Public policy and development management programs are expanding rapidly in India, with new courses launched by top institutions. This growth occurs even as graduates from these specialized “social impact careers” face a challenging job market.
Just this year, XLRI’s Xavier School of Management introduced a one-year hybrid program in public policy and sustainable leadership. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur launched an undergraduate BSc in Management and Public Policy. Nayanta University in Pune also added a Master’s in Public Policy to its new offerings.
These new programs join existing initiatives, including the MBA in development management at Azim Premji University and the PGDM in rural management at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), now ‘Tribhuvan’ Sahkari University.
Demand for Policy Expertise
Government needs drive the demand for professionals skilled in policy solutions. Prateek Kanwal, co-founder of Kautilya School of Public Policy, stated, “With increasing requirements of governments, both central and state, there has been a demand for professionals who have expertise to solve the policy-related issues and its implementation, hence, the social sector and policy space is growing.”
Job Market Challenges
Despite new program launches, employment remains a struggle for graduates. Baksheesh Sachar, who completed his Master’s in Public Policy at IIT Bombay in 2023, confirmed limited job opportunities. Sachar currently works as a consultant with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Vartika Tomar, an Indian School of Public Policy graduate, also noted limited jobs and low salaries within the sector.
Several factors contribute to this job scarcity. Stricter foreign funding rules have forced many non-profits to close. An academic at a Delhi policy school, who preferred anonymity, explained that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) withdrew global project funds, impacting non-profits in India. This shrinkage of funding directly reduces available jobs.
Sachar noted a discrepancy between graduate salary expectations of Rs 20-30 lakh annually and actual available packages.
Public Policy vs. Development Management
Both program types aim to achieve development objectives for the public, differing in perspective. Richa Govil, Vice-Chancellor of Azim Premji University, clarified these distinctions:
- Public Policy programs: Focus on development challenges from the state and government perspective. Graduates work on policy design, analysis, and implementation, including managing government schemes. They prepare individuals to work within or closely with government systems.
- Development Management programs: View development from the perspective of people (citizens) and civil society. Government institutions are key stakeholders. Maitrayee Mukerji, faculty at the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), described development management as more oriented towards community-level work. Students in these programs design interventions, working directly with communities.
Avanish Kumar, Dean of MDI Gurgaon’s School of Public Policy and Governance, highlighted the evolving role of bureaucracy. He stated that 21st-century governance requires public policy expertise beyond government systems, involving civil society and the private sector in areas like corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Professionals in this field focus on policy making, analysis, and bridging the gap between policy and practice through effective implementation.
Curriculum and Career Pathways
Public policy and development management programs vary in duration and format, from hybrid models to one-year courses and full degree programs.
Azim Premji University’s MBA in Development Management focuses specifically on civil-society organizations. Govil stated the program is built to equip professionals with deep social understanding and strong managerial skills for social sector organizations, from large NGOs to small community groups. It covers goal setting, intervention approaches, resource management, and ethical choices.
ISDM offers an 11-month postgraduate diploma in development management. Mukerji explained the course includes designing interventions, managing budgets, finance, and marketing, all focused on development practices. She added that development management graduates typically earn less than public policy graduates. Average packages at ISDM range from Rs 7.5-8 lakh , with a maximum of Rs 16 lakh , depending on prior experience and skills.
MDI Gurgaon’s public policy courses are transdisciplinary, integrating sociology, economics, anthropology, political science, and public education.
Future Outlook and Upskilling
Kanwal maintains that new program launches indicate existing demand for public policy professionals, despite placement struggles. He emphasized diverse career pathways in consulting, government, global organizations, campaigning, and politics.
Govil projects the social sector will grow around 10% year-on-year , offering learning and career advancement opportunities. The Delhi academic noted a shift in non-profit operations towards faster, data-driven approaches, supported by government initiatives like Viksit Bharat.
Sachar stressed the importance of continuous upskilling for young graduates, both during and after their programs, to improve job prospects in the competitive market.