The Case Study and Research Centre

The Case Study and Research Centre (CSRC) at the Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) is dedicated to transforming real-world policy challenges into engaging, practical learning resources. By producing high-quality case studies that focus on public policy, governance and administration in an Indian context, the centre equips learners to critically analyse complex problems, evaluate alternatives and derive actionable insights. The centre actively seeks collaborations with government bodies, research institutions, think tanks and private organisations to expand its repository of case studies, enhance learning impact and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

At CSRC, the focus is on converting the dilemmas faced by policymakers into pedagogical tools. By bridging theory with practice, the centre provides a rich repository of real-life policy scenarios for learners to dissect, debate and draw lessons from. This approach ensures that students, practitioners and civil servants gain hands-on experience in addressing the multifaceted challenges of policy design and implementation.

Block Pattern: Regular

Capacity Building Commission

One of the centre’s flagship initiatives is its collaboration with the Capacity Building Commission. As part of this partnership, CSRC is developing a series of case studies based on innovations submitted through the Innovations in Public Administration Challenge. These case studies aim to strengthen the capacity of India’s civil servants and will be deployed across central and state training institutes, as well as in ISPP classrooms and select private training programmes. Its engagement with CBC has seen the centre work in capacities of case writers, mentorship for case writers and as developers of case teaching based courses.

NITI Aayog

CSRC collaborated with NITI Aayog, along with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), as a knowledge partner to undertake the mapping of the regulatory landscape of Homestays in India. Participated in by Online Travel Aggregators like Airbnb and MakeMyTrip, the report titled “Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathway” was released on 22 August 2025 by the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. Spanning four states—Goa, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh—the report examined existing regulatory structures and the challenges faced by operators, regulators, community members, and aggregators. The report also highlighted the best practices across all Indian states and made recommendations for a model regulatory policy design for the states.

“I commend the Tourism and Culture Division of NITI Aayog for bringing out this report in collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and the Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP). I am confident that it will serve as a valuable foundation for future developments in India’s homestay ecosystem and benefit all stakeholders, government, industry, and most importantly, the host communities, who stand at the heart of this initiative.”

Suman K. Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog.

Case Study and Research Centre: Team

The CSRC team brings together experts with extensive experience in public administration, governance, policy research and management education. Drawing on years of engagement with government institutions, think tanks and academic research, the team ensures that each case study reflects the nuances and realities of policymaking in India. Their combined expertise allows learners to engage with authentic, context-rich scenarios that challenge conventional thinking and foster innovative solutions.