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MA Public Adminstration: Fees, IGNOU, Colleges, Admissions, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Top Colleges

Course

Vanshaj Sharma

Updated on 18th September, 2023 , 10 min read

The full form of MA Public Administration is Master of Arts in Public AdministrationIt is a two-year postgraduate course. It focuses on the study and application of the management of public organizations, public policies, and governance.

It aims to equip students with the skills and expertise needed to operate a public organization. It also offers specialization in various fields such as law, political science, economics, management, etc. Internships are an essential part of this program, helping students to build experience and networks within the public sector.

Admission into this course is done on both merit and entrance basis. MA Public Administration entrance exam includes BHU PET, AMU ET, and JMI EE.

The eligibility for MA Public Administration is for the course, students must have a 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA in their graduation degree from a recognized university.

MA Public Administration fees are INR 5,000 – 1,20,000 Lakhs. Some of the top MA Public Administration colleges are  Jamia Millia Islamia, JNU Delhi, and IGNOU  among others.

MA Public Administration syllabus includes topics on Political Theory, Indian Constitution, Public Personnel, and Public Thought.

MA Public Administration jobs include Professors, Public Policy Analysts, Policy Advocacy, Public Administration, and more. MA Public Administration salary ranges from INR 3.5 – 20 LPA. Some of the top recruiters for this course are HDFC Bank, DLF, and Godrej. 

MA Public Administration: Course Highlights 

Details

Particulars

Course Name

MA Public Administration

Course Level

Postgraduate

Course Full Form

Master of Arts in Public Administration.

Course Duration

2 Years

Course Types

Full-time/Distance Education

Admission Process

Merit and Entrance Based

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks from any stream from a recognized university/college.

Entrance Exams

BHU PET, AMU ET, and JMI EE.

Course Fees

5,000 – 1,20,000 Lakhs.

Top Colleges

 Jamia Millia Islamia, JNU Delhi, and IGNOU 

Average Salary in India

INR 3.5 – 20 LPA

Syllabus 

Political Theory, Indian Constitution, Public Personnel and Public Thought.

Job Profiles

Professors, Public Policy Analysts, Policy Advocacy, Public Administration and more.

Top Recruiters

HDFC Bank, DLF and Godrej.

Why Pursue MA Public Administration?

  • Career Upgrade: After pursuing MA Public Administration, one gets a lot of career opportunities in government agencies, Nonprofit Organizations (NGOs), and various consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, EY, Capgemini Invent, etc.
  • Making a Difference: Those who have the desire to contribute positively to ‌society should go for MA Public Administration because they are equipped with the skill set to handle issues like healthcare disparities, environmental degradation, and poverty.
  • Inclusive Skill Set: Programs in MA Public Administration train students to develop the ability to assess the implication of policies such as the social and economic impact of ‌policies on the community.
  • Real-World Experience: Providing students with real-world experience with practical knowledge is one of the key strengths of the MA Public Administration program.
  • Career Flexibility: MA Public Administration program provides individuals a wide range of career options and flexibility to change careers within different public sectors.

Who Should pursue MA Public Administration?

  • Individuals who are curious and passionate about creating a positive impact and contribution in the public sector and communities are ideal candidates for the MA Public Administration. 
  • Individuals who are interested in shaping public policies, analyzing their impact on both larger and smaller levels, and challenging societal problems.
  • Public servants who are already working in the Government sector can pursue MA Public Administration to gain new perspectives, knowledge, and strategies to work better and improve their efficiency. 
  • Individuals who value ethical decision-making and accountability for the public sector can pursue this program.

MA Public Administration: Course Duration

The duration of MA Public Administration in India is 2 years, which is divided into 4 semesters. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the university or institution offering the course. MA Public Administration distance education programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years, compared to the regular full-time course.

MA Public Administration: Course Types

MA Public Administration is offered to students in two modes that can be pursued full-time or via distance education.  

MA Public Administration Full-time: Regular MA Public Administration programs are courses that are typically completed within a duration of two years. This program involves attending classes, fieldwork, and research projects. Full-time courses often provide a more immersive learning experience and are ideal for individuals who want to pursue a career in the event industry and take on leadership roles. 

MA Public Administration Distance Education: This option is available for students who cannot pursue this course on a full-time basis due to personal or professional commitments and require flexibility in choosing their study time. Distance learning programs utilize online platforms, study materials, and virtual interactions to deliver course content. Students can access lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions remotely.

MA Public Administration: IGNOU

India Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) also offers students MA Public Administration program in distance mode. School of Social Sciences offers this program. IGNOU is A well-recognized university that offers over 277 courses for students to pursue. Taking admission to this university can be worthwhile for students as students can learn about topics like public administration and its functioning.

The total fee for MA Public Administration offered by IGNOU is INR 14,600, which could be paid annually. Students can study in both English and Hindi.

To pursue this program, students should have a bachelor's degree in any department of study from a recognized university. No age limit is defined by the university.

MA Public Administration: Fees

MA Public Administration in India normally costs anywhere between INR 5,000 – 1,20,000 Lakhs. Depending on the university, college, and region, different MA Public Administration programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course. 

MA Public Administration: Government College Fees

Name of the College

Average Fees

Nizam College, Hyderabad

INR 29,600

Presidency College, Chennai

INR 1,730

Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi

INR 14,400

MA Public Administration: Private College Fees

Name of the College

Average Fees

St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

INR 1.50 Lakh

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneshwar

INR 2,00,000

Mount Carmel College, Bangalore

INR 86,400

MA Public Administration: Top Colleges

Name of the College/University

Location

Average Annual Fees

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Hyderabad

INR 1.57 Lakhs

Jamia Millia Islamia

New Delhi

INR 14,400

Jawaharlal Nehru University

New Delhi

INR 738

University of Hyderabad

Hyderabad

INR 15,380

Ambedkar University 

Delhi

INR 1.12 Lakhs

Christ University, Bengaluru

Bengaluru

INR 1.30 Lakhs

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Delhi (Distance College)

INR 14,000

MA Public Administration: Admission Process

It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their undergraduate examinations or prepare well for the entrance exam. Given below is an overview of both modes of admission: 

MA Public Administration Admission: Merit Based

  • An aspirant should score more than 50% marks in their undergraduate examinations to be applicable for merit-based admission.
  • Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
  • Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degree, Aadhar Card, Photographs, etc.) in hand.  
  • Merit lists are usually updated on the official website of the colleges and need to be checked regularly by the aspirant.
  • If selected, the aspirant can pay the required fees and the admission process will be complete.  
  • Finally, candidates must attend the counseling or orientation organized by the institution for further details, if selected from the merit list.  

MA Public Administration Admission: Entrance Based

  • Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
  • The application form will require the candidate to register themselves with an email ID, password, and mobile number along with academic and course details. 
  • The candidate is required to upload the necessary documents online, such as Photograph, 10th, and 12th Certificates, Aadhar Card etc.)
  • Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal amount of application fee. 
  • It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam, and entrance exam syllabus. 
  • Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center, and timings. 
  • The college/university will then publish lists according to their cutoff and seat availability. 
  • If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation/counseling organized by the college for further information.

MA Public Administration: Eligibility 

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks from any stream from a recognized university/college.
  • Some MA Public Administration programs may prefer candidates with relevant work experience in the events industry or related fields. 

MA Public Administration: Entrance Exams

There are many entrance exams for students to pursue MA Public Administration in India, conducted by various universities every year. 

  • AMU ET (Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Test)
  • BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test)
  • JMI EE (Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Examination)
  • IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)

MA Public Administration: Entrance Exam Syllabus

As there are several MA Public Administration entrance exams in India, every university has designed its own exam pattern. But there are some common topics in the MA Entrance exam syllabus:

Subjects

Topics

Political Science

Basics of Political Theory

Major Political Ideologies

Comparative Government and Politics

Public Administration and Governance

Indian Polity

 

Constitution of India

Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Duties

Parliament and Legislative Bodies

Executive and Judiciary

Public Administration

 

Introduction to public administration

Evolution of public administration

Administrative theories and concepts

Principles of organization and management

Public Policy

 

Policy Formulation and Implementation

Policy Analysis and Evaluation

Regulatory Policies

Social and Economic Policies

Social and Economic Issues

 

Poverty, Inequality, and Development

Social Justice and Welfare Programs

Economic Planning and Policies

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

National and International Current Events

Government Policies and Programs

Social, Economic, and Political Issues

Research Methodology

Basics of Research Methodology

Research Design and Methods

Data Collection and Analysis

Writing Research Reports

Quantitative Aptitude

Basic Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry

Data Interpretation and Analysis

English Language and Comprehension

Grammar and vocabulary

Reading Comprehension

MA Public Administration: Syllabus

MA Public Administration syllabus will vary from college to college; however, given below is an overview of the topics in each semester and year:

MA Public Administration Syllabus: 1st Year

Semester – 1

Semester – 2

Political Theory

Organizational Behaviour

Business Administration

Indian Constitution

Politics and Administration

Public Administration and Computer Applications

Administrative Theory

Comparative Public Administration

Environmental Policy and Administration

Public Personnel Administration and Human Resource Management

Financial Administration

-

 

MA Public Administration Syllabus: 2nd Year

Semester – 3

Semester – 4

Viva Voice

Public Thought

Public Administration in India

Social Welfare Administration

Issues in India Administration

Rural Administration

Public Policy

Urban Local Administration

Research Methodology

Course Comparison: MA Public Administration vs MBA

Elements

MA Public Administration

MBA

Duration

2 years

2 years

Entrance Exams

AMU ET, BHU PET

CAT, XAT, GMAT

Course fees

INR 5,000 - INR 1,20,000.

INR 20,000 to INR 40 Lakh

Average Salary

4.5 Lakh to 9 Lakh

5 Lakh to 12 Lakh

Focus

Public Administration, Governance, Public Policy

Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Corporate Leadership

Job Opportunities

Public Policy Analysts, Policy Advocacy, Public Administration

Sales and Marketing, Financial Services, Consulting

MA Public Administration: Top Colleges in Delhi

MA Public Administration: Top Colleges in Mumbai

MA Public Administration: Top Colleges in Bangalore

MA Public Administration: Top Colleges in Kolkata

MA Public Administration: Top Colleges in Pune

MA Public Administration: Top Colleges in Chennai

MA Public Administration: Recommended Books

Given below are the names of some recognized books along with their authors in the field of Public Administration that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course: 

Name of the Book

Author’s Name

Public Administration in India

M. Laxmikanth

Indian Administration

S.R. Maheshwari

Public Administration: Concepts and Theories

Rumki Basu

Governance in India

M.P. Sharma

Administrative Thinkers

Prasad and Prasad

MA Public Administration: Jobs

Given below is an overview of some of the key job roles that MA Public Administration graduates can explore:

Job Profile

Job Description

Budget Analyst

The role of Budget Analyst is to manage and review data related to finance to help the company manage their budget.

Tax Examiner

The role of Tax Examiner is to review tax returns, audit preparation to interpret complex Tax laws.

Administrative Officer

The role of Administrative Officer is to manage and supervise day-to day operations and functions of the office

Consultant

The role of consultant is to provide advice to the client and develop effective strategies according to the client’s needs.

Political Scientist

The role of Political Scientist is to analyze different aspects of government, politics, and their impact on ‌society.

Policy Analyst

The role of a policy analyst is to conduct policy research, collect relevant data, and evaluate the impact of proposed policies.

Urban Planner

The role of Urban Planner is to design and create sustainable urban environments that are functional and aesthetically appealing.

MA Public Administration: Salary

MA Public Administration salary ranges from INR 3.5 – 20 LPA. This can vary widely based on factors such as job role, years of experience, geographical location, company size, and industry sector. Below is a general salary overview for some key job roles in holding an MA Public Administration:

Job Profile

Salary

Budget Analyst

INR 3.5 – 8 LPA

Tax Examiner

INR 3.5 – 7.5 LPA

Administrative Officer

INR 4 – 10 LPA

Consultant

INR 5 – 15 LPA

Political Scientist

INR 4 – 10 LPA

Policy Analyst

INR 4.5 – 12 LPA

Urban Planner

INR 5 – 12 LPA

MA Public Administration: Top Recruiters

  • Oxfam India
  • Save the Children India
  • CRY (Child Rights and You)
  • United Nations India
  • World Health Organization (WHO) India
  • UNICEF India
  • Consulting Firms and Think Tanks:
  • McKinsey & Company
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
  • The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
  • Center for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP)

MA Public Administration: Scope

After completing a degree in MA Public Administration, there are various opportunities one can get in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. There are various roles in the market for them like Budget analyst, Tax Examiner, Administrative Officer, Consultant, Political Scientist, Policy Analyst, Researcher, Program Manager, Development Officer, Urban Planner, etc.

If a student wants to study further after completing MA Public Administration, they are various programs available in India such as, Ph. D in Public Administration, Executive MBA, Financial Risk Management Certification, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Specialized Master’s program, International Studies or Diplomacy, Nonprofit Management, etc.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of MA Public Administration?

After completing MA Public Administration, student gets a ton of job opportunities like Budget analyst, Tax Examiner, Administrative Officer, Consultant, Political Scientist, Policy Analyst, Researcher, Program Manager, Development Officer, Urban Planner

Is MA Public Administration a good career to pursue?

If you're curious about the public sector and passionate about working in this sector, MA Public Administration might be a rewarding opportunity for you and your career. It provides job opportunities in Government agencies, Private Sector, and Non-profit organizations.

What are the subjects in MA Public Administration?

In MA Public Administration, students will learn about various subjects related to Public Administration such as Public Policy, Buisness Administration, Organizational Behavior, Puclic Thought and Indian Constitution.

Will MA Public Administration be a good choice for preparing for UPSC?

Yes, MA Public Administration can be a good choice if you want to prepare for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Studying this program will give students knowledge and background in public policy and governance.

Is Public Administration a tough subject?

The difficulty level of this program can vary from person to person, as everybody has their own learning and understanding capacity. But Public Administration is considered relatively easier to study.

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