Frequently Asked Questions

About the Course

  • No, we have not sought approval from any government body. Our priority is to offer top-notch education to individuals who seek it. However, it's important to note that the GCPP may not be recognized as a means of career advancement.

  • No. The programme primarily targets individuals seeking to understand the policy/technology ecosystem well. GCPP students have found employment in public affairs consulting, think tanks, civil society organisations and private corporations. Several alumni have also taken up master's and PhD programmes in public policy and related fields at renowned universities worldwide.

Application Process and Admissions

  • Individuals with a minimum of 3 years of work experience in various fields, particularly in technology entrepreneurship, government, media, civil society organizations, business, and corporate management, are well placed to take advantage of what the course offers. Nevertheless, individuals with less work experience and even full-time undergraduate students are encouraged to apply.

  • Students do not necessarily have to be based in India to participate. However, it is important to note that all webinars will be scheduled in IST. Therefore, students are encouraged to check for time differences and ensure the timing suits them.

  • To participate in the sessions, students should possess fundamental computer skills and a reliable internet connection (ideally a broadband connection of 256kbps or above). As all the sessions take place online, it is recommended to attend the live webinars through a laptop or desktop computer.

  • At the time of application, students are not required to send any documents through mail. However, the Takshashila Institution reserves the right to request applicants to provide supporting documents for their educational qualifications and employment history.

  • Dynamic undergraduate students from any discipline can apply, and a few scholarships will be available to deserving candidates. Please note that all students will follow the same curriculum.

  • Open Course in Public Policy (OCPP): This is a free course to understand & transform governance in India. It is a self-paced online course.

    However, it is not a replacement for the GCPP programme we offer which has live online classes conducted by subject matter experts, workshops, academic conferences, quizzes and group activities.

    If you have successfully completed the OCPP (https://opentakshashila.net/) you can get in touch with us (gcpadmin@takshashila.org.in) and we will be offering a scholarship for the 12-week GCPP programme.

Fees and Financial Assistance

  • The course fee is INR 33,000 (excluding 18% GST) and is to be paid after admission. The registration fee of INR 500 has been waived. Once the course fee is paid, it is non-refundable. Students can defer to one of the subsequent two batches without additional cost if they wish.

  • We advise applicants to only apply for financial support if they cannot afford to take the course without it. A limited number of scholarships will be available to deserving candidates who require financial assistance.

    Applicants requesting financial support will be required to explain why they need it. They may be asked to submit additional information and supporting documents if their application is approved for admission and financial support.

    It's important to note that financial support is not guaranteed. If a student who has received financial support fails to complete the course satisfactorily, they will be responsible for paying the full fees.

Schedule

  • Although attendance at the workshop and conference is mandatory, students who are unable to attend can request deferment by providing adequate reasons for their inability to participate. If a student chooses to defer, these components can be completed with one of the two subsequent cohorts.

    If students complete all other requirements except the contact workshops, they'll receive a Citation of Completion of Studies, which can be converted into the full Graduate Certificate once they complete the workshop and conference within the stipulated deferment period. This flexibility is intended to ensure that the course is accessible to working professionals who must balance work and family commitments with their studies.

  • The Academic Conference is planned for the fifth weekend for all specialisations. The workshop is planned for the tenth weekend of the course for APP and TP specialisations and for the twelfth weekend for the DFA specialisation. This may be subject to change due to public holidays and other factors. Students will always receive advance notice of any alterations. The Academic Conference will be held online while the Workshop will be in-person.

  • The classes for the programme will be conducted as interactive webinars online on weekends, typically on Saturdays. It is advisable for students to keep the time slot of 9:30 am to 3:30 pm hours on Saturdays free during the programme.

    Based on our past experiences, students who attend 70% or more of the live webinars typically perform well in the GCPP course requirements. Hence, we strongly recommend that students maintain a minimum attendance of 70% in the live webinars during the programme.

  • Occasional webinars may take place on weeknights, subject to guest speakers and faculty availability. These webinars are typically scheduled after 7:00 pm. We make an effort to keep such weekday webinars to a minimum

  • To ensure successful completion of readings and coursework, it is suggested that students allocate approximately seven to ten hours per week. It's important to keep in mind that every student has their own pace, so this estimate serves as a general guideline to help with time management.