Certificate Programme in

Public Policy
in Action

About the
Programme

While policies are often conceptualised and designed in urban hubs, their true impact unfolds at the last mile. To understand public policy in India, one needs to uncover what happens on the ground, bridge theory and practice and appreciate the complex challenges, particularly in India’s most resource-constrained regions.

The Hindu College, the University of Delhi, and Transform Rural India are collaborating to offer a unique opportunity to 40 of the brightest minds, to delve deep into the world of public policy and governance. This one-of-a-kind program combines integrated classroom learning with real-time exposure to public policy on-ground, set in the context of India’s most marginalised rural communities.

The Opportunity

1

An unparalleled learning
experience featuring

150 hours of meticulously designed academic content spread across two semesters. Students are guided through every stage of the policy cycle -design, implementation, and evaluation.

2

An 8-week paid
internship

An 8-week paid internship with Transform Rural India, where participants collaborate with government bodies at the forefront of India’s development efforts in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
3

Expertise from
world-class faculty

Expertise from world-class faculty, development sector practitioners, senior bureaucrats, and scholar leaders. Innovative reflection-based pedagogy that builds on classroom teachings, case studies, discussions, round table discussions, and field experience.

Eminent faculty members

Eminent faculty members include; Vinod Rai (former CAG), ⁠⁠Justice ( Ms.) Gita Mittal (ex-Chief Justice, J&K High Court) ⁠Prof. TCA Anant (ex-Member UPSC) ⁠⁠Prof Arvind Panagariya (Columbia) Ms. Aarti Ahuja (ex-Secretary Labour, Govt. of India)

Assistant Co-ordinators– Prof. Chandrachur Singh,⁠ ⁠⁠Ms. Shayantani Das

Chief Coordinator– Prof. B. Venkatesh Kumar

Eligibility
Criteria

The program seeks driven and inspired students, eager to bridge the gap between academic theories and real-world challenges, blending intellectual curiosity with a passion for practical impact. Candidates should meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Should be pursuing an undergraduate degree (4th or 6th semester) in any discipline at Delhi University, as of Jan 25, 2025.
  • Should have an exemplary academic record having successfully passed all papers at the time of application, with a CGPA of at least 6.00 for the 2nd/4th semester.
  • Should be willing to stay and travel across rural India. Should have a keen interest in India’s public policy landscape and the larger social development sector.

Fee
Structure

The fee structure for the entire programme is as follows and is payable in 2 instalments: For Hindu College students- Rs 20,000 For students from other colleges- Rs 30,000 All applicants will be charged a one-time non-refundable application fee of Rs 100. Fee Waivers are available on a need basis.

Selection Process

Depending on the number of applicants, there will be a 2-tier selection process.

  • Tier One– MCQ-type objective assessment for all eligible candidates.
  • Tier Two – Shortlisted candidates will go through a psychometric test administered by an independent agency.

Timeline

  • December 25, 2024- Applications open
  • January 14, 2025- Applications close at 11:55:55 pm
  • January 18– MCQ assessment
  • January 21– Psychometric test
  • January 25– Final List announcement
  • January 25 to February 1– Fee payment window
  • Feb 2– Programme begins