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M-A in Public Administration at Maharaja Lakshman Sen Memorial College
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Public Administration at Maharaja Lakshman Sen Memorial College Mandi?
This Public Administration program at Maharaja Lakshman Sen Memorial College, Mandi, focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of governance, public policy, and administrative systems. Rooted in the unique context of Himachal Pradesh and broader India, the curriculum delves into both theoretical foundations and practical applications of public service delivery, crucial for fostering effective and responsive governmental functioning in the region.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline, particularly those with a background in social sciences or humanities, aspiring for a career in civil services or public sector roles in India. It also suits working professionals in government or non-governmental organizations seeking to enhance their administrative acumen and leadership skills, or individuals interested in policy analysis and development work.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in Indian civil services (UPSC, HPPSC), state administration, policy research, and development agencies. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential into senior administrative positions. The curriculum aligns with requirements for competitive examinations and equips students for roles in district administration, planning, and public relations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core administrative theories, constitutional frameworks, and research methodologies. Engage actively in lectures, participate in departmental seminars, and utilize the college library for extensive reading beyond textbooks to grasp the nuances of public administration.
Tools & Resources
HPU study materials, reference books on Public Administration, online academic journals, peer discussion groups
Career Connection
A solid conceptual base is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and HPPSC, and for informed decision-making in future administrative roles.
Develop Analytical and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay special attention to ''''Research Methods in Public Administration'''' by actively participating in data collection exercises, learning basic statistical analysis, and practicing report writing. Initiate small-scale research projects on local administrative issues to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel, basic statistical software (e.g., PSPP), academic writing guides, faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for policy analysis, program evaluation, and contributing to evidence-based governance, highly valued in government and research institutions.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics, share insights, and prepare for internal assessments and end-semester examinations. Organize mock debates on current administrative issues and public policies to enhance critical thinking and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
College common rooms, online group chat platforms, departmental notice board for group formations
Career Connection
Fosters collaborative skills, enhances understanding from multiple perspectives, and improves articulation, critical for team-based administrative work.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Specialized Electives and Field Immersion- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically choose elective courses that align with your career interests (e.g., Human Rights, E-Governance, Development Administration). Seek opportunities for short-term field visits to local government offices, NGOs, or development projects in Mandi or surrounding areas to observe administrative practices firsthand.
Tools & Resources
Department faculty for guidance on elective choices, local administration contacts, college career counseling cell
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure, helps in identifying niche areas of interest for specialization, and builds a professional network for future roles.
Focus on Project Report and Case Study Analysis- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to the Semester 4 Project Report, treating it as a real-world problem-solving exercise. Collect primary data, conduct thorough analysis, and develop actionable recommendations. Beyond the project, regularly analyze contemporary public administration case studies from India.
Tools & Resources
Research guides, statistical tools, academic databases, India-specific policy reports, mentorship from project supervisor
Career Connection
Develops independent research capability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to contribute original insights, highly valued in policy think tanks and government research bodies.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations and Placements- (Semester 3-4)
Simultaneously with academic studies, begin targeted preparation for civil services exams (UPSC, HPPSC) or other government job recruitments. Attend workshops on interview skills, resume building, and general awareness. Utilize college placement cells for guidance on administrative and development sector roles.
Tools & Resources
Online test series, current affairs magazines, previous year question papers, mock interview sessions, college alumni network
Career Connection
Directly enhances employability for coveted positions in central and state government, ensuring a smooth transition from academics to professional public service.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with Public Administration / Equivalent recognized by H.P. University, Shimla.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 74 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MPA101 | Administrative Theory | Core | 4 | Nature of Public Administration, Classical & Neo-Classical Theories, Human Relations Movement, Bureaucracy, Rational Decision Making, New Public Administration & Management, Good Governance |
| 21MPA102 | Administrative Thought | Core | 4 | Kautilya, Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Mary Parker Follett, Chester Barnard, Herbert Simon, F.W. Riggs, Development of Administrative Thought |
| 21MPA103 | Indian Administration | Core | 4 | Constitutional Framework & Union Executive, Parliament & Judiciary, Centre-State Administrative Relations, Public Services, Planning Machinery, Local Governance, Public Sector Undertakings |
| 21MPA104 | Research Methods in Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning of Research, Scientific Method, Research Design & Data Collection Methods, Sampling & Scaling Techniques, Data Analysis, Research Report Writing |
| 21MPAOPEN | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 2 | Generic Open Elective chosen from other departments |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MPA201 | Public Policy | Core | 4 | Meaning & Nature of Public Policy, Models of Policy Making, Policy Process, Policy Implementation & Evaluation, Role of Bureaucracy, Pressure Groups, Media |
| 21MPA202 | Financial Administration | Core | 4 | Nature of Financial Administration, Budgetary Process, Public Expenditure & Revenue, Fiscal Policy, Financial Committees, Audit & Role of Finance Ministry |
| 21MPA203 | Comparative Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning & Approaches to CPA, Bureaucracy in Developed and Developing Countries, Administrative Systems in UK, USA, France, India |
| 21MPA204 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | Meaning of HRM, Personnel Administration, Recruitment, Training, Performance Appraisal, Promotion, Motivation, Discipline, Grievance Redressal Mechanisms |
| 21MPAOPEN | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 2 | Generic Open Elective chosen from other departments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MPA301 | Urban Governance | Core | 4 | Evolution of Urban Local Bodies, Constitutional Provisions, Urban Planning, Urban Development Authorities, Problems of Urban Governance, Smart Cities Initiatives |
| 21MPA302 | Rural Governance | Core | 4 | Evolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Constitutional Provisions, Functions of PRIs, Rural Development Programs, Problems of Rural Governance, Gram Sabhas |
| 21MPA303 | Disaster Management | Core | 4 | Meaning & Types of Disaster, Disaster Management Cycle: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response & Rehabilitation, Role of Government & Non-Governmental Organizations |
| 21MPA304 | Elective Course (Choose one) | Elective | 4 | Choice from: Public Relations, Development Administration, Social Welfare Administration, Administrative Law, E-Governance |
| 21MPAOPEN | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 2 | Generic Open Elective chosen from other departments |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MPA401 | International Administration | Core | 4 | International Organizations (UN & Specialized Agencies), International Civil Service, Global Governance, Role of NGOs, International Cooperation & Diplomacy |
| 21MPA402 | Public Sector Undertakings | Core | 4 | Concept & Growth of PSUs in India, Classification & Management of PSUs, Problems of PSUs, Disinvestment Policy, Autonomy & Accountability in PSUs |
| 21MPA403 | Elective Course (Choose one) | Elective | 4 | Choice from: Human Rights Administration, Good Governance, Decentralized Planning, Citizen and Administration, Contemporary Issues in Public Administration |
| 21MPA404 | Elective Course (Choose one) | Elective | 4 | Choice from: Environmental Administration, Science and Technology Administration, Police Administration, Correctional Administration, Health Administration |
| 21MPAPR | Project Report | Project | 4 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review & Methodology, Data Collection & Analysis, Report Writing & Presentation |
