Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy
The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.
This programme emphasises both academic knowledge and hands-on experience, blending conceptual learning with policy simulation exercises. Beyond the online webinars, students also get the added advantage of engaging with Takshashila's esteemed subject matter experts and its vast alumni community.
Towards the end of the programme, students will work on an individual Capstone project, allowing them to pursue empirical research in their area of policy interest. Overall, this intensive programme will arm you with all the essential skills for policymaking, analysis, persuasion, and communication, preparing you for your chosen career path in public policy.
Timeline and Key Dates
Programme Begins
8 June 2024
Early Bird Deadline (10 percent scholarship)
22 Apr 2024
Application Deadline
31 May 2024
Workshop - I
22, 23, 24 & 25 August 2024
Workshop - II
24, 25, 26 & 27 October 2024
Workshop - III
14, 15 & 16 February 2025
Workshop - IV
3 & 4 May 2025
Current Cohort
Programme Begins
14 June 2025
Early Bird Deadline (10 percent scholarship)
01 May 2025
Application Deadline
01 June 2025
Workshop - I
28, 29, 30 & 31 August 2025
Workshop - II
16, 17, 18 & 19 October 2025
Workshop - III
13, 14 & 15 February 2026
Workshop - IV
9 & 10 May 2026
Next Cohort
Why Study with Us?
Ideal for working professionals seeking to delve into a public policy career while maintaining their current jobs.
Gain expertise in different aspects of public policy, enhancing your intellectual comprehension of the subject.
Acquire essential core skills, including policy analysis, logical reasoning, effective communication, and persuasive abilities.
Connect with prominent policy practitioners and industry experts, benefiting from their insights and expertise.
Application Process
The admission process consists of two stages: first, the submission of applications, followed by an interview with a panel for the shortlisted candidates.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Individuals with an undergraduate degree in any field are welcome to apply. The eligibility requirement for the PGP includes a minimum of two years of work experience. However, having this qualification is preferred, not obligatory.
Curriculum
The PGP is offered through Takshashila Institution's unique networked learning approach, which combines live online webinars, face-to-face workshops, individual study, quizzes, assignments, group tasks, and a culminating capstone project.
Spanning 48 weeks, Takshashila’s PGP is structured into three terms, each lasting 14 weeks. In both Term 1 and Term 2, participants will engage in six courses, attend one workshop, and participate in one masterclass. Term 3 consists of two courses, a masterclass, and the capstone project. A 2-3 week break is scheduled between each term.
Constitutional Structure and Policy Making
The module offers a comprehensive introduction to the legal aspects of policy making.
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Constitutional Structure
The Legislature in Detail
Dynamics between the Governments at the Union, State and Local Levels
Fundamentals of Public Policy
The module will help students unpack policy making and key policy processes in the context of politics.
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Introduction to Public Policy Analysis
Nations, States and Governments
Democracy, Republic, and Constitution; Paradoxes of Policy Making in India
Decision Making Models
Failures in Public Affairs - Market failures
Failures in public affairs - Govt failures and social imbalances
Effecting Change: Change Frameworks
International Relations and Foreign Affairs
The module introduces the concepts of the international system, geopolitics, and diplomacy, while also emphasising the significant role of technology in shaping international relations.
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The International System
Understanding Geopolitics
Tools of Statecraft: Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Technological and Social Upheaval in International Relations
Microeconomics 2
The module further elaborates on Microeconomics and its application to public policy. It covers topics such as market and government failure in greater detail.
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Market Failures
Public Goods
Externality
Government Intervention in the Market: Subsidies and Cash Transfers
Government Intervention in the Market: Tax, Price Ceilings, Quotas, and Tariffs
Behavioural Economics
How Nations Prosper
The module aims to guide students through policy issues in the economic domain, covering key debates from the last 10-15 years.
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Setting the Contemporary Indian Economy in the Global Context
Economic Institutions
Jobs and Employment
Government Revenue and Expenditure
Private Revenue and Expenditure
How to Write an Op-Ed
The aim of this writing course is to equip you with the skills to compose an op-ed focusing on a policy issue.
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The Importance of Simple Writing
The Sound of Words
The Building Blocks of Writing
Write That Op-Ed
Writing a Policy Brief
This module offers an overview of the policy analysis process and assists students in crafting policy briefs.
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Introduction and Policy Definition
Assembling the Evidence
Constructing the Alternatives
Selecting the Criteria
Projecting the Outcomes
Confronting the Trade-offs
Deciding the Final Policy Solution
Telling Your Story
Constitutional Assembly Debates
The goal of this module is to enhance understanding of the Constitution's creation process and delve into the concept of India as a nation formed through negotiation.
Ethical Reasoning in Public Policy
The module equips students with concepts, frameworks, and scenarios that encourage them to contemplate and address ethical dilemmas.
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Foundations for ethical reasoning
Problem solving
Trolley problem
The value of life
Political Economy of India
The module introduces the concept of democratic accountability and how it is embedded into the overall polity of India.
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Money in Politics
Caste and Religion in Politics
Ideology and Charismatic Leaders and Their Impact on Democratic Accountability
Control of Information, Social Media, and Fake News
Microeconomics 1
The module focuses on the fundamentals of microeconomics and applies them to specific areas of public policy.
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Introduction to Economic Reasoning
Price, Value, and Cost
Law of Demand
Trade and Comparative Advantage
Market Structure
Macroeconomics
The module covers fundamental concepts in macroeconomics that directly relate to the process of policy making.
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Measuring Economic Activity
Growth and Fluctuations
Capital Controls
Monetary Policy
Exchange Rate Regimes and the Impossible Trinity
Fiscal Policy
Introduction to Public Finance
The module introduces students to the fundamentals of public finance in the Indian context.
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Introduction to Public Finance
Macroeconomics of Public Finance
Tax Policy and Reforms in India: Taxation and Development
Fiscal Decentralisation and Fiscal Federalism
Quantitative Analysis
The module provides an introduction to empirical analysis techniques utilised by economists and public policy experts for testing theories using observational or survey data.
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Introduction to Descriptive Analysis
Evaluating Empirical Work
Methods to Estimate Causal Effects -Randomised Controlled Trials and Regression Discontinuity Design
Methods to Estimate Causal Effects Instrumental Variables Approach and Differences-in-Differences Approach
The Art and Science of Economic Policy
The module offers insight into how economic policy functions at the crossroads of politics and economics.
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Foundations: Purpose of Government
Diagnosing the Indian Experience
The Science of Economic Policy
The Art of Economic Policy
The Public Policy Process
Applying the Ideas
PGP FAQs
Is this an accredited programme?
No, we have not sought approval from any government body. We offer top-notch education on public policy to individuals who seek it.
Will I get any placements after completing the PGP?
We do not offer formal placements. As a non-for-profit organization with extensive connections to both the public and private sector, we have a vast network of stakeholders and established alumni also serve as valuable points of contact and we are happy to facilitate connections where possible.
When will the classes be held?
The classes for the programme will be conducted as interactive online webinars on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Students who attend 70% or more of the live webinars typically perform well and take away the greatest possible learnings from the PGP. Hence, we require that students maintain a minimum attendance of 70% for each course in the programme. A failure to meet this threshold for any course will result in a grade-point penalty being imposed on the final grade for the course.
Will the webinars be recorded?
Yes, all the webinars will be recorded and available for access later. However, we encourage students to attend the live webinars as scheduled so as to engage directly with the guest lectures and cohort mates and derive maximum benefits from the course and the programme at large.
What is the recommended amount of time for a student to dedicate to coursework each week?
To ensure successful completion of readings and required coursework, it is suggested that students allocate approximately 12-15 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.Where will the workshops be held?
The PGP offers three in-person mandatory workshops with one workshop held in each of the following cities: Delhi, Goa and Bangalore. The costs of travel and accommodation for all workshops are not included in the programme fees and as such shall be borne by the participants.
Are there any scholarships available?
Yes, applicants who apply by our early-bird deadline will receive a 10 percent scholarship on programme fees. Students who have previously completed our Graduate Certificate in Public Policy (GCPP) courses get a 30 percent scholarship on PGP fees.
For early bird applicants who are also GCPP alumni, they will only be eligible for the 30 percent alumni scholarship. They cannot avail early bird scholarship.
What is the financial aid procedure?
We advise applicants to only apply for financial support if they cannot afford to take the programme without it. A limited number of scholarships will be available to deserving candidates who require financial assistance and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis once you reach the application interview stage.
Applicants requesting financial support will be required to explain why they require it. They may be asked to submit additional information and supporting documents if their application is approved for admission and financial support.
Fee Structure
The programme fee for individuals is ₹1.65 lakh(plus GST). Fees, once paid, are non-refundable. Students will have the chance to defer their admission to one subsequent batch.
Limited financial scholarships are available for talented individuals and in exceptional cases. Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis, but early applicants will have a significant advantage in availing scholarships.
