Master’s Programme in Public Policy

The two-year Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP) provides a comprehensive education for aspiring Public Policy professionals to constructively meet the challenges of complex public problems.

Our programme comprises relevant and contemporary perspectives from the Social Sciences, Humanities, multi-methods research, experiential and immersive field projects and internships. This enables participants to understand economic-social-political contexts and examine data-based evidence on government actions. Additionally, how governments function cannot be fully understood by looking only at data-based evidence and economic-socio-political contexts. Data helps to evaluate how governments act because data reflects government action. And laws help to assess how governments think. And therefore, Public Policy requires understanding administrative procedures, constitutional norms, and a case-based understanding of how governments think and act. The MPP programme at NLSIU is unique as the curriculum is bolstered by law related courses that aid the participants to assess how governments think.  This programme is distinctive because it is singularly poised because it provides an exemplary foundation in the Law relevant to Public Policy.

India is one of the fastest growing economies of the world, continuously faced with challenges of justice, inequity, exclusion, and progress. Public Policy practice in India over the past quarter century has dramatically transformed India’s governance. The study of public policy concerns how the State can respond to the new dynamic challenges that emerge in society. As every legislation requires clear policy formulation, there is demand for trained professionals who will be equipped to design, implement, and evaluate policies and programmes. We derive inspiration from our transformative Constitution while addressing the challenges of diverse national needs. The MPP degree will equip students with the knowledge and tools to meet such needs in the national and international fields.

Pedagogy: We teach our students to understand through praxis – knowledge acquired through practice and reflection.  We encourage them to ask questions based on real life situations in our classrooms, appreciate the capacity of concepts to broaden and deepen our understanding of the contemporary, expose them to diverse contexts and communities through experiential learning components such as field engagements, real world problem solving for clients and finally through research-based dissertation projects. The emphasis of internal assessments is to assess applied learning and concurrent assessment feedback is given through small group discussions and individual sessions.

Students and professionals with any graduate degree can apply for the MPP programme. To view the academic and examination regulations, please click here.

For more details on eligibility and admissions process, please click on the admissions tab on this page.

View Academic Calendar

 

Related Videos

You can watch all programme related videos on the ‘Videos’ tab of this page.  

The Academic Year will commences July 1.

Eligibility

Any person holding a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized national or international University is eligible to apply to the programme. Applicants in the General Category should have graduated with an aggregate of not less than 45% of total marks. Applicants in the SC or ST or OBC-NCL or PWD category should have graduated with an aggregate of not less than 40% of total marks. Students in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply. However, their final offer of admission shall be contingent upon successful completion of their Bachelor’s degree with the minimum aggregate marks specified above. Proof of completion of the qualifying degree has to be submitted no later than December 31, 2026.

Admission Process

The maximum intake for the MPP programme in the Academic Year 2026-27 is 60 and ONLY students qualifying as per the criteria set out below will be admitted. Admission to the programme will be through an all-India written admissions test, the NLSAT-MPP.

NLSAT-MPP

All candidates seeking admission to the programme shall appear for the National Law School Admission Test for Masters in Public Policy (NLSAT-MPP). The NLSAT-MPP will have a single question paper comprising two parts – Parts A and B. All candidates shall be required to attempt both parts of the question paper. The examination shall be for a duration of 150 minutes.

Part A

Part A will consist of Multiple-Choice Questions and shall be for a maximum of 75 marks. Each question will be of one mark. 0.25 marks shall be deducted for each wrong answer, and for each unanswered question.

Part A will constitute the first stage of the admissions process. A rank list of candidates will be prepared based on their performance in Part A of the NLSAT-MPP. To be eligible for evaluation of Part B of the NLSAT-MPP paper, a candidate should have secured more than zero marks in Part A of the paper.

From amongst these eligible candidates, Part B of the NLSAT-MPP answer scripts will be evaluated in a ratio of 1:5 based on performance in Part A. That is, five candidates per seat available will qualify for the evaluation of Part B of the examination.

Part B

Part B will consist of questions related to policy, and quantitative skills which shall be for a maximum of 75 marks. A fresh and final rank list shall be prepared based on the cumulative performance in Parts A and B of the NLSAT-MPP.

Offers of admission shall be made according to this final rank list subject to the candidate satisfying the following conditions:

• The candidate should have secured more than zero marks in both Parts A and B of the NLSAT-MPP.
• A candidate seeking admission in the General Category or EWS categories must secure a score above the 75th percentile of the eligible candidates in the aggregate score of Parts A and B. A candidate seeking admission in the SC or ST or OBC-NCL or PWD category must secure a score above the 40th percentile of the eligible candidates in the aggregate score of Parts A and B.
  In cases where more than one candidate obtains the same aggregate score of Part A and Part B, the marks obtained in Part B shall be used to break the tie between them and determine their rank.

Note: The applicable reservations policy shall be applied at each stage of the admissions process.

Important Dates

• The NLSAT-MPP will be held on April 26, 2026 between 10.00 am to 12.30 pm in centres across the country.
• Application forms for the programme will be available on the admission portal nlsatadmissions.nls.ac.in from November 15, 2025.
• Application fees of Rs. 2500 (Rupees Two thousand five hundred only) shall be payable at the time of submission of the application. Candidates belonging to the SC or ST or OBC-NCL or PWD or EWS shall be required to pay Rs. 2000 (Rupees Two Thousand only).
• Applications shall be accepted till 11:59 pm on March 23, 2026. 
• The final admissions list will be published by the end of May 2026. A candidate’s provisional admission will become final only after verification of the originals of documents and payment of fees. The Academic Year will commence from July 1, 2026.

NLSAT will be held in several centres across the country. The list of centres will be available on the application portal. The syllabus for the NLSAT-MPP will be available on the website of the University in the first week of January. Fees and other details of the programme are also available on the website of the University.

Intake and Reservation

Seats shall be reserved as follows:

• Scheduled Caste – 15%
• Scheduled Tribe – 7.5%
• Other Backward Classes (NCL) – 27%
• Economically Weaker Sections – 10%
• 5% of the total intake shall be reserved horizontally for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
• 30% of the total intake shall be reserved horizontally for Women.
• 25% of the total intake shall be reserved horizontally (compartmentalised) for Karnataka Students*.

*Karnataka Students Category:

(i) Candidates who have studied for not less than seven (7) years in a recognized educational institution in Karnataka shall be eligible to be considered as ‘Karnataka Students.’

(ii) Candidates who have not completed seven (7) years of study in Karnataka shall be eligible to apply under the Karnataka Students category if they fall under any of the below categories:

1. Children of defence personnel/ex-servicemen, who at the time of joining service, have declared their hometown to be in the State of Karnataka, and who have served or are serving outside Karnataka, corresponding to the candidate’s years of study outside Karnataka.

2. Children of employees of the Karnataka State Government who have served or are serving outside Karnataka corresponding to the candidate’s years of study outside Karnataka.

3. Children of serving or retired employees belonging to the Karnataka cadre of the All India Services (IAS/IFS/IPS), who have served or are serving outside Karnataka corresponding to the candidate’s years of study outside Karnataka.

4. Children of working or retired employees in the Central Armed Police Force service, who upon joining service declared their hometown to be in the State of Karnataka, and who have served or are serving outside Karnataka, corresponding to the candidate’s years of study outside Karnataka.

Illustration: If the candidate has studied in Karnataka for three (3) years, they must prove that their parent/s were serving outside Karnataka for at least for at least remaining four (4) years corresponding to their own period of study outside Karnataka.

If the candidate has not studied in Karnataka continuously for at least one (1) year, they must prove that their parent/s were serving outside Karnataka for at least seven (7) years corresponding to their own period of study outside Karnataka.

(iii) Eligible candidates must keep their Study Certificates issued by their educational institutions and other relevant documents ready to be submitted at the time of admission.

Apply for the Programme

The official admission notification containing the above details for the upcoming Academic Year has been released. View the official notification here.

For any queries regarding NLSAT, please write to 

The MPP is a two-year programme organised through six trimesters interspersed with rural immersion and other experiential learning engagements. Core courses comprise content from Economics, Data Sciences, Public Administration, Constitutional foundations of the law, Reading the Law, and from the Social Sciences such as Political Science and Sociology. Other mandatory courses comprise skill-based courses such as Programme Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Policy Communication, Negotiations, and Regulatory Governance

Classrooms follow innovative and integrative pedagogy encouraging participants to share their perspectives on contemporary policy issues, and the learning revolves around discussions in the light of theories and practices. Students are also assessed through conceptual recall-based assessments, feedback based written assessments such as policy briefs, memos and dissertations, group learning through projects, debates and presentations, and real-life interactions with communities and clients.

Course Structure

The total number of credits is 91. The breakup of the credit structure is provided below.

1. Core Courses: 71 credits 

• Public Policy: 16
• Law:12
• Economics: 10
• Social Sciences: 8
• Professional Courses (Policy Communications,  Project Management, Advocacy, negotiation, and leadership): 20
• Experiential Learning: 5

2. Elective courses: 20 credits 

Click on each of the titles below to know more about the different components:

To know more about internships and placements, visit the FAQs section of the MPP page. 

Courses | AY 2024-25

Note: The exact trimester in which the courses are taught may vary at times.

Year 1

 

Year 2

International Students

The NLSAT-International is conducted for admission to the MPP programme for students applying, and eligible under the “international student” category for the Academic Year. The Academic Year commences in July every year.

Eligibility

In addition to the eligibility criteria specified below, a candidate applying under the “international student” category should be a citizen of a country other than India.

Any person holding a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University is eligible to apply to the programme. Applicants should have graduated with an aggregate of not less than 45% of total marks or equivalent grade. Students in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply. However, their provisional offer of admission shall be contingent upon the successful completion of their Bachelor’s degree with the minimum aggregate marks specified above. Proof of completion of the qualifying degree has to be submitted by the date specified by the University.

Admission Process

The University shall admit candidates who meet the eligibility and admission criteria, as per the merit list, up to 6 candidates for the MPP programme.

Admission Test for MPP 

Admission test for the MPP programme shall consist of a single question paper comprising two parts – Parts A and B. All candidates shall be required to attempt both parts of the question paper.

All candidates who have written, or are due to write, in India, the examination that makes them eligible to appear for the NLSAT-International entrance examination, must appear for NLSAT-International entrance examination in person in various test centres in India.

For example, candidates for the MPP Programme must write the NLSAT-International examination in person in India if they have obtained or are due to obtain their undergraduate degree in India.

All candidates who have written, or are due to write, their final qualifying examination outside India must appear for the NLSAT-International online entrance examination.

NLSAT-International Examination

Further details of the NLSAT International examination shall be communicated in the admission notification. 

Fee Structure for AY 2025-26 (First Year Students)

Admission fee (one time) – Rs. 13,000/-
Tuition and facilities fee (per annum) – Rs. 2,96,000/- p.a.
Off-Campus housing fee (per annum) – Rs. 1,75,000/- p.a.
Total fee per annum – Rs. 4,84,000/-

One Time Refundable Deposit 
Refundable deposits for SC/ST category students – Rs. 17,500/-
Refundable deposits for other students – Rs. 22,000/-

The total amount payable by SC/ST category students is Rs. 5,01,500/-
The total amount payable by other students is Rs. 5,06,000/-  

View the official fee notification.

Note:

• Housing Fee includes meal plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner and an evening snack.
• All students are required to reside on off-campus housing provided by the university.
• Refundable deposit will be refunded either upon graduation or admission withdrawal. The refund will be subject to the deduction of applicable convocation fees, fees for issue of certificates, and other outstanding dues, if any.

View the official fee notification for existing students for AY 2025-26:

• Ist year [re-admitted students]
• IInd year
• IIIrd year

Financial Aid

The University offers means-based scholarships. To know more about NLSIU’s financial aid options for students, click here. 

Fee Structure for International Students for AY 2025-26 (First Year Students)

Admission fee (one time) – Rs. 39,000/-
Tuition and facilities fee – Rs. 8,88,000/- p.a.
Off-Campus housing fee (per annum) – Rs. 1,75,000/- p.a.
Total fee per annum – Rs. 11,02,000/-

One Time Refundable Deposit
Refundable deposits – Rs. 66,000/-
The total amount payable at the time of admission, by international students is Rs. 11,68,000/-

View the official fee notification.

Note:

• Housing Fee includes meal plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner and an evening snack.
• All students are required to reside on off-campus housing provided by the university.
• Refundable deposit will be refunded either upon graduation or admission withdrawal. The refund will be subject to the deduction of applicable convocation fees, fees for issue of certificates, and other outstanding dues, if any.

The fee refund policy for AY 2025-26 is available here.

Faculty Videos | Master’s Programme in Public Policy

Master’s Programme in Public Policy – A Glimpse into the MPP Classrooms | Dr. Devyani Pande

Dr. Sneha Thapliyal on what makes our Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP) unique, and the opportunities available to graduates.

Dr. Sony Pellissery on the various career trajectories available to graduates of our Master’s Programme in Public Policy.

Dr. Aniket Nandan on how the MPP programme helps you understand the intersection of real-world issues with constitutional frameworks.

Students Speak | MPP

MPP Students Speak | Why Public Policy at a Law School?

MPP Students Speak | Why did you choose public policy?

Riah, a 2nd year student in our Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP) talks about how the immersive field work and dissertation components have helped her gain a more nuanced understanding of public policy.

Larissa, a 1st year student in our Master’s programme in Public Policy (MPP) talks about the transformative effect the rural immersion and experiential learning components of the programme have had on her.

Zoe, a 1st year student in our Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP), shares her experience, having joined right after her undergraduate degree. The pedagogy and interdisciplinary approach equips professionals from diverse backgrounds to become change makers.

NLSIU Students Speak | Atish, a 2nd year student in our Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP), talks about how studying public policy at a law school is enriching his perspective as a policy practitioner.

Videos from 2022 & 2023

NOTE: For updated information on the current academic year, please refer to the latest videos from 2024.  

Information Session – March 2023
Watch the full recording of the live Information Session on NLSIU’s MPP programme held on February 20, 2023. The session covered various aspects of the programme including an overview, eligibility criteria, and the admissions process. Attendees were able to raise questions in a live Q&A section in the Session as well.