At the Indian School of Public Policy, we look for applicants who have not just demonstrated academic excellence, but found ways to engage with society, and issues beyond the classroom. Our unique multi-tiered screening process is designed to select outstanding and versatile candidates who reflect the values and ethos of ISPP.
Every year, we take exemplary scholars from across the country to be part of our unique and immersive one-year program in Public Policy, Design and Management. Join our next batch and build your legacy.
ISPP’s postgraduate program requires all applicants to hold an undergraduate degree in any discipline.
Securing admission to ISPP is a five step process. Click the link below to get started!
ISPP is looking for a diverse, intellectually curious and socially conscious student body, open to a wide variety of career options related to public policy – be it in government, corporates, or civil society organisations. The program is open for Indian nationals only. Applicants are encouraged to apply from across disciplines and career fields.
ISPP has three application cycles, on rolling basis, candidates are highly recommended to apply as early as possible. This may also affect the overall possibility of getting accepted to the program and securing a scholarship, if need be.
For the 2021-22 academic year, ISPP has provided detailed, step-by-step instructions on the application process in our brochure. Candidates are advised to start the process by creating an account. Please note that ISPP will be unable to process your applications until all the relevant and necessary documents are submitted, including those for financial aid/bursaries. However, if there are any technical or process-related queries, do write to our team at contact@ispp.org.in.
For any additional information about the programme and the school, download our brochure or browse our list of frequently asked questions.
ISPP’s application cycle for the Class of 2021-22 opens on 21 January 2021. If you have already registered for the program, please wait for the admissions team to revert with a customised username and password. In case you are yet to do so, then register now and get started!
Application deadlines are as given below.
| Round-wise Timelines | Open | Close |
| Round 1 | 21 January 2021 | 10 March 2021 |
| Round 2 | 15 March 2021 | 15 April 2021 |
| Round 3** | 01 May 2021 | 19 June 2021 |
* Qualitative and Quantitative Test will be conducted on 20th June 2021 (Sunday), 3 pm to 5 pm.
** Round 3 application deadline has been extended to 19th June 2021.
“ISPP’s tuition fee for the 2021-22 academic year is INR 800,000 (exclusive of GST).
Our financial grants and bursaries support outstanding candidates with demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Candidates may apply for a scholarship during the application process itself. ISPP also provides assistance in securing educational loans. For more information please read our brochure.
Kindly note, any decision made by ISPP’s financial aid committee is final, binding, and non-negotiable."
Financial aid-process
Step 1: Applicants self-report their financial situation along with the supporting documents in the financial-aid form available in their respective application account.
Step 2: The financial aid application has to be submitted along with the application form. In case the financial aid application is submitted after the deadline of the admission round in which the applicant has applied, it will not be taken into consideration.
Step 3: The information and the supporting documents submitted by applicants in the financial-aid form is thoroughly reviewed by the Financial-Aid Committee. The Committee may seek additional information and supporting documents from applicants, if required.
Step 4: The Financial-Aid Committee assesses the financial-aid applications of applicants and makes a decision.
The financial-aid decision is made on the basis of applicants’ adjusted household income that takes into account the income of all the members of their households, fixed assets, financial assets, financial liabilities and any other significant expense currently incurred by their households. Applicants should ensure that the information provided by them for financial-aid is true and accurate and is backed up by supporting documents.
Please note: All the decisions of the financial-aid committee are non-negotiable. The committee & the institution reserve the right to conduct background verification checks for any candidate at any time before the admission process and/or during the academic year. ISPP also reserves the right to withdraw or modify the financial-aid with change in financial circumstances of the applicant.
The admissions cycle for Indian School of Public Policy is split into three cycles. Please view the date and timeline tab above for more.
ISPP is looking for a diverse, intellectually curious and socially conscious student body, open to a wide variety of career options related to public policy be it in government, corporates or civil society organisations.
The programme is open to anyone who has completed his/her undergraduate studies in any discipline. The programme is open to Indian nationals only. We welcome college graduates from India or abroad, with or without prior public policy experience or education. However, we prefer graduates who have had prior work experience in any field. Applicants are encouraged to apply from across disciplines and career fields. Regardless of past work-experience, present career or choice of discipline at the Bachelors’ or Masters’ level. While no prior public policy experience or education is expected from applicants, basic quantitative skills and fluency in English is necessary to make the most out of the programme.
The admission process is divided into 3 parts. A quick look at the process is as follows:
1. Application form:
2. Quantitative and Verbal Assessment Test with 15 MCQ questions each to be solved in 30 minutes + Essay (250-300 words) to be submitted in 1 hour.
3. The interview panel might choose to ask you questions based on the details provided in the application form. Please make sure all details provided are verifiable.
While writing the statement of purpose, please focus on- what public policy means to you, how is your academic/professional experiences built into your public policy interests, your career plan in public policy and your motivation to apply to ISPP.
Your letter of recommendation should be written by a person who has been your mentor or colleague academically or professionally. It should not be written by a friend or relative.
The interviews are conducted by panel members who are part of the ISPP faculty.
All personal interviews (PIs) for ISPP class of 2021-22 will be conducted online, owing to the current safety protocols.
The group discussion will be conducted on a particular policy topic which will be announced at the start of the discussion. Around 4-5 applicants will participate in each group discussion and the session will last for not more than 1-hour. While the group will analyse and discuss the policy topic, each applicant will be scored on parameters like critical thinking and analytical skills, ability to clearly articulate ideas, ability to engage in an informed debate and general conduct during the course of the discussion.
The personal interview will take 30 minutes and will be conducted by two panellists. The parameters on which each applicant will be judged and scored on are as follows:
Yes, you are eligible. However, we expect a certain level of proficiency in the English language so one is able to converse, read and write in English given that the medium of instruction at the ISPP is English.
Additionally, we have a Policy Writing and Communications Lab at ISPP which works closely with the scholars to help them improve their writing and communication skills.
Even though we prefer graduates who have had prior work experience in any field, we do not expect applicants to possess any specific skills, background or technical experience. Furthermore, our application review process takes a close look at the curricular and extracurricular activities undertaken by the applicant during school and/or college that showcases their excellence in sports; performing or fine arts; science and technology; or, commitment to social service and volunteering. We look for an individual’s ability to work well in a collaborative environment, aptitude for leadership, communication skills, humility and adaptability.
The applications opened on 21st January, 2021. Kindly refer to the ISPP social media channels and the website’s admissions page for further updates.
The status of your application will be communicated to you via an email.
No, you can complete the online application in multiple sessions and have the option to save parts of the application as you proceed. However, the qualitative and quantitative test will have to be taken in one sitting.
In addition to details of the applicant’s academic credentials, information about prior work experience, extra- curricular and professional projects, submission of scanned school and university transcripts/marksheet is required, wherever marked(*). Similarly, all photographs and additional documents will need to be uploaded on the portal or when requested. We do not expect you to submit anything by post.
Yes, you can re-apply but not within the same academic year. You will have to submit a fresh application in the following year.
Yes, an automated email will be sent to you upon submission of the application.
For the class of 2021-22, we will select approximately 50 individuals.
No, it is a non residential programme. ISPP will not be providing any residential facilities. However, upon your request, the ISPP team will be happy to assist you/provide recommendations with regard to your accommodation. If more than 10-15 scholars choose to stay in one place, ISPP will provide a shuttle service to campus and back. ISPP will not take any responsibility for the price, contract and/or quality of services provided by the residential facility that the scholars may decide to choose. Each scholar will be expected to sign an individual contract with their agreed residential facility.
No, there is no such option. However, the candidate may re-apply in the following academic year.
Kindly refer to the Fee and Financial Aid section on the admissions page for a clear idea on the fee structure of the programme.
The fee is INR 8,00,000/- which includes the tuition cost of the programme. A GST of 18% will be applicable on this amount.
Financial Aid is provided to deserving candidates on merit-cum-means basis. The Financial Aid committee scrutinizes every application on their merit and means to finally decide appropriate aid for deserving candidates.
To apply for financial aid, the required supporting documents are:
RTGS, NEFT, IMPS – Mode for Payments
ISPP's year-long programme in Public Policy, Design & Management is open to any individual who holds an undergraduate degree from Indian/foreign universities, regardless of discipline. While work experience in relevant domains is preferred, exceptional candidates without any formal experience would be considered. Numerical and language proficiency are desired qualifications in a successful applicant.
To apply, applicants must register first and complete ISPP's admissions form after receiving a customised username and password.
Please note: This program is only available to Indian nationals and that ISPP reserves the right to offer and/or revoke admissions and scholarships to applicants at any time."
In case there are any questions regarding the programme, the application process, or the eligibility criteria, please take a look at our list of frequently asked questions. Candidates may also feel free to reach out to the admissions team at any time. ISPP's admissions advisors are ready to help and counsel prospective students through email - contact@ispp.org.in, or phone - +91 7303200363.
ISPP's admissions office and advisors are available from Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Check our FAQ list, here.