Do you want to make a difference around you? Then, Public Administration is the field for you; here, you'll learn how to govern public services, programs, and policies.
This comprehensive guide takes you through the various degree programs, top government colleges, and lucrative career opportunities available in the Public Administration field. Dive in to explore how a degree in Public Administration can empower you to promote the public good and contribute to effective governance.
What is Public Administration Course?
Public administration involves overseeing government plans and initiatives to serve the public better. The term Public Administration is made up of two words, ‘Public' refers to citizens in general, and ‘Administration' means the rule or service of the state.
Together, it means the ‘rule of the state for the people'. The main goal of Public Administration is to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of public services to citizens and to promote the public good. It involves activities such as budgeting, personnel management, policy analysis, and program evaluation.
Public administrators work in different areas, and the field is interdisciplinary, drawing on knowledge from different fields such as political science, economics, and management. Their roles may include policy analysts, program managers, and executive directors.
Public Administration Course in India
A. Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
- BSc Public Administration
B. Master's Degree Programs
- Master of Arts in Public Administration
C. Doctoral Programs
- Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration
D. Diploma and Certificate Programs
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration or PGDPA
A. Bachelor's Degree Programs
1. Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration:
A Bachelor of Public Administration or BPA is an undergraduate degree program that prepares students for careers in public service. It includes subjects such as public policy, governance, and management and teaches skills such as budgeting, program evaluation, and project management. Graduates can work in various fields of public administration as policy analysts, program managers, and budget analysts.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration Eligibility:
To be eligible for a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration in India, a candidate must have scored a minimum of 50% marks in their class 12th examination from any stream and be selected either through an entrance exam or on a merit basis. Some colleges and universities may have an upper age limit for candidates.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration Duration:
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration is a 3-year undergraduate degree program.
Top government colleges/Universities for Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration in India:
- Government Arts College (Autonomous), Coimbatore
- S.S. Jain Subodh P.G. (Autonomous) College
- University of Lucknow, Lucknow
- DAV College
- Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar
- Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
- Nalanda Open University, Patna
- Panjab University, Chandigarh
- NIMS University, Jaipur
- St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur
- Kakatiya University, Warangal
- Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad
- Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur
- Presidency College Chennai, Chennai
- AKS University, Satna
- University of Madras, Chennai
- Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai
- Government Arts College (Autonomous), Kurukshetra
- Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
- Alagappa University, Karaikudi
- Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
- University of Calicut, Malappuram
- Periyar University, Salem
- Ranchi University, Ranchi
- Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai
- A N College Patna, Patna
- Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya Bhopal, Bhopal
- Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli
- Bharathiar University, Coimbatore
- Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore
- Government Aizawl West College
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata
- University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
- Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College, Mumbai
- Presidency University, Kolkata
- Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi
- Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow, Lucknow
- Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli
- Government City College
- Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Prayagraj
- S.C.D. Government College
- Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Prayagraj
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad
- Government J. Buana College
- Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
- Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata
- Raj Rishi Bhartrihari Matsya University, Alwar
- Noida International University, Noida
- O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat
Career Opportunities after Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
After completing a B.A. in Public Administration, many students choose to pursue further studies, such as M.A. or PhD in the same field. But for those who want to enter the job market after graduation, there are many diverse roles to consider for you.
Some popular career options for graduates include:
- Teacher
- Corporate Manager
- Consultant
- Management Analyst
- Social Worker
- Customs Inspector
Salary:
As a fresh graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, you can expect a starting salary of 3-5 LPA. With time and experience, the salary offered can increase. Public Administration offers various job prospects and can be a rewarding career option.
2. BSc Public Administration:
BSc in Public Administration is a three-year program that teaches principles of government and public service. It covers topics like public policy, human resource management, and administrative law. Graduates can pursue careers in government agencies or non-profit organizations.
BSc Public Administration Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for BSc Public Administration in India, students must have completed 10+2 education with a minimum of 50% marks.
BSc Public Administration Duration:
BSc Public Administration is a three-year undergraduate program that prepares students for a career in public administration.
Top Government Colleges in India for BSc Public Administration
Here is a list of top government colleges in India for BSc Public Administration:
- JNU, New Delhi
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
- University of Madras, Chennai
- University of Calcutta, Kolkata
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- University of Lucknow, Lucknow
- University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
These are some of the most prestigious government colleges for BSc Public Administration in India.
Job and Salary:
In India, a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration can lead to a variety of jobs, such as Corporate Operations Manager, Administrative Officer, Business Consultant, and Public Relations and Fundraising Manager, which pay between INR 400,000 and INR 600,000.
B. Master's Degree Programs
1. Master of Arts in Public Administration:
The Master of Arts in Public Administration is a graduate-level programme where students learn about public administration and governance in India. Graduates can work for the government, non-governmental organisations, or international organisations to help improve public institutions in India.
Master of Arts in Public Administration Eligibility Criteria:
To pursue a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration in India, applicants must have completed a 10+2+3 course from a recognized institution with a minimum of 50% marks. Eligibility criteria may differ depending on the college or university offering the program.
M.A in public administration Duration:
MA in Public Administration is a postgraduate program that lasts two years and is divided into four semesters.
Top Government Colleges in India for M.A in Public Administration :
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Delhi University, New Delhi
- Hyderabad University, Hyderabad
- Madras Christian College, Chennai
- Panjab University, Chandigarh
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
Job and Salary:
A Master of Arts in Public Administration offers various job opportunities in India, such as:
- Administrative Officer,
- Consultant, and
- Teacher.
Graduates can work in public and private sectors in areas such as:
- corporate management
- Indian civil services
- Public works.
The average salary for MA Public Administration graduates in India is INR 5-7 LPA, but this varies depending on education, designation, and location. Popular careers for graduates include Cashier, Editor, and Human Resource Manager.
C. Doctoral Programs
1. Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration or PhD:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration is an advanced research-based degree aimed at Indian students who are interested in deepening their understanding of the management, decision-making, and policy-making processes within government and public sector organizations. This program equips students with theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and research methodologies to address complex issues in public administration, contribute to policy debates, and eventually become experts or leaders in their respective fields. Graduates may pursue careers in academia, research, government, NGOs, or consultancy.
PhD in Public Administration Eligibility:
To qualify for a PhD in Public Administration in India, one must have an allied arts postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks from a recognized Indian institution. It is recommended to have a strong academic background, and one can explore top PhD in Public Administration colleges in India to find a suitable program.
PhD in Public Administration Duration
A PhD in Public Administration is a 3 to 5-year doctoral course in India. Full-time scholars complete it in 3 years, while part-time scholars take around 5 years.
Top Government Colleges in India for PhD in Public Administration
- Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Panjab University, Chandigarh
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
Job and Salary:
PhD in Public Administration offers promising career prospects for individuals interested in administration. Graduates can expect to earn an average salary of INR 4-8 LPA, with the potential to earn up to INR 11 LPA.
Job opportunities include roles such as Management Consultant, Social Worker, Professor, Corporate Manager, and Administrative Officer. Pursuing a PhD in Public Administration can open up a range of career opportunities with varying salaries.
D. Diploma and Certificate Programs
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (PGDPA):
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration is a specialized diploma program in India designed to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of the public administration sector.
It covers areas such as policy-making, governance, project management, and public service delivery. Ideal for aspiring civil servants, government officials, and professionals working in public or private organizations, the PGDPA enhances career prospects and provides a strong foundation in public administration principles.
PGDPA Eligibility:
To be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (PGDPA) in India, candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks. The PGDPA program prepares graduates to work in government agencies and social and civil services institutions by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage public organizations and provide efficient public services.
PGDPA Duration
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (PGDPA) is a one-year program that offers an additional degree for Bachelor's holders, helping them secure public sector employment opportunities more quickly. It equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field of public administration.
Top government colleges in India for PGDPA:
Here is a list of some of the top government colleges in India offering Postgraduate Diplomas in Public Administration or related programs:
- Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad
- Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune
- Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
- Madras School of Economics, Chennai
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration Job and Salary:
A PGD in Public Administration prepares you for top jobs like Administrative Officer, Social Worker, HR Consultant, and Teacher. You can expect a salary range of INR 1,80,000 to INR 9,00,000 per annum. It's a great option for those who want to make a difference and build a successful career.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Public Administration equips individuals with the skills to manage government policies and programs effectively. With various degree programs available in India, graduates can expect diverse career opportunities and competitive salaries. Pursuing a degree in Public Administration enables you to make a meaningful impact on society and contribute to the greater public good.
