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M-A in Public Administration at Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Public Administration at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar?
This M.A. Public Administration program at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar focuses on equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for public service. Rooted in the Indian administrative context, the curriculum covers policy formulation, governance, and administrative ethics. It uniquely addresses the evolving demands of public administration in a dynamic nation, preparing graduates for impactful roles in government and non-governmental organizations.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in social sciences, humanities, or commerce seeking entry into public sector roles. It also benefits working professionals from government, NGOs, or corporate social responsibility wings looking to enhance their administrative acumen. Career changers aiming to transition into policy, governance, or social development sectors will find the curriculum highly relevant and enriching for their aspirations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in central and state government services, public sector undertakings, and international development agencies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 10-15 LPA. Opportunities include administrative officer, policy analyst, project coordinator, and urban planner, with significant growth trajectories in India''''s expanding public and non-profit sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Building a Strong Conceptual Base- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with foundational theories by creating mind maps for core subjects like Public Administration Theory and Public Policy. Regularly participate in classroom discussions and form study groups to clarify complex concepts and gain diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
University Library resources, Academic journals, NPTEL for supplementary lectures, Google Docs for study groups
Career Connection
A robust conceptual understanding is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, state PCS) and lays the groundwork for effective policy analysis and administrative decision-making in any public service role.
Developing Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding Research Methods by critically analyzing case studies related to Indian administration and public policy. Practice writing concise summaries and critiques of academic papers, enhancing your analytical and documentation skills.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar for research papers, Mendeley/Zotero for reference management, University''''s research methodology workshops
Career Connection
Strong research and analytical skills are indispensable for policy analysis, program evaluation, and preparing comprehensive reports in government or think tanks.
Networking with Peer Groups and Mentors- (Semester 1-2)
Connect with seniors and alumni of the Public Administration program to understand career paths and gain insights into academic challenges. Seek out faculty mentors to discuss career aspirations and specific areas of interest within public service.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Alumni network platforms, Department seminars and workshops, LinkedIn for professional connections
Career Connection
Early networking can lead to internship opportunities, valuable career guidance, and opens doors to future employment in the public and non-profit sectors.
Intermediate Stage
Engaging in Practical Application & Field Exposure- (Semester 3-4, during breaks)
Seek out internships with local government bodies, NGOs working in policy advocacy, or district administration offices during semester breaks. Actively participate in field surveys or data collection initiatives, especially if choosing Dissertation/Project Work.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Local government websites, NGO directories, Field research guides
Career Connection
Practical experience is invaluable for understanding real-world administrative challenges, building a professional network, and enhancing employability in public service roles.
Specializing through Electives & Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose electives (e.g., Administrative Thinkers, Disaster Management, e-Governance, Human Rights Administration) that align with your career interests. If opting for Dissertation, select a contemporary public administration issue and conduct thorough research under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Faculty consultation, Department research opportunities, Online databases, Statistical software (if applicable)
Career Connection
Specialization enhances expertise in a specific domain, making you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles, while a well-executed dissertation showcases advanced analytical capabilities.
Developing Communication & Leadership Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and inter-university competitions (e.g., policy debates, case study analysis). Take on leadership roles in student committees to hone organizational and communication skills, critical for administrative positions.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking clubs, Mock interviews, Leadership training programs offered by the university, Student bodies
Career Connection
Effective communication and leadership are core competencies for public administrators, crucial for stakeholder engagement, team management, and policy advocacy.
Advanced Stage
Mastering Competitive Exam Preparation- (During and immediately after Semester 4)
Alongside final semester studies, dedicate significant time to preparing for civil services exams (UPSC, state PCS), banking exams, or other government recruitment tests. Focus on general studies, current affairs, and optional subjects relevant to Public Administration.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms (e.g., Unacademy, Byju''''s for IAS), Competitive exam books, Previous year question papers, Mock test series
Career Connection
Success in these exams directly leads to coveted administrative and civil service positions, offering stability and impact in public governance.
Building a Professional Portfolio & Online Presence- (During and immediately after Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your research papers, project reports, internship certificates, and any awards. Create a professional LinkedIn profile, highlighting your academic achievements, skills, and aspirations in public administration.
Tools & Resources
Google Drive/Dropbox for digital portfolio, LinkedIn, Personal website/blog for showcasing work
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and professional online presence are vital for showcasing capabilities to potential employers, recruiters, and for networking within the professional community.
Engaging in Continuous Learning & Skill Upgradation- (Post-graduation and ongoing)
Stay updated with current affairs, new government policies, and administrative reforms by reading reputable newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), magazines (e.g., Yojana, Kurukshetra), and academic journals. Consider short-term courses on specific administrative tools or software.
Tools & Resources
Online news portals, Government reports, MOOC platforms (Coursera, edX for certifications)
Career Connection
Lifelong learning ensures relevance in a rapidly changing administrative landscape, enabling professionals to adapt to new challenges and advance in their careers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with Public Administration/Political Science/Sociology/Economics/History/Geography/Psychology OR B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. with 50% marks (from GNDU Admissions portal).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA-101 | Theory of Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Classical and Human Relations Approaches, Behavioral and Contemporary Approaches, Development Administration, New Public Administration and Governance |
| MPA-102 | Public Policy | Core | 4 | Concept and Nature of Public Policy, Models of Public Policy, Policy Formulation and Implementation, Policy Evaluation and Analysis, Role of State and Non-State Actors |
| MPA-103 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Meaning and Types of Research, Research Design and Hypothesis, Methods of Data Collection, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| MPA-104 | Indian Administration | Core | 4 | Evolution of Indian Administration, Constitutional Framework of Administration, Central and State Administration, District Administration and Public Sector, Administrative Reforms in India |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA-201 | Personnel Administration | Core | 4 | Concept and Significance of Personnel Administration, Recruitment, Selection and Training, Performance Appraisal and Promotion, Pay Commissions and Employee Welfare, Employer-Employee Relations |
| MPA-202 | Financial Administration | Core | 4 | Concept and Significance of Financial Administration, Budgeting Process and Types of Budgets, Parliamentary Control over Finance, Audit Mechanism (CAG), Taxation and Public Debt Management |
| MPA-203 | Local Government | Core | 4 | Evolution of Local Government, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Self-Government, Finances and Challenges of Local Bodies |
| MPA-204 | Comparative Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Comparative Public Administration, Approaches to Comparative Public Administration, Bureaucracy in Developed and Developing Countries, Administrative Systems of UK, USA, France, Administrative System of Japan |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA-301 | Development Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Development Administration, Bureaucracy and Development, Planning Process and Strategies, Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Sustainable Development and Challenges |
| MPA-302 | Ethics in Public Administration | Core | 4 | Concept of Ethics in Public Administration, Values in Public Service, Corruption and Accountability, Transparency and Right to Information, Citizen''''s Charter and Ethical Dilemmas |
| MPA-303 | Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Concept and Scope of Social Welfare, Social Welfare Policies and Programs, Administration of Social Welfare Services, Role of Government and NGOs, Social Justice and Vulnerable Groups |
| MPA-304(i) | Administrative Thinkers | Elective | 4 | Kautilya, Plato, Aristotle, Woodrow Wilson, Henri Fayol, F.W. Taylor, Max Weber, Chester Barnard, Herbert Simon, Mary Parker Follett, Abraham Maslow, Chris Argyris |
| MPA-304(ii) | Disaster Management | Elective | 4 | Concept and Types of Disasters, Disaster Management Cycle, Mitigation and Preparedness, Response and Rehabilitation, Role of Government and NGOs |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA-401 | Public Grievance Redressal Mechanisms | Core | 4 | Concept of Public Grievance, Ombudsman, Lokpal and Lokayukta, Right to Information Act, Consumer Protection Act, E-governance for Grievance Redressal |
| MPA-402 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | Concept and Scope of Human Resource Management, Human Resource Planning, Motivation and Leadership, Team Building and Conflict Management, Performance Management and Training |
| MPA-403 | Financial Sector Reforms | Core | 4 | Financial Reforms in India, Banking Sector Reforms, Insurance Sector Reforms, Capital Market Reforms, Role of RBI and International Institutions |
| MPA-404(Optional) | Dissertation/Project Work | Elective | 4 | Research Topic Selection, Literature Review and Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| MPA-404(i) | e-Governance | Elective | 4 | Concept and Scope of e-Governance, Models of e-Governance, e-Governance Initiatives in India, Challenges and Digital Divide, M-Governance and Social Inclusion |
| MPA-404(ii) | Human Rights Administration | Elective | 4 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, National Human Rights Commission, Role of NGOs and International Bodies |
