Admissions Calendar [2022-2023]
| Components | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Open | 1-Dec-21 | ||
| Application Submission Deadline | 10-Mar | 1-May | 19-Jun |
| Decision Notification by* | 11-Apr | 6-Jun | 11-Jul |
*Please note - You will have 3 weeks from the date of receiving the offer letter to pay your admissions fee and security deposit.
Application Open: 1st December, 2021
Academic Year at ISPP commences: 1st August 2022
As a unique, first of its kind School, ISPP's approach to admissions to our programme reflects our intent to change the paradigm of policy education in the country. We are looking for applicants who have not just demonstrated academic excellence, but found a way to engage with community, society and issues beyond the classroom. We are looking for applicants with an attitude to learn and a drive to bring about change. Our approach to admissions is holistic, in-depth, and looks for interest, aptitude and intent in the applicant.
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 year-long programme in Public Policy, Design & Management is open to any individual who holds an undergraduate degree from any Indian or Foreign University, regardless of discipline. While work experience in relevant domains is preferred, exceptional candidates without any formal experience would also 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 customized 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.
Registering and starting the Application Form
An applicant needs to register with a personal email address to start an application form. We recommend using a personal email address and not a school or office-affiliated email.
All communication from ISPP will be sent only to the applicant's registered email address.
Register on admissions.ispp.org.in and fill the application form which includes your credentials, along with a statement of purpose (explaining why you want to attend a programme in public policy and why you want to pursue this programme at ISPP).
Quantitative/ Logical Aptitude Test:
Both the quantitative skills and logical aptitude test will consist of 15 questions worth 2 points each to be completed within 30 minutes. You can choose to attempt any one of the two mandatory tests.
ISPP Policy Immersion Day:
Shortlisted candidates after the Quantitative/Logical Aptitude Test will be invited for the unique “ISPP Policy Immersion Day (IPID)”. The purpose of the IPID is to identify applicants who can understand and analyze real-world policy challenges, work together with their peers, and propose innovative, yet feasible solutions. The immersion day led by ISPP faculty also provides applicants a glimpse of the ISPP classroom and its distinctive, experiential approach to policy education.
On the policy immersion day, a set of 12-15 applicants will spend half a day with ISPP faculty, scholars, and alumni. Applicants will be presented with a policy case with a problem statement, background information, challenges and constraints, as well as opportunities within that policy area. After the case presentation, applicants will be invited to work in groups, prepare, and present innovative solutions to the policy problem. The group activity will be followed up with individual conversations with each applicant.
The applicants will be judged on the following parameters:
| Sr. No. | Parameter |
|---|---|
| 1. | Critical thinking and problem-solving skills |
| 2. | Collaboration and teamwork skills |
| 3. | Communication and presentation skills |
| 4. | Interest in public policy and fit with ISPP’s approach to policy education |
After the policy immersion day, successful applicants will receive acceptance letters. Successful financial aid applicants will receive financial aid offers.
ISPP's tuition fee for the 2022-23 academic year is INR 8,00,000 (+ 18% GST).
The breakdown of the total fee is as follows:
Tuition fee: INR 7,00,000
Admission fee: INR 1,00,000
Refundable security deposit: INR 20,000 (to be refunded upon completion of program)
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. ISPP also provides assistance in securing educational loans. For more information, please read our brochure.
Fee Payment Timeline
| Components | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Installment of Tuition Fee (50% of total Tuition Fee) |
1-Jun | 1-Jul | 1-Aug |
| 2nd installment of Tuition Fee (50% of total Tuition Fee) |
1-Aug | 1-Aug | 1-Aug |
Fee refunds, as per the fee refund policy, will only be made till 15 days after the commencement of the academic year at ISPP. No requests for fee refunds will be entertained should a scholar choose to withdraw their enrolment in the program 15 days after commencement of the academic year.
Fee Refund Policy
Academic Year at ISPP commences: 1st August 2022
| Percentage of Refund of Tuition Fee | Time of withdrawal of admission | Date of withdrawal of admission on or before |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 15 days or more before the commencement of academic year | 15-Jul |
| 90% | Within 15 days before the commencement of academic year | 31-Jul |
| 75% | Within 15 days after the commencement of academic year | 15-Aug |
| 0% | More than 15 days after the commencement of academic year | No refunds for any request made on or after 15-Aug |
ISPP strives to be an inclusive institution with its cohort composition reflecting the diversity of India. It is our endeavor to support deserving applicants with the best available financial assistance to enable their participation in our program. We offer merit-cum-means scholarships to students based on their financial need and academic merit. Applicants can apply for financial assistance by following these steps:
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 and communicates it to the applicant.
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 a change in financial circumstances of the applicant.
If you wish to apply for an Education Loan to fund your studies for ISPP's PG Programme, you can connect with the Admissions Office at [email protected] or alternatively call us at +91 73032 00363.
Alternatively, if you want the Loan Facilities to directly get in touch with you, please send us an email authorization to share your details and particulars with the respective financial institutions.
Following Financial Institutions currently offer an Education Loan to ISPP Scholars:
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. Registering and starting the Application Form: An applicant needs to register with a personal email address to start an application form. We recommend using a personal email address and not a school or office-affiliated email.
2. Quantitative/ Logical Aptitude Test: Both the quantitative skills and logical aptitude test will consist of 15 questions worth 2 points each to be completed within 30 minutes. You can choose to attempt any one of the two mandatory tests
3. Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI): 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.
The interview panel consists of two members: one from the ISPP Community and one prosepective recruiter.
All personal interviews (PIs) for ISPP class of 2023 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 open on 1st December, 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 2023, we will select approximately 75 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