PG Diploma in Administrative and Public Policy — Course Overview

1. Course Name

Post Graduate Diploma in Administrative and Public Policy (PG Diploma in Administrative and Public Policy)

2. Course Duration

• Usually 1 year for a postgraduate diploma.
• Some institutions may offer related public administration/public policy diplomas for a different duration.
• For example, TISS offers a 1-year Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy & Governance. 

3. Eligibility

• Generally, a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
• Some universities may require a minimum percentage.
• Certain programmes may require professional work experience. For example, the current TISS programme specifies undergraduate education plus 2 years of professional work experience. 

4. Approximate Fee

• Fees vary considerably by institution.
• A university-based programme can be relatively affordable, while specialised executive/private programmes can cost substantially more.
• For reference, TISS lists ₹83,000 for the one-year programme in its current published fee structure. 
• Gujarat University is listed at around ₹20,000 for its 1-year PG Diploma in Public Policy and Governance. 
• Counselling note: Always confirm the latest fee, examination charges and other applicable charges from the university.

5. Admission Process

A typical process is:

1. Check eligibility.
2. Complete the university application form.
3. Upload educational and other required documents.
4. Pay the application fee, if applicable.
5. Appear for an entrance test/interview if required.
6. Receive the selection/admission offer.
7. Pay the course fee and complete enrolment.

6. Mode of Study

Depending on the institution, the programme may be offered through:

• Regular classroom learning
• Online/live classes
• Part-time or executive format
• Blended learning

The exact mode must be checked with the institution offering the specific programme.

7. Main Subjects / Syllabus

Common subjects may include:

• Public Administration
• Public Policy Concepts
• Policy Analysis
• Governance and Public Institutions
• Public Finance and Budgeting
• Economics for Public Policy
• Policy Formulation and Implementation
• Indian Government and Administration
• Development Policy
• Social Policy
• Research Methods
• Data/Policy Analysis
• Ethics and Accountability
• Public Management
• Policy Advocacy
• Project/Field Work

For example, TISS includes subjects such as Public Economics, Impact Evaluation, Development Economics and Public Policy, Policy Advocacy and Comparative Public Policy.

8. Career Scope

The course can help students understand how government policies are designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated.

Career areas include:

• Government and public administration
• Policy research
• Think tanks
• NGOs and development organisations
• Public-sector projects
• Consulting
• Social development
• Research and academic organisations
• Corporate public affairs and policy-related work

9. Job Opportunities

Depending on qualifications, experience and recruitment requirements, graduates may look for opportunities as:

• Policy Research Assistant
• Research Associate
• Public Policy Associate
• Programme Coordinator
• Government Project Associate
• Public Administration Executive
• Development Sector Associate
• Policy/Research Consultant
• Programme Officer
• NGO/Development Professional

Important: A diploma by itself does not guarantee a government job. Government positions normally have separate recruitment rules and eligibility requirements.

10. Common Job Roles

• Public Policy Associate
• Policy Researcher
• Research Associate
• Programme Officer
• Policy Analyst
• Public Administration Executive
• Government Project Coordinator
• Development Programme Associate
• Policy Consultant

11. Expected Salary Range

Salary depends heavily on the employer, location, experience, job role and previous qualification.

As a broad career reference:

• Entry-level: approximately ₹3–6 lakh per year
• With relevant experience: approximately ₹6–12+ lakh per year
• Experienced specialists and consultants may earn more.

These are indicative ranges, not guaranteed salaries, and should not be presented as a fixed salary outcome.

12. Higher Study Options

After completing the diploma, students can consider:

• MA in Public Policy
• MA in Public Administration
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• MA in Political Science
• Development Studies
• Economics
• Governance and related social-science programmes
• PhD/research programmes after meeting the required qualifications

Some universities also structure their master's programme so that students can receive a postgraduate diploma after completing the first year. For example, Central University of Jammu's programme in Public Policy and Public Administration provides for a PG Diploma exit after one year under NEP.

13. Universities/Institutions Offering Related Courses

Examples in India include:

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) — Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy & Governance. 
• Gujarat University — Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Governance. 
• Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) — Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Management. 
• Central University of Jammu — MA in Public Policy and Public Administration with a PG Diploma exit option after one year. 
• IGMPI — Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Sustainable Development. 

Note: These are related public policy/public administration programmes; they are not necessarily titled exactly “PG Diploma in Administrative and Public Policy.”

14. University-wise Eligibility & Approximate Fees

TISS's published fee is ₹83,000; IGMPI's current 2026–27 prospectus lists different fees by mode; and IIM Mumbai lists ₹8.75 lakh for its programme.

15. Entrance Exam / Other Requirements

Requirements depend on the institution.

• Some programmes: Direct application and selection based on eligibility.
• Some programmes: Interview/selection process.
• Some specialised programmes: Entrance test + interview.
• Work experience: May be compulsory for certain programmes.
• Documents: Degree/provisional certificate, marksheets, identity proof and other documents may be required.

For example, IIM Mumbai's public policy programme uses an IMAT/valid CAT, GMAT or GRE score followed by a personal interview, while TISS's programme has its own application and selection requirements.

Summary

PG Diploma in Administrative and Public Policy is suitable for graduates who want to understand government administration, public policy, governance and policy implementation. It can be useful for careers in policy research, government projects, NGOs, development organisations, public-sector work and policy-related consulting. Exact eligibility, fees, mode and admission rules depend on the institution.