Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy, Design and Management is ISPP's flagship programme for citizens interested in making an impact in the public policy sphere. The one-year programme trains individuals in the science of policymaking by taking them through a rigorous programme divided into seven terms of 7 weeks each. The penultimate exercise of the programme involves scholars working on a Capstone Exercise to solve a contemporary policy challenge through original policy solutions. In addition to the academic training, ISPP PDM Programme offers various networking opportunities, access to professional forums, and careers and placement support.
The programme provides an in-depth understanding of public policy and equips students with design and management precepts, with the objective to develop better systems thinkers and policy executives. Students will learn not only about public policy analysis and the development of policy, but also the integration of practical concerns of finance, capabilities and ethics. Best practices of implementation, management and assessment, across the domains of public administration and public policy are a key focus of the programme pedagogy.
Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago offers ISPP scholars a Certificate in International Development and Public Policy upon successful completion, through a series of workshops and lectures, held at ISPP and conducted by faculty, practitioners and other experts associated with the University of Chicago.
In the past years, the lecture series hosted highly esteemed professors and alumni of the University of Chicago including Michael Greenstone (Director of the Becker Friedman Institute), John Mark Hansen (Charles L. Hutchinson Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Political Science), Marvin Zonis (Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at the Booth School of Business) and Nobel Laureate Michael Kremer (Professor of Economics at the Harris School of Public Policy)
Immersive Learning Projects (ILPs) are high impact and unique learning experiences for scholars at ISPP to collaborate on real time projects guided by project leads from client organisations. ILP is a great way to provide the scholars a platform to completely immerse in live projects related to public policy that enables learning by doing. In the past few years, ISPP Scholars have attended ILPs at E&Y, Sattva, NITI Aayog, and Population Foundation of India, among others.
1. Writing and Communication Lab: Engaging public policy stakeholders requires a sound understanding of the policy landscape, skills to conduct research, write scientifically, and the ability to repurpose scientific writing into communication formats that suit stakeholders. The Writing and Communication Lab at ISPP offers apprentice-style training to develop scholars' verbal, non-verbal and writing skills to effectively communicate in development, corporate, and academic settings. The Lab also works closely with the Careers team to support students’ career development needs.
2. Antarang Leadership Lab (ALL): The Antarang Leadership Lab (ALL) is an experiential lab. Antarang means ‘intimate’ and the lab is meant to create a comfortable space where scholars can have conversations amongst friends on issues that are relevant to their personal development as leaders. ALL gives our scholars hands-on, practical experience to build their leadership skills to help them both at ISPP and when they start working. ALL aims to make our scholars more aware of themselves and their surroundings.
3. Policy Praxis Lab (PPL): Public policy governs every action one takes as well as the outcomes of these actions. The Policy Praxis Lab will train one to understand why and how to make public policy work for the public. The lab explores a range of policy-related questions: How should markets be organised? What is health policy? How does public policy handle the diverse interests of people? How do we find out these diverse interests? How do we make people agree on a common set of choices, allowing them to choose differently from the same set? Through a series of policy exercises characterised by curiosity and empathy, through thought experiments as well as real life experiences of successful and unsuccessful policy interventions, scholars will be trained to master the science and art of ethical policy objectives.
4. Policy Case Consulting Workshop: Policy Case Consulting Workshop combines the concepts and ideas covered in the courses to analyse and train for case study interviews. The sessions blend discussions and lectures that offer theoretical and practical frameworks for case study analysis complemented by training in data skills.
5. Quant Lab: The Quant Lab equips scholars with data-handling tools in Excel. This includes data analysis and data visualisation. Scholars will learn how to clean the data, present it in a meaningful manner, handle qualitative and quantitative variables, make samples, test hypotheses, run regressions etc.
ISPP trains its scholars to be leaders for policy action by training them rigorously in management, communication, and leadership skills. ISPP has its dedicated Careers Support Cell which assists each scholar to explore prospective career pathways and towards enabling career opportunities of the scholar’s choice. At ISPP, we believe in a holistic approach to policy, design and management which is based on the five pillars of Skills (S), Political Economy (P), Ethics (E), Leadership (L), and Lifelong learning (L). We have integrated the SPELL framework in designing the curriculum and the overall learning environment at the institution.
The ‘Tea and Policy’ session is a unique initiative where we invite public policy professionals from a diverse range of industry backgrounds to engage with our scholars. These events are structured to be free flowing discussions which not only provide the scholars with an avenue to network with industry leaders but also gives them an insight into the day-to-day workings of a policy professional.
A few policy professionals who have engaged with our scholars include Aman Jain (Google), Priti Srivastava (Reliance Industries), Rajesh Chadha (Brookings), Anu Madgavkar (McKinsey), Nirat Bhatnagar (Dalberg), Ranen Banerjee (PwC), etc.
Academics at ISPP is designed on skills, ethics and leadership to nurture masters of theory and practice, with the objective of impacting change. The curriculum integrates classroom learning, skill building, application and leadership and management training consisting of foundation, core and supporting courses.
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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 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.
Read MoreISPP 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.
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ISPP has been a life changing experience for me. It provided me a platform that helped me propel my career. Starting from the professors to my colleagues, the ecosystem created here provided me immense professional and personal growth. I am proud to be a part of the ISPP family.
Amidst the crisis, my decision to pursue a Public Policy course from a well-reputed institute like the Indian School of Public Policy was a step in the right direction. Being taught by luminaries in the field of Public Policy was an enriching experience and the rigor of the course is something that I will surely relish.
I had to 'Unlearn' a few things to 'Learn' public policy at ISPP. It is not a regular degree course and I think that is one of the many things that makes ISPP unique. I would say careers support at ISPP is a perfect example of the same. One has to be proactive and ISPP would leave no stone unturned for you.
It has been a beautiful journey with ISPP. The curriculum is designed in a very non-conventional way which not only leads to learning a concept but also helps in applying it, such that one does not need to memorize it again and again. I am glad to see my transition from day 1 when entered the institute to till date. Among all institutes that I have studied in my life, I can say that ISPP is my favorite.
Our student ambassadors are our alumni and current students who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in public policy and are here to answer any questions you may have. Whether you want to know more about our programs, admissions process, campus facilities, or student life, our student ambassadors are here to help.
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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.
Read MoreISPP’s Postgraduate Programme integrates diverse dimensions of Public Policy Education with an up-to-date curriculum and training in line with the best policy programmes offered across the globe.
Capacity, flexibility and innovativeness are the three key factors in the design of our PG programme. We ensure you attend the right courses, clubbed with the ever-evolving practical knowledge sessions.
Offered as the finest combination of compulsory courses, workshops, labs and collaborative certificates, ISPP brings forth the best resource persons, policy veterans and field experts to deliver one of the most innovative curriculums to its scholars. Throughout your time at ISPP, we will work to align your skills and make you industry-ready from an employer’s perspective.
ISPP is a growing institution working to provide premier policy education to all interested applicants. However, we are restricted by resources and are able to accommodate only a limited number of interested applicants.
ISPP’s Class Size for its previous batch 2021-22 was 30 Scholars. Our current Class Size for batch 2022-23 is 60 Scholars. Moving forward, the incoming cohort of 2023-24 shall offer policy education to 75 Scholars.
One-year duration of our Postgraduate Programme is what gives the ISPP education an edge over the traditional master's degrees. In this one year of intensive training at ISPP, we cover all key aspects of policy education, including design thinking and management.
Compared to a conventional two-year master’s programme, ISPP scholars spend less time studying, enter their choice of career earlier, and spend higher time solving real world challenges. With that being said, it is important to note that the programme is rigorous, demanding and intensive for its scholars.
No, the ISPP Postgraduate Programme is a non-residential programme. ISPP does not provide any residential facilities on its campus.
Since most ISPP scholars are outstation candidates, the ISPP Admissions Team assists them in finding accommodation by sharing recommendations, experiences from past scholars etc. However, ISPP does take any responsibility for the price, contract or quality of services provided by the residential facility that the scholars may choose. Each scholar shall sign an individual and independent contract with their agreed residential facility.
In case more than 10-15 scholars choose to stay in one residential facility or neighborhood, ISPP also provides a shuttle service to campus and back on nominal charges.
ISPP’s ‘3-Es towards Employment’ help scholars leverage their varied skill-sets and domain expertise, enabling them to pursue careers of their choice. In the last three cohorts, our scholars have been placed at E&Y India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, SBI Foundation, The Economist Intelligence Unit, and LAMP Fellowship, among others. Some of our scholars, who wished to pursue their studies further, are now at the best global universities such as Oxford University, Georgia Tech, and University of Amsterdam, with the support, guidance and recommendations from ISPP’s prominent faculty members.
Any candidates who have successfully completed their undergraduate studies, regardless of discipline, from an Indian or International University are eligible to apply to the ISPP Postgraduate Programme. Applicants currently enrolled in the final year of their undergraduate studies are also eligible; however, they must successfully complete all requirements of their undergraduate studies before the commencement of the programme at ISPP. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found on this page above, under the ‘Eligibility for Admission’ section.
Yes, irrespective of the medium of instruction in your matriculation, intermediate or graduation, you are eligible to apply for ISPP’s Postgraduate Programme. However, we expect a certain level of proficiency of English language in our scholars so that they are able to converse, read and write in English, given that the medium of instruction for the ISPP Postgraduate Programme is English.
Additionally, we also have a Policy Writing and Communications Lab at ISPP which works closely with our scholars to help them improve their writing and communication skills.
Admissions for ISPP’s Postgraduate Programme in Public Policy, Design and Management are conducted in three rounds. You can find exact dates and deadlines for application submission, financial aid application, admission decision, offer acceptance and commencement of classes on this page above, under the ‘Admissions Timeline’ section.
No, ISPP does not charge any fee to submit an admission application to any of its programmes.
As a democratic institution, we understand that our applicants come from diverse financial backgrounds. We provide access to a free admissions application to encourage every interested candidate to study at ISPP.
We strongly advise that you complete all sections of your Admissions Application in English language with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. You must upload all necessary documents as clear scanned copies, the text and information on which is readable by the Selection Committee.
While writing the statement of purpose, please focus on: what public policy means to you, how are your academic and professional experiences built into your public policy interests, your career plan in public policy and your motivation to apply to ISPP.
You can find elaborate details on submitting an admissions application to ISPP under the section ‘Application Process’ on this page above.
You will need access to the following documents to complete your Admissions Application to ISPP Postgraduate Programme in Public Policy, Design and Management:
Please upload readable scans of all above documents, since they will be referred to by the ISPP Selection Committee during the Admission Process.
No, you can complete the Online Admissions Application over multiple sessions and have the option to save parts of the application as you proceed.
However, the Online Aptitude Test must be completed in one sitting.
In case you have submitted any incorrect information or documents by error, please contact the ISPP Admissions Office immediately at [email protected] for necessary corrections. Do not submit another application, as it may lead to the termination of your candidature.
You will receive an automated email from ISPP Admissions Portal, once your application is submitted. In case you have submitted your application but have not received the confirmation email, please get in touch with immediately at [email protected] to resolve your concern.
ISPP admits scholars to its Postgraduate Programme in Public Policy, Design and Management through a 2-Part Selection Process, which includes an ‘Online Aptitude Test’ followed by a ‘Policy Immersion Session’ in a GD-PI Format. Only shortlisted applicants, based on the information furnished in the Admissions Application are invited to the Selection Process. You can find detailed information on the Selection Process above, under the ‘Selection Process’ section.
The application and selection process to ISPP is completely online: starting with an online application submitted using the ISPP Admissions Portal listed on ISPP Website, followed by an Online Aptitude Test attempted on the same ISPP Admissions Portal, to the Policy Immersion Sessions conducted on Zoom Virtual Platform.
In case if government regulations permit, ISPP at its discretion may offer applicants the option to attempt the Policy Immersion Session from a physical venue.
In case you have been successful in the selection process at ISPP, you shall receive an Admission Offer within 7 days of the last selection exercise of the respective round, as an email communication listing:
Yes, you can re-apply but not within the same academic year.
You will have to submit a fresh application in the following year.
For the upcoming academic year, ISPP’s Postgraduate Programme in Public Policy, Design and Management is offered at a total programme fee of ₹8,00,000 (+18% GST). More details about the various components of the programme fee can be found above under the ‘Fee Structure’ section.
When compared with Indian and global public policy programmes of similar repute, ISPP’s Postgraduate Programme Fee is on the lower end of the spectrum. In addition to this, ISPP assists its incoming scholars in securing Financial Loans and offers Financial Aid to outstanding candidates who need support to fund their studies.
Most nationalized banks and lending institutions offer an Education Loan to ISPP Scholars. In addition, the IDFC First Bank offers Education Loan to ISPP Scholars.
You can find detailed information about Financing Options for the ISPP Postgraduate Programme in the ‘Education Loan’ section above.
Fees can be paid using any account-to-account transfer method convenient to the offer holders: Wire Transfer (IMPS, NEFT or RTGS), Cheque or Demand Draft.
Any additional transaction charges incurred by the bank to process the fee payments are to be borne by the applicants, over and above the fee being paid to ISPP.
The applicants should note that the payment must be received in ISPP’s Bank Account, latest by office hours of the payment deadline.
No fee payments shall be accepted by cash, under any circumstances.
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