Bachelor of Arts [B.A.] in Public Policy and Administration is an undergraduate degree program that provides training in the public policy field as well as public management.
BA Public Policy and Administration provides knowledge of democratic values, such as equality, security, justice, and order, economics, public finance, research methods, public policy, leadership, and strategy.
The duration of BA Public Policy and Administration is three years, subdivided into six semesters. The program is an advanced study where students are taught about implementing and analyzing various policies put down by the government for public wellbeing.
Read more: BA Admission Process
The core curriculum of a typical B.A. Public Policy and Administration programs usually include courses on public finance, economics, research statistics, policy analysis, ethics, and public management.
A B.A. Public Policy and Administration degree provides the foundation for those interested in pursuing careers in governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, management in hospitals or public health institutions, consulting in private firms, school boards, and human resources.
Know More: BA Courses in India
The minimum eligibility criteria to pursue B.A. Public Policy and Administration courses are qualifying 10+2 with an aggregate of 50% to 55% from a recognized educational Board.
The average tuition fee for BA Public Policy and Administration in India varies between INR 20,000 to 1,00,000 per year. The fee varies as per the type of institution.
BA Public Policy and Administration: Course Highlights
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Basic Eligibility Criteria | 10+2, with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. |
| Admission Procedure | Counseling based on 10+2 scores and an Entrance Exam |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Entrance Exam | DU (Delhi University) BA Entrance Test, JMI BA Entrance Test, UPES BA Entrance Exam, BHU BA Entrance Exam, etc. |
| Total Course Fee | INR 1,00,000 – 5,00,000 L |
| Top Recruiting Areas/Fields | Indian Civil Services, Economic Development Centres, Fire and Emergency Services, Public Works, Land Revenue Departments, Corporate Management Offices, Police Departments, Municipal Bodies, Educational Institutes, Panchayati Raj, Tribal Administration Centres, and such. |
| Job Profiles | Administrative Officer, Corporate Manager, Management Analyst, Customs Inspector, Social Worker, Personnel Management Specialist, Teacher, among others. |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 2,00,000 – 8,00,000 L |
BA Public Policy and Administration: Admission Process
Admission to B.A. Public Policy and Administration is two-fold. It is offered either on the basis of merit score or the score obtained by a candidate in any relevant entrance exam. The necessary steps in the admission process are given below.
- Step 1: For merit-based selection, candidates must submit their application to their desired college or university.
- Step 2: Students must perform well in Higher Secondary examination as the score is vital to the admission process.
- Step 3: Once they qualify the cutoff score and become eligible, students must visit the particular college and submit the documents necessary.
- Step 4: For entrance-based selection as well, candidates must submit their application to their desired college or university.
- Step 5: Then they must register for the entrance exam to be conducted by their chosen university.
- Step 6: Once candidates score the cutoff marks; they’re shortlisted by the college for admission. Provisional letters will be given to shortlisted candidates.
- Step 7: After getting allotted seats, candidates are required to enroll and pay the course fee.
BA Public Policy and Administration: Eligibility Criteria
The entry-level eligibility criteria for admission to B.A. Public Policy and Administration Course is as follows:
- Candidates must qualify 10+2 from a recognized board.
- Qualification is accepted in any stream.
- A minimum aggregate of 50% to 55% should be scored by candidates.
- Some institutes may also impose an age limit on candidates seeking admission to this course.
BA Public Policy and Administration: Entrance Exams
In order to seek admission to any concerned college, students are required to qualify for an entrance exam. Some of the top entrance exams for B.A. in Public Policy and Administration course are given below.
- BHU UET: BHU UET is a national level entrance exam conducted by Banaras Hindu University. It is conducted for shortlisting candidates looking for admission into BSc, BA, BCom, BFA, and other UG degree programs.
- ITM-NEST: ITM-NEST is a state-level entrance exam conducted by ITM University Gwalior. It is conducted for shortlisting students looking for admission into various undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.
- TANCET: Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test or TANCET is a common entrance exam conducted by Anna University, Chennai. TANCET scores are accepted by over 200 colleges in Tamil Nadu.
- DUET: DUET stands for Delhi University Entrance Test. It is conducted by Delhi University in order to offer admission to aspirants in various UG, PG, MPhil, and Ph.D. programs.
| Exam Name | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| BHU UET | Check here |
| ITM NEST | Check here |
| TANCET | Check here |
| DUET | Check here |
Read More: BA Entrance Exams In India
BA Public Policy and Administration: How to prepare for the Entrance Exams
Cracking entrance exams can be challenging but with the right pointers, it can become quite easy.
- To prepare for the exams, candidates should have a practical study plan using fewer books for theory.
- Before appearing for the exam, they should practice previous years’ papers. Candidates must read the questions calmly and cautiously in the examination hall.
- Mainly there are four sections in almost every B.A. Public Policy Administration entrance exam, namely, General English, Basic maths, General aptitude, and logical reasoning, and General knowledge and current affairs.
- Generally, multiple-choice based questions are asked in the entrance exam. In some of the exams, there is a negative marking for each incorrect answer. So, students must only attempt questions which they are confident about.
- The exam pattern incorporates questions that are elementary. The questions are of a basic 10+2 level. Hence one must focus on revising the basic concepts.
- Candidates must be up-to-date with daily news articles to stay updated on current affairs.
- Giving mock tests forms one of the most vital parts of the whole preparation process. Once done with the syllabus, candidates should start practicing mock papers. This helps one to get a taste of the type of questions that are usually asked in the exam.
BA Public Policy and Administration: How to get admission in Good BA Drawing and Painting College?
To secure admission into a top-ranking B.A. Public Policy and Administration college, several factors come into play.
- Candidates must first appear for an entrance examination to get into a good college. For B.A. Public Policy and Administration course, there are no national entrance examinations. Colleges or universities conduct entrance tests of their own. ITM NEST, TANCET, and DUET are some of the entrance tests eligible for admission to B.A. Public Policy and Administration.
- Candidates must make a list of the pros and cons of the Arts institutes they are considering, and rate them out of 10 against different aspects of college life like affordability, distance from home, teacher-student ratio, etc.
- Other factors to keep in mind are college infrastructure, facilities available, the brand name or status of the Art college, the university it is affiliated to, placement record, whether accommodation is available nearby, and so forth.
- Certain colleges assess higher secondary grades, courses, test scores, essays, activities, recommendations, and interviews if required. Candidates will increase their chances of getting into the colleges of their choice by getting the best possible grades in 10+2.
- Taking academically rigorous classes, spending sufficient time and developing college essays, preparing for on-campus interviews if required by colleges, and most importantly starting their college search early-on will further help candidates choose the right college.
BA Public Policy and Administration: Important books to cover
Here is a list of books that students can refer to during entrance exams, interviews and even during the course duration.
| Name of the Book | Author of the Book |
|---|---|
| New Horizons of Public Administration | Mohit Bhattacharya |
| Public Administration and Public Affairs | Nicholas Henry |
| Administrative Thinkers | V.S. Prasad and P. Satyanarayana |
| Administrative Theories & Management Thought | R.K Sapru |
| New Horizons of Public Administration Special Issues of Indian | Mohit Bhattacharya |
| Journal of Public Administration on Accountability | NA |
| Administrative Law | Massey |
| Administrative Law | M.P. Jain |
| Comparative Public Administration | R.K. Arora |
| Social Theory, Development Administration & Development Ethics | Mohit Bhattacharya |
| Indian Public Administration | Arora and Goyal |
BA Public Policy and Administration: What is it about?
Students pursuing B.A. Public Policy and Administration courses learn about fundamental democratic values like secularism, law, and order, equality, justice. They also learn how these values are incorporated in government policies and Public Administration-related policies. The program focuses on subjects such as public dealings and organizations, administration, and constitutional framework. During their coursework, students are taught about the policies and programs of the government.
The course helps students to gain a broad understanding of the various dimensions of public policy and the role of governance in its implementation. A broad range of fields from social, economic, and political standpoints are taught to the students. These include education, citizenship, health and social care, international development, and urbanization. Cross-cutting dimensions such as gender, ethnicity, and the impact of globalization are also included. The course will also enable the students to know more about the History of Indian Politics and fundamentals regarding the drafting of the Indian constitutions.
BA Public Policy and Administration: Why this particular course?
In terms of personal growth and career growth opportunities, B.A. in Public Policy and Administration course is one of the most desirable courses in India. There are many advantages to the course. Some of the perks and values of pursuing this course are given below.
- Candidates pursuing the course are equipped with certain skills such as an innovative and sharp mind, interest in contributing to the Indian administration system, policymaking, good analyzing and communication skills, leadership qualities, interactive skills, and lastly an aptitude for understanding and applying various laws and bureaucratic policies.
- B.A. Public Policy and Administration graduates learn to analyze real-world issues in public policy and public administration in context to poverty, social exclusion, and global governance. These are extremely relevant social issues and need to be addressed.
- Therefore, a degree in B.A. Public Policy and Administration is important as it centers on understanding and addressing these public issues in society. In addition to that, it also examines the formation and implementation of policy, and how this affects people’s wellbeing.
- The course aims to provide a thorough understanding of how policies are formulated and implemented in transition economies, industrialized societies, and the Global South.
- The program takes a comparative, local, provincial, and national, and contemporary perspective: investigating the changing role of states, the non-profit sector, the market, and informal providers like families and communities in producing social welfare.
- This course is quite valid as it also focuses on middle and low-income countries, and how social and public policy is discussed, produced, and implemented to deal with inequalities and to increase wellbeing.
BA Public Policy and Administration: Top Colleges with Fees
Some of the top colleges offering B.A. in Public Policy and Administration are given below:
| Name of the college | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Miranda College | INR 12,160 |
| Hindu College | INR 14,333 |
| Presidency College | INR 1,245 |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) | INR 16,390 |
| Loyola College | INR 4,614 |
| St. Xavier’s College | INR 25,700 |
| Hans Raj College (HRC) | INR 14,333 |
| Sri Venkateswara College | INR 9,590 |
| Gargi College | INR 8,055 |
| Madras Christian College | INR 18,719 |
| Christ University | INR 56,667 |
| Jesus and Mary College | INR 12,997 |
| Fergusson College | INR 2,687 |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) | INR 6,000 |
| Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC) | INR 9,120 |
| Ramjas College | INR 9,712 |
BA Public Policy and Administration: College comparison
It can be a daunting task to select one among various colleges. This process becomes more challenging when all the colleges are reputed with good attributes. Therefore, to make the process easy, three colleges offering B.A. Public Policy and Administration courses have been compared below based on various parameters.
| Parameters | Miranda College | Hindu College | Presidency College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Established in 1948, Miranda House is a college for women at the University of Delhi, New Delhi, India. The college holds NAAC Grade A+ with a CGPA of 3.61. Miranda House aims at building a world where women get equal opportunities and carve a niche for themselves. | Hindu college is acknowledged as one of the premier & esteemed academic colleges in the country. It was founded in 1899. The college offers UG and PG courses in the streams of Arts, Science, and Commerce. | Presidency College, Chennai is one of the oldest colleges that has been established by the British Indian Government in 1840. Presidency College, Chennai offers 21 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. |
| Ranking | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| City | New Delhi | New Delhi | Chennai |
| Average Fees in INR | 12,160 | 14,333 | 1,245 |
| Top Recruiting companies | D. E. Shaw India Private Limited, IBM, Infosys, TCS, ITC, HCL Technologies, etc. | Genpact, Accenture, Deloitte, HSBC, Maruti, Google, HDFC Bank, etc. | TCS, Infosys, Deloitte, IBM, etc. |
| Average Package Offered in INR | 56,000 KPA | 8,00,000 LPA | 1,80,000 LPA |
BA Public Policy and Administration: Distance Education
Candidates may be unable to pursue their desired course through regular learning mode sometimes. Under those circumstances, distance learning mode comes to their rescue. Students can pursue a B.A. in Public Policy and Administration course through distance mode as well. Some of the colleges offering distance education for this course are mentioned below:
Before taking admission, students must check for the validity of the course and the college offering distance or correspondence mode.
What is the BA Public Policy and Administration Syllabus?
B.A. Public Policy and Administration is an undergraduate degree program of 3 years. It is divided into six semesters. The course curriculum incorporates various assignments, presentations, and projects. A detailed semester wise breakdown of the course curriculum is given below.
| SEMESTER 1 | SEMESTER 2 |
|---|---|
| The Nature of Public Policy | Meaning and Principles of Organization |
| Evolution of Public Administration | Explaining Policy Choices |
| The study of Public Policy | Agenda Setting & Policy Formulation |
| The Structure of Policymaking | Communication Skills |
| Meaning and Scope of Development | Agriculture Development Problems and Causes |
| SEMESTER 3 | SEMESTER 4 |
| Legitimating Policy Choices | Basics of Public Administration |
| Organizations & Implementation | Theories of Organization |
| Budgeting & Evaluation | Policy Analysis |
| Forms of Organizations | Income Maintenance |
| Evolution and Features of Local Government | Composition of Panchayati Raj Institutions |
| SEMESTER 5 | SEMESTER 6 |
| Economic and Tax Policy | Defense and Law Enforcement |
| Energy and the Environment | Central Administration |
| Civil Services in India | Principles and Preparation of Budget |
| Framework of Constitution | Rural-Urban Administration |
| Organization and Structure of State Administration | Project Team Policy Reports and Presentations |
BA Public Policy and Administration: Course Comparison
The key course comparisons between B.A. Public Policy and Administration and B.A. Political Science is mentioned below.
| Parameters | B.A. Public Policy and Administration | B.A. Political Science |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form | Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Administration | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science |
| Duration | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Focus Area | B.A. in Public Policy & Administration provides knowledge of democratic values, such as equality, security, justice, and order, economics, public finance, research methods, public policy, leadership, and strategy. The program is an advanced study of the implementation and analysis of various policies laid down by the government for public welfare. | B.A. Political Science revolves around the various concepts related to politics. The course focuses on the various systems of governance, economics, sociology, international relations, global politics, psychology, etc. The course gives an idea about how a government functions and teaches how to interpret and analyze political systems. |
| Admission Process | Counseling based on 10+2 marks and an Entrance Exam | Merit-based |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum 50% marks in10+2 from a recognized board | 10+2 from a recognized board with an aggregate of a minimum of 50% marks |
| Average Course Fees | INR 8,300 – 40,000 L | INR 5,000 - 1,50,000 |
| Job Profiles | Administrative Officer, Corporate Manager, Management Analyst, Customs Inspector, Social Worker, Personnel Management Specialist, Teacher, among others. | State Legislator, Political Commentator, Policy Analyst, Legislative Coordinator, Legislative Analyst, Corporate Advisor, Public Opinion Analyst, International Research Specialist, Campaign Organizer, among others. |
| Top Recruiting Areas/Fields | Indian Civil Services, Economic Development Centers, Fire and Emergency Services, Public Works, Land Revenue Departments, Corporate Management Offices, Police Departments, Municipal Bodies, Educational Institutes, Panchayati Raj, Tribal Administration Centers, and such. | Governments, Administrations, Law, Business and International organizations, NGOs, Public Service, Media, Education, and Social Service, among others. |
| Average Placement Package | INR 2,00,000 – 8,00,000 LPA | INR 2,00,000 – 4,00,000 LPA |
BA Public Policy and Administration: Job Profiles
Successful graduates of the course are hired across various private and government sectors such as:
- Indian Civil Services
- Economic Development Centers
- Fire and Emergency Services
- Public Works
- Land Revenue Departments
- Police Departments
- Municipal Bodies
- Educational Institutes, etc.
Some of the top job profiles offered to graduates of B.A. Public Policy and Administration are mentioned below. The corresponding salaries and job descriptions associated with each are mentioned below.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Officer | An Administrative Officer’s job is to be the point of contact for all employees, provide administrative support, and manage their queries. Their core responsibilities are to prepare regular reports (expenses and office budgets), manage office stock, and check the organizational records. | INR 2,00,000 to 8,00,000 LPA |
| Corporate Manager | A Corporate Manager defines and develops the required strategies which underpin a company's CSR objectives. Also, they are responsible for managing, recruiting, and training junior staff members, and they track their progress too. | INR 2,00,000 to 6,00,000 LPA |
| Teacher | A Teacher creates and prepares lessons and teaches them to the entire class or individually to students, and tracks student progress. They also create tests and work with the school administration. | INR 2,00,000 to 3,50,000 LPA |
| Consultant | Organizations hire Consultants for advice to help them improve their business performance. Consultants also help with profit in terms of management, operations, structure, and strategy. They work in multiple areas including IT, finance, management, marketing, HR, etc. | INR 2,00,000 to 4,00,000 LPA |
| Customs Inspector | A Custom Inspector examines and checks common carriers, people, and goods arriving in, or departing between States. It is done to detect violations of customs, laws, and regulations. | INR 2,00,000 to 7,00,000 LPA |
BA Public Policy and Administration: Salary trend
The average annual salary offered to such professionals in India ranges between INR 15,00,000 and 50,00,000 lakhs, increasing with the candidate’s experience and expertise.
BA Public Policy and Administration: Future Scope
In the last few years, the B.A. in Public Policy and Administration course has become quite famous among students. Studies in Public Administration can prepare candidates with the expertise and skills needed to begin a successful career in any of the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Such graduates interested in pursuing higher studies in the discipline may go for advanced courses such as M.A., MBA, Ph. D., M. Phil., etc. in the subject.
Successful graduates can pursue careers in governmental agencies, NGOs, consulting in private firms, management in hospitals or public health institutions, human resources, and school boards. Employment opportunities are also available in private cities, private villages, private towns, private real estate agencies, international non-governmental contact groups, international NGOs, private courier and delivery companies, micronations, private contracting agencies, etc.
Candidates can pursue courses similar to B.A. Public Policy and Administration and some of them are mentioned below:
- M.A. in Public Administration
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Ph.D. in Public Administration
- B.A. in Public Administration
- B.A. in Political Science
- General Public Policy Analysis
- Health Policy Analysis
- International Policy Analysis
- Other Public Policy Analysis
- Education Policy Analysis
BA Public Policy and Administration: FAQs
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria to apply for B.A. Public Policy and Administration course?
Ans. Candidates must qualify 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. Candidates might also need to clear an entrance exam for admission to a few colleges. Some of the entrance tests eligible for admission to B.A. Public Policy and Administration are IMU NEST, TANCET, and DUET.
Ques. What are the top colleges offering B.A. Public Policy and Administration course?
Ans. Miranda House, Hindu College, and Presidency College are considered some of the top institutes offering B.A. Public Policy and Administration course. However, since there are many colleges offering the course, candidates can decide on the best based on their respective parameters.
Ques. What is the total fee for B.A. Public Policy and Administration Course?
Ans. The total fee for B.A. Public Policy and Administration is INR 1,00,000 to 5,00,000 L. The fees vary from college to college.
Ques. What salary can a fresh B.A. Public Policy and Administration graduates expect?
Ans. A fresh B.A. Public Policy and Administration graduates can expect a salary of INR 2,00,000 to 8,00,000. There are multiple opportunities and workplaces that a graduate can enroll themselves in.
Ques. What are the various job positions available to a fresh BA Public Administration graduate?
Ans. Some of the popular job positions offered are- Administrative Officer, Corporate Manager, Management Analyst, Customs Inspector, Social Worker, Personnel Management Specialist, Teacher, among others.
Ques. What are the best books for B.A. Public Policy and Administration to enhance knowledge?
Ans. Indian Public Administration by Arora and Goyal, New Horizons of Public Administration by Mohit Bhattacharya, and Administrative Law by Massey are some of the best books. These can be referred to during the preparation for entrance exams as well as during the course duration.
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