.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-A-PUBLIC-ADMINISTRATION in General at Sardar Patel University
Anand, Gujarat
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is General at Sardar Patel University Anand?
This M.A. Public Administration program at Sardar Patel University focuses on equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of governance, public policy, and administrative practices in the Indian context. It delves into the complexities of public service delivery, policy formulation, and implementation, preparing graduates for impactful roles within government, non-profit organizations, and social enterprises, addressing pressing societal challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline, particularly those with a background in social sciences, who aspire to careers in public service, civil society, or academia. It also suits working professionals, including government employees or NGO staff, seeking to enhance their theoretical knowledge and practical skills for career advancement and effective public management.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in civil services, state government departments, public sector undertakings, NGOs, and international development agencies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential based on experience and performance. The program fosters critical thinking and leadership essential for public sector leadership.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundational Knowledge in Governance- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core concepts of administrative theory, public policy, and research methods. Focus on understanding the historical and constitutional evolution of Indian administration. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and prepare for internal assessments and university exams.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, online academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly, Indian Journal of Public Administration), UPSC civil services study material for foundational topics
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, GPSC) and analytical roles in government or policy research.
Develop Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to the Research Methods course. Practice designing research proposals, collecting data (even through small surveys or interviews), and analyzing basic statistics. This skill is critical for project work and policy analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for basic data analysis (free online tutorials), survey tools like Google Forms, university''''s computer lab resources
Career Connection
Essential for policy research, monitoring and evaluation roles, and academic pursuits.
Engage with Current Affairs and Public Discourse- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow national and international news, especially related to governance, public policy, and social issues in India. Participate in departmental seminars, debates, and discussions to articulate your understanding and perspectives on current administrative challenges.
Tools & Resources
Reputable news sources (The Hindu, Indian Express, Livemint), government policy documents (NITI Aayog reports), PRS Legislative Research summaries
Career Connection
Crucial for civil services exams, informed policy-making, and impactful communication in public roles.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Theoretical Knowledge to Practical Case Studies- (Semester 3)
Focus on connecting administrative theories and policy frameworks learned in earlier semesters to real-world governance issues, especially those related to rural governance and administrative law in India. Analyze case studies presented in class or search for contemporary examples of administrative successes and failures.
Tools & Resources
Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) publications, administrative reform commission reports, case study databases
Career Connection
Develops problem-solving skills critical for administrative roles and policy implementation challenges.
Explore Elective Specializations for Career Alignment- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective courses (e.g., Ethics in Public Administration, Disaster Management, Co-operative Administration) based on your career interests. Deep dive into the chosen area, seeking additional readings and engaging in discussions specific to that domain to build specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Specialized books and journals for chosen elective, professional bodies related to the elective (e.g., National Institute of Disaster Management)
Career Connection
Helps in identifying specific career niches within public administration and building a focused profile for job applications.
Network with Faculty and Guest Speakers- (Semester 3)
Actively engage with professors during office hours and connect with guest speakers, visiting lecturers, or alumni invited to the department. Seek their guidance on career paths, research opportunities, and practical aspects of public administration in India.
Tools & Resources
Departmental events, professional social media platforms like LinkedIn (connecting with alumni)
Career Connection
Builds professional network, offers mentorship opportunities, and provides insights into job market trends.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work and Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Leverage the project work in Semester IV as an opportunity for in-depth research on a topic of interest, preferably with practical relevance to Indian administration. Focus on rigorous methodology, data collection, and clear articulation of findings, mirroring a professional report.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (if applicable), academic writing guides, university''''s research ethics guidelines, faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capabilities, a highly valued skill for policy analysis, research roles, and academic pursuits, and strengthens a portfolio for job interviews.
Focus on Placement and Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 4)
Start actively preparing for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, State Public Service Commissions (GPSC), or public sector recruitment. Simultaneously, develop a strong resume, practice interview skills, and attend campus placement drives or job fairs relevant to public administration.
Tools & Resources
Online test series, current affairs magazines, mock interview sessions (if offered by university/coaching centers), career services cell of the university
Career Connection
Directly impacts immediate career entry into government, public sector, or social organizations.
Develop Public Grievance and RTI Application Skills- (Semester 4)
Understand the practical aspects of public grievance redressal mechanisms and the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which are key components of Indian administration. Practice drafting RTI applications or mock grievance petitions to understand the process and its implications.
Tools & Resources
Official government websites for Lokpal/Lokayukta, RTI portal (rtionline.gov.in), case studies on administrative transparency
Career Connection
Highly relevant for roles in transparency, accountability, and public service delivery, fostering effective citizen-administration interface.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate shall be eligible for admission to any of the Master’s Degree course of the University if he / she has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree (three years course) in the relevant subject / faculty from this University or any other University recognized as equivalent thereto by this University.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA01CPA201 | Administrative Theory | Core | 4 | Public Administration: Nature and Scope, Approaches to Study of Public Administration, Theories of Administration, Bureaucracy, Scientific Management, Human Relations Movement, Decision-Making, New Public Administration, New Public Management, Good Governance |
| MA01CPA202 | Public Policy | Core | 4 | Public Policy: Nature, Scope & Approaches, Policy Environment and Formulation, Policy Implementation, Policy Evaluation and Analysis, Types of Public Policy |
| MA01CPA203 | Research Methods in Public Administration | Core | 4 | Research: Meaning, Objectives, Significance, Research Design, Types of Research, Data Collection: Primary & Secondary Sources, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis, Report Writing |
| MA01CPA204 | Indian Administration | Core | 4 | Evolution of Indian Administration, Constitutional Framework of Administration, Central and State Administration, District Administration, Local Self-Government, Public Sector Undertakings |
| MA01EPA205 | Public Financial Administration | Generic Elective (Choice 1 of 2) | 4 | Public Finance: Meaning, Scope, Budget, Budgetary Process, Financial Management, Taxation, Public Expenditure, Audit and Accountability |
| MA01EPA205 EGov | e-Governance | Generic Elective (Choice 2 of 2) | 4 | e-Governance: Meaning, Scope, Models, Challenges and Opportunities, e-Governance Initiatives in India, Digital India Programme, Cyber Security in e-Governance |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA02CPA201 | Personnel Administration | Core | 4 | Personnel Administration: Nature and Scope, Recruitment, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal, Promotion, Discipline, Morale, Union-Management Relations |
| MA02CPA202 | Development Administration | Core | 4 | Development Administration: Meaning, Nature & Scope, Theories of Development, Development Planning in India, Bureaucracy and Development, People''''s Participation, Challenges of Development |
| MA02CPA203 | Public Administration in Global Context | Core | 4 | Comparative Public Administration, International Administration and Organizations, Globalization and Public Administration, Role of International Institutions, Contemporary Global Administrative Issues |
| MA02CPA204 | Constitutionalism and Administration | Core | 4 | Constitutionalism: Meaning and Principles, Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, Judicial Review and Activism, Administrative Law and Justice |
| MA02EPA205 | Social Welfare Administration | Generic Elective (Choice 1 of 2) | 4 | Social Welfare: Concepts, Policies, Social Legislation and Programs, Administration of Welfare Programs, Role of NGOs in Social Welfare, Challenges in Social Welfare Administration |
| MA02EPA205 Urban | Urban Governance | Generic Elective (Choice 2 of 2) | 4 | Urbanization and Urban Local Bodies, Urban Planning and Development, Challenges of Urban Governance, Smart Cities Mission, Urban Poverty and Housing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA03CPA201 | Rural Governance | Core | 4 | Rural Development: Concepts and Strategies, Panchayati Raj Institutions: Evolution and Structure, Rural Administration at District Level, Land Reforms and Rural Poverty Alleviation, Rural Development Programmes and Challenges |
| MA03CPA202 | Administrative Law | Core | 4 | Administrative Law: Nature and Scope, Rule of Law and Administrative Discretion, Delegated Legislation, Administrative Adjudication, Judicial Control over Administration, PIL |
| MA03CPA203 | Human Resource Development in Administration | Core | 4 | HRD: Concept, Scope, Importance, HRD Mechanisms and Instruments, Performance Management and Appraisal, Career Planning and Development, Training Needs Assessment, Motivation in Public Service |
| MA03EPA204 | Ethics in Public Administration | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice 1 of 2) | 4 | Ethics: Meaning, Values, Morality, Public Service Ethics and Accountability, Codes of Conduct and Professional Standards, Corruption, Maladministration, Whistleblowing, Ethical Dilemmas in Administration |
| MA03EPA204 Coop | Co-operative Administration | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice 2 of 2) | 4 | Co-operative Movement: Principles and Philosophy, Types of Co-operatives, Co-operative Law and Legislation, Management and Administration of Co-operatives, Role of Government in Co-operative Development |
| MA03EPA205 | Disaster Management | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice 1 of 2) | 4 | Disaster: Types, Causes, Impact, Disaster Management Cycle, Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, Disaster Response and Rehabilitation, Role of Administration in Disaster Management |
| MA03EPA205 FinLoc | Financial Administration (Local Self-Government) | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice 2 of 2) | 4 | Local Finance: Sources of Revenue, Budgeting in Local Bodies, Expenditure Management at Local Level, Financial Control and Audit, Challenges in Local Financial Administration |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA04CPA201 | Decentralization and Local Governance | Core | 4 | Decentralization: Concepts, Forms, Principles, Democratic Decentralization, Local Governance: Urban and Rural, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Challenges of Decentralization |
| MA04CPA202 | Financial Administration in India | Core | 4 | Budgeting Process in India, Revenue Administration: Taxation and Non-Tax Sources, Expenditure Control and Public Debt, Fiscal Policy and Federal Finance, Role of NITI Aayog and Finance Commission |
| MA04CPA203 | Public Grievance Redressal Mechanisms | Core | 4 | Grievance Redressal: Importance and Principles, Ombudsman, Lokpal and Lokayukta, Right to Information Act (RTI), Citizen''''s Charter, e-Grievance and Public Service Delivery |
| MA04CPA204 | Human Rights in Public Administration | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice 1 of 2) | 4 | Human Rights: Concept, Evolution, Universal Declaration, Human Rights in Indian Constitution, Human Rights Institutions in India, Role of Administration in Protecting Human Rights, Challenges to Human Rights Implementation |
| MA04CPA204 NGO | Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Development | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice 2 of 2) | 4 | NGOs: Role, Types, Evolution, Funding and Management of NGOs, Partnerships with Government, NGOs and Development Initiatives, Challenges and Accountability of NGOs |
| MA04CPA205 | Project Work | Core (Project) | 4 | Research Proposal Formulation, Data Collection and Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Documentation, Project Presentation and Viva-Voce |
