Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy

A comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme offering a multi-disciplinary approach to public policy encompassing theoretical and empirical aspects.

The Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Public Policy 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 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.

Who This Programme is For

Analysts and Researchers

Professionals looking to deepen their understanding of economic and governance systems and engage in the public arena with clear policy frameworks.

Public Officials and Bureaucrats

Government professionals seeking to strengthen their policy analysis, decision-making, and communication skills.

Leaders and Professionals

Dynamic individuals in the private sector who wish to enter the growing sphere of public policy, public affairs, governance, and leadership.

Active Citizens

Engaged citizens who want to understand how policy works and contribute meaningfully to public discourse and nation-building.

How It Works

Master economic reasoning and policy analysis concepts within the Indian context.

Acquire mental models and toolkits to analyse complex policy challenges.

Build skills that help you communicate ideas and persuade stakeholders.

Online sessions on Saturdays featuring deep-dive discussions with expert faculty.

Three workshops held in Delhi, Goa, and Bangalore blending theory with policy practice.

Sessions with prominent policy practitioners and industry experts.

Original supervised research on a policy topic of your choice.

Access to Takshashila’s 7,000+ alumni across sectors.

Post Graduate Programme certificate upon successful completion.

Key Dates

Milestone Date
Early bird deadline (10% scholarship) 1 May 2026
Application deadline 1 June 2026
Programme begins 20 June 2026
Workshop I 10–13 September 2026
Workshop II 22–25 October 2026
Workshop III 5–8 February 2027
Workshop IV 24–25 April 2027

Application Process and Fee Structure

  • Individuals with an undergraduate degree in any field are welcome to apply.
  • The PGP requires a minimum of two years of work experience. Having this qualification is preferred, not obligatory.
  • The admission process consists of two stages: submission of applications, followed by an interview with a panel for shortlisted candidates.
  • The programme fee for the 11th cohort is ₹1.95 lakh (plus GST). Fees, once paid, are non-refundable. Students may defer their admission to one subsequent batch.
  • Limited financial scholarships are available for talented individuals and in exceptional cases. Early applicants have a significant advantage in availing scholarships.
  • The PGP is also available for corporate sponsorship. Find out more here.

PGP Cohort 10

Starts: 20 June 2026

Early bird: 1 May 2026

Apply before: 1 June 2026

Fee: ₹ 1,95,000 + 18% GST

Apply Now

What You’ll Learn

The PGP is offered through Takshashila Institution’s unique networked learning approach, which combines live 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.

Our pedagogy is grounded in the Indian policy context and designed for professionals who need practical frameworks, not just theory.

Term 1

The module will help students unpack policy-making and key policy processes in the context of politics.

Learning Units:

  • 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 — Government failures and social imbalances
  • Effecting Change: Change Frameworks

The module introduces the concepts of the international system, geopolitics, and diplomacy, while also emphasising the significant role of technology in shaping international relations.

Learning Units:

  • The International System
  • Understanding Geopolitics
  • Tools of Statecraft: Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
  • Technological and Social Upheaval in International Relations

The module focuses on the fundamentals of microeconomics and applies them to specific areas of public policy.

Learning Units:

  • Introduction to Economic Reasoning
  • Price, Value, and Cost
  • Law of Demand
  • Trade and Comparative Advantage
  • Market Structure

The module further elaborates on Microeconomics and its application to public policy. It covers topics such as market and government failure in greater detail.

Learning Units:

  • 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

Detailed learning units coming soon.

Detailed learning units coming soon.

Term 2

Detailed learning units coming soon.

The module covers fundamental concepts in macroeconomics that directly relate to the process of policy making.

Learning Units:

  • Measuring Economic Activity
  • Growth and Fluctuations
  • Capital Controls
  • Monetary Policy
  • Exchange Rate Regimes and the Impossible Trinity
  • Fiscal Policy

The module introduces students to the fundamentals of public finance in the Indian context.

Learning Units:

  • Introduction to Public Finance
  • Macroeconomics of Public Finance
  • Tax Policy and Reforms in India: Taxation and Development
  • Fiscal Decentralisation and Fiscal Federalism

The module provides an introduction to empirical analysis techniques utilised by economists and public policy experts for testing theories using observational or survey data.

Learning Units:

  • 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

Detailed learning units coming soon.

Term 3

Detailed learning units coming soon.

Detailed learning units coming soon.

Detailed learning units coming soon.

Original research project on a policy topic of the student’s choice, supervised by faculty. Students pursue empirical research in their area of policy interest, developing skills in research methodology, policy analysis, and academic writing.

Faculty

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Video Highlights

What Our Students Say

“Being an intellectual property rights and data privacy lawyer and an alumna of the Columbia Business School, NY, this course has helped me consolidate my professional learnings and propel my focus on Public Policy. I strongly recommend this course to people who are keen to understand the roots of change-making, which contributes to nation-building.”

— Soumili Das, PGP

“Takshashila isn’t your typical think tank. It empowers participants to embrace a 360-degree perspective and champion holistic thinking. By urging them to anticipate what’s beyond the immediate horizon, Takshashila seamlessly integrates public policy, strategy, and results.”

— Praveer, GCPP (Defence and Foreign Affairs)

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Course

No, we have not sought approval from any government body. We offer top-notch education on public policy to individuals who seek it.

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.

Fees and Financial Assistance

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 20 percent scholarship on PGP fees. For early bird applicants who are also GCPP alumni, they will only be eligible for the 20 percent alumni scholarship. They cannot avail early bird scholarship.

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.

Application Process and Admissions

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.

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.

Applicants are required to submit a CV, a Statement of Purpose (maximum 750 words), and a Policy Essay (750 words) analyzing a policy issue of their choice.

Schedule

Attendance at all three workshops is mandatory to make the most of your learning journey. If extenuating circumstances arise, we’re happy to discuss accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For any queries, please write to pgp@takshashila.org.in