

MBA in Public Policy And Administration at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies


Dehradun, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Public Policy and Administration at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun?
This Public Policy & Strategic Management MBA program at UPES focuses on equipping future leaders with the analytical and strategic skills needed to navigate complex public policy challenges in India. It integrates management principles with public governance, preparing professionals for roles in government, NGOs, international organizations, and corporate social responsibility. The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled policy managers in India''''s rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into public service or the social sector. It also caters to working professionals in government, development agencies, or corporate affairs looking to enhance their policy analysis and strategic management capabilities. Individuals passionate about contributing to national development and societal impact, with a strong analytical bent, will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including policy analysts, public sector consultants, CSR managers, development professionals, and strategic advisors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ LPA. Growth trajectories are strong in government advisory, think tanks, and large corporations. The program aligns with skills required for UPSC examinations and various policy-related certifications.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Management Fundamentals- (Trimester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding foundational subjects like Managerial Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Financial Reporting. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and apply them to real-world Indian business scenarios. Utilize library resources and online tutorials for conceptual clarity.
Tools & Resources
UPES Library, NPTEL courses, Online Economics/Finance tutorials
Career Connection
A strong grasp of management basics is critical for all MBA roles and forms the bedrock for specialized policy analysis, ensuring you can understand the economic and financial implications of public policy.
Engage with Public Policy Basics Early- (Trimester 1-2)
Beyond classroom learning, start reading Indian government reports, policy briefs, and analyses from reputable think tanks (e.g., ORF, PRS Legislative). Attend online webinars or discussions on current Indian public policy issues to build foundational knowledge.
Tools & Resources
PRS India, Observer Research Foundation, NITI Aayog reports
Career Connection
Early engagement builds contextual understanding, enhancing your ability to contribute to policy discussions and project work during internships, making you more marketable for policy-centric roles.
Develop Communication and Research Skills- (Trimester 1-2)
Actively participate in group presentations and academic writing assignments. Focus on structuring arguments logically and presenting data clearly. Begin familiarizing yourself with academic databases for policy research and citation styles.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Mendeley/Zotero, UPES Writing Center resources
Career Connection
Effective communication and robust research are indispensable for policy analysis, advocacy, and report writing, directly contributing to success in academic projects and future policy roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Impactful Industrial Training/Internship- (Trimester 2-4 (during break/as part of curriculum))
Seek internships with government departments, NGOs, policy think tanks, or CSR divisions of corporates in India. Focus on projects that involve real policy analysis, implementation challenges, or social impact assessment. Network actively during your internship period.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Internshala, UPES Career Services for placements
Career Connection
Practical experience is crucial for understanding the nuances of public policy. A strong internship can lead to pre-placement offers and provides valuable insights into potential career paths within the Indian public sector.
Specialized Skill Development in Analytics and Law- (Trimester 3-4)
Leverage courses like Data Analytics for Public Policy and Legal Framework of Public Governance. Supplement this with certifications in data tools (R, Python for data science) or legal frameworks relevant to Indian administration. Understand how legal frameworks shape policy implementation.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for Python/R, official government legal portals
Career Connection
These skills are highly sought after in policy research, public sector consulting, and governance roles, enabling you to conduct rigorous analysis and navigate complex regulatory environments in India.
Engage in Policy Debates and Competitions- (Trimester 3-5)
Participate in university-level or national policy debate competitions, case study challenges focused on Indian public issues, or model legislative assemblies. This hones critical thinking, public speaking, and quick problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
Inter-university debate clubs, national policy hackathons
Career Connection
Such engagements build confidence, improve presentation skills, and provide networking opportunities with peers and professionals, directly impacting your ability to articulate policy positions and impress potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Focus on a Capstone Dissertation/Project- (Trimester 5-6)
Choose a dissertation topic directly relevant to a pressing Indian public policy challenge. Conduct thorough research, collect primary/secondary data, and propose actionable recommendations. Work closely with your faculty mentor and potentially an industry expert.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, statistical software (SPSS/R), expert interviews
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases your ability to conduct independent policy research and provides a strong portfolio piece that can be presented to potential employers in Indian policy think tanks, research roles, or government advisory.
Network with Public Sector Leaders and Alumni- (Trimester 5-6)
Attend industry conferences, webinars featuring public sector leaders, and alumni events hosted by UPES. Actively build professional relationships and seek mentorship. Utilize LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your target policy areas within India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, UPES Alumni Network, industry conferences
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for job placement and career advancement in the public policy domain. Strong connections can open doors to opportunities, provide industry insights, and offer mentorship for navigating career trajectories in India.
Prepare for Targeted Placements/Career Paths- (Trimester 5-6)
Tailor your resume and cover letters to specific roles in government, NGOs, or policy consulting. Practice case interviews and group discussions relevant to public sector hiring processes. Stay updated on current events and policy developments in India.
Tools & Resources
UPES Career Services, mock interview sessions, current affairs news portals
Career Connection
Focused preparation significantly increases your chances of securing desired placements. Understanding the specific requirements of public policy roles in India will make you a highly competitive candidate for top organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% marks in Class X, XII and Graduation from a recognized University. Valid scores in any of the following management entrance exams: UPESMET / CAT / XAT / NMAT / MAT / CMAT / GMAT. For UPESMET exempted students, candidates need to appear for Group Discussion & Interview.
Duration: 2 years / 6 Trimesters
Credits: 104 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBPP 7001 | Management Perspectives and Practices | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of Management, Planning and Decision Making, Organizing and Staffing, Leading and Motivation, Controlling and Ethics, Contemporary Management Issues |
| MBPP 7002 | Managerial Economics | Core | 3 | Basic Economic Principles, Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structures and Pricing, Macroeconomic Environment, Government Policies and Business |
| MBPP 7003 | Quantitative Methods for Managers | Core | 3 | Descriptive Statistics, Probability and Distributions, Sampling and Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression, Decision Theory |
| MBPP 7004 | Financial Reporting and Analysis | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of Accounting, Financial Statements, Ratio Analysis, Cash Flow Statement, Inventory and Depreciation, Introduction to IFRS |
| MBPP 7005 | Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | Foundations of OB, Perception and Learning, Motivation Theories, Group Dynamics and Teamwork, HR Planning and Acquisition, Performance Management |
| MBPP 7006 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing Fundamentals, Consumer Behavior, Market Segmentation, Product and Pricing Strategies, Promotion and Distribution, Digital Marketing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBPP 7007 | Strategic Management | Core | 3 | Strategic Intent and Analysis, Environmental Scanning, Strategy Formulation, Corporate and Business Strategies, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Control |
| MBPP 7008 | Operations Management | Core | 3 | Operations Strategy, Process Design, Capacity Planning, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management, Quality Management |
| MBPP 7009 | Research Methods for Managers | Core | 3 | Research Process, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis (Quantitative/Qualitative), Report Writing |
| MBPP 7010 | Public Policy: Theory and Practice | Core | 3 | Introduction to Public Policy, Policy Cycle and Analysis, Actors in Public Policy, Policy Instruments, Policy Implementation, Evaluation of Public Policy |
| MBPP 7011 | Legal Framework of Public Governance | Core | 3 | Constitutional Framework, Administrative Law, Regulatory Bodies, Public Procurement Law, Environmental Law, Right to Information Act |
| MBPP 7012 | Policy Communication and Advocacy | Core | 3 | Communication Models in Policy, Stakeholder Engagement, Advocacy Strategies, Media Relations, Public Speaking, Crisis Communication |
| MBPP 7013 | Industrial Training | Core | 2 | Practical Industry Exposure, Application of Management Concepts, Problem-Solving in Real-world Settings, Professional Skill Development, Internship Report Writing, Presentation of Findings |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBPP 8001 | International Business Management | Core | 3 | Globalization and Trade Theories, International Economic Environment, Foreign Exchange Markets, International Marketing, Global HRM, International Business Ethics |
| MBPP 8002 | Public Finance and Budgeting | Core | 3 | Role of Government in Economy, Principles of Taxation, Public Expenditure, Budgeting Process, Fiscal Policy, Debt Management |
| MBPP 8003 | Policy Design and Analysis | Core | 3 | Policy Problem Structuring, Frameworks for Policy Design, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Risk Assessment, Stakeholder Analysis, Policy Impact Assessment |
| MBPP 8004 | Ethics and Governance in Public Sector | Core | 3 | Ethical Theories, Public Sector Values, Transparency and Accountability, Corruption and Anti-Corruption Measures, Corporate Governance, E-Governance |
| MBPP 8005 | Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) | Core | 3 | Introduction to PPPs, Types and Models of PPPs, Legal and Regulatory Framework, Project Financing for PPPs, Risk Allocation in PPPs, Case Studies of PPPs in India |
| MBPP 8XXX | Elective 1 | Elective | 3 | Choice from a basket of specialisation electives |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBPP 8006 | Strategic Management in Public Sector | Core | 3 | Public Sector Strategic Planning, Mission and Vision in Public Organizations, Stakeholder Management, Performance Measurement in Public Sector, Organizational Change Management, Innovation in Public Services |
| MBPP 8007 | Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Core | 3 | Concepts of Social Entrepreneurship, Identifying Social Problems, Designing Social Ventures, Funding Social Initiatives, Measuring Social Impact, Scaling Social Innovations |
| MBPP 8008 | Data Analytics for Public Policy | Core | 3 | Introduction to Data Science, Data Collection and Cleaning, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Predictive Modeling, Data Visualization, Ethical Issues in Data Analytics |
| MBPP 8009 | Urban and Regional Development Policy | Core | 3 | Theories of Urbanization, Urban Planning and Governance, Smart Cities Initiatives in India, Housing Policies, Infrastructure Development, Sustainable Urban Development |
| MBPP 8XXX | Elective 2 | Elective | 3 | Choice from a basket of specialisation electives |
| MBPP 8XXX | Elective 3 | Elective | 3 | Choice from a basket of specialisation electives |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBPP 9001 | International Relations and Foreign Policy | Core | 3 | Theories of International Relations, Global Governance, Indian Foreign Policy, Geopolitics and Regional Dynamics, International Security, Multilateral Institutions |
| MBPP 9002 | Social Sector Policies (Education, Health, Poverty) | Core | 3 | Overview of Social Sector in India, Education Policy Frameworks, Health Policy and Public Health, Poverty Alleviation Programs, Food Security and Nutrition, Social Justice Policies |
| MBPP 9003 | Climate Change and Environmental Policy | Core | 3 | Science of Climate Change, Environmental Regulations, International Environmental Agreements, Green Economy and Sustainability, Disaster Management, Energy Policy |
| MBPP 9004 | Policy Implementation and Evaluation | Core | 3 | Implementation Theories, Challenges in Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks, Impact Evaluation Techniques, Learning from Policy Outcomes, Case Studies in Policy Evaluation |
| MBPP 9XXX | Elective 4 | Elective | 3 | Choice from a basket of specialisation electives |
| MBPP 9XXX | Elective 5 | Elective | 3 | Choice from a basket of specialisation electives |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBPP 9005 | Dissertation | Core | 8 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing, Oral Defense |
| MBPP 9XXX | Elective 6 | Elective | 3 | Choice from a basket of specialisation electives |
| MBPP 9XXX | Elective 7 | Elective | 3 | Choice from a basket of specialisation electives |




