They are also trained to be proficient in the legislative processes. This course primarily focuses on building skills that can be used in business, economics, finance and management-related and social issues. The main subjects included in this course are business law, human resource management, international business and the main subjects like marketing and finance. Additional public policy-related subjects include executive legislative relations, financial management and public budgetary processes. Other main subjects include decision making and economic analysis for public policy.

The admission process for the students in the MBA in Public Policy course will require the students to qualify for the entrance examinations like CAT, XAT, CMAT and NMAT. Some universities in India grant admission on a merit basis. However, students will be required to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% in CGPA from any recognized university. The fee range for Masters in Public Policy for most of the universities in India is between ₹ 1.65 lakhs to ₹ 26.50 lakhs. The average package for the professional with a degree in MBA in Public Policy can go up to ₹15 LPA. Salary however depends totally on the prior experience and the skills of the person. 

Highlights 

What is Public Policy in India

An MBA in Public Policy offers professionals a combination of government-focused knowledge of public policy with the strategic business skills of an MBA program. This program provides knowledge to the students of the tools needed to navigate the complex, political, social and economic landscapes while making data-driven decisions in both the public and private sectors. Professionals graduating with this degree will gain expertise in areas such as public finance, governance, policy analysis and leadership which will further prepare them for roles in government and private agencies like NGOs or corporate social responsibility divisions. The coursework included in the curriculum will include courses like public sector management, ethics, regulatory frameworks and social entrepreneurship.  This degree equips professionals to influence public opinion, provide lasting solutions to urgent societal issues, and promote positive change by fusing business savvy with a thorough understanding of politics. In the end, it equips leaders who can successfully bridge the gap between the public and private sectors to produce significant, empirically supported policy outcomes. Students who complete this course will have an increased awareness and ability to manage public programs and systems effectively. They will also become more familiar with worldwide trends and practices, which will enable them to explore new possibilities and choices.

Why study Public Policy courses in India?

Professionals who wish to use their education and knowledge acquired through a master's degree in public administration for the betterment of the public can make a career choice for graduating with a master's degree in public policy. But there are some of the points that need to be considered why someone can think of taking this course:-

• This course is beneficial for those students who aspire to make a career in governance and are willing to join public offices and non-profit organizations that work to handle and tackle social issues. 

• Professionals get the chance to gain knowledge and experience in the sectors of economics, finance, marketing, public relations and management. 

• The research capabilities and the academic intelligence of the professional ought to increase by graduating from this course.

• This program qualifies candidates to work in government organizations, non-profit organizations, international firms and consulting firms, that are private and public. Some of the most popular job posts include Policy Analysts, Social entrepreneurs, Welfare Officers, etc. 

Entrance Exam

In India, various national and state-level entrance examinations are conducted to get admission to top management colleges for an MBA degree in marketing management. 

These are as follows:

• CAT:  CAT stands for Common Admission Test and is one of the most popular entrance exams conducted every year in India for admission to Management colleges. Students aspiring for the top management colleges must get a high score in CAT. 

• GMAT: GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test is an online exam conducted every year by GMAC for students to qualify for admission to MBA programs in universities in India as well as abroad. 

• CMAT: CMAT stands for Common Management Aptitude Test is a national-level examination conducted every year by the NTA ( National Test Agency).

• Some entrance exams are conducted on a university basis as some of the deemed private universities in India conduct their entrance exams to qualify students for admission.

• XAT: The Xavier School of Management administers the XAT exam, which is open to final-year students and those with bachelor's degrees.

Eligibility

The basic criteria required for admission to the MBA in Marketing program are discussed as follows:

• Students must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least a passing percentage of 50% or equivalent CGPA. 

• For students under the reserved category ( OBC/SC/ST), 5% relaxation is offered from the mandatory passing percentage. 

• Students can apply in their final year after submitting a no-objection certificate from the principal. 

• A merit score of more than 60% is required for admission to top universities like IIMs and IITs. 

• Students must score well in the entrance exam if they aspire to be admitted to the top colleges. 

Admission Process

The steps that the admission process for an MBA in Marketing includes are as follows:

The MBA in Public Policy program provides an intensive broad-based education that can equip students with general management skills and specialized public policy knowledge. This is to address the increasing demand for public policy graduates in business and government and government agencies. The knowledge and skills taught during the program are significant for strategic decision-making and long-term success in a complex and interconnected business atmosphere. The problem-solving aspect of public policy is grounded on a solid understanding of social, economic and political affairs and has emerged as a key component of managing regulatory environments, influencing policy, managing risk and taking care of the expectations of the public. Some of the subjects like Foundations of Public Policy, Stakeholder Management and Community Participation, Organizational Behaviour and Public Leadership, Public Policy Analysis and many others help students to get a deep knowledge of the subject.

Public Policy Colleges in India

The following table provides a list list of Public Policy colleges in India where one can enroll in an MBA program in public policy. Find out the details about these universities' costs the average package provided by the organization, the duration for the course in different colleges and the course name by which the particular program is being called in that university.

Colleges with specializations in PGP/MBA Public Policy

The college names mentioned below are the top colleges for an MBA in Public Policy, according to the NIRF Ranking. The table includes government and private colleges. Government college includes IIM Ahmedabad with a fee of ₹ 26.50 Lakhs and an average package of₹ 34.45 Lakhs per annum. Private colleges include Jain University, School of Management which has a fee of ₹21.50 Lakhs and offers an average package of ₹10 Lakhs per annum. These colleges offer a 2-year PGP/ MBA in Public Policy. It also highlights the fees and average packages of the respective colleges. 

List of colleges in Public Policy- Other programs

The table mentions colleges that provide programs in Public Policy other than MBA and specialised MBA. The courses mentioned are executive PhD, PhD and fellow programs in management. It shows the best private and public colleges providing these courses, according to the NIRF. Their fees and the duration of the program are also present in the table. It includes public institutes like the IIMs and Private institutes like St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and  Jaipuria Insitute of Management.

Job Profiles for Graduates in Public Policy Courses in India

Employment opportunities after an MBA in public policy are challenging and require good organizational, managerial and communication skills. Individuals working in this area should be able to make good judgments, think innovatively and work towards society's betterment. A career in public policymaking can provide a candidate with interesting experiences a different perspective, and much enrichment in their career.

Future Scope

The future scope of masters in public policy is promising as the demand for professionals who can walk through the intersection of society, business and government is growing day by day. Skilled professionals who are capable of designing effective public policies are expanding to tackle and handle climate change, public health crises, economic inequality and technological disruption. The graduates with a degree in public policy are well-sustained to work in diverse sectors, including government agencies and international organizations. With the growing development in Artificial Intelligence and digital governance new opportunities are being opened up for MBA graduates to influence policy through evidence-based approaches. 

An MBA in Public Policy offers flexible career routes in a world that is changing quickly with a growing emphasis on social impact, public leadership and moral decision-making.

Here are some of the points that need to be considered regarding the future scope of an MBA in Public Policy:-

Exams like NTA-UCG NET-JRF can grant professionals the eligibility for employment as Assistant Professor in Indian institutes and also can open the doors for research in top universities. 

• Various UPSC-level exams like IFS, PSC and CSE are there in which students can appear after they complete the degree in public policy.

• MPHIL Public Policy can be opted for by students after an MBA in Public Policy. Academic research options as a career can open up after this as an MPhil in Public Policy will gain thorough knowledge and intense practical knowledge of the subjects.

Conclusion 

Upon graduation, students can bridge the gap between the private and public sectors. Graduates can bring about social good in the company. Graduates can also promote innovation and ensure the effective implementation of policies. This degree is an excellent resource for individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact on the development of business and government as the demand for those who can blend policy knowledge with business strategies will only grow stronger with the course of growing global problems.