Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
Advanced Public Policy
This programme provides tools to deepen your understanding of economic and governance systems. It delivers clear frameworks to understand how politics and economics intersect and strategies to navigate them effectively. It will aid you in engaging in the public arena, be it as an analyst, public official, leader, or active citizen. You can use this knowledge to enrich both your professional and personal life.
Designed for full-time professionals, the GCPP offers a seamless mostly online learning experience. The programme spans 12 weeks and includes weekly webinars (usually on Saturdays). The highlights of the programme include an online Academic Conference and an interactive in-person workshop.
GCPP Cohort 44
| FORMAT | 12 weeks · online |
| CADENCE | Saturdays · 9:30–15:30 IST |
| WORKSHOP | in-person · 3 days · near Bengaluru |
| EARLY BIRD | 29 March 2026 · 10% scholarship |
| APPLY BY | 26 April 2026 |
| PROGRAMME BEGINS | 09 May 2026 |
| PROGRAMME ENDS | 01 August 2026 |
| FEE | ₹42,000 + 18% GST |
How it works
Designed for working professionals
Saturday webinars, 7–10 hours of weekly commitment, and a 3-day in-person workshop you can plan around.
Core policy modules
Five weeks covering policy analysis, economic reasoning, and effective communication.
Advanced public policy specialisation
Seven weeks covering complexity science, advanced economic reasoning, and policy communication.
Online academic conference
Two-day online conference in week 5 — keynote sessions and breakout tracks with practising experts.
In-person policy simulation
3-day workshop near Bengaluru. Past cohorts have tackled R&D ecosystems, semiconductor strategy, AI governance, and supply chain resilience.
Certificate & alumni network
Graduate Certificate in Public Policy. Join 10,000+ Takshashila alumni across government, tech, law, and civil society.
Curriculum
Policy Analysis and Concepts
This module explores the foundations of public policy, from understanding nations, states, and governments to exploring the paradoxes and pitfalls faced by governments.
UNITS- U.01Introduction to Public Policy
- U.02Nations, States, and Governments
- U.03Paradoxes and Pitfalls of the Government
- U.04Goals of the Government
- U.05Introduction to Kautilya's Arthashastra
Economic Reasoning for Public Policy — I
Economic reasoning, the price system, trade, and government intervention in markets.
UNITS- U.01Introduction to Economic Reasoning
- U.02The Price System
- U.03Market Dynamics
- U.04Introduction to Macroeconomics
- U.05Trade
- U.06Government Intervention in Markets
Effective Communication & Media Engagement
Get you writing. Understand the role of narratives in political and policy communication.
UNITS- U.01Basics of Writing
- U.02Understanding the Media Environment
- U.03Political and Policy Narratives
Complexity Science and Public Policy
Public policy concepts and frameworks for analysing — and effecting — change in complex systems.
UNITS- U.01State and Society Failures
- U.02Effecting Policy Change
- U.03Complexity in Public Policy
- U.04Reflections on Writing for Policy
Economic Reasoning for Policy Analysis — II
Deeper economic reasoning — market failures and the case for government intervention.
UNITS- U.01Price and Price Controls
- U.02Government Intervention — Taxes and Subsidies
- U.03Market Failures (Information Asymmetry, Externalities, Public Goods, Market Power)
- U.04Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy
- U.05Currency and Balance of Payments
- U.06Introduction to Public Finance
Effective Communication for Public Policy
Express your policy ideas through writing — structure your thoughts and reach a broader audience.
UNITS- U.01Writing for Public Policy
- U.02The Sound of Words
- U.03Writing for Media
Workshop
Three days, in person
Every cohort, we take a group of smart, curious people and throw a genuinely hard policy problem at them. After the workshop, we walk out with a much clearer picture of why the problem is so hard, and some real ideas for what to do about it.
The Policy Simulation Workshop is a highlight of the GCPP. By the time you arrive, you’ve spent many weeks thinking about economic reasoning, policy analysis, complexity, communication, and the workshop problem itself. The three days at the venue are where it comes together: research and analysis get distilled into a defended position.
Topics focus on issues that are part of the policy debate. Previous cohorts have engaged with themes such as improving urban infrastructure in India, promoting AI diffusion, and shaping India’s strategic approach to Chinese investments.
Participants bear expenses for travel to the venue, food, and accommodation. The workshop takes place over three days near Bengaluru.
Application process
and fees
Eligibility
Individuals with an undergraduate degree in any field are welcome to apply. Work experience is preferred but not mandatory.
Scholarships
Limited merit and need-based scholarships are available. Early applicants have a significant advantage when scholarships are awarded.
Corporate sponsorship
Many participants attend with their employer's support. Write to us at gcpp@takshashila.org.in if your organisation needs specifics.
More questions?
Have specific questions about eligibility, deferment, or schedule? See the full FAQs.
Cohort 44 Calendar
Designed around the work week. Webinars and workshops fall on weekends.
APPLY NOW →Faculty
Nitin Pai
Co-Founder and Director
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Pranay Kotasthane
Deputy Director and Chairs HTG Programme
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Anupam Manur
Professor at the Takshashila Institution
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Manoj Kewalramani
Fellow, China Studies at the Takshashila Institution
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Ashish Kulkarni
Economic Reasoning in Public Policy
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Sarthak Pradhan
Assistant Professor at the Takshashila Institution
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Ameya Naik
Associate Fellow with the Geo Strategy Programme
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Suman Joshi
Staff Programme Manager
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Apply for Cohort 44
EARLY-BIRD 29 MAR · DEADLINE 26 APR · STARTS 9 MAY 2026STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? READ THE FAQs