Admissions

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:

1. Motivation to work in the public policy sector
2. Interest in public policy
3. Communication skills

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.

1. Application: 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).
2. Quantitative/ Logical Aptitude Test; You can choose to attempt any one of the two mandatory tests. Both the quantitative skills and logical aptitude test will consist of 15 questions worth 2 points each to be completed within 30 minutes.
3. Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI): Those who clear the Test round will be invited to participate in the group discussion and personal interview.
4. Offer: Successful applicants will receive acceptance letters. Successful financial aid applicants will receive financial aid offers.

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:

1. 1. Last three months' salary slips for earning members of the family. If they are employed, Income Tax returns for the last two financial years for each earning member will be required.
   2. a) Individual bank account statement for the last one-year for the main salary/income account for each earning member of the family, including the candidate's.b) Statement of financial assets (Fixed Deposits, Mutual Funds).
   3. Income Tax Returns for the last two years for businesses owned by the family members.
   4. Audited financial statements for last one-year for the businesses owned by the family members.
   5. Loan account statement for all loans undertaken by the family members or the business owned by family members.
   6. Annual fees of the previous college attended by the candidate and any scholarship received.
   7. Annual school fees paid for siblings of candidate, if enrolled.
   8. Notes on any major medical expenses borne by the family on a one-time, or annual or monthly-basis.
   9. Allotment document for fixed assets (apartment, land) which mentions the purchase price.

No.

1. 20% of the tuition fees has to be paid before 2 August 2021 (exact details will be communicated at a later date)
2. 30% of the tuition fees has to be paid by 2 August 2021
3. 50% of the tuition fees has to be paid by 28 January 2022

RTGS, NEFT, IMPS - Mode for Payments