Master’s
Program

Kautilya offers a 2-year, full-time residential Master’s in Public Policy (MPP), a 103-credit program with a curriculum designed to expand knowledge, enhance skills, and instil values. The course will bring together students from diverse disciplines and allow time to internalize and apply key concepts. Our curriculum embraces international pedagogical and research outlook, while engaging with the ground realities of India and her citizens.

Beyond classroom learning, you will have numerous opportunities to actively network with policy professionals through symposiums and seminar sessions. You will also have the chance to share your thoughts on various policy topics through participation in conferences and hackathons.

Our curriculum is designed from international best practice frameworks, and contextualised specifically to tackle the complexities of the Indian ecosystem.

Each year consists of three terms.

The foundation, core and elective courses in the first-year curriculum will expand your knowledge of Indian governance and policymaking structures and approaches. Through dedicated skill shops, you will also learn how to negotiate and persuade, write public speeches and Op-Ed Columns, and communicate verbally and non-verbally in various professional settings.

At the end of the first year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 3-month internship with an organization of your choice during the summer break.

In your second year, you will deep dive into one of five areas of specialization through electives covering the five policy domains: Government and Corporate Affairs, Political and Economic Development, Societal and Community Affairs, Foreign and International Affair, and, Human Rights, Institutions and Democracy.

The program culminates in a Master’s Thesis in term 6, based on a Capstone Project (CAP), undertaken either independently with an organization of your choice or as part of a faculty-led group research project on a current policy issue.

Academic Year 2022-23:
Start Date: 01st August 2022; End Date: 12th May 2023

2022

August

Date and Month Day Event
01st Aug 2022 Monday First day of Trimester 1/Trimester 4 classes
15th Aug 2022 Monday Independence Day
31st Aug 2022 Wednesday Vinayaka Chaturthi

Sep/Oct/ Nov

Date and Month Day Event
02nd Oct 2022 Sunday Gandhi Jayanthi
04th Oct 2022 Tuesday Bathukkama
05th Oct 2022 Wednesday Vijayadasami
21st Oct 2022 Friday Last day of Trimester 1/ Trimester 4 classes
22nd Oct 2022 – 06th Nov 2022 Saturday- Sunday Trimester Holidays

Nov/ Dec

Date and Month Day Event
07th Nov 2022 Monday First day of Trimester 2/ Trimester 5 classes
25th Dec 2022 Sunday Christmas

2023

Jan/Feb

Date and Month Day Event
15th Jan 2023 Sunday Sankranti
26th Jan 2023 Thursday Republic Day

Feb/March

Date and Month Day Event
3rd Feb 2023 Friday Last day of Trimester 2/ Trimester 5 classes
4th Feb 2023 19th Feb 2023 Saturday- Sunday Trimester Holidays
20th Feb 2023 Monday First day of Trimester 3 classes/ Trimester 6
22nd March 2023 Wednesday Ugadi

April/May

Date and Month Day Event
07th April 2023 Friday Good Friday
14th April 2023 Friday Ambedkar Jayanthi
21st April 2023 Friday Ramzan
12th May 2023 Friday Last day of Trimester 3 classes/ Trimester 6

May/June/July

Date and Month Day Event
15th May 2023 Monday First day of Internship
29th June 2023 Thursday Bakrid
17th July 2023 Monday Bonalu
28th July 2023 Friday Last day of Internship

August/September

Date and Month Day Event
01st Aug 2023 Tuesday First day of Trimester 1/ Trimester 4 classes
15th Aug 2023 Tuesday Independence Day
19th Sep 2023 Tuesday Vinayaka Chaturthi

October/November/ December

Date and Month Day Event
02nd Oct 2023 Monday Gandhi Jayanthi
24th Oct 2023 Tuesday Vijayadasami
27th Oct 2023 Friday Last day of Trimester 1/ Trimester 4 classes
28th Oct 2023- 12th Nov 2023 Saturday- Sunday Trimester Holidays
13th Nov 2023 Monday First day of Trimester 2/ Trimester 5 classes
25th Dec 2023 Monday Christmas

2024

Jan/Feb

Date and Month Day Event
15th Jan 2024 Monday Sankranti
26th Jan 2024 Friday Republic day
2nd Feb 2024 Friday Last day of Trimester 2/Trimester 5 classes
3th Feb 2024 – 18th Feb 2024 Saturday- Sunday Trimester Holidays
19th Feb 2024 Monday First day of Trimester 3 classes/ Trimester 6

March/ April/ May

Date and Month Day Event
29th March 2024 Friday Good Friday
9th April 2024 Tuesday Ramzan
14th April 2024 Sunday Ambedkar Jayanthi
15th May 2024 Wednesday Last day of Trimester 3 classes/ Trimester 6

*Classes will be conducted periodically on saturdays as well as per the management’s decision

Why Kautilya?

Access to top minds – public policy leaders & the best international faculty

Experienced founding team comprising of Stanford, Harvard & IIM alumni

World class infrastructure at par with Ivy League Schools to enrich learning experience and campus life

Program curriculum and structure geared for academic depth as well as practical application

Quality engagement with Society, Government and Business on furthering evidence based policy making and inclusive growth

Scholarships and Placement Assistance

Eligibility

If you’re passionate about making a difference to the governance of our country, are ambitious, focused and committed to play a role in public policy, and are eager to grow personally and professionally through this experience, you’re just who we’re looking for.

Whether you’re in the final year of your undergraduate degree or a working professional (with a bachelor’s degree), you’re welcome to apply. Work experience is a bonus, but not mandatory.

If you are from a professional background different from public policy but have a vision for policymaking in the country, we’re glad to have you at Kautilya. Students from different backgrounds only make everyone’s experience richer.

Frequently Asked
Questions

What is the course structure of MPP at Kautilya?

The MPP consists of 6 terms of 3 months each with 24 courses at a minimum, an internship, a capstone project, and 10 skill shops.

How many students will be admitted to MPP?

A class size of 60 students is envisaged for the cohort of 2021-2023.

Is MPP a compulsorily residential program?

Yes. This is a compulsorily residential program with hostel facilities. The program rigor will require the students to stay on campus.

What career progressions can we expect post a course in public policy?

Career opportunities in the field of public policy have grown by leaps and bounds in India. Please refer to the ‘About’ section of this website for a detailed perspective.

Does Kautilya provide financial aid? What is the process of availing financial aid?

Yes. Kautilya will provide financial aid to students based on their financial background. Please refer to the ‘Admissions’ page of this website.

Is this a degree program?

Yes. You will get a Master’s degree on successfully completing the two-year program. Kautilya is a part of GITAM (Deemed to be University). GITAM is a category A University. It is graded A+ by NAAC with 40 years of legacy and having UGC, AICTE approved courses.

What kind of industry immersion does Kautilya provide?

The MPP consists of an internship, a capstone project and 10 skill shops.

Is a letter of recommendation mandatory?

Yes, two letters of recommendation are mandatory for application to Kautilya.

Who can be my recommender?

Your professor or employer can be your recommender.

How do I accept the offer of admission?

You may accept the offer by remitting a non-refundable admission fee of Rs. 100000 within the deadline specified in the offer. If the amount has not been paid within the deadline, the offer will be withdrawn.

Does Kautilya have a deferral policy on admissions?

Deferrals are allowed till end of February.