 18 months 9.61 Lakh
Master of Public Policy and Management  Murdoch University 24 months 54.97 Lakh

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Q:   What is the difference between Public Policy and Public Administration?
A:

Public Policy is a process that involves making decisions for an organisation and framing administrative, managerial, financial and political policies as per the objectives. Public Administration, on the other hand, is concerned with studying the existing government policies and catering to management.

Q:   What is the difference between a development policy and a public policy?
A:

The three types of public policy are distributive, regulatory and re-distributive. They are all related with decision making process.

Points of DifferenceDevelopment PolicyPublic Policy
FocusPrimarily on economic, social, and human development.Broader, covering a wide range of issues affecting the public.
GoalsOriented towards sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and improving living standards.Diverse, including public safety, social justice, economic regulation, and more.
International ScopeOften has an international dimension, involving global partnerships and foreign aid, especially in developing countries.May have international aspects but is not necessarily focused on global development.
SectorsEncompasses various sectors, including economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.Spans a broad spectrum, covering education, healthcare, transportation, law enforcement, foreign relations, social welfare, and more.

Public Policy Courses Syllabus

The syllabus of public policy courses is designed to provide candidates with theoretical as well as practical knowledge. The first three semesters comprise theoretical subjects while in the fourth-semester candidates are given to do project work. Given below is the syllabus for public policy courses.

Individuals who study public policy gain a varied range of skills and information that may be utilised in a variety of professional settings and can contribute to informed and effective decision-making in public affairs.

Public Policy Course Semester 1

Innovations and leadership in public management

Historical development of public policy

Ethics in public management

Overview of public policy theories and frameworks

Public Policy Course Semester 2

Economic analysis for public policy

Evaluation of policy outcomes and impacts

Ethical considerations in policy research

Qualitative and quantitative research methods

Public Policy Course Semester 3

Management of program evaluation

Advanced policy management project

Comparative analysis of policy processes

Relationship between law and public policy

Public Policy Course Semester 4

Integration of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program

Supervised research project or policy analysis assignment

Global environmental governance frameworks

Theories of environmental policy-making

Q:   What is the relationship between law and public policy?
A:

Law is a significant component of Public Policy. The scope of law may extend from legislation to national and international laws. Public Policy is considered with the contemporary political issues. While implementing public policies it is essential to know about the existing laws and whether the organisations functions in compliance with the set norms or not.

Q:   What does leadership management mean?
A:

Leadership and management deal with leading and directing various resources for any given task or project. For example, people, cost, quality, time, risks etc. It involves leading by example, inspiring movement and action points, and taking end-to-end responsibility.

Public Policy Top Colleges

After finishing 10+2, students can enrol in undergraduate Public Policy courses. They can later take a postgraduate degree to further their education. Students of public policy learn how to manage and adapt to shifting political environments, policy agendas, and societal requirements. This adaptability is important in a society where conditions and priorities change all the time. The colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy.

Top Private Colleges for Public Policy

Some of the popular private colleges for Public Policy are:

Name of College Fees (in INR)
Amity University Noida INR 2.1 lakh
Dev Bhoomi Uttrakhand University INR 2 lakh
Flame University Pune INR 22 lakh
Kautilya School of Public Policy Hyderabad INR 6.7 lakh
MIT WPU Pune INR 3.3 lakh
Malla Reddy University Hyderabad ----
O P Jindal Global University Sonepat INR 4.5 lakh
R V University Bangalore INR 6.2 lakh
St. Xavier's College Mumbai INR 1.5 lakh
St. Joseph University Bangalore INR 2.1 lakh

Top Government Colleges for Public Policy

Some of the popular government colleges for Public Policy are:

Name of College Fees (in INR)
Central University of Kerala -----
Gurugram University INR 30000
IIT Bombay INR 1.2 lakh
IIM Calcutta INR 23.2 lakh
IIM Bangalore INR 12.5 lakh
TISS Mumbai INR 68000
TISS Hyderabad INR 94000
University of Mumbai INR 68000
University of Madras INR 3000
UNI PUNE ----
1 Course
1.5 L
6.23 LPA

#89 NIRF

2.97 L
3.6

#17 Outlook

2.2 L - 3.02 L

#81 India Today

Public Policy Applications open. Apply Now

7.55 LPA

#51 India Today

92 K - 1.5 L

#79 India Today

1.65 L
2.4 LPA

#123 India Today

Popular Private Public Policy Colleges in India

2 Courses
1.69 L - 2.77 L
3.31 L
4 LPA
1 Course
3.45 L
4.35 LPA

#97 Outlook

1 Course
3 L
1.3 L
92 K - 1.5 L

#79 India Today

Public Policy Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Public policy provides a wide and exciting professional path with chances in a variety of fields. The scope of public policy careers is broad and ever-changing, reflecting the complex and interwoven concerns that countries face. Individuals who understand public policy effectively are well-positioned to contribute to constructive social change and navigate the complexity of public affairs.

Public Policy Job Profiles and Average Salary

Public Policy graduates work directly for the government or private and non-profit entities. Candidates are offered roles of researcher, public policy manager, Research Analyst, Duty Manager, Welfare Officer, etc. Listed below is the salary offered to candidates.

Job Profiles Average Annual Salary (in INR)
Policy Analyst INR 5 LPA
Research Associate INR 4.5 LPA
Government Affairs Manager INR 8.2 LPA
Program Manager (Nonprofit/NGO) INR 6.1 LPA
Consultant (Public Policy) INR 8.2 LPA
International Relations Specialist INR 6.5 LPA
Urban Planner INR 5.4 LPA
Nonprofit Executive Director INR 8.1 LPA
Environmental Policy Analyst INR 6.7 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary. 

Public Policy Top Recruiters

Candidates in Public Policy can apply for positions in the government sector, such as banking firms, government ministries, legal firms, and political analysts. Applicants can be deemed professionals following the course as it makes them capable of having a solid career scope and talents. Many candidates also work in private companies.

Listed below are top companies that hire public policy graduates.

Public Policy Top Recruiters

World Bank

Infosys Consulting

Accenture

HCL Technologies

Antara Foundation

MicroSave

Access Health International

-

Q:   Where do Public Policy graduates work?
A:

The demand of the public policy graduates is quite high. They can work in both public sector, private sectors, research organisations, government sector, non-profit organisations. Graduates of public policy can work in a variety of settings, including government agencies at various levels,  nonprofit organisations, think tanks, and research institutes.

They may also work for international organisations, consulting businesses, the commercial sector, academics, law firms, healthcare organisations, environmental organisations, and the media. Because of their diverse skill set, they can engage in policy analysis, programme creation, lobbying, and research, making them great contributors to addressing complex societal concerns and establishing effective public policies.

Q:   Is Public Policy a good career option?
A:

Yes, Public Policy is a good career choice as the scope in the field is high. The demand of policy makers is also increasing with time which makes it a demanding career.

It can lead to impactful work, diverse career options, Global perspective, etc.

 

 

 

Public Policy Courses Abroad for Indian Students

Given below are some courses available abroad that can be pursued by Indian students:

Public Policy Abroad Courses Offered By Course Duration Average Fees (in INR)
Master in Public Policy  Harvard University, Cambridge 2 years 46.71 Lakh
Master of Public Policy and Management  University of Melbourne, Melbourne 2 years 20.51 Lakh
Master of Public Policy  Stanford University, Stanford 2 years 45.31 Lakh
MSc in International Development: Public Policy and Management University of Manchester, Manchester 1 year 23.78 Lakh
Master of Public Policy (MPP)  Oxford University, Oxford 12 months 51.88 Lakh

Note: The fees mentioned below may vary depending on the course provider.

Q:   How can I prepare for IELTS?
A:

IELTS preparation can be done either through self-study or by attending professional classes. Here are some IELTS preparation tips that will help you high individual band scores as well as overall score.

How can I prepare for IELTS for free?

For free preparation, join our free Shiksha online classes with our IELTS preparation expert Disha Wahi (TESOL Certified Trainer). Don’t forget to check out the Calendar for Free IELTS Live Practice Tests & Solutions.

How to prepare for the IELTS Reading section?

It takes a lot of preparation and concentration to tackle the IELTS Reading section as it can be the trickiest of all. Go through our IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks and prepare for this section comprehensively.

How can I prepare for the IELTS Listening section?

The IELTS Listening section is a high scoring section but requires concentration. Scoring high in this section will elevate your total IELTS score so it must not be taken lightly. Check out our IELTS Listening tips for boosting your chances of achieving high band scores.

How can I practice IELTS Speaking section at home?

The IELTS Speaking section is divided into three parts and chances of scoring well in this section are quite high as it is one of the highest scoring parts of the exam. Go through our IELTS Speaking Tips in order to achieve high band scores and enhance your overall score.

Is the IELTS Writing section very tough?

The IELTS Writing section can be the toughest section of the exam but with the correct preparation and strategy, high band scores can be obtained. Go through our specially curated IELTS Writing tips and prepare well to achieve your desired results.

Q:   What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?
A:

Both are the standardised tests required to test English proficiency of a candidate for applying abroad. IELTS is used for educational, immigration and occupational purposes, and is accepted by over 9,000 institutions across 130 countries worldwide majorly in UK, New Zealand and Australia. TOEFL also has worldwide acceptance now. TOEFL exam, questions are almost multiple choice, whereas, IELTS requires you to respond to a range of different question types such as short answer, gap-filling and short essay tasks. The IELTS is significantly shorter than the TOEFL exam, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes versus four hours to complete the test. You may visit the respective websites to take the mock tests and understand the difference and which exam you want to take.

Public Policy FAQs: 2024

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to Public Policy courses:

Q:   What are the skills required for pursuing Public Policy courses?
A:

To become professionals in the field of public affairs and public service delivery, candidates must have good communication skills as well as leadership qualities. Students of public policy learn how to argue for certain policies or changes in government programmes. This is especially important for anyone who wants to work with non-profit organisations, advocacy groups, or government bodies. 

Popular Public Policy UG Courses

Following are the most popular Public Policy UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Public Policy PG Courses

Following are the most popular Public Policy PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

The institute offers BA, BSc and MA courses. Currently, admissions are open. To know the detailed course eligibility, students can check the table presented below:

Course NameSelection Criteria
BA (Hons) in Economics

JSAT/ SAT/ ACT/CUET+ Personal statement+ Supplement questions + Faculty Interaction + Interview+ Class 12 marks

-Personal Statement + Supplement Application

 

BSc (Hons) in Economics

JSAT/ SAT/ ACT/CUET+ Personal statement+ Supplement questions + Faculty Interaction + Interview+ Class 12 marks

-Personal Statement + Supplement Application

 

BA (Hons.) in PPE

JSAT/ SAT/ ACT/CUET+ Personal statement+ Supplement questions + Faculty Interaction + Interview+ Class 12 marks

-Personal Statement + Supplement Application

 

MA Public Policy

Public Policy Entrance Test + PI (Face to Face or Skype) + Faculty Interaction

V

Virajita Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, candidates can enrol for admission with Class 12 with a 60% aggregate at Jindal School of Government and Public Policy for UG courses. The institute offers two UG courses, i.e., BA and BSc. Students are selected based on JSAT/ SAT/ ACT/CUET+ Personal statement+ Supplement questions + Faculty In

...Read more

N

Nitesh Gulati

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy admission is open now. Interested students can visit the official website to know more. The institute offers BA/BSc. Economics and MA in courses at the UG and PG level. To be admitted to the Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, candidates

...Read more

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, LKY School of Public Policy offers placement opportunities to its students at some of the best government & private organizations in Singapore & across the globe.

As per the latest employment data (2022) made available by the institute, 87% of students secured placements within first 6 months o

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10